7 RESORTS IN TURKEY YOU HAVE TO VISIT NOW

If you've been dreaming of powder-soft beaches gently lapped by sparkling waters, with a spectacular natural backdrop rising behind it, then you have been dreaming of a holiday in Turkey. With fantastic flight and hotel deals to take advantage of in its dazzling beach resorts, it's little wonder everyone's flocking to the Turquoise Coast for endless sunshine and electric blue seas. Better still, there really has never been a better time to book cheap holidays to Turkey, with excellent savings on all inclusive holidays in popular resorts Dalaman, Olus Deniz, Marmaris and Bodrum - all available for less than you think.

So whether you're searching for Turkey holidays with the whole family, or fancy a couples retreat in the sun, we've rounded up the best holiday resorts in Turkey...

DALAMAN

Great For: Active holidays on the Turquoise Coast.

mountains beach and turquoise sea at the coast of dalaman seen from far

Known as the Turquoise Coast thanks to its beautiful blue waters and gleaming white sands, Dalaman boasts a variety of popular resorts such as Marmaris and Icmeler and gorgeous Olu Deniz, as well as some little known beauties including Samanlik Bay, Ovacik and Patara Beach. Dalaman holidays offer great value for money and it's a superb destination for families and couples in search of expansive beaches, excellent restaurants and relaxing evenings spent overlooking pretty marinas. Inland, adventure beckons, with the Dalyan river running through lush forests – don’t miss the mud baths at Lake Koycegiz and the Lycian Tombs cut into the cliffside. And if all that’s not enough, you can even take a boat over to the stunning Greek island of Rhodes!

OLU DENIZ

Great For: Stunning scenery and thrill-seekers

small beach surrounded by turquoise sea beach and forest covered mountains

Picture-perfect Olu Deniz is definitely the jewel in Turkey’s crown – you’ll find its image on postcard stands across the country! It has a pretty Blue Flag beach, but what really sets it apart from the rest is the famous Blue Lagoon, where the brightest blue water you've ever seen makes an unforgettable swimming spot. Thrill-seekers delight in throwing themselves off Babadag mountain, (attached to a parachute, of course), while smaller sun-seekers can stay entertained in nearby Oludeniz Waterworld. Stunning scenery aside, Olu Deniz holidays are fantastic for family fun, with waterparks to splash in during the day and a good smattering of bars and restaurants to enjoy once evening rolls around. What more could you want?

We've rounded up the top 10 daytime excursions to enjoy during your holidays in Olu Deniz so you can make the most of this idyllic island.

ANTALYA

Great For: beach breaks and brilliant seaview hotels

Mountains covered by forest seen from the golden sand beach on a clear day

Recognised as the Turkish Riviera, this region has beaches that stretch on for 400 miles (yep, that’s 400!) – so it’s safe to say you won’t be short on sands. Antalya holidays are sprinkled with bustling bazaars, a luscious long beach, charming Old Town and ancient ruins that are well worth exploring, too. In Alanya history meets nightlife, with a hilltop fortress and loud and proud nightclubs, while Side is a pretty seaside spot with a Roman amphitheatre and chilled family vibe. Two purpose-built resorts complete the offering – Lara Beach, where impressive themed hotels line the coast, and Kemer, with its smart marina sitting between two beaches.

ALTINKUM

Great For: beaches - you get three for one!

couple beds with hay umbrellas with tropical trees at the altinkum beach turkey resorts

Altinkum translates as ‘Golden Sands’ in English, which gives you some clue as to the resort’s main attraction. As Altinkum merges into neighbouring Didim, it actually offers two holiday resorts (and three beaches) for the price of one! It’s impossible to miss the beaches here – particularly as they’re imaginatively named First, Second and Third Beach and stretch a kilometre across the coastline (althought you don't have to visit them in that order!). Its buy-one-get-three-free status means that you get to experience lively Altinkum with plenty of tourist-friendly action day and night (especially on the bustling Dolphin Square), as well as the more authentic feel of Didim, which even has its own ancient temple. Don’t worry though kids, it’s not one long history lesson – Didim has its own waterpark too!

ICMELER

Great For: Relaxed breaks near Marmaris with super shopping thrown in

Pretty mountain-backed Icmeler is perfectly placed just close enough to Marmaris for day trips (15 mins), but far enough away to feel more relaxed. The shoreline here is a big draw for family holidays, thanks to its calm and shallow waters which are perfect for little paddlers. Browse our huge range of hotels and choose your perfect Icmeler holiday. If you love to shop like a local on holiday, the weekly Wednesday market is a great place to practise your haggling skills and bag some brilliant bargains. There are also some fine jewellery shops in town, if you fancy treating yourself to something sparkly, too (why not, you are on holiday)!

MARMARIS

Great For: Lively holidays in a modern meets traditional resort

mountains seen through the narrow sea passage from marmaris beach

Marmaris holidays are a brilliant collision of old meets new. Head to buzzing Bar Street which party's harder than any other resort in Turkey, the trendy marina and beach bars here are perfect spots to sip cocktails with a view – but there’s also a far more traditional side to this popular resort. It has its own castle for one, and a charming old town with narrow streets that wind their way up towards the green hillside. The central square is a great gathering point, with a spectacular fountain show to entertain those lingering over a drink or food. There’s also a small waterpark right on the beach (Atlantis), and a bigger one nearby (AquaDream) for fun on the flumes.

BODRUM

Great For: An authentic town, lively nights and secret beaches

Whitewashed houses stacked up hillside near the sea coast seen from above

With sophisticated Bodrum Town at its heart, lined with picturesque sandy beaches, the Bodrum peninsula has something for everyone. Whitewashed houses stack up the hillside behind the castle of St Peter and Bodrum’s marinas and beaches, and both Bodrum and neighbouring Gumbet have great nightlife, with pubs, bars and clubs. It’s not all seaside sundowners and glowsticks though, there’s a quieter side to Bodrum at smaller resorts like classy Bitez and tiny Torba. if you want a day out, hiring a wooden gulet from Bodrum marina and sailing the peninsula is a great way to discover the quietest beaches, traditional villages and hidden coves.

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