Where to stay in Turkey

Best areas to stay in Turkey for every type of traveller

Turkey is a vast country with things to do for everyone. There are exciting cities, natural wonders and spectacular hiking, and even ski resorts in the mountains. And of course, the country’s beaches are its crowning glory, with its south coast drawing millions of visitors every summer. It’s no wonder, given that temperatures range from the low 20s up to 35 degrees, and July usually sees not a single drop of rainfall.

  1. Most popular areas to stay in Turkey
  2. Where to stay in Turkey for beaches
  3. Best places to stay in Turkey for couples
  4. Best places to stay in Turkey for families
  5. Where to stay in Turkey for first-timers

Turkey all-inclusive holidays can be as swanky as you desire, with an exceptional range of 5-star resorts offering a huge variety of services, as well as haute cuisine, on-site spas and even private waterparks. But you can also easily enjoy cheap holidays to Turkey, making use of more budget-friendly accommodation. You’ll find no shortage of friendly local eateries, bars and cafes, and most beaches in Turkey have free public sections where you can dip your toes in a bath-like sea (sea temperatures sometimes reach 28 degrees in August). Here’s our breakdown of where to stay in Turkey for every kind of traveller.

1. Most popular areas to stay in Turkey

Besides the best-rated beach and coastal areas (more on those below), there are some other perennially popular places to stay in Turkey. Cappadocia is a bucket-list destination, with its alienesque landscape of “fairy chimneys” and rock formations, magical cave dwellings and sensational sunrises and sunsets – not to mention the spectacle of hundreds of hot air balloons rising into the sky each day. Although small, Pamukkale also draws its fair share of tourists, who all come to bathe in the town’s thermal waters and witness the picturesque travertine terraces in the hillside. Istanbul is, naturally, very popular with travellers from far and wide thanks to its rich history, cultural wonders like the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and its fascinating markets and food scene. Travellers in the know, searching for something slightly different, might head to Kayseri, and especially the resort town of Erciyes, for winter skiing opportunities and breathtaking mountain hikes in the summer and autumn.

Best areas: Cappadocia and Istanbul.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to October.

2. Where to stay in Turkey for beaches

Turkey has a huge coastline, stretching over 8,000 kilometres and touching four seas. The most popular and best places to stay in Turkey for beaches are predominantly on the country’s south coast (the Aegean and the Mediterranean). Some of the most popular destinations for British travellers in particular are the parts of the coast opposite the Greek islands, such as Marmaris, Bodrum, Fethiye and Oludeniz. Fethiye’s main beach is shingle, but those seeking something further off the beaten track should head to Kabak Beach, which has few facilities and is a firm favourite with hikers and backpackers. Oludeniz is a wide, sandy bay that’s popular for swimming, watersports, and paragliding in particular. Just along the coast from these popular resort towns you’ll find wild and wonderful Patara Beach, which is one of Turkey’s best-rated. The coast around Antalya also draws huge crowds every year, especially destinations like Lara Beach, with its near-endless stretch of sand and single shore and great swimming conditions. Side and Belek, with their myriad luxury resorts, are also great beach destinations, promising great swimming conditions, lifeguards, and plenty of loungers and shade.

Best beaches: Konyaalti Beach, Cesme Peninsula and Iztuzu Beach.

Best time to visit: May to October.

3. Best places to stay in Turkey for couples

Couples seeking a slightly quieter getaway in Turkey should make a beeline for Kas. Situated on one of the most picturesque sections of Turkey’s southern coast, it’s less built up than some of the major resort areas and is surrounded by green hills. It has predominantly low-rise, white buildings with terracotta roofs, as well as some great, laid-back beaches and even some ancient ruins too. Marmaris is another beautiful area for couples to stay in Turkey, offering a wide choice of all-inclusive, luxury and more budget-friendly accommodation. Charming canals criss-cross the pretty harbour town and bougainvillea and other Mediterranean plants tumble from every balcony and terrace. There’s a historical castle and a pretty marina for romantic strolls and leisurely lunches. The town is exceptionally pretty at night too. Not only are there two lovely beaches, you’re also close to a national park, so adventurous couples can head out hiking.

Best for couples: Kas and Marmaris.

Best time to visit: May to September.

4. Best places to stay in Turkey for families

For a family-focused, budget-friendly beach holiday, look no further than Oludeniz. The town consists entirely of hotels – some low-key and laid-back, others more luxurious – as well as restaurants and cafes geared towards tourist families, and fun shops. Hotels with pools are perfect for families with little ones, while families with teens and older kids might like to head to the beach to try out one of the many watersports on offer. Families searching for the ultimate all-inclusive break with all the luxury extras should head straight to Antalya. Holidays in Antalya and its suburb Belek promise access to a blissfully warm sea with a sandy shore (golfers will be right at home here too, thanks to the many coastal golf courses). There are several waterparks on this stretch of coast, including some inside hotels, and it’s a great area for watersports, from fun banana-boat rides and jet-skiing to canyoning and rafting day trips.

Best for families: Oludeniz and Antalya.

Best time to visit: April to October.

5. Where to stay in Turkey for first-timers

If this is your first time in Turkey, perhaps skip the big cities and head straight to the coast to ensure you max out on sunshine, sand and sea. Fethiye, Side and Bodrum are all great places to start. On the Bodrum peninsula, life revolves around the water, with an almost endless choice of all-inclusive resorts and hotels offering access to stunning beaches. Fethiye and Side are both smaller than Bodrum but still boast fabulous beaches. Fethiye has a pretty port and cute shopping streets, as well as an enchanting market that’s open late, with plenty of authentic places to eat. Side is best loved for its beach, but also has a pretty old town that’s a manageable size to walk around, with a nice port area for eating and drinking. They both offer the perfect balance for those seeking a beach and hotel-based holiday with a smattering of local culture too.

Best for first-timers: Fethiye, Side and Bodrum.

Best time to visit: May to September.

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