Turkey Holidays

Turkey (Türkiye) holidays are your one-way ticket to mega beaches, sizzling sunshine and delish kebabs you'll want to write home about.

Holidays to Turkey

• Over 480 Blue-Flag beaches (wowzer)

• Scorchio weather for your vitamin D fix

• Food for every mood (you can't go wrong with a kebab)

• Bargain-filled bazaars (AKA, the coolest markets ever)

The best beaches to visit in Turkey

The best things in life are free, including beaches. And you don't even need to stress about the time of year, these beaches are bangin' on a winter sun holiday, a Summer holiday or an Easter holiday, just pick your dates and get ready to jet off. Check out our faves in Turkey (Türkiye):

• Olu Deniz Beach - a sweeping beach that meets the famous Blue Lagoon - the perfect Insta-worthy spot for a cheeky swim

• Cleopatra Beach - named after the Egyptian queen herself after she reportedly swam here. Picture toasty golden sands and water that looks straight out of a bottle.

• Bitez Beach – just outside of Bodrum, this one’s made for chilled-out beach days with a cocktail in hand. It’s got sunloungers, shade, and a laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for couples and groups alike.

• Iztuzu Beach - one for the turtle-lovers, because this is their roaming ground! Come for a nosy and sprawl out on over two and a half miles of sand, perfect for a family jolly with the kids.

• Lara Beach - a Blue Flag-awarded sunbathers' heaven with loungers, parasols and beach bars galore.

• Patara Beach - size isn't *everything*, but this is Turkey's longest beach, so check it out and then make your mind up. Nothing says 'couples' holiday' like a long beachy stroll.

• Ladies Beach (Kadınlar Denizi) – don’t let the name fool you – everyone’s welcome! This Kusadasi hotspot is family-friendly, lively, and lined with cafes and beach bars. A great pick if you like your sun with a side of buzz.

• Kaputas Beach - a cute hidden cove between Kas and Kalkan - great for those beach selfies.

• Butterfly Valley Beach - with a name as adorable as that, how can you go wrong? This place is proper top-secret - you can only reach it by boat, but it's worth it for the views and the 100s of species of butterflies fluttering about (hence the name).

Where is the best area to stay on your holidays to Turkey 2026?

Türkiye is huge. Deciding where to go can be a bit of a tricky one, but we've got all the goss below on where to touch down - from all-inclusives to boutique hotels. And don't worry, we've even thrown in some totally last-minute turkey holidays and some budget-friendly options if you're on the hunt for something cheap too.

• Family holidays - for top-tier, kiddo-approved action, it's gotta be an all-inclusive holiday to Antalya. You'll have more kids' clubs, waterparks and chicken nuggets than you'll know what to do with. Belek's another great option, along with Dalaman if you've got the older kids in tow.

• Squad goals - if you're looking to party with your pals on a great group holiday, then Bodrum and Marmaris are where it's at. You'll have a ton of bars and clubs to pick from, so bring your dancing shoes. (That's what the kids do, right?)

• Coupling up - Olu Deniz is the perfect spot for you and boo. Think activities to get competitive over, sandy beaches to stroll along, and - most importantly - loads of restaurants to wine and dine yourselves stupid at. Cheers to that.

Good to know

• 🤩 Fun fact: The Turks love tea, and we can't blame 'em. Bring on the brews!

• 🏖️ Best beach: Olu Deniz Beach, in our humble opinion. It's got sand, it's got views, and it's got paragliding. What more could you want?!

• 💶 Money Talk(s): Your moolah goes a seriously long way - a pint of Efes in a local bar is about £1.50-2, a kebab wrap from a street spot is £1-2, and a meal for two at a decent restaurant comes in around £15-25

💬 Local lingo 💬

Throw these little gems into conversation – they might even help you find the best kebab in town...

• Hello - Merhaba

• Hi - Selam

• Bye - Hoşçakal

• How are you? - Nasılsın?

• Thank you - Teşekkür ederim

• You're welcome - Rica ederim

• How much is it? - Bu ne kadar?

• Where is the metro? - Metro nerede?

🏨 Turkey Hotels 2026/2027

Turkey does all-inclusive better than almost anywhere else. Five-star resorts with waterparks, unlimited food and drink, and nightly entertainment for prices that would barely cover a basic B&B in most of Europe. Whether you're after a mega-resort for the whole family, a romantic boutique hideaway or a lively base for your mates, there's a cheap Turkey holiday with your name on it. But if you prefer to shirk the buffet, there are loads of other top options (toptions?) as well...

💑 Couples

• Xoria Deluxe Resort - a properly plush pick in Alanya with a gorgeous pool setup, chilled-out spa and stylish rooms. The kind of place where you can switch between beach days and poolside cocktails without moving more than ten steps.

• Sacred Mansion Hotel - something completely different - an intimate 37-room boutique in Göreme, Cappadocia. Watch hot air balloons float past from your private terrace at sunrise. Proper bucket-list romance.

• Prive Bodrum (Adults Only 16+) - a 5-star adults-only resort on the Bodrum peninsula with a private beach, welcome bubbly and a la carte dining. Stylish, grown-up and right on the water.

• Orka World Hotel & Aquapark - set in the hills above Hisaronu near Fethiye, with the largest themed waterpark in the area. Great for couples who want the all-inclusive life with a side of adventure.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Eftalia Splash Resort - pirates, waterslides and kids' clubs galore in Alanya. The little ones will be entertained from breakfast to bedtime, and there's an exclusive beach club with watersports for the older kids too.

• The Land of Legends Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya - a Nickelodeon-themed hotel inside one of the world's best theme parks in Belek. Waterpark, rides, 5D cinema and character meet-and-greets. Kids absolutely lose their minds here.

• Granada Luxury Belek Hotel - Wonderland Aqua Park, cinema, kids' club and an adults-only zone for when you need five minutes of peace. All-inclusive and absolutely stacked with things to do.

• Voyage Torba and Private - a luxury five-star on its own private beach near Bodrum, with nine pools (four just for kids), an aquapark, a dedicated kids' club and evening entertainment for all ages. Brilliant if you want Bodrum quality with proper family facilities.

✨ Luxury

• Titanic Deluxe Lara - all the cruise-ship glamour without the seasickness. This Lara Beach resort is built like a luxury liner, with multiple pools, a private beach and enough restaurants to eat somewhere different every night. Properly five-star.

• The Marmara Bodrum (Adults Only 12+) - a 5-star diamond award-winning boutique overlooking Bodrum Castle with jaw-dropping Aegean views. Infinity pool, rooftop bar, half-Olympic-sized pool and just 97 rooms. Small luxury at its finest.

• Sign by Ersan (Adults Only) - a seafront luxury hotel with private beach decking, spa centre, fine dining and contemporary rooms, some with their own indoor pool or spa bath. Six kilometres from Bodrum centre but feels like a world away.

🎉 Groups

• Club Turan Prince World - bold, bright and built for big groups in Side. Multiple pools, an aquapark, sports facilities and all-inclusive dining that keeps everyone fed and happy without the stress of splitting bills.

• Vikingen Infinity Resort - infinity pools, a private beach and sea-view rooms in Alanya. The kind of place where the whole group can spread out without getting on each other's nerves. All-inclusive and properly social.

• Grand Park Lara - dining options from bistro to ice cream counter, daily activities and entertainment, and a Lara Beach location that means you're never far from the action. Solid group pick.

💰 Value

• Cappadocia Marriott Hotel - 298 rooms near the balloon launch sites in Cappadocia with indoor and outdoor pools, two restaurants and a Turkish bath. A proper hotel experience at a fair price if you're exploring inland Turkey.

• Dilek Hotel & Apartments - a well-located aparthotel in Gumbet with an outdoor pool, restaurant and self-catering apartments. Perfect if you'd rather spend your budget at the beach bars than on the room.

• Club Turan Prince World - already in Groups above, but worth a shout here too - the all-inclusive rates are seriously competitive for a resort this size, making it great value for big parties on a budget.

👉 See all Turkey hotels | All-inclusive Turkey holidays

🗺️ Turkey Holidays 2026/2027 - Travel Guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for Families

• Land of Legends Theme Park - Turkey's answer to Disneyland, right in Belek. Waterpark, theme park, 5D cinema and an aquarium restaurant - you could spend days here without running out of things to do.

• Ephesus ancient city - one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, with wide marble streets, a 25,000-seat amphitheatre and the Library of Celsus. Kids love the sheer scale of the place, and there's plenty of room to explore.

• Iztuzu Beach turtle-spotting - the protected nesting beach near Dalaman, where endangered loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. Brilliant for teaching the kids about conservation while soaking up some rays.

• Resort waterparks - most all-inclusive Turkey resorts come with their own slides, splash zones and lazy rivers. Aqualand and Aqua Fun City in Antalya are top picks if you fancy a day out from the hotel.

• Breakfast culture - Turkish breakfasts are legendary. Expect spreads of fresh bread, eggs, olives, cheese, honey, jams, tomatoes and cucumbers. Most all-inclusive hotels put on a properly epic morning buffet that'll keep the whole family fuelled.

💑 Things to do for Couples

• Cappadocia hot air balloon ride - floating over fairy chimneys and volcanic valleys at sunrise is about as romantic as it gets. Book a morning flight and follow it up with Turkish tea and a lazy breakfast at your cave hotel.

• Traditional Turkish hammam - a steam, scrub and foam massage at a centuries-old bathhouse is a must-do for couples. Istanbul's historical hammams like Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan are stunning, and most resort towns have excellent local options too.

• Sunset dinner at the harbour - whether it's fresh fish on the Bodrum waterfront, rooftop meze in Istanbul, or candlelit dining in Olu Deniz, Turkey does romantic evenings like nowhere else.

• Butterfly Valley by boat - only accessible by sea, this secluded cove near Fethiye is home to hundreds of butterfly species and a waterfall. Take a day-trip boat from Olu Deniz and have the beach practically to yourselves.

• Cappadocia wine tasting - the region produces some brilliant wines from local grape varieties like Emir and Kalecik Karasi. Book a tasting at one of the cave wineries in Urgup and pair it with a valley hike.

🎉 Things to do for Groups

• Bodrum nightlife - rooftop bars, beach clubs and legendary spots make this the go-to for a proper group night out. Bar Street keeps going until the early hours, and the marina scene is brilliant for sunset drinks before you head out.

• Jeep safari through the Taurus Mountains - go off-road through mountain villages, stop for a swim in river pools and take in views that are absolutely worth the bumpy ride. Most day trips depart from Antalya or Marmaris resorts.

• Gulet boat cruise - hire a traditional wooden boat for the day and sail along the Turquoise Coast with your mates. Swim stops in hidden coves, grilled lunch on deck and cold beers in the sunshine. The ultimate group day out.

• Paragliding in Olu Deniz - tandem flights launch from Babadag Mountain and soar over the famous Blue Lagoon. Absolutely buzzing as a group activity, and the photos are unreal.

💰Things to do on cheap Turkey holidays

• Be a Beach Bum (for free!) - Turkey’s coastline is legendary, and many of the best spots don’t cost a penny. From the iconic Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz to the golden sands of Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, all you need is a towel and some SPF to enjoy a million-dollar view.

• Haggle 'til you drop at the Bazaars - skip the fancy malls and head to the local markets. Whether you're in the Grand Bazaar or a local weekly market in Marmaris, half the fun is the friendly bartering. Score some spices, a "genuine fake" designer tee, or a Turkish lamp for a fraction of the high-street price.

• Fill up on Street Food - you haven't lived until you’ve had a proper Döner or a Lahmacun (Turkish pizza) from a street-side stall. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’ll keep you powered up for a day of exploring without breaking the bank.

• Step back in time for peanuts - many of Turkey's ancient ruins, like the amphitheatres in Side or the rock tombs in Fethiye, can be seen for a very small entry fee (or sometimes for free if you just want a peek from the fence!). It’s history on a budget, and way better than a textbook.

• DIY Boat Trips - instead of a private yacht, hop on a local dolmuş (water taxi) or a shared boat trip from the harbour. You’ll get the same turquoise views and swim stops, but with enough change left over for an ice cream (or three).

✈️ Top tips for last minute holidays to Turkey

• The "Sunset First" Rule - on your first night, head straight to the nearest harbour or beachfront promenade. Whether you’re in Bodrum or Marmaris, the Turkish sunsets are world-class. Grab a cold Efes, find a spot by the water, and let the "I'm actually here" feeling sink in.

• Embrace the Turkish Bath (Hamam) - make this your Day 1 priority. A traditional scrub and foam massage isn’t just peak relaxation; it preps your skin for a deeper, longer-lasting tan. It’s the ultimate way to wash off the "UK grey" and start your holiday properly.

• Eat Like a Local (Meze style) - don't waste time scrolling through reviews. Find a busy-looking Lokanta (local eatery) and point at the Mezes that look good. It’s the fastest way to dive into Turkish culture, and you’ll discover your new favourite dish before the main course even arrives.

• Say "Evet" (Yes) to the Dolmuş - these local minibuses are the lifeblood of Turkish resorts. They run constantly, they're super cheap, and they're the best way to find that "secret" cove or nearby village you didn't have time to research before you flew.

• Master the Morning Coffee - before the midday heat hits, find a shaded café and order a Turkish coffee. It’s strong enough to power a small jet, and if you’re lucky, a local might even "read" your fortune in the grounds. (Spoiler: We see a lot of Vitamin D in your future).

🌍 More destinations in Turkey

• Antalya - Turkey's Turquoise Coast superstar with over 300 days of sunshine, mega all-inclusive resorts and ancient ruins you can practically swim around. Standout resorts include Belek for five-star luxury and the Land of Legends theme park, Side for Roman ruins at sunset (seriously romantic), Alanya for Cleopatra Beach and big nights out, Kemer for dramatic mountain scenery, and Lara for glamorous beachfront resorts.

• Dalaman - the laid-back southwest coast with stunning natural scenery and some of Turkey's most famous beaches. Head to Olu Deniz for the iconic Blue Lagoon and paragliding, Fethiye for harbour-town charm and Butterfly Valley boat trips, Marmaris for nightlife and Greek island day trips, or Icmeler and Turunc for something quieter.

• Bodrum - the Aegean coast's party capital with a buzzing marina, ancient castle and beach clubs that rival Ibiza. Gumbet is the liveliest spot on the peninsula, while Altinkum keeps things more family-friendly with shallow, sandy beaches.

• Izmir - gateway to Kusadasi and the ancient city of Ephesus, blending coastal charm with proper Turkish city life.

• Istanbul - one of the world's great cities, straddling Europe and Asia with the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus strait and a food scene that could keep you eating for weeks.

• Cappadocia - hot air balloons at sunrise, fairy chimneys, cave hotels and underground cities in Turkey's otherworldly interior. A totally different side of the country and worth the internal flight.