Why Turkey? Turkey consistently delivers what UK holidaymakers want from a beach holiday, long stretches of warm turquoise sea, reliable summer sunshine, excellent food, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, at prices that undercut comparable destinations in Spain and Greece by 20–35%. The Turkish lira's weakness against sterling has made it even better value in recent years.
Antalya Region, Turkey's Holiday Heartland
Airport: Antalya (AYT) • Best for: Families, all-inclusive, value • Season: May–October
Antalya is Turkey's main holiday gateway, handling millions of British visitors every summer. The airport sits at the heart of a 200km stretch of coastline that includes some of Turkey's most-loved resorts:
Side
One of Turkey's most atmospheric resorts, a genuine ancient Roman town built on a peninsula, with ruins scattered between the restaurants and bars. Two long sandy beaches either side of the headland, excellent water parks nearby, and a resort town with real character. Ideal for families who want a balance of beach and culture.
Alanya
Turkey's most popular resort with British holidaymakers. Lively, well-developed, with a long beach and the dramatic Alanya Castle headland rising above the town. Good nightlife, enormous range of accommodation, and a bustling bazaar. It can feel busy in peak summer but the energy is part of the appeal.
Belek
Turkey's golf capital, a purpose-built resort with long pine-fringed beaches and some of the most impressive large-scale luxury all-inclusive hotels in the world. The Rixos, Kempinski and Gloria chains have flagship properties here. Not cheap, but exceptional quality. Ideal for couples wanting high-end AI.
Kemer
A more intimate resort than Alanya, backed by the Taurus Mountains and with a marina that gives it a slightly upmarket feel. Good beaches, excellent watersports, and some lovely coves accessible by boat trip. A quieter but still well-served option close to Antalya airport.
Dalaman Region, The Turquoise Coast
Airport: Dalaman (DLM) • Best for: Couples, scenery seekers, water sports • Season: May–October
Dalaman serves Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast, so named for the extraordinary clarity and colour of the Aegean sea here. The scenery is more dramatic than the Antalya coast, with mountains tumbling to the sea and secluded coves accessible only by boat.
Marmaris
One of Turkey's most popular and lively resorts, a yacht marina surrounded by pine-covered hills, with a long beach, a castle, and a nightlife strip (Bar Street) that goes all night in summer. Good for watersports and boat trips, with day trips to Rhodes (45 minutes by ferry) a popular add-on.
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Fethiye is a proper Turkish market town with an excellent waterfront dining scene, a Lycian rock tomb carved into the cliff above the town, and a thriving sailing and gulet charter industry. Just 15 minutes away, Ölüdeniz has one of the world's most photographed beaches, the Blue Lagoon, and is the paragliding capital of Turkey, with tandem flights from Babadağ mountain descending to the beach. Stunning.
Kalkan & Kaş
The most boutique end of the Turquoise Coast, small whitewashed towns with rooftop restaurants, rocky coves, snorkelling over ancient ruins and a genuinely Mediterranean atmosphere. Popular with independent travellers who want Turkey without the resort infrastructure. Limited large hotel options but excellent villas and boutique hotels.
Bodrum, Sophistication on the Aegean
Airport: Bodrum Milas (BJV) • Best for: Couples, independent travellers, night owls • Season: May–October
Bodrum is where Turkish urban sophistication meets holiday hedonism. The town itself, with its ancient Castle of St Peter dominating the harbour, is genuinely beautiful, with a thriving bar and restaurant scene that continues well into the small hours. The Bodrum Peninsula has numerous distinct bays, each with its own character: Yalıkavak (upmarket marina), Türkbükü (celebrity hangout, yacht crowd), Bitez (windsurfing, family beach), Gümbet (lively, younger crowd).
Bodrum is less of a classic beach resort and more of a place to hire a boat, eat well, explore and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. It's Turkey's answer to Ibiza, sophisticated but with a very long season.
Turkey Practical Guide
When to Go
- May–June: Warm (25–30°C), uncrowded, good value, ideal for couples
- July–August: Hot (35–40°C inland, 30°C coast), busiest and most expensive
- September–October: Still warm (25–30°C), sea perfect, crowds thinning, excellent value
- November–April: Not a beach holiday season, most resorts close
Do I Need a Visa?
UK citizens need an e-Visa to enter Turkey, obtained online before travel at evisa.gov.tr for approximately $50. Apply at least 2 days before travel. It's valid for 180 days and allows up to 90 days of stay.
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY). Card payments are widely accepted in resorts and tourist areas. The exchange rate has been very favourable for British visitors in recent years, making eating out and local spending excellent value.
All-Inclusive in Turkey
Turkey is one of the best destinations in the world for all-inclusive, as we cover in our AI guide. The large Antalya coast hotels have invested enormously in their food and drink operations and the quality is consistently impressive.