Best Seaside Towns for Beach Holidays in Turkey
Best Seaside Towns for Beach Holidays in Turkey
Best Seaside Towns for Beach Holidays in Turkey
If you want to plan the best beach holiday, Turkey’s turquoise coast and its many seaside towns must be on your list. In this article, we’ll break down the best coastal towns in Turkey.
Surrounded by four seas; Marmara, Aegean, Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Turkey is full of options depending on what you want to do.
For a beach holiday in Turkey, we recommend the following coasts.
The Mediterranean coast is hot, full of nature (waterfalls, hiking routes, canyons) as well as historic sites and it’s very popular with both families and young friend groups.
The South Aegean coast is one of the most visited coastal regions in Turkey. This region is well known for its luxurious resorts, nightlife and picturesque towns.
The North Aegean coast is not as touristy, and it’s known for its summer breeze. Even during the summer months, you can expect to spend a comfortable time under the sun.
Best Coastal Towns on the Mediterranean coast
Belek, Antalya
On the Mediterranean coast, Belek is a town known for its beach resorts, thermal spas and golf courses. The hotels in this area are specifically sought after during summer months and golf tournaments. Compared to Antalya, the town itself hasn’t got much to offer, but there are must-see archaeological sites nearby such as the ancient city of Perge and Aspendos. It’s popular for beach holidays because you can stay at the best seaside resorts in Turkey; good for both families, couples and friend groups.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Antalya Airport, 31 minutes
Best Hotels in Belek, Antalya
Fethiye, Mugla
Basically Brits’ second home on the Mediterranean Coast, Fethiye lives up to the hype. Nearby Fethiye is Oludeniz Natural Reserve and Beach; most famous for Instagram pictures of paragliding people, but also for scuba diving, canoeing, turtle spotting and more. This curved beach is among the most beautiful beaches in Turkey and it’s a must-see if you’re headed to Fethiye. This prosperous city is well-known for its nightlife as well as beautiful nature. You can find luxury seaside resorts or a good value stay all the same, with lots of options of accommodation at this part of the coast.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Dalaman Airport, 49 minutes
Best Hotels in Fethiye, Mugla
Side, Antalya
Side is a small but popular beach resort town in Turkey located on the Mediterranean Coast. It’s popular amongst tourists for its sandy beaches, attractive all-inclusive deals and incredible history. You can find ruins of the Temples of Apollo and Athena, Basilica and Agora. Side is good for families because it’s much more tranquil compared to neighbouring towns Alanya and Antalya and its nature is just as beautiful as theirs. When in Side, you should take a boat trip to the many waterfalls in the area.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Antalya Airport, 1 hour
Best Hotels in Side, Antalya
Dalyan, Mugla
On a prime location on the Mediterranean Coast is another laid-back little seaside town: Dalyan. It’s located right in between Lake Köyceğiz and the Mediterranean Sea, around a river. The lakes, rivers, and mountains around Dalyan make it the perfect relaxing spot for your holiday. You can find many seafood restaurants, bars and cafés that serve Turkish breakfast on the main street, but Dalyan is hardly a party town. It’s a great choice for families who would like to immerse themselves in the Turkish culture and see ancient ruins, go hiking, visit the turtle conservation centre or explore different coves with a boat tour.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Dalaman Airport, 30 minutes
Kalkan, Antalya
Kalkan used to be a tranquil fishing village at the foot of the Taurus mountains, now it’s a popular seaside town for local and international tourists alike. Its historic town presents some beautiful Ottoman and Greek architecture. The beauty of Kalkan is better experienced by boat, but it has one of the most beautiful beaches on the Turquoise Coast; Kaputas Beach. Active travellers can go to the Kaputas Gorge to go canyoning, and September and October are the perfect times to try it.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Dalaman Airport, 2 hours
Best Hotels in Kalkan, Antalya
Kaş, Antalya
Kas is perfect for families and adventurous travellers alike. It’s one of the best scuba diving destinations on the Turquoise Coast. Plus, the Lycian Way trail is perfect for hikers. History lovers can visit the ancient town of Antiphellos and a 4th-century-B.C. Lion Tomb. When in Kas, you can also visit the nearby Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Dalaman Airport, 2 hours 45 minutes
Best Hotels in Kaş, Antalya
Olympos, Antalya
Olympos is a village located in the Olympos Baydaglari National Park, and it has a beautiful long beach at the foot of the mountains. Within the national park, there are two ancient cities: Phaselis and Idyros. One of the most interesting natural phenomena here is the perpetual gas fires at Yanartas, which are worth seeing. Olympos is popular with travellers who prefer a more bohemian lifestyle and treehouses, glamping and camping are popular here. You can easily find yoga retreats, and it remains a good destination for young travellers and families alike.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Antalya Airport, 1 hour 45 minutes
Best Coastal Towns on the South Aegean coast
Alaçatı, İzmir
Located on the South Aegean Coast, Alaçatı is a relaxed yet popular seaside town full of chic boutique hotels, high-end seafood restaurants, independent shops and cafés and world-class windsurfing clubs. This glamorous Turkish town loves partying as much as lounging next to the sea, but if you are looking for somewhere a bit more family-friendly then consider the nearby town Dalyan in Çeşme.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, 1 hour
Best Hotels in Alacati, Izmir
Bodrum, Mugla
One of the trendiest seaside towns, Bodrum is located on the South Aegean Coast. Known as ancient Halicarnassus, it was famous for the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus (which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world). As mesmerising as always, Bodrum is a glamorous seaside town with luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants and clubs. The whitewashed buildings preserve the Aegean character, and this part of the coast is among the most beautiful coasts on the Turkish Riviera. It’s on the more expensive side when it comes to finding seaside resorts in Turkey. It’s perfect for couples and families who either want the local experience or the luxurious treatment, or both!
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Milas-Bodrum Airport, 45 minutes to 1 hour
Best Hotels in Bodrum, Mugla
Datça, Mugla
On the South Aegean Coast, Datça peninsula is a truly beautiful and romantic harbour town with a crystal clear sea. The Aegean wind and pebbled beaches keep tourist crowds at bay, but that’s not to say that Datça isn’t popular. With ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine sites, it has rich historical value as well as a seaside town you can put your worries aside and soak in the sun, feast on delicious seafood and drink by the sea.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Dalaman Airport, 2 hours 45 minutes
Didim, Aydin
In a perfect location on the South Aegean Coast, Didim is a small seaside town that’s popular with both domestic and international tourists. Didim or Didyma back in the day preserves the ancient city where the Temple of Apollo used to be. You can find great deals on the best seaside resorts of Turkey in Didim, with exclusive access to sanded beaches, great service, spa centres and water sports activities. Didim is a child-friendly yet fun seaside town for all ages.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, 1 hour 30 minutes
Best Hotels in Didim, Aydin
Best Coastal Towns on the North Aegean coast
Ayvalik, Balıkesir
Located on the North Aegean Coast, Ayvalik is a laidback port town with the looks of an old Greek village. It’s not so popular amongst international tourists, so the prices are fair and the accommodation is mainly provided by boutique hotels. Nearby, Cunda Island is well known for fresh seafood, ice cream and a local sandwich called “Ayvalık tostu”. Cunda Island is a bit more hip; the stone houses turned into boutique hotels, converted Greek Orthodox churches, and houses with colourful shutters make it a picturesque destination best for foodies and families seeking a tranquil summer.
Closest Airport and Transfer Time: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, 2 hours
Best Hotels in Ayvalik, Balikesir
Bozcaada, Canakkale
One of the up-and-coming seaside towns on the North Aegean Coast is the chill and colourful island of Bozcaada, which is getting increasingly more popular amongst domestic tourists. This charming small island is perfect for those looking to explore and put in the energy to discover the beautiful nature of the island from coves to beaches and more. Bozcaada also offers delicious local produce such as olive oil, wine and more. It’s perfect for couples and friend groups who would like to do vineyard tours, drive around the island and for those who prefer an alternative to a boutique hotel or B&B, like camping/glamping on the best sandy beaches on the Aegean Coast.
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