Where to relax in Turkey in May 2021 at sea โ 9 best resorts
Turkey, a country with picturesque sea coasts, invariably attracts Russian tourists to its amazing coastal resorts. A huge selection of comfortable hotels for every taste and budget, historical sights, superbly organized leisure time, delicious Turkish cuisine allow you to spend an inexpensive and exciting vacation in Turkey in May at the sea, when the tourist season opens at its resorts. Find out what awaits you in May days.
Features of the Turkish coast
The resorts of the country, scattered along the coasts of four seas: the Black, Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara, differ in climatic conditions and coastal strip. On the shores of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, a Mediterranean subtropical climate dominates, warmer than on the coasts of the Black and Marmara Seas, which are under the influence of a temperate maritime climate. The climate of the Black Sea resorts is more humid and cool, there are practically no tides at sea.
In the Mediterranean Sea, the tides are semi-diurnal, not exceeding 1 m in height. From the east winds, the Mediterranean coast is protected by the Taurus Mountains. Unlike other seas, the Mediterranean Sea has the highest salinity, which gives it a rich blue color. The most developed tourist infrastructure is on the coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas.
Weather
The Mediterranean resorts are the first to open the tourist season at the end of April. A little later โ in early May, life begins to boil on the beaches of the Aegean Sea. May weather on the Turkish Riviera, stretching from Antalya to Marmaris, is approaching summer. On average, the thermometer shows up to +24โฐะก, and by the end of the month it even gets hot up to +28โฐะก. It is warmest on the Mediterranean coast in the resorts of Antalya and Alanya.
May nights are still cool, but the warmest are the nights in Bodrum and Alanya, keeping daytime heat in the range of + 19โฐะก โ + 20โฐC. It rarely rains in May in Turkish resorts, especially in Alanya, Avsallar, Belek, Bodrum, Incekum, Kadriye, Konakli, Mahmutlar. In May, the winds in coastal areas are much less than in early spring. Those who came from the east are warm, pleasantly caressing the skin, combined with the gentle sun, which does not set until 14 hours a day.
Is it comfortable to swim
Tourists who have gathered on the Turkish coast in May are reasonably interested in the question of whether it is possible to swim at this time. If the water in the Black Sea resorts warms up to +16โฐะก, then you won't have to swim there in the first half of May. The warmest water in May up to +21.5ยฐC is recorded in the resorts of the Mediterranean Sea โ Antalya, Alanya, Beldibi, Goynuk, Incekum, Kemer, Mersin and Side. On the Aegean coast, Marmaris and Fethiye will delight with the warm sea. Although sea water is inferior to comfortable summer water.
Swimming, diving and snorkeling, water sports and entertainment in the refreshing May sea are all acceptable. Moreover, often by the end of the month the water reaches the June temperature of + 25โฐะก. Tourists who do not risk diving headlong into the water are compensated for sea bathing by swimming in the comfortable water of hotel pools and water activities in water parks.
Which resort to choose
It is good to go to the shores of the Turkish Riviera in May, both for the May holidays and at the end of the month. Those who do not like the heat will be able to successfully combine a beach holiday with sightseeing, entertainment and exciting shopping. Comfortable weather for sightseeing, lower prices for hotels and services, an early spectacular tan and invigorating sea fun โ everything speaks in favor of choosing a vacation in May in one of the best and warmest Turkish resorts.
Antalya
Warm weather allows the season to open here at the end of April, and in May the daytime temperature can correspond to summer, reaching from + 26 ยฐ C to + 31 ยฐ C and the warm sea up to + 21.5 ยฐ C by the middle of the month. For the whole month, usually no more than 2 rainy days fall. During the May holidays, you can enjoy sunbathing on the white-sand beaches: Beach Park, Topcham, Lara and Konyaalti.
They attract with comfortable conditions: locker rooms, showers, toilets, umbrellas, sunbeds and clear sea with a gentle slope. On the May holidays, you can only plunge into the sea, and in the second half of the month you can swim, dive and conquer the depths of the sea.
You will make sure that all 5 districts have their own identity. The appearance of the western region of Konyaalti is formed by numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, an aquarium, a dolphinarium and an observation deck. Lara is an area famous for parties of discos and nightclubs, the color of old buildings and a unique mosque. In Dรถshemealti, the place of attraction is the oriental bazaar, the Kepez district is the concentration of modern shopping centers, it is also interesting with a zoo, a waterfall and an ancient cave. In general, getting a quality vacation is quite real.
Alanya
The resort town, protected from the cold eastern winds by the Taurus mountain range, appears to tourists as a long cape divided in half. The sun, except for 1 rainy day, does not leave the sky every day for about 14 hours, warming the May air to an average of 25.2โฐะก, leaving behind warm nights of + 20.5ยฐC. The beaches marked with Blue Flags are dominated by clean white sand and only in some places there are islands of small pebbles. On the east coast, the sea is shallow, suitable for swimming even with children and warming up faster in May to + 22ยฐC.
On the west coast of the city lined up luxury hotels with comfortable beaches. An underground passage leads from budget hotels located across the road to the beach. The sea near the western coast is much deeper, which is preferable for sports and water entertainment lovers. Hotel prices are low in May, you can stay in a luxury hotel for little money or in a club hotel that attracts young people. The picturesque nature of the resort conquers, the caves fascinate with the mystery of underground lakes, the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites.
Marmaris
Marmaris, stretching on the coast where the Mediterranean and Aegean seas merge, meets tourists in May with a picturesque landscape of mountain slopes covered with coniferous forests and eucalyptus trees. The beach season opens here in full force in the second half of May, when during the day the air warms up to + 25.5ยฐC, and the sea up to +20.4ยฐC. During the month, clouds bring rain no more than 4 times, so the conditions for a beach tan are quite comfortable.
The beaches, covered with fine gray sand, are located in a quiet bay, protected from the winds. Therefore, the sea in Marmaris is calm, suitable for swimming, rafting, kayaking and diving, attracting sports youth.
Resort hotels operating in the โall inclusiveโ mode with a comprehensive service, stretched along the 1st coastline. The highlight of Marmaris is the longest promenade in Turkey, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops. At sunset, young people gather in nightclubs, arranging noisy parties, which is why Marmaris was nicknamed the Turkish Ibiza.
Belek
Despite its young age, the resort of Belek, stretching along the Mediterranean coast, not far from Antalya Airport, has gained a reputation as a prestigious holiday destination. The coastal strip of the resort, stretching for 20 km, is surrounded by beautiful nature and built up with luxurious 5 * hotels that serve guests on an all-inclusive basis.
The average monthly daily temperature in Belek reaches +26ยฐC, the nights are warm up to +18โฐะก, and the sea water is heated up to +21.4ยฐC. Sandy beaches with occasional pebbly areas, a smooth entry into the sea, a bottom without stones are ideal conditions for an excellent chocolate tan and a short swim.
All Belek beach areas are well-maintained and clean, for which most of them are marked with the Blue Flag. Some beaches are declared protected and are closed after sunset, when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. Russian tourists have chosen to relax on the beach of the Voyage Hotel and on the city beach Beach Park, which is attractive with a large selection of water activities and a beautiful subtropical park nearby.
Kemer
The coast of Kemer, washed by the Mediterranean Sea, captivates with the beauty of natural landscapes with majestic mountains covered with coniferous forests. Healing coniferous air and a warm, mineral-rich sea create ideal conditions for a recreational holiday, thanks to which Kemer entered the top five most popular resorts in Turkey. The beach season opens here in early May, when the average daytime temperature is +25ยฐC, and the sea warms up to +21ยฐC.
Most of Kemer's beaches are covered with pebbles, with the exception of the city's Moonlight Beach, which is notable for its sandy shore, but with a pebble entrance to the sea. Near the beach there is a luxurious city park with a water park and a dolphinarium. Comfortable hotels are located along the well-groomed beaches with a developed infrastructure. If family tourists prefer quiet country hotels, then young people usually settle in the central part of the city, which attracts with a variety of entertainment venues, cafes and shops.
Side
The ancient city of Side, located on the Mediterranean coast, 75 km from Antalya, has become a popular resort. The city center is located on a small peninsula, stretching for 1 km in length. The amazing landscapes of the Tuarus Mountains, well-groomed sandy beaches with a smooth entrance to the sea with a sandy or pebble bottom and excellent resort infrastructure contribute to the choice of many family tourists for holidays in Side. All beaches are equipped with changing rooms, showers, toilets and rental points for umbrellas and sunbeds. Many of them fly the Blue Flag awarded for ecology and comfort.
The beach season opens here in May, when during the day the average monthly temperature is +25.3ยฐC, at night +17.8ยฐC, the sea warms up to +21.4ยฐC, and even more in shallow water. It rains here for no more than 2 days, which guarantees the majority of sunny days, favorable for sunbathing and swimming. Prestigious Side 5 * hotels are located on the 1st line, providing a comprehensive service, working on an all-inclusive basis, but you can also find budget accommodation options. Side is called the Turkish archaeological pearl, so in early May it's time to take advantage of the lack of heat and explore the historical monuments of the ancient era.
Fethiye
Fethiye is located on the southwestern coast at the foot of the mountains, dressed in evergreen cedars and pines. The Fethiye area is warmed by the bright sun 285 days a year, which allows you to open the beach season as early as the end of April. In May, the average monthly temperature here is + 26.4ยฐะก during the day and + 19.0ยฐะก at night, and on some days rising to + 30ยฐะก, allows tourists to sunbathe on the beaches and swim, warming the sea at the beginning of the month from + 21ยฐC, gradually increasing to 23ยฐC. Russians often come here in May to relax with their children on spacious, equipped and clean beaches, staying at a good hotel for an inexpensive price.
Almost all hotels in Fethiye are of high status, some of them represent well-known world brands. To have a luxurious May holidays in Fethiye, you should take care of booking a hotel right now. It is good to diversify a beach holiday in Fethiye by visiting the museum, water park, zoo and surrounding natural attractions. With the opening of the season, cultural entertainment programs of cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs will be activated. A tour to Fethiye will leave an unforgettable experience for families with children, young people and the older generation.
Bodrum
Bodrum, located on the shores of the Gulf of the Aegean Sea, enchants with landscapes of outlandish rocks, coniferous forests and orange groves. The coast of the resort is divided by a number of small coves. The city fascinates with the exquisite beauty of the old streets, bordered by palm trees and oriental flavor. The opening tourist season with a day temperature of +24.4ยฐC, a night temperature of +18.5ยฐC and a sea of โโ+20.3ยฐC is suitable for sunbathing, but still cool for swimming. Closer to the second half of the month, sometimes the daytime temperature can rise to +30โฐะก, warming the sea.
Bodrum has a spacious sand and pebble coast with a smooth entry into the water and a comfortable beach infrastructure. On municipal beaches, they charge only for renting sunbeds and umbrellas, and at the disposal of tourists staying in hotels there are free hotel beaches.
The location of the city on the slope of a natural pit caused the placement of hotels on 3 levels. Elite hotels on the 3rd line are equipped with elevators that take guests to the seashore. In the center of Bodrum, it is good to relax in cozy cafes and restaurants, take a walk through the exotic oriental bazaar Produce Bodrum Market.
Izmir
Visiting the resort town of Izmir in May is a great opportunity to enjoy the stunning architecture, museums, monuments and enjoy the taste of local cuisine. An exciting cultural program can be combined with a relaxing beach holiday. On the May holidays, the thermometer does not fall below +25, and the average monthly temperature is +26.9ยฐะก during the day and 19.3ยฐะก at night. The sea warms up from + 21ยฐC in the first half of May, reaching +22.1ยฐC by the end of the month, which allows you to feel the charm of refreshing sea bathing.
For most of the month, the weather is sunny here, conducive to a beautiful tan, obtained comfortably on a clean sandy beach in a sun lounger. Short-term and warm May rains cannot interfere with rest. Comfortable accommodation in Izmir will be provided by numerous hotels that satisfy every taste and budget. Early booking for the May holidays will help you choose a cheap hotel closer to the center so as not to use transport for going to the beach and sightseeing.
What to see in spring
In the spring, any resort will have the opportunity to meaningfully organize a vacation by seeing historical and natural sights, visiting cultural events. In Belek, it is interesting to explore the ruins of the ancient cities of Aspendos and Perge. Fragments of ancient cities have remained in the vicinity of Kemer, labyrinths of caves, landscapes of bays and the famous Mount Yanartash are attractive for viewing.
The ascent by cable car to the top of Mount Tahtali is impressive, offering a view of the coast for many kilometers. Tourists can go to the shores of the island of Kekova and the ruins of the city of Mira. In Bodrum, it is interesting to visit the Castle of St. Peter, the Myndos Gate and the ruins of the ancient theater.
Vacationers in Side will be impressed by the ancient city gates, the ruins of the amphitheater and the aqueduct. In Alanya they will be amazed by the elegance of the rocks, Antalya will delight with the picturesque waterfall and surprise with the exhibits of the archaeological museum. And of course, one cannot discount a trip to Istanbul, where Europe and Asia with a unique historical and cultural heritage are connected through the Bosphorus.
Entertainment
Turkish resorts offer tourists in May a wide range of entertainment for every taste, age and budget. Water activities at most popular resorts are concentrated in water parks, where you can have fun on water slides and extreme rides. In Kemer and Antalya, a visit to the dolphinarium will bring inexpressible pleasure.
Water activities are gaining momentum on the beaches: parasailing over the sea, jet skis, โbananaโ, yacht trips and sea fishing. Fans of sports entertainment can go diving, snorkeling, water skiing.
See all prices for tours in Turkey
Vacation with children
Almost all the resorts of the Turkish Riviera have created excellent conditions for families with children. You will find sandy beaches with a smooth entry into the sea in Alanya, Antalya, Bodrum, Side, Belek, Fethiye, and the suburbs of Kemer. In May, the water in the sea rarely warms up to a comfortable temperature suitable for bathing children. They can swim in warm hotel pools filled with sea water.
A wonderful infrastructure for children's recreation has been created in many hotels in Anatalya, Belek, Kemer and Fethiye, equipped with swimming pools and playgrounds where animators work with children. Many hotels have children's clubs and mini-zoos, sports events are held.
In May, it is good to diversify your vacation with a visit to the zoo, water park, dolphinarium and aquarium in Antalya. In Kemer, it is interesting for children to climb the mountain by cable car, visit the zoo, eco-park and dinosaur park in the village of Goynuk. In Alanya, the exhibits of the archaeological museum and a tour of the ancient fortress of Ich-Kale will be of interest. It is exciting for the whole family to make a trip to the picturesque waterfalls of Side and Antalya. A well-thought-out program that combines a wellness beach holiday with exciting leisure activities will leave vivid impressions on your children.
Tour prices
A lot of Russians go on vacation on holidays, so you should not rely on last-minute tours and take care of early booking a tour right now. Early booking gives you the opportunity to choose the most favorable price from a larger number of offers, including the cost of the flight, hotel accommodation, all-inclusive meals, transfers and insurance. Below is the price for popular tours, current at the time of publication.
Hotel prices
May opens the tourist season, so booking a hotel early has the advantage of choosing where to stay and saving money. The price of accommodation in a hotel is primarily based on its status, fixed by the number of stars, and the degree of comfort of the selected room: standard, deluxe, deluxe, separate bungalow or villa.
Of great importance for the price is the location of the hotel: on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd coastline. The closer to the sea, the more expensive. The price of the hotel also includes the type of food: with breakfast or with breakfast and dinner, โall inclusiveโ or โultra all inclusiveโ.
The cost of living in hotels of equal comfort varies in different resorts. The most inexpensive vacation in Turkish resorts in Alanya, in hotels along the coastline and in the center. At the same time, hotels in 4 in terms of service are not inferior to complexes in 5. In the verdant Kemer and respectable Belek, hotel prices are higher. Marmaris hotels, mostly middle-class, youth-oriented, are cheaper than luxury family-type hotels with an all-inclusive package, animation, water slides and other entertainment.
Excursions
Warm May weather is conducive to excursions, allowing you to learn more about the history of the country and admire its picturesque landscapes. In the absence of a large number of tourists, you can go to any attraction without rushing, slowly inspect it and choose a good angle for a memorable photo. Moreover, in May the cost of excursions is cheaper than in the peak season. Therefore, book excursions to Cappadocia, ancient cities and even ancient Istanbul.
All of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon
A picturesque corner of the country with fantastic volcanic landscapes, over which colorful balloons soar daily in the sky. It is possible to make a flight on a hot air balloon, controlled by an experienced pilot, telling a lot of interesting things about the history of the places you meet along the way from Cappadocia, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer and Side. Early in the morning you will be picked up near the hotel and brought to the launch site in Cappadocia.
You will see how a balloon is inflated, then, sitting comfortably in a basket, you smoothly take off into the sky, soar under the clouds for an hour, experiencing unforgettable sensations and enjoying the beauty of the landscapes. The final chord of the trip will be landing on a truck trailer, marked by a glass of champagne and a certificate of the flight. At 8.00 you will be taken back to the hotel. This is a group tour costing 180โฌ per person, for up to 20 passengers and allowed with children over 7 years of age.
Alanya from ancient times to the present day
A resort that has preserved the sights of the heyday and decline of the ancient era, the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. You will walk with a guide through the revived pages of history and ancient legends about pirates, see the place of residence of the Roman philosopher Cicero, learn about the events of the Middle Ages and the secrets of Cape Adam Atajagy. The tour will start from the Red Tower โ the visiting card of the city. Take the bus to the top of the fortress, which has become an open-air museum, and inspect its historical heritage.
After the descent, the route will run along the ancient streets to the ancient Suleiman mosque, to the Ehmedek fortress and to the observation deck, where you will admire the panorama of Alanya, taking wonderful photos. The end of the hike will be at the western foot of the citadel near the Cleopatra beach and Damlatash cave. A five-hour individual excursion from 1 to 6 people is carried out by a Russian guide at a cost of 65 โฌ, regardless of the number of tourists. The price does not include tickets to the fortress -5.5 โฌ and a bus ride.
Turkish cuisine is a delight in taste. Tasting tour
Do not miss the chance to enjoy the tastes of Turkish cuisine, which embodies the culinary traditions of the Turkic peoples and Byzantium. Having bought a tasting tour, you will be told about the menu of the Ottoman sultans, about the history of kebab cooking, and what kind of Turkish delicacy the biblical Noah loved. But the main thing is tasting signature dishes in the best restaurants and cafes. You will feel bliss from the taste of a real adan kebab served on skewers, you will recognize the taste of the branded tantuni, invented in Mersin.
An amazing menu of different types of dolma, vegetable dishes โ taratula and piyaza, local pide flatbreads, will be tempted to try in a cozy restaurant located in a lush garden. In other โgourmet sheltersโ there will be national soups, original meatballs, drinks and Turkish sweets. An individual tour for 4 hours and 1-6 tourists costs 40 โฌ, regardless of the number of participants, meals are paid separately.
Unknown Antalya โ escape from the hotel
To see not the external gloss of the resort Antalya, but to go beyond the outskirts of the city, offers an excursion with an intriguing name. You will walk along picturesque paths to the bank of a mountain river, where a Mediterranean picnic will be arranged. Sitting in wooden pavilions on Turkish pillows or at tables, you will not eat dishes from organic products, admiring the landscape of a sheer cliff and a pine forest.
You will be offered a traditional secular breakfast menu, consisting of ten types of Turkish cheeses, olives, gozlime โ huge pancakes with various fillings, fried eggs with Turkish sausage, bazlam flatbread and katmer with honey or jam, washed down with fragrant tea from a two-tiered Turkish teapot. After walking in the fresh air, and taking beautiful photos, you will return to the hotel. An individual 4-hour excursion is designed for 1-3 tourists, it costs 85 โฌ for everyone. Breakfast will cost from 5 โฌ to 7 โฌ.
Istanbul without a cover or how to get lost in the city
Istanbul, located on the two banks of the Bosphorus, will surprise you with picturesque views, exciting legends, national traditions and original cuisine. On a sightseeing walking tour, you will visit two continents during the day โ Europe and Asia. First, you will walk through the picturesque streets of the European quarters โ Karakoy and Dzhihangir, built up by the Ottomans and Byzantines. You will see the ancient churches, visit the oriental bazaar intoxicating with spicy aromas, admire the landscapes of the Sea of โโMarmara.
On the ferry you will cross the Bosphorus, admiring the bridges, the architecture of palaces, the Maiden Tower and the minarets of mosques. The Asian part of the city will impress with the antique Kadikoy street with tea gardens and antiquities shops. Having learned many exciting stories along the way, you will feel the spirit of the city, drink a cup of aromatic coffee in a street cafe. An individual excursion is carried out for 1-4 people for 88 โฌ for all participants, paying separately for the ferry trip.
Asian Istanbul. All the fun you can't miss
Being on the Turkish coast in May, take the opportunity to go on an excursion โAsian Istanbulโ, where you will feel the Asian spirit of the city, feel its tastes. The tour starts from the Kadikoy pier. You will see many architectural masterpieces of Istanbul. From Istanbul's highest hill, รamlฤฑca, admire the amazing landscapes of the Bosphorus, the Sea of โโMarmara, the Princes' Islands and Istanbul. You will be amazed by the splendor of the Mihram Sultan Mosque, built by an architect who is in love with the Sultan's daughter.
A walk through the bohemian district, which has preserved the Ottoman, Jewish, Greek and Armenian buildings of the 19th century, will enchant you with the color and architecture of the multi-colored houses chosen by movie stars. The tour, lasting 3.5 hours, will have a tea break with national delicacies in outdoor cafes. The cost of an individual excursion for 1-4 people will be 125 โฌ, regardless of the number of participants.
Food prices
It is difficult to save on food in Turkish resorts. Tourists who opt out of an all-inclusive tour will not be able to save on meals. Moreover, the closer the catering establishment will be located to the sea, the more expensive the cost of dishes will be by 20-30%. You can pay for the order in dollars, euros and Turkish liras.
On average, in coastal resorts, eating in a cafe or restaurant will cost:
As you can see, the highest prices for food are kept in Kemer, Belek and Marmaris. When planning a trip to these resorts, it is cheaper to purchase a tour with an all-inclusive hotel. You can save on food in Fethiye, Izmir and other resorts by eating in cafes for citizens located away from the sea.
Reviews of tourists
Tourists who visited the resorts of the Turkish coasts of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas in May had generally positive reviews. They celebrate clean and equipped sandy and pebble beaches, conducive to a peaceful rest. Tourists were disappointed by some of the pebbly beaches of Kemer with large stones at the entrance to the sea. Naturally, the temperature of the May sea did not always allow enjoying sea bathing and water activities, which was compensated by swimming in the outdoor hotel pools with sea water.
Young people liked their holidays in May in Kemer, Belek and Marmaris, which attract a large number of prestigious nightclubs, where fun does not subside until dawn. Sightseeing lovers appreciated the rest in Alanya, Antalya, Side and Bodrum. The Russians, keen on speleological tourism, conquered the grottoes and caves of Alanya, Kemer, Bodrum and Fethiye.
Hotels in all resorts, regardless of their status, are marked by positive reviews about the high level of comfort and service. Local markets pleased with an abundance of inexpensive vegetables and fruits. Reviews guarantee that visiting Turkish resorts in May will be remembered for comfort, exciting excursions and will be beneficial in price.