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.
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
ANTALYA
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!
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
MARMARIS
Great For: Lively holidays in a modern meets traditional resort
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
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.
