Every year, thousands flock to Turkey to experience its fascinating blend of sensational natural beauty and diverse history.
Throw the country’s amazing weather and beach resorts into the mix and it’s easy to see why it has become one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations for couples and families.
But with so much choice in Turkey and diverse regions to enjoy, which is the best destination is best to go?
We are going to take a look at three of the most popular Turkish holiday destinations in the country: Bodrum, Antalya and Olu deniz near Dalaman whilst we also include other suggestions too.
1. Dalaman/Oludeniz
Just 40 minutes away from Dalaman Airport you’ll find the coastal gem of Olu deniz. Located beneath a mighty mountain, the resort offers a combination of remarkable natural beauty and an entertaining night life. The resort is by no means huge, but it has everything you need to keep occupied for a few weeks in the sun.
Best for:
Ideal for a lazy week by the beach, but with enough going on for a lively evening, whether you’re after a few drinks and a nice meal or a late one. People who are after a traditionally laid-back break will be happiest in Oludeniz. Down by the beach area of the town there are plenty of things to keep active types busy including banana boat rides, boat tours of the surrounding coast and, of course, a trip up Mount Babadağ. It’s also relatively cheap in the Oludeniz area, making it ideal for those looking to budget.
Things to do:
Oludeniz lagoon: At the end of the beach you’ll find the blue lagoon, an area of stunning beauty that’s protected from any development whatsoever. This natural reserve is ideal for swimming, sunbathing or just admiring the allure of the surrounding area.
Mount Babadağ: The sky is filled with brave holidaymakers paragliding from the heights of Mount Babadağ and it makes Oludeniz one of the best places in the country, if not in Europe, to experience this extreme thrill. The mountain’s awesome height, excellent weather conditions and the stunning panoramic views of the coast all combine to make this a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Lycian rock tombs: Oludeniz is around 20 minutes away from one of Turkey’s most fascinating historical sites: the Lycian rock tombs. Carved into the side of a mountain, these monuments to the dead are some of the best examples of Lycian culture in the entire country. The site is located within Fethiye, a nearby city with an attractive old town and pretty harbour area.
Antalya
The largest city out of our three destinations, Antalya is the gateway to the glamour and history of the ‘Turkish Riviera’. It’s the perfect combination of old and new, with both sides of the city complementing the other.
Best for:
Holiday makers who get itchy feet in smaller resorts. Antalya’s city status means that there is plenty to see and lots to explore while its surrounding coastline is blessed with a number incredible white sandy beaches. There’s something for everyone in Antalya: Konyaaltı and Lara beaches provide the sand, there’s culture aplenty in the old quarter and the city’s museums, and there are lots of places to shop, drink, eat and relax. Seafood lovers will be particularly at home in Antalya as it is well known for its remarkable fish, cheap restaurants and exceptional service.
Things to do:
Kaleiçi old quarter: The old part of the city is not only incredibly calm and relaxing, but a fantastic example of Turkey’s ancient architecture. Here, you will find some of the finest buildings in the city including the Saat Kulesi clock tower, Yat Limanı Roman fort and the Yivli Minare, a mosque with a minaret 125-feet in height. This charming area of the city has become a major tourist attraction in recent years, but you can easily spend a few hours winding your way through its narrow streets.
Aspendos: Just outside of the city you will find the ancient Greco-Roman site of Aspendos, which is mostly visited for its remarkable Roman theatre. The theatres itself has stood the test of time and the 7,000-seater venue draws flocks of people every year to explore its preserved galleries.
Antalya Museum: Widely regarded as one of the finest museums in the whole of Turkey, Antalya Museum contains art and artefacts that date as far back as the Stone Age. This museum allows you to see the many different cultures that have come together to create modern Turkey. The Hall of Gods contains 15 incredible statues of the Olympian Gods – one of the highlights of the museum.
Bodrum
Nestled perfectly between the Aegean and the Mediterranean, Bodrum ticks almost every box on the holiday checklist. Its coasts are lined with incredible beaches, it has gorgeous weather from early spring to late summer and a variety of different places to stay. The region mixes a cosmopolitan vibe with traditional Turkish culture to great effect, which is why so many people love to holiday in Bodrum.
Best for:
People who like a little variation in their holidays. In Bodrum, you can easily spend the day relaxing on the beach before exploring the historical sites nearby. This part of Turkey offers you a bit of contrast in terms of atmosphere as well. In the likes of Bodrum town, you’re right in the heart of the action with nightlife, shopping and beaches right on your doorstep. However, if you’re after somewhere a little more secluded and traditional, resorts like Torba are easily accessible as well.
Things to do:
Bodrum Castle: The castle has stood watch over Bodrum town for hundreds of years and is still one of the best attractions in the city. The views from its towers are stunning, but the interior is also worth a look. Inside, you will find the Museum of Underwater Archaeology – a fascinating place filled with underwater archeology.
Ephesus: this old port is one of the best preserved ancient cities in the world and is well worth a day trip. Strolling through its ruins, you’ll see the House of Virgin Mary, Artemis Temple and the Basilica of St John.
The Mausoleum: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this site of ruins was once a colossal tombs that overlooked Bodrum town.
Other Popular Holiday Beach Resorts in Turkey
• Patara
• Kalkan
• Side
• Alanya
City Breaks
If you are instead seeking an amazing cultural city break holiday, Istanbul and Ankara are highly rated.
With these fantastic gateways to Turkey which one will you choose for your next visit?
