⛱️ From Kemer to Side: which Turkey resort to choose in 2026

Eight resorts in Türkiye differ from each other far more than postcards suggest.

Kemer hides in pine forests at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, Marmaris lives by its nightclubs, and Belek is built entirely around the all-inclusive concept. The Turkish Riviera welcomes visitors year-round (as of 09/2026, Go Türkiye).

Below you'll find what sets each resort apart from its neighbors, who it's for, and when to go.

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How to choose a resort in Türkiye

💡 In short:

Decide on the main thing: a quiet all-inclusive hotel or nightlife with excursions.
Check the season: on the western coast the sea warms up later than on the southern coast.
Compare beaches and transport using the table below.
Season, beaches, and best months to visit: 09/2026, according to the official Go Türkiye portal

Resort	Beaches	Best season	Who it's for
Kemer	sand and pebbles, mountains nearby	May-October	families and nature lovers
Marmaris	sandy-pebble coves	June-September	those looking for parties
Bodrum	private beaches and coves	June-September	style and nightlife lovers
Ölüdeniz	lagoon and rocky beaches	April-November for flying	paragliders and couples
Antalya	city and rocky beaches	year-round	those who want city and sea
Alanya	long sandy beach	May-November	families with children
Belek	well-kept hotel beaches	April-November	all-inclusive and golf fans
Side	sand and pebbles, ruins nearby	May-October	those combining beach and history

The difference between resorts becomes obvious within the first days. Some sit by cliffs and pines, others stretch along coves lined with hotel development. Choose based on how you want to spend your evenings, not just on price.

1. Kemer: pines at the foot of the Taurus Mountains

Kemer lies less than an hour's drive from Antalya, so after landing you'll quickly reach the sea. The resort occupies a narrow strip between the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains, so it offers both beach and coniferous forest.

The Taurus slopes are covered with evergreen pines, and the air stays fresh even in the heat. Orange and lemon trees grow along the streets. You'll hear birdsong early in the morning, when the town is still asleep.

Kemer's beaches alternate between sand and pebbles. Many shores hold the Blue Flag, an international award for water cleanliness and safety. To earn the flag, a beach passes inspection against dozens of criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

History lovers will also find plenty to do. From Kemer it's easy to reach the ruins of ancient Phaselis and Olympos, where you'll see the remains of temples to Hermes and Athena, amphitheaters, aqueducts, and sarcophagi. Several millennia ago, pirates anchored in these coves.

In autumn Kemer stays warm but without exhausting heat, and accommodation gets cheaper. Choose this trip if you want to walk all day. Compare hotels in Kemer on Trip.com if you're planning for autumn.

Panorama of Kemer at the foot of the Taurus Mountains

2. Marmaris: parties and coves

Marmaris suits those who value active recreation, noise, and nightlife. The resort attracts English-speaking travelers, so English is understood almost everywhere here.

You'll stroll among oleanders and pines and see sky-blue sea in one of the region's largest bays. Diving, sailing, water skiing, and catamaran rides are all available here.

Marmaris beaches are made of golden sand and pebbles, and the water is so clear you can see the bottom at great depth. Almost all hotels maintain their own beaches. One shore remains municipal: entry is free, but loungers and umbrellas cost money.

From Marmaris it's convenient to visit Greek Rhodes and Dalyan Lake. There you'll see Roman baths, terraces of an ancient temple, and caretta caretta turtles alongside blue crabs.

Nightlife is Marmaris's main feature. During the day you wander the old streets, and in the evening the bars, music, and dancing begin. No one will be bored. Keep in mind that the swimming season here starts later than at other resorts, and the water only warms up by early summer. Find hotels in Marmaris on Trip.com if you're going for the parties.

Aerial view of Marmaris harbor with yachts and the city

3. Bodrum: white houses and nightlife

Bodrum is considered the most bohemian resort in Türkiye. Global celebrities come here for the restaurants, clubs, and hotels. You'll often meet Brits, Germans, Scandinavians, and French people here.

The town is built from low whitewashed buildings. They maintain a unified architectural style and descend down the mountain slopes to the sea, staying in harmony with the area's history.

A holiday in Bodrum costs more than at neighboring resorts, but the budget doesn't multiply. There are plenty of hotels across price ranges, and you'll easily find an option that fits your money.

The beaches here are sandy and pebbly, most often private. They offer loungers, umbrellas, and water sports equipment. The town's central beach is free to use.

Bodrum also has plenty of historical sights. The Castle of St. Peter, also known as Bodrum Castle, deserves special mention. Inside, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays finds from ancient shipwrecks. We recommend seeing the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and the ancient amphitheater.

Most tourists still come to Bodrum for the nightlife. There are almost as many clubs here as hotels, and parties go on until morning. Spend an evening at Halikarnas, one of the largest dance venues in the region. Don't miss Barlar Sokağı, a street where every bar has its own distinctive design. Compare hotels in Bodrum on Trip.com if you want to stay closer to the clubs.

Panorama of Bodrum with white houses at sunset

4. Oludeniz: lagoon and paragliding

Oludeniz is a small town near Fethiye. Only a few thousand people live here, but visitors come from all over the world. You'll find stunning beaches and the chance to literally fly.

Oludeniz beaches are recognized not only by tourists but also by international organizations, and they have received the Blue Flag award. The scent of pine forest mixes here with the sea breeze, and photos of the coastline make it onto the covers of travel guides. We've also put together a separate list of the best sandy beaches in Turkey.

The most popular beach in Oludeniz is called the Blue Lagoon. There's an entrance fee, but it's worth coming for the postcard view. The water in the lagoon is turquoise, and the sunlight adds an emerald shimmer.

Part of the Lycian Way passes right through here. The route leads through ruins of ancient cities and tombs, so you can combine a walk with exploring archaeological sites.

Oludeniz's main attraction is paragliding. It's one of the best places in the Mediterranean for this sport. You can fly solo or with an instructor. Contact local companies to find an experienced pilot and reliable equipment. The season runs from April to November, and the flight itself takes about half an hour. Book hotels in Oludeniz on Trip.com if you're coming for the lagoon.

Aerial photo of Oludeniz Lagoon with beach and mountains

5. Antalya: a city by the sea

Antalya combines the tourism and business life of the region. It's a large modern city on the Mediterranean (as of 09/2026, Go Türkiye).

Beaches, hotels, entertainment, and shopping centers are all at your service. The resort suits friends, couples, and families with children.

Beaches are everywhere here: in the center, along the rocky coast, in villages, and in individual districts. The climate allows seaside vacations almost year-round, and palm trees, bright flowers, and mountain greenery complement the turquoise water.

The city has many parks, squares, and fountains, and the streets are paved with cobblestones. Stop by the old town of Kaleiçi to see architectural landmarks. Among Antalya's main attractions are Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli and Kesik minarets, and the Antalya Museum. Eastern bazaars give you the atmosphere and local flavor of everyday life. Find hotels in Antalya on Trip.com if you want to stay in the center.

View from the cliffs of Konyaalti Beach in Antalya

6. Alanya: the most family-friendly resort

Alanya is called the most family-friendly resort in Turkey. Palm and orange trees grow everywhere here.

In the Middle Ages, Alanya served as a storage place for pirate treasure. Today the city has become a popular resort with hotels, wide beaches and ancient sites. The hotel business is well developed here: there are both modest hostels and luxury-segment hotels.

The resort lies in the south, so the swimming season ends only in late November. There are almost no strong waves near the shore, so you can swim comfortably with children.

If you want to see a truly beautiful beach, head to Cleopatra Beach. It is famous for its white sand and clean water (as of 09/2026, Alanya municipality). Massive cedars and sparkling water make this place special.

Children won't be bored: Alanya has an amusement park and a water park with dozens of slides. Adults will get their adrenaline too. History lovers should see the Red Tower, the Byzantine fortress and the Damlataş and Dim caves. Compare hotels in Alanya on Trip.com if you're traveling with children.

Panorama of Alanya with fortress, harbor and sea

7. Belek: the all-inclusive capital

Belek is called the capital of Turkish all-inclusive resorts. The resort joined the list of popular destinations only recently, but it is already considered one of the most prestigious places to vacation. If you're choosing a specific hotel, check out five-star all-inclusive hotels in Turkey.

High-end hotels, natural landscapes and untouched nature make Belek exceptional. Fair warning: it's almost impossible to visit here on a budget. Most hotels have four and five stars, and the beaches are cleaned daily by special machines.

People don't come here for loud parties and dancing. On the contrary, they come for quiet and complete relaxation. The resort has a good golf course, and every hotel has pools, beauty salons, gardens and clubs.

There aren't many attractions nearby, but they're worth the trip. Add the ancient city of Perge, the Kadriye Mosque and the Kuş Cenneti nature reserve to your list. The climate in Belek is mild, and you can swim from April to November. Find hotels in Belek on Trip.com if you want all-inclusive.

8. Side: ancient ruins by the beach

Side is one of the oldest cities in this selection. You'll be equally impressed by both the beaches and the ruins of monuments that have survived to this day.

On the city streets, you can relax in the shade of banana trees, junipers, cypresses and palms. Stop by a small cafe for a cup of coffee and buy a souvenir at a local merchant's shop.

Side's sand-and-pebble beaches are suited to a relaxed vacation. On one of the free beaches, you'll get an umbrella and sun lounger if you order at the bar.

Side's beaches also suit those who like activities. Here you can try windsurfing, as well as rent a jet ski, water skis or go on a diving safari.

We recommend seeing historic Side, which preserves the heritage of several generations. Head to the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, partially restored in the twentieth century. Explore the ancient amphitheater, most of which has survived. Get to know the city's culture at the archaeological museum, whose exhibits will interest even children. Combine business with pleasure and visit the Aspendos bridge with its five stone arches. Compare hotels in Side on Trip.com if you want to stay near the ruins.

Ancient ruins with stone arch and chairs

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where in Turkey does the swimming season last the longest?

The water cools down more slowly in the south. In Alanya, the season lasts until late November, and in Antalya swimming is comfortable almost year-round. In the west, in Marmaris, the sea warms up only by early summer. Choose the south if you're coming in late autumn.

Which resort should I choose for a vacation with children?

Alanya and Kemer are good for families. Alanya has plenty of entertainment, including a water park, and there are almost no waves near the shore. Kemer sits by pine-covered mountains, and the air is fresh even in the heat. Both resorts are convenient for calm swimming.

Where is the best place to go if you want nightlife?

For parties, people go to Marmaris and Bodrum. In Marmaris, clubs, bars and dancing go on until morning, and during the day you can stroll through the old streets. Bodrum is more expensive and more stylish, with one of the largest dance halls in the region. Choose based on your budget and who you're traveling with.

Is it worth going to Belek for all-inclusive?

Yes, if you want a quiet vacation without parties. You won't be able to vacation here on a tight budget.

What should I see in Ölüdeniz besides the beaches?

Walk a section of the Lycian Way with ruins and tombs. The main activity here is paragliding over the lagoon.

In short: what to book

Quiet nature vacation: Kemer or Belek.
Parties and bars: Marmaris or Bodrum.
Vacation with children: Alanya or Kemer.
History and lagoon: Side or Ölüdeniz.

Choose a resort that matches your season and book accommodation in advance.

8 Resorts in Turkey: where to go for sea, mountains and nightlife