Mediterranean
The Mediterranean Region stretches from the Aegean Sea to the border with Syria. This part of the country, also known as the Turkish Riviera, borders the Aegean Region to the west, Central Anatolia to the north and Syria, Eastern Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia to the east. Its main feature is its long, varied coastline. The terrain is quite diverse, with steep mountain slopes going literally into the sea at some places. The north possesses a distinguished mountainous character, but the climate is much milder than in the rest of the country. Lush vegetation, virgin woods, citrus tree plantations and a couple of national parks offer something for everyone. Only the easternmost areas are of a semi-desert character. The areas around Antalya are a mecca for foreign tourists in Turkey. Besides the excellent beaches and tourist infrastructure, visitors can enjoy a galaxy of ancient cities, ruins and monuments scattered through the countryside. The highlight among them is the UNESCO-protected Xanthos. Other major cities, like Mersin and Adana, lack the glamour of Antalya, but offer a mixture of tradition and modernity hard to find anywhere else. The industrial centre of Adana, considered a main economic hub of Turkey, is the birthplace of the world-famous dish, Kebab.