Mosques pierce the skyline, Ottoman ruins dot the coast, and spice-scented bazaars line the beaches. Get ready for a collision of cultures on a holiday to Turkey.
Beaches, bazaars, and Byzantine buildings
As far as beach breaks go, Turkey doesn’t do things by halves. As well as superleague sands, the coast harbours big-name ruins, and bazaars hawking all things Turkish – from rugs to sticky sweets.
Izmir area
First up is Izmir on the Aegean Coast. Kusadasi is the big-hitter here, with an impressive white-sand beach and a treasure-trove Turkish bazaar. It’s also got the ancient Roman city of Ephesus – home to the Temple of Artemis – on its doorstep.
Bodrum area
Head south from Izmir and you’ll reach the Bodrum peninsula. There are dozens of beaches here, and lively resorts like Gumbet, Turgutreis and Bodrum.
Dalaman area
Follow the curve of the coastline and you’ll discover Dalaman. Here, you can head for Olu Deniz’s famous Blue Lagoon, or party ‘til dawn in Marmaris’ clubs.
Antalya Area
Finally, there’s Antalya, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera. This region has 400 miles’ worth of beach to its name, and is home to resorts like Side and Belek.
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Antalya Area
With super-sized hotels popping up left, right and centre, Antalya has become a bit of a favourite among holidaymakers. It’s no wonder really. You can’t move here for golden beaches, dramatic waterfalls and age-old sights, not to mention a whopping 21 of the country’s total golf courses.
Bodrum Area
The Bodrum peninsula is where old meets new and the pair get along famously. On the one hand, this region – at the southern end of Turkey’s Aegean coast – is home to the battlegrounds, palaces and castles of past empires. On the other, it’s the stomping ground of Turkey’s fashionable set, who can’t get enough of its sleek marinas and boutiques.
Dalaman Area
If anywhere puts Turkey on the travel map, Dalaman does. This stretch, also known as the Turquoise Coast, is all serene coves, white sands, and blue-green waters – hence the nickname. Nudge your way inland, meanwhile, and you can’t move for sights including the Caunos tombs, Pamukkale and Turkey’s biggest crowd-puller – Ephesus.
AT A GLANCE
- Barter for a bargain in Marmaris’ Grand Bazaar
- Simmer in Pamukkale’s mineral pools
- Soak up the sun at the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz
WHEN TO GO
Temperatures are sizzling in this part of the world. In Izmir, temperatures are already hitting 20°C by the time April rolls around, and the mercury tops 30°C come summer. Further south, the Bodrum peninsula has cooling sea breezes – particularly welcome in the summer, when temperatures reach 30°C. Spring and autumn temperatures are pretty toasty here, too, averaging around 25°C. Down in Dalaman, summer consists of blue skies, 12 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures topping 30°C. Plus, there’s no such thing as humidity here either. Over in Antalya, things get seriously scorching. In July and August, the mercury can climb to 40°C, although sea breezes keep things bearable. For the rest of summer, and in the spring and autumn months, you’re looking at temperatures between 30 and 35°C. Things cool down in the winter – you’re looking at average temperatures of between 15 and 20 °C.
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Top 5 resorts in Turkey
Top 5 hotels in Turkey
