Turkey Holidays

Turkey does big-ticket holidays better than almost anywhere in the Med, 480-plus Blue Flag beaches, just four-and-a-half-hour flights, cracking food for not much money, and enough variety across the coast that a holiday here never feels the same two days running. Whether it's the family friendly all-inclusives of Antalya, the laid-back coves around Dalaman, or a city break in Istanbul, there's a Turkey for everyone (and it's not even xmas).

✨ Highlights of your Holidays to Turkey

• 🏖️ Blue Flag beaches everywhere: Turkey has over 480, more than any country in Europe. Lara's powdery sand, Olu Deniz's lagoon, Patara's seven-mile stretch, Iztuzu's loggerhead turtles, take your pick

• 🍢 Kebabs are just the start: proper Turkish food is mezze, pide flatbreads, grilled fish from the Aegean, baklava dripping in honey. A sit-down meal for two runs £20-35 in most resorts

• 🏛️ Ancient civilisations stacked up: the Roman ruins at Ephesus, the Hellenistic theatre at Aspendos, the lunar landscapes and cave churches of Cappadocia, the mosques and bazaars of Istanbul

• 🛁 Hammams and spa days: the traditional Turkish bath is a proper ritual, steam, scrub, massage, hot-cold-hot. Every resort town has one, expect to pay £20-40 for a full treatment

• 🎈 Cappadocia at sunrise: the hot-air balloon flight over the fairy chimneys is a genuine bucket-list moment, around £150-200 a head, runs April to October

💡 Good to Know

• ☀️ Scorching summers, mild winters: coast averages 30-33°C in July and August, 25-28°C in May, June, September and October, 14-18°C in winter. Sea stays swim-warm from May through to October

• 🍺 Properly good value: Turkey's on the Turkish Lira (TL), but in sterling a pint is £3 to £5 in resort bars, a sit-down meal out £10 to £18 a head, coffee £2, a hammam treatment £20 to £40

• ☕ Tea, not coffee, is the national obsession: Turks drink an average of three cups a day, the highest consumption per head anywhere in the world. Served in tulip-shaped glasses, always black, always with sugar on the side. Tourists get offered one everywhere they go, bazaars, shops, hotel lobbies, accept it every time

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 ideas and some budget-friendly options if you're on the hunt for a cheap holiday to Turkey (Türkiye).

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

Antalya is the headline family destination, big all-inclusive resorts, kids' clubs, waterparks, long sandy beaches. Belek within Antalya province is the luxury-family pick with golf resorts and the Land of Legends theme park. Dalaman's quieter bays suit families with older kids who want a mix of beach and activity.

🎉 Groups

Bodrum and Marmaris are where the group energy is. Bodrum's got a buzzing yacht-harbour nightlife and proper beach clubs, Marmaris is bar street central with a famous late-night strip. Both do cracking-value group hotels with pools and walkable nightlife on the doorstep.

💑 Couples

Olu Deniz is the couples classic, the lagoon beach, paragliding, quiet boutique hotels up in the pine-clad hills. Kalkan and Kas along the Turquoise Coast are quieter still, adult-focused, good for couples who want restaurants and boat trips over nightlife.

💬 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. Don't believe us? Then check our all-inclusive holidays in Turkey. You can also see all hotels in Turkey or just browse our top picks below....

💑 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 Goreme, 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

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 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.

💑 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.

🎉 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.

• 🛍️ Grand Bazaar, Istanbul - 4,000+ stalls of ceramics, leather, spices, jewellery and textiles. Haggling is basically a sport here, so bring your A-game and make a competition out of who gets the best deal.

• 🪂 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.

🌍 More Destinations

• 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.

More Med

• 🇬🇷 Greece, island-hopping, whitewashed villages, turquoise water and some of the best food in the Med, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu the obvious starting points

• 🇨🇾 Cyprus, year-round sunshine, ancient ruins, brilliant beaches and Paphos for culture or Ayia Napa for nightlife

• 🇪🇬 Egypt, Red Sea diving at Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, the pyramids of Giza, and winter-sun temperatures when the rest of the Med's cooling down

• 🇲🇦 Morocco, the souks and riads of Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and a completely different cultural experience three hours from the UK

• 🇧🇬 Bulgaria, Black Sea beach resorts for a fraction of Mediterranean prices, plus the cities of Sofia and Plovdiv if you fancy pairing beach with culture