7 RESORTS IN TURKEY YOU HAVE TO VISIT NOW
Disclaimer: Please make sure you are up to date with the government’s latest foreign travel advice. Although a lot of COVID restrictions are now ending, it is important to be aware of any testing or in-resort requirements before you travel.
1) DALAMAN
Great For: Active holidays on the Turquoise Coast.
Known as part of the Turquoise Coast thanks to its beautiful blue waters and gleaming white sands, Dalaman boasts a variety of popular resorts such as Marmaris, 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 when compared to other European hotspots. It is well-known that the pound stretches further in Turkey than most other similar Med destinations so if you are on a budget Turkey and Dalaman is definitely for you. 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. Greece and Turkey in one holiday? That’s something not many other people can boast about!
2) OLU DENIZ
Great For: Stunning scenery and thrill-seekers
Picture-perfect Olu Deniz is definitely the jewel in Turkey’s crown – you’ll find its image in postcard stands across the country! It has a pretty Blue Flag beach, but what really sets it apart from the rest of the country is the famous Blue Lagoon, where the brightest blue water you've ever seen makes an unforgettable swimming spot. So if you want a Instagram ready beach resort that will make you the talk of your Insta feed, then Olu Deniz is the place for you my friend.
Thrill seekers delight in throwing themselves off Babadag Mountain, (attached to a parachute, of course), while less adventurous sun-seekers can stay entertained in nearby Oludeniz Water World. 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’s better than that first drink on the balcony as the sun goes down and you’re about to hit the town? Utter bliss. 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.
3) ANTALYA
Great For: beach breaks and brilliant seaview hotels
Recognised as part of 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, a charming Old Town and ancient ruins that are well worth exploring.
In Alanya history meets nightlife, with a hilltop fortress and loud 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.
4) ALTINKUM
Great For: beaches - you get three for one!
Altinkum translates into ‘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 (although 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!
5) 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 minutes), 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 that are perfect for little paddlers. You can’t put a price on safety so if you are looking for alternative family friendly destinations to the likes of Majorca or Spain, give Icmeler a go this year instead, you won’t regret it.
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).
Browse our huge range of hotels and choose your perfect Icmeler holiday.
6) MARMARIS
Great For: Lively, late night holidays in a modern meets traditional resort!
Marmaris holidays are a brilliant collision of old meets new. Head to buzzing Bar Street, which parties harder than any other street in Turkey - the trendy marina and beach bars here are perfect spots to sip cocktails with a view with a group of friends.
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 (Aqua Dream) for fun on the flumes.
7) BODRUM
Great For: An authentic town, lively nights and secret beaches
With sophisticated Bodrum Town at its heart and 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 glow sticks 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.
