⛱️ From Alanya to Fethiye: 10 Turkish resorts for a seaside holiday

In August, the sea along the coast of Turkey is the warmest of the year. You can swim from morning until late evening, and the water stays comfortable even at sunset. The heat is intense, though, so you choose a room with air conditioning out of necessity, not luxury.

Turkey's resorts stretch from the Aegean to the Mediterranean, and each has its own character. Ancient Side and lively Bodrum run on completely different rhythms. Below we've rounded up 10 resorts: what the beaches are like, who each one suits, and what to see nearby.

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What to know about vacationing in Turkey in August

💡 In short:

First, decide on the type of vacation: beach and partying, history, or peace and quiet.
Then factor in the heat and book a hotel with air conditioning on the first or second line from the sea.

Resort	Beach	Atmosphere	Who it's for
Alanya	sandy, Cleopatra	lively city	families and history lovers
Konakli	pebble	quiet	a peaceful vacation
Kemer	pebble	green mountains	families on a budget
Side	sandy	ancient city	history lovers
Belek	sandy	premium and golf	couples and golfers
Antalya	sand and pebbles	big city	those who want culture
Lara	sandy, Blue Flag	calm	families with kids
Marmaris	sand and pebbles	pines and sailing	an active vacation
Bodrum	pebble	party day and night	young people
Fethiye	sand and pebbles	bays and paragliding	nature lovers

1. Alanya

Alanya is one of the best-known resorts on Turkey's southern coast. It always draws a lot of tourists from Europe, both on package deals and traveling independently. In August it's extremely hot here, so during the day you hide out in your room or by the pool, and head to the sea in the morning and evening.

Walls of Alanya Castle on a hill above the city

The most famous beach is called Cleopatra. According to legend, Mark Antony gave it to the queen, and the sand was brought in from Egypt. Today the beach holds a Blue Flag. Nearby stand the Red Tower and a medieval fortress with a view over the bay. If you want variety, take a boat trip or a jeep safari.

Beach: sandy, Cleopatra Beach with a Blue Flag.
Who it's for: families and those who like a big city with history.
The catch: in August it's very hot and crowded.
Compare Alanya hotels on Trip.com

2. Konakli

Konakli, a small and quiet resort near Alanya, suits those who aren't looking for nightclubs. The climate is just as hot, but the crowd is calmer. The infrastructure is well developed: hotels, restaurants, shops, clinics, stadiums, a hammam, and an amusement park.

Clock tower with Konakli sign on the central square

The beach here is mostly pebble, with sand only at some hotels. On the plus side, the seabed is rocky and the water is very clean, so scuba diving here is a pleasure. A large bazaar opens on Wednesdays: you can buy Turkish sweets, spices, and carpets. Bargaining is expected, and you can genuinely get the price down.

Beach: pebble, with sandy sections at some hotels.
Who it's for: a peaceful vacation without parties.
The catch: few sights, so you'll travel to Alanya for those.
Find a hotel in Konakli

3. Kemer

Kemer sits on the Mediterranean not far from Antalya and lives entirely on tourism. The beaches stretch for dozens of kilometers, and there are a huge number of hotels in every category. Almost all top-tier hotels operate on an "all-inclusive" basis, which is convenient when you don't want to think about food.

Street in Kemer with buildings and mountains

Staying in good hotels here is cheaper than at neighboring resorts, so Kemer is a popular choice for families on a budget. The scenery is picturesque: mountains, lots of greenery, and a sea of vivid blue-green. Guesthouses, villas, and apartments are also available, and campsites are open for the least demanding travelers.

The beaches are mostly pebble, in places with large stones, so it's better to reserve a sun lounger in advance. The sights are spread far apart, and in the heat it's easier to take an organized excursion than to walk.

Beach: pebble, with large stones in places.
Who it's for: families and those looking for affordable high-end hotels.
The catch: there are almost no sandy beaches.
Check Kemer hotel prices

4. Side

Side is considered one of the most picturesque towns on Turkey's southern coast. It sits on a narrow peninsula 80 km from Antalya (according to the official portal of Turkey). It was once an ancient city, and the ruins remain right in the center: city gates, columns, a nymph sanctuary, and thermal baths. In August it's very hot during the day, so you'll be walking in the evening, when the air gets milder.

Columns of the Temple of Apollo in Side by the sea

The most famous sight in Side is the ancient theater. It seated about 20,000 spectators (according to the official tourism portal of Turkey), and its stage hosted performances and gladiator fights. Today the amphitheater is open daily from 08:00 to 18:45 (as of 09/2026, Turkey's Ministry of Culture and Tourism). In summer, open-air concerts are sometimes held here.

The beaches in Side are sandy and wide, with plenty of room for everyone. Besides history, you'll find water parks, yacht trips, and the Temple of Apollo, which is beautifully lit up at sunset.

Beach: sandy, wide.
Who it's for: history lovers and fans of evening strolls.
The catch: in August it's very hot during the day, so walking is more comfortable in the evening.
Hotel prices in Side

5. Belek

Belek is one of the newer resorts and suits those who are used to a high standard. Prices here are higher than in neighboring towns, but the hotels meet international standards. Belek is home to the National Golf Club, and the courses here are excellent.

The climate is subtropical, and eucalyptus groves grow around the resort. There are no sights in the town itself, but nearby lie the ruins of ancient cities with an amphitheater, a stadium, and baths. You can also take a trip from here to Köprülü Canyon National Park, home to more than a hundred bird species.

The beaches in Belek are sandy, spacious, and clean. Water parks and a dolphinarium are available for children, and in the evening the hotel promenade has plenty to offer.

Beach: sandy, spacious.
Who it's for: couples, golfers, and anyone who wants a premium experience.
The catch: there's almost no youth party scene here.
Book a hotel in Belek

6. Antalya

Antalya lies in southern Turkey, in a scenic bay at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. The old quarter of Kaleiçi preserves traces of Roman and Byzantine cultures, and nearby stand Hadrian's Gate, the tall Yivli Minaret, and the old Eski Cami mosque. You get a rare combination of sea and city, so you won't be bored.

Marble cornice of Hadrian's Gate in Antalya

A panoramic elevator descends from the old town to the sea, and nearby there's a park with fountains and the Hıdırlık Tower. In the surrounding area, vendors sell local tea, handmade carpets, and spices. In the harbor you can rent a yacht and head out on a sea excursion.

The beaches in Antalya cater to every taste: there are sandy stretches and multicolored pebbles. In the evening, taverns, disco bars, and open-air discos are open, and there's a large water park for children.

Beach: sandy stretches and pebbles.
Who it's for: those who want to combine the sea and the city.
The catch: you have to walk downhill from the old town to the beach.
See Antalya hotels on Trip.com

7. Lara

Lara, a district of Antalya, suits those who want a quiet and comfortable vacation. It's close to the airport, so the trip won't wear you out. High-end hotels sit on the first and second lines, and if you're looking for cheaper accommodation, check the third row.

Resort hotel at night with lighting and a water feature

The area is convenient for shopping: there are plenty of malls here, including the large Terra City with well-known brands. Bazaars operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and that's where you'll find the cheapest fruit, sweets, and handmade clothing.

The beach in Lara is sandy and has a Blue Flag designation. The Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls are nearby: the upper one has a nice cafe, while the lower one is more spectacular because the water drops straight into the sea.

Beach: sandy, Blue Flag.
Who it's for: families and those who want peace and quiet near the city.
The catch: there are no historical sites in Lara itself.
Lara hotels on Trip.com

8. Marmaris

Marmaris sits where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. Pine forests and mountains shield the city from the wind, so storms rarely get in the way of swimming. It's a sailing hub: you can take sailing lessons or go water skiing here.

Night fountain show at the clock tower in Marmaris

The main attraction is called Marmaris Castle. The current fortress was built in the Middle Ages, and today it houses a museum with archaeological finds and several halls. The walls offer a great view of the coast, and almost every visitor makes the climb.

The waterfront has plenty of sculptures, and a music festival takes place in summer. If you want variety, head to the water park or catch the evening singing fountains show.

Beach: sandy and pebbly sections.
Who it's for: active travelers and sailing enthusiasts.
Find a hotel in Marmaris

9. Bodrum

Bodrum lies on the Aegean Sea and is known for its nonstop party atmosphere: life buzzes day and night. That's why young people flock here. In August it's not as hot as the south, because sea breezes cool the air.

White mosque with arches and wooden beams in Bodrum

The city is divided into three areas: the center has the main beach, villas, and shops, higher up are historic landmarks, and the western part has the port and upscale restaurants. The local fortress, built by knights of the order, is impressive. The Turks later captured the castle and added a mosque and a bathhouse.

Also worth seeing are the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with finds from the seafloor and the ancient amphitheater, which still hosts performances today. In the evening, bars and clubs along the waterfront await.

Beach: pebbly, clean water.
Who it's for: young people and nightlife lovers.
The catch: accommodation prices are higher than in the south.
Bodrum hotels on Trip.com

10. Fethiye

Fethiye sits on the shore of the bay of the same name, and the sea here is turquoise. There are many secluded coves around, so in August you can easily find a quiet spot for swimming. The resort is popular with outdoor enthusiasts.

Fethiye Bay with boats and mountains at sunset

Here you can go paragliding, take a yacht trip, and scuba dive. History buffs will appreciate the Lycian rock tombs, the ruins of a knight's castle and an ancient theater, the old mosque, and the History Museum.

Beaches in Fethiye vary: there are both sandy and pebbly ones, so pick what suits you. In the evening, it's pleasant to stroll along the waterfront and dine by the water.

Beach: sandy and pebbly.
Who it's for: nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fethiye hotels on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is the warmest sea in Turkey in August?

The warmest sea in August is on the Mediterranean coast around Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, and Side. The water here reaches its peak temperature of the year, and swimming is comfortable even in the evening. On the Aegean Sea in Bodrum and Marmaris, the water is slightly cooler, but the air is milder thanks to the breezes.

Which resort should I choose for a family vacation?

Lara, Kemer, Alanya, and Belek are great for families. Lara is close to the airport and has calm sandy beaches, while Belek has water parks and a dolphinarium. Kemer has many all-inclusive hotels, so you won't have any issues with meals.

Where to stay: Kemer or Alanya?

In Kemer, high-end hotels are cheaper and the surrounding mountains are green, but the beaches are mostly pebbly. Alanya has more history and the sandy Cleopatra Beach. If you want to save on the hotel, choose Kemer; if the beach and old town matter more, go with Alanya.

Which resorts are good for a quiet vacation?

For peace and quiet, head to Lara and Konakli. Konakli has few attractions and a relaxed crowd, while Lara offers quiet beachfront hotels. Bodrum and Marmaris are not suitable for a quiet vacation because of the nightlife.

How much time do you need for the sights in Side?

The ancient theater, the Temple of Apollo, and the old town can realistically be covered in half a day. In summer, it's best to arrive at opening time because it gets hot during the day. Allow about an hour for the amphitheater itself.

Turkey resorts on the map

All the resorts from this selection are marked on the map. Open it to estimate distances between cities and plan your transfers.

Where to vacation in Turkey in August

Places on the map

1Alanya Cleopatra's Blue Flag sandy beach, the Red Tower
2Konaklı Quiet resort near Alanya, pebble beach and a Wednesday bazaar
3Kemer Pebble beaches, mountains and affordable high-class hotels
4Side Ancient theatre for 20,000 spectators, wide sandy beaches
5Belek National golf club and spacious sandy beaches
6Antalya Old Kaleiçi quarter, Hadrian's Gate and a panoramic lift
7Lara Blue Flag sandy beach, Düden waterfalls nearby
8Marmaris Sailing centre, Marmara Kalesi fortress with a museum
9Bodrum Nightlife, a knights' castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology
10Fethiye Turquoise bays, paragliding and Lycian rock tombs

In short: what to book

If you want beaches and history, go for Alanya or Antalya. For a quiet family vacation, people head to Lara, Konakli, and Belek, and for parties to Bodrum and Marmaris. In Side, you can combine swimming with ancient ruins.

Hotels at these resorts sell out fast, so book your accommodation in advance. If it's your first visit, choose a resort based on the type of beach and the distance to the airport, not just the price.

Turkey in August: 10 resorts with the warmest sea