Where is the best place to vacation in Turkey: 10 resorts and when to go there

There are more resorts in Turkey than vacation days. Choosing a hotel here is secondary: two neighboring coasts offer completely different experiences, and by day two the difference becomes obvious.

We picked 10 resorts across the country and sorted them by type of vacation. For each one, we listed the nearest airport, the character of the shoreline, and an honest catch. After that, you'll find the best beaches in Turkey, the season by month, and a map for comparing distances.

The direct answer: for sand and infrastructure, go to Antalya, Side, or Belek. For quiet coves, pine trees, and yachts, choose Bodrum on the Aegean, Marmaris where two seas meet, or Fethiye on the Mediterranean. Istanbul deserves a separate trip; its beaches are secondary.

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How to choose a resort in Turkey

💡 In short:

• Families with kids will like the shallow beaches of Side, Belek, and Kemer.
• For sand and developed infrastructure, choose Antalya, Alanya, and Side.
• A quiet vacation with greenery and yachts is what Marmaris, Bodrum, and Fethiye offer.
• Season and temperatures: as of 09/2026, according to Go Türkiye.

Before choosing, look at three things: the type of shoreline, the airport, and the transfer length. Sand and pebbles make for different swimming experiences, and the airport determines how long you'll spend on the road. Below is a table with a quick comparison of all ten destinations.

Our picks: 10 resorts by type of vacation

1. Belek

© edykbo · CC BYPhoto: edykbo, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Belek is considered the most expensive resort on the Antalya coast. Hotels here don't skimp on grounds, so finding a budget option is hard. But the shoreline is even and clean, and almost all beaches hold the Blue Flag.

Caretta sea turtles have made Belek's beaches their favorite spot. The entry into the sea is gentle, so swimming with kids is easy. Golf clubs are nearby, and pine and eucalyptus avenues provide shade in the heat.

Active recreation is available here too: water sports, rafting, horseback riding, and walks around the area. The nearest airport is in Antalya, from where you can get here by taxi. For family and premium vacations, this is one of the most convenient options.

• Who it's for: families with kids, golfers, premium-class vacations.
• Not for: those looking for cheap accommodation and loud parties.
• The catch: prices are above the national average.

Hotels in Belek on Trip.com

2. Antalya

© Dosseman · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Antalya grew up in a large bay on the Mediterranean and suits almost everyone. Modern hotels, sea activities, and cozy beaches sit alongside youth discos and festivals. Swimming here is comfortable both with kids and with older parents.

You can see the whole city in miniature at Minicity Park, where replicas of the main landmarks are collected. The Ferris wheel in the Konyaalti area offers a view of the old town. Those who like action can try rafting, paragliding, jeep safaris, and skydiving.

During the day, the zoo, water park, and dancing fountains will keep you busy. Only 12 km separate the resort from the airport (on the map), so the trip is short.

• Who it's for: a first trip to Turkey, families, young people.
• Not for: those seeking quiet and uncrowded beaches.
• The catch: in high season the beaches are crowded and the nights are noisy.

Hotels in Antalya on Trip.com

3. Marmaris

© Vadim Indeikin · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vadim Indeikin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Marmaris sits where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas meet. Swimming in two seas during one trip is actually possible here, and that's the resort's main selling point. The port city is considered the sailing capital of the country, so you'll see expensive yachts in the marina.

Diving in Marmaris is held up as an example: ancient ruins and artifacts lie on the seabed, and the water is clear. Between swims, you can plan excursions. It's a convenient base for trips to the Pamukkale travertines and ancient Ephesus, where an old library has been preserved.

Beaches stretch along the coast, with cliffs and pine forest rising behind them. From Dalaman Airport you can get there by bus or taxi.

• Who it's for: couples, divers, fans of yachting and excursions.
• The catch: the center is noisy in the evening, and popular excursions take a full day.

Hotels in Marmaris on Trip.com

4. Kemer

© Emin Başar ÖZDEMİR · CC BYPhoto: Emin Başar ÖZDEMİR, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kemer is more often chosen by families with children and fans of the underwater world. The resort includes old villages at the foot of the mountains, home to both large hotels and small private guesthouses. Most beaches are covered with fine pebbles and stones.

The beaches have everything you need: cafes, dive centers, equipment rental. The Moonlight area is considered the best sandy stretch. The Taurus Mountains shelter the resort from the wind, so the sea here is clean and swimming with children is safe.

A cable car takes you to the top, where you'll get a panorama of the bays. The airport is in Antalya.

• Who it's for: families, divers, fans of hiking and mountains.
• Not for: those who only want soft sand underfoot.
• The catch: walking barefoot on pebbles is uncomfortable, so water shoes come in handy.

Hotels in Kemer on Trip.com

5. Side

© Dosseman · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Side lies in the archaeological part of the coast, and ruins are everywhere here. The town is called an open-air museum: Hellenistic gates, remains of a colonnade, a gladiator theater, an aqueduct, and a Byzantine church stand right among residential neighborhoods.

The two main beaches, east and west, have a gentle slope into the sea. Both hold Blue Flag status, so the water is tested to a standard. Nearby there's a turtle beach for a quiet break.

Between swims, you can head out on excursions to ancient monuments. Nature lovers will hear the roar of Manavgat Waterfall.

• Who it's for: families, fans of antiquity and calm seas.
• The catch: in summer, the old town is full of tour groups.

Hotels in Side on Trip.com

6. Alanya

© İsmail Çamönü · CC BY-SAPhoto: İsmail Çamönü, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Alanya sits in the south, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, and is considered one of the warmest resorts in the country. By day there are golden sandy beaches and a turquoise sea, and at night the city turns into a string of bars, cafes, and live music.

A headland divides the city into two parts. To the east lies a beach that's convenient for families with small children. The western area is called Cleopatra Beach, which we'll cover in the section on the best beaches. On walks you'll see the Red Tower, the symbol of Alanya.

From here you can take trips to Damlataş Cave and yacht cruises along old sea routes.

• Who it's for: young people, families, fans of warm seas and nightlife.
• The catch: in July and August the heat is especially intense.

Hotels in Alanya on Trip.com

7. Bodrum

© The 3B's · CC BYPhoto: The 3B's, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bodrum is located on a peninsula in the Aegean Sea, among bays and small islands. Ancient settlements left the city history and monuments, and the shore is covered with fine pebbles and patches of imported sand. The longest sandy beaches are on the Bitez peninsula, and access is free.

The beaches are well equipped, with sports equipment rental available. The local elite choose Golturkbuku Beach, and for fish dishes you'll head to the Gumusluk strip. In the evening, bars and clubs open, including the large Halicarnassus venue.

Bodrum is considered a sailing center. White yachts in the bays start cruises right from the docks.

• Who it's for: couples, young people, sailors and nightlife fans.
• Not for: those who only want to swim on soft sand.
• The catch: in season, prices for accommodation and food are above average.

Hotels in Bodrum on Trip.com

8. Fethiye

© Alexander Annenkov from Moscow, Russia · CC BYPhoto: Alexander Annenkov from Moscow, Russia, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Fethiye offers a relaxed vacation in a scenic Mediterranean bay. The beaches here are considered some of the best in the country, and behind them rise hills with pine forests and cliffs with ancient tombs.

The sea around the area is turquoise and clean. You can take a trip on a wooden gulet, go rafting, water skiing, or ride ATVs. Excursions head to Butterfly Valley, to spots where giant sea turtles live, and to the summit of Mount Babadag.

The city's ancient names, Telmessos and Megri, are reminders of its Lycian history. Dalaman Airport is only 45 km (on the map) from Fethiye.

• Who it's for: couples, fans of bays, nature, and calm seas.
• The catch: popular beaches like Oludeniz are packed in summer.

Hotels in Fethiye on Trip.com

9. Kusadasi

© jpitha · CC BY-SAPhoto: jpitha, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kusadasi sits on the shore of an Aegean Sea bay. The resort began developing in the last century, so the town has plenty of modern hotels, restaurants, markets, and evening shows. The name translates as "Bird Island."

The beaches here are sandy and pebbly, and there are two water parks. Nearby are the "Ladies Beach" and "Long Beach" areas. The town uses water from the Balcova healing spring, which is used to treat skin conditions.

Kusadasi's main advantage is its location: from here it's easy to reach Ephesus, Pamukkale, Troy, and Izmir. The nearest airports are in Bodrum and Izmir.

• Who it's for: trips to ancient sites, relaxed beach vacations.
• The catch: the town stretches along the coast, and some hotels are far from the sea.

Hotels in Kusadasi on Trip.com

10. Istanbul

© Dosseman · CC BY-SAPhoto: Dosseman, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Istanbul lies in both Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. A rich history and a major economic center combine here with the chance to swim in two seas. For a city of this scale, the beaches feel surprisingly fitting.

Comfortable family time is available at the Sea of Marmara beaches in the Fenerbahce and Caddebostan neighborhoods on the Asian side. They have a gentle slope into the water, loungers, umbrellas, and water activities. The European side meets the Black Sea in the Sariyer area, where there is a campsite and a restaurant.

In summer you can head to the beaches of Sile and Agva or take a boat to the Princes' Islands. This option works for you if history matters more than a lounger.

• Who it's for: city life, museums, shopping, short beach breaks.
• Not for: those who come only for sea and sun.

Hotels in Istanbul on Trip.com

Best beaches in Turkey

Turkey's coastline has hundreds of beach areas. Sandy shores can be white, golden, or even black, and pebbles massage your feet. It's worth choosing your beach in advance, because it affects both swimming and hotel prices.

Water cleanliness is recognized with the Blue Flag designation. In 2025, Turkey received 577 such awards (as of 2025, Blue Flag Türkiye). Verified 09/2026 on the program's official website. Below are five beaches from different coasts of the country.

Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon

© Dan Taylor · CC BYPhoto: Dan Taylor, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Oludeniz lies near Fethiye, in a lagoon with white sand and fine pebbles. Mountains shelter it on three sides, so the water here is almost always calm. The lagoon is part of a national park, and you can see it in the cleanliness.

Oludeniz's town beach is free, while entry to the Blue Lagoon itself is paid. Check the price at the entrance, as it changes by season. For shallow water, this is one of the best spots in the country, and from Mount Babadag you can paraglide right over the lagoon. Walking on pebbles is easier in special water shoes, sold in local shops.

Lara near Antalya

Lara stretches as a long strip east of Antalya. Some beaches are leased, some are free, so bringing your own umbrella and towel will cost you less than renting on site. The sand here is coarse and yellow, and the beach has earned a Blue Flag for water cleanliness.

You can reach Lara by local bus, and it's close to the airport. Every year a sand sculpture competition takes place here. A water park and an aquarium are nearby, so you can fill your day even without the sea.

Cleopatra Beach in Alanya

© Tapico · CC BY-SAPhoto: Tapico, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Cleopatra Beach occupies the western part of the Alanya coast. The sand here does not heat up in the sun, and it contains almost no dust. A similar structure is found only on the shores of North Africa, so locals believe that the sand was brought here on the orders of Mark Antony for Queen Cleopatra.

The entry into the sea is gentle, so swimming with children is convenient. In the central part there are sections with a steep drop, where the shore falls away sharply. Along the beach there are shops, cafes, and entertainment complexes for children and adults.

Patara near Fethiye

© Elelicht · CC BY-SAPhoto: Elelicht, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Patara lies away from the main routes, so it is quiet here even in high season. The shore is wide and sandy, but the waves are almost constant. Surfers and thrill-seekers like this, but swimming with small children is more difficult.

Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented, and there are cafes, changing rooms, and toilets nearby. The beach is a favorite spot for giant turtles, so access is closed at night. Around you can see the ruins of ancient cities, whose streets were once walked by heroes of Greek myths.

Olympos near Kemer

© Krystsina Kashtanava · CC BY-SAPhoto: Krystsina Kashtanava, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Olympos is 30 km from Kemer (on the map) and about 1.5 hours from Antalya by bus. The beach is pebbly, the water is clean, and nature is almost untouched by civilization. There are no all-inclusive hotels or industrial zones here.

You can stay in village-style guesthouses, there are shops nearby, but bars and restaurants are almost absent. You get a quiet sea during the day and calm evenings.

Where to vacation with children

Turkey suits a trip with a child of any age. Hotels offer baby food, children's furniture, animation, pools, water parks, and dolphinariums. The quiet villages of Sorgun, Titreyengöl, and Kızılot near Side are chosen by parents of toddlers: the water is shallow there and there is less noise.

For little ones, slides, playgrounds, playrooms, and safe pools matter. These are more common in large hotels at well-known resorts, and it is also easier to sort out food there. School-age children find activities more interesting: a first scuba dive, surfing lessons, boat trips.

Historical excursions are more interesting for older children, and Istanbul has the most such programs. If you want a quiet vacation with a toddler, choose Side or Belek. Older kids will appreciate Kemer with its mountains and cable car.

Best time to visit

High season in Turkey lasts from April to the end of October. After that, rain and wind arrive, and the weather worsens. Antalya opens its beach season in mid-May, while Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye join in June.

In July and August you will face intense heat, so with small children it is better to go in September. In the mountains, peak season falls in mid-December, when the ski slopes open. Plan your trip around your own pace: whether shade and water matter more to you, or sightseeing without crowds.

Turkey resorts on the map

Below is an interactive map with the resorts and beaches from this article. Open it and compare the distances between the coasts before booking a hotel.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When does the beach season start in Turkey?

Antalya opens its beach season in mid-May, and the Aegean coast joins in June. Comfortable weather lasts until the end of October.

Where in Turkey are there sandy beaches, and where are there pebbles?

You will find sand in Belek, Antalya, Side, and Alanya. The beaches of Kemer, Bodrum, and Fethiye have fine pebbles, sometimes with stones. For a child, choose a sandy shore with a gentle entry, and on a pebbly beach it is more comfortable to swim in special water shoes.

Which resort in Turkey should you choose for a family with children?

Side, Belek, and Kemer suit families: they have shallow water, a gentle slope, and well-developed infrastructure.

Can you visit Ephesus and Pamukkale from the coast?

Yes, but these are long day trips. Kuşadası is closest to Ephesus, and from there the excursion takes part of a day. The terraces of Pamukkale are more convenient to see from Marmaris or Kuşadası. Allow extra time for the journey.

What should you choose: Antalya or Bodrum?

In Antalya you get the sea, sand, and a wide choice of hotels for families. Bodrum offers the Aegean coast, yachts, nightlife, and calmer water. If you want a beach and infrastructure, choose Antalya. If you need coves and sailing, choose Bodrum.

In short: what to book

The decision matrix is simple. If you want a calm coast with bays, look at Marmaris, Fethiye, and Bodrum. If you love history, plan Kusadasi with Ephesus. Alanya and Bodrum suit younger travelers, and for the city and museums, head to Istanbul.

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