Luxury Holidays in Turkey
A stunning natural landscape and amazing ancient ruins provide a backdrop to stylish resorts bursting with sun-kissed beaches, Combining age-old traditions with modern attractions.
Sun-Kissed Beaches & Age-Old Traditions
Holidays to Turkey are all about lazing on golden-sand beaches, tucking into chargrilled kebabs, sipping cocktails at swish marinas, exploring ancient ruins and vibrant centres – Turkey’s coastal resorts make for charming summer holidays. Relax on golden sands, barter for a bargain in one of many buzzing bazaars or wander in the shadows of ancient monuments such as Side’s Temple of Apollo. Away from the beach, Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities with its minaret-studded skyline and views over the Bosphorus Strait, while Cappadocia is an otherworldly landscape of cave towns and rock-cut churches.
There are many sides to this beautiful country, as it’s the ultimate bridge between the east and west, meaning you can flip between seeing ancient wonders, experiencing mesmerising coastline and exploring chic shopping malls all in one holiday.
Antalya – Antalya’s captivating coastline blends the best of both worlds for the perfect slice of Turkey and the beaches here are some of the finest in the country, so get ready to sprawl out on the sand with sensational views. As for the resorts, Lara Beach shows off Cancun-style entertainment, Side is top for history and Belek is all about the golf. It’s the perfect playground for pleasure seekers and culture vultures alike.
Istanbul – Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities. Located either side of the Bosphorus Strait on the Europe/Asia border, it’s a fascinating mix of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences. Wander the narrow cobbled streets to stumble across the minaret-studded Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and its magnificent mosaics, the sixth-century Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace’s warren of elaborately tiled rooms arranged around a beautiful Turkish bath. Ottoman bathhouses and excellent museums sit alongside the city’s kahvehans (coffeehouses), meyhanes (Turkish taverns), hip rooftop bars and swish seafood restaurants. Istanbul can be more than a city break.
Cappadocia – Cappadocia is surreal. This lunar-like pocket of central Turkey is contoured into an otherworldly terrain of stark Anatolian plains and soaring boulders. It feels more like the moon than Europe. Sunrise and sunset here is spectacular, and at dawn the sky is dotted with hot-air balloons, filled with guests eagerly taking in the views of the deep canyons, valleys and fairy chimneys from above. Visit the rock-cut churches at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, discover underground tunnels and see old cave dwellings – some of which have been transformed into boutique hotels, like the argos in Cappadocia and a true bucket list experience for many.
Bodrum – Labelled the ‘Land of the Eternal Blue’ by Homer, Bodrum has had famous fans since the days of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. Around these parts, crumbling ruins sit alongside beautiful bays and yacht-filled marinas. Bodrum itself has a big-city buzz about it, with an exciting street-food scene, bustling bazaars, great-value bars and a castle dating back to the crusades. Meanwhile, good times are go in Gumbet, where there’s a surf-splashed shore for thrill-seekers and Bar Street for a night on the tiles. And all-rounder Altinkum’s the one for beach-lovers, thanks to its three sensational strips of golden sand and great-value entertainment. Even though it’s been favourite with sun-seeking holidaymakers for years, this region retains its authentic side, with traditional Turkish cuisine and incredible ancient ruins at its heart.
Dalaman – Delve into Dalaman to discover a place where pine-clad mountains meet sparkling seascapes and there’s a typically Turkish feel wherever you go. Make the oh-so-dreamy Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz top of your list and keep your eyes peeled for turtles at Iztuzu Beach. Head to Marmaris and you’re guaranteed fun. By day, try your hand at haggling in the Grand Bazaar and by night, enjoy the buzz of Bar Street. Meanwhile, Icmeler is a picturesque plot with a family-flavoured feel. And don’t miss the tombs and mud baths of Dalyan. Whether you want to relax, party or explore, Dalaman has every type of holiday covered.
Best Experiences in Turkey
Cappadocia – There is far more to this stunning part of Turkey than just flying over the beautiful landscapes in a hot air-balloon. The land of whimsical fairy chimneys and peculiar rock formations, it is almost like visiting another planet. You can also explore the Valleys of Cappadocia on the back of a horse. After all: Cappadocia’s Old Persian Name is Katpatuka, which means “Land of the Beautiful Horses”.
Experiences:
- Sunrise Hot Air-Balloon ride
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Love Valley Hike
- Cavusin
- Monks Valley
- Devrent Valley
- Ortahisar
- Underground city of Derinkuyu
- Silk Road
Pamukkale – Pamukkale is a surreal natural wonder of rippling semi-circular, pure-white travertines that sit among green farming fields. This pure white hillside is one of Turkey’s most photographed spots and the country’s most famous natural tourist attraction.
Experiences:
- Walk up or down the Travertines
- Hierapolis City Ruins
- Hierapolis Theater
- Pamukkale Antique Pool
- Northern Necropolis
- Karahayit Hot Springs
- Denzil Cable Car
Antalya – The harbourside city of Antalya receives far less footfall than many other areas in Turkey, but there is still plenty here to explore. With the preserved streets of its old town a hive of history, the ruins of Roman fortifications are only a stone’s throw away transporting you back in time.
Experiences:
- Ruins of Perge
- Ruined city of Aspendos
- Chasing waterfalls
- Kaleici, Antalya’s old town
- White water rafting
- Beautiful golden beaches
- Hike the Lycian Way
Bodrum – This is Turkey’s Turquoise Coast at its most vibrant. This unabashed holiday destination is known for its marina full of bobbing yachts ready to whisk you out onto the Aegean for a lazy day of coastal sightseeing between swimming stops; a handful of historic tourist attractions, if you’re looking for more things to do off the beach; and a town filled with photogenic, old whitewashed houses.
Experiences:
- Scenic boat trip
- Castle of St. Peter
- Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Bodrum Old Town
- Shop at the many Bazaar’s
- Take in a sunset from the historic Windmills site
- Bodrum Theatre
Our favourite Turkey Hotels
Here is a selection of our most popular Turkey hotels.
These hotels are to get your creative juices flowing, but if you already have a hotel or two in mind, we would love to help tailor make your dream holiday.
5* Voyage Sorgun - Side
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
Nestled in the lush Sorgun Pine Forest, this family-friendly beachfront hotel makes for a blissful escape in the sunny resort town of Side.
The property has a fantastic range of facilities from
5* Voyage Belek Golf & Spa - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
This futuristic-looking resort has a plum location on a private beach in Belek, and it’s only a five-minute drive from the resort centre, where you’ll find a yacht-filled marina and a boutique shopping scene.
The pool scene is a big draw for families, and ticks off sleek adults-only numbers in wooden decking, and an epic waterpark, complete with chutes, fountains and a giant snake-themed slide.
5* Paloma Finesse - Side
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES
Treat yourself to the finer things in life for a week or two at the Paloma Finesse in beautiful Side – where, as the name suggests, everything is done with a touch of finesse.
Fresh from a recent renovation, the Paloma Finesse boasts ultra-cool architecture and interiors, and wouldn’t look out of place on the pages of a glossy travel magazine.
5* Paloma Orenda - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
The Paloma Orenda has got it spot on when it comes to location – it sits pretty on a private strip of honey-hued sand, and popular Side is less than a 15-minute taxi ride away.
This place is full to the brim with activities and facilities – you’ll find a huge split-level pool at the heart of the hotel – which comes complete with in-water sun loungers – and a smaller swimming spot for little ones.
5* Paloma Perissia - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
Entirely refurbished in 2019 with a brand-new face and Ultra All-Inclusive concept, this resort is not one to be missed.
Make a splash in your choice of two outdoor pools and one indoor pool while the little ones enjoy a dedicated children’s pool and water slides. Or wander down to the beach and you’ll be made to feel like a big fish in a deluxe pond thanks to a private pier and cabanas with waiter service.
5* Numa Bay Exclusive - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
Whisk the family away on a sun-filled holiday in coastal Avsallar in Turkey with a stay at the delightful Numa Bay Exclusive.
You can while away a morning in a gorgeous outdoor pool or wander down to a private sun-lounger striped beach, right on your doorstep, for a day of bronzing and bathing in the cool waters of Mediterranean Sea. Younger guests will make friends and memories at the on-site playground.
5* Seaden Quality Resort & Spa - Side
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
The Seaden Quality Resort & Spa offers fresh interiors and a brilliant location right on the Kumkoy beachfront in Side.
The picturesque harbour, amphitheatre and restaurants and bars of the centre are less than a five-minute cab ride away, and it’s not much further on to sights like Manavgat River and the Taurus Mountains.
5* Club Calimera Serra Palace - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
The Calimera Serra Palace pairs a brilliant setting with a lengthy list of facilities, so it’s a big hit with families. Sun-worshippers and view-seekers will be happy here, too.
This authentic-looking hotel is fronted by a private beach, giving you direct access to golden sands and superb views of the Mediterranean Sea.
5* The Lands of legends kingdom - antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel has so much to offer, but the jewels in its crown have to be its theme park, water park, and it’s magical rooms!
The waterpark, which has more than 40 slides to choose from, as well as a lazy river, a wave pool, a multi-lane racer, and kids get their own splash park with tipping buckets and slides.
5* Calista Luxury Resort - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
Get a taste of paradise at the Calista Luxury Resort, a true Turkish delight. The hotel’s iconic architecture is unmissable – its futuristic-looking glass buildings sit pretty at the back of a swathe of sun-bleached sand, which is exclusive to hotel guests.
Set in well-manicured gardens, the hotel offers three outdoor swimming pools. The main event is a huge lagoon-style number that winds through the grounds, edged by spacious sun terraces.
5* Lara Barut Collection - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
This luxury hotel on the Turkish Riviera offers a stylish, five-star option for a family-friendly getaway close to Antalya, one of Turkey’s most historic cities.
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel, the city of Antalya, renowned for its Old Town, is around a half-hour drive away and is one of the oldest settlements in Turkey. The area also offers much in the way of natural beauty, including the Duden Waterfalls and Karain Cave.
5* Paloma Grida - Antalya
7 NIGHTS – GREAT FOR COUPLES & FAMILIES
They say it takes a village to raise a child but at the Paloma Grida, there’s city-sized fun for pint-sized people in Belek. This superb hotel features its own private blue flag spot on the sandy Mediterranean shore.
Set in a palm-shaded manicured garden, there are three sparkling outdoor swimming pools to splash about in as well as an onsite aquapark and a shallower option for little ones.
what we say about Turkey
When to Visit Turkey
January in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey in January are quite cold with temperatures between 5°C and 9°C. You can expect rain for roughly half of the month, so your rubber boots and umbrella are going to see plenty of use this month if you’re keen on staying dry.
February in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey in February are quite cold with temperatures between 6°C and 10°C. You can expect about 3 to 8 days of rain so it’s a good idea to bring along your umbrella so that you don’t get caught in poor weather.
March in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey in March are quite cold with temperatures between 7°C and 12°C. You can expect about 3 to 8 days of rain. So again, it’s a good idea to bring along your umbrella so that you don’t get caught out.
April in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey in April are comfortable with low of 16°C and and high up to 19°C. Expect a few hot and rainy days in Turkey during April. April is a lovely time of year to go exploring, with the weather warm and comfortable.
May in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey in May are comfortable with low of 19°C and and high up to 22°C. May is another great month to visit to go exploring with a few days of sunbathing thrown in.
June in Turkey
The weather in Turkey in June is hot. The average temperatures are between 23°C and 26°C. With the temperatures now starting to really heat up, June is a great month to visit for some glorious sunshine and perfect for beach and pool days.
July in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey during July are very high, between 27°C and hot as 30°C. July is one of the hottest months to visit Turkey, so if you can bare the heat and love nothing more than days by pool, this is a great month to visit.
August in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey during August are very high, between 27°C and hot as 30°C, on par with July. On par with July, August is a great month to visit for lazy beach and pool days.
September in Turkey
The weather in Turkey in September is still hot but starts to marginally cool with temperatures between 25°C and 29°C. The weather is still hot so September is a great month to visit if you want to dodge the school holiday peaks.
October in Turkey
The weather in Turkey in October is hot with average temperatures between 22°C and 25°C. Expect a few hot and rainy days, the combination of temperature and moisture can result in very humid days, so be sure to dress comfortably for both the heat and rain but yet another great month to visit Turkey.
November in Turkey
The temperatures in Turkey in November are comfortable with low of 18°C and and high up to 21°C. The temperature starts to significantly cool down in November although still warm enough for shorts and t-shirts, you might just want to bring a light jumper for the evenings.
December in Turkey
Antalya in December is experiencing low temperatures as 14°C and high of 17°C. December is a great month to visit Turkey if you are looking for a pre-Christmas break, with the weather cooler but very comfortable.
How it works
Call us on 01730 711 005 or enquire online about your dream holiday
Our team will work with you to put together a tailor-made package
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