Mountains, beaches and incredible cuisine! Our guide to Turkey’s most STUNNING destinations (you’ll never want to come home!)
- From Bodrum to Dalaman, discover the riches of the Turquoise Coast
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On Turkey’s south-west coast, azure waters lap sweeping beaches of golden sand and archaeological sites stand testament to civilisations past.
Set against a backdrop of lush mountains, towns of cobbled streets and yacht-filled marinas serve up rich cuisine that reflects Turkey’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
This is the Turquoise Coast, one of the summer’s hottest destinations.
At the heart of this glittering coastline are two holiday hot spots that have it all, from picture-perfect beaches to endless adventure, incredible culture to fantastic places to stay.
Bustling bazaars and old town charm have made Bodrum a long-standing favourite, while the divine natural beauty of the Dalaman region tempts holidaymakers further east.
The Turquoise Coast in Turkey is one of the summer’s hottest destinations
And the experts at Jet2holidays have found the best hotels and resorts on this stunning stretch of coast, packaging them up with flights and transfers to create the perfect holidays!
Book with Jet2holidays and you’ll fly with TripAdvisor’s best UK airline with 22kg of baggage included. Choose from accommodation ranging from three-star to five-star and reserve it all with a deposit of just £60 per person.*
With flexible durations beyond the usual seven, 10 and 14-day trips, convenient flight times and friendly in-resort customer helpers to give you insider tips, Jet2holidays has everything you need for the ideal summer holiday.
All you have to do is choose which Turkish beach break you’d prefer. The Turquoise Coast beckons.
The delights of Dalaman
Mountains clad in fragrant pines dip down to sparkling sapphire waters in Dalaman
Mountains clad in fragrant pines dip down to sparkling sapphire waters in Dalaman. There are pristine white sands for relaxing, pretty towns to explore and the buzz of Marmaris, where the Aegean meets the Mediterannean, if you’re looking for a little more action.
Beautiful beaches, from hidden coves to sandy crescents, link together the resorts strung along this coast. You’ll find ancient ruins in the hills and even be able to snap up some holiday souvenirs in the bazaars.
Looking for fun? Consider lively Icmeler or the port town of Fethiye in the heart of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll the bougainvillea-filled streets of Kalkan or soak up the mountain charms of Hisaronu.
Crystalline waters
The blue lagoon in Ölüdeniz is one of the most photographed beaches in the world
If you’re seeking silken sands, salty water, and sunkissed moments, you’ll love the beaches and tranquil lagoons of the Turkish Riviera.
The blue lagoon in Ölüdeniz near Fethiye is one of the most photographed beaches in the world thanks to its turquoise waters almost entirely protected by a sweeping sandbar.
Head out in a canoe or paddle boat to explore, go snorkelling or simply relax and enjoy the views from the golden sands.
Tombs and mud baths
These incredible ancient tombs are what remains of a 4th-century BCE necropolis and were carved directly into the cliff face
Down the road in Dalyan, head out on a boat excursion to the mysterious sulphur pools and mud baths on the other side of the vast blue lake.
Spend a morning having the skincare session of a lifetime before heading to the ancient Carian Tombs.
These incredible ancient tombs are what remains of a 4th-century BCE necropolis and were carved directly into the cliff face.
Island adventures
The stunning coastline around Dalaman provides a unique opportunity to island-hop between the islands and stunning coves of Turkey
The stunning coastline around Dalaman provides a unique opportunity to island-hop between the islands of Turkey.
Explore sea turtle beaches and hidden coves, or go white water rafting for more than a splash of excitement.
The beauty of Bodrum in the TurkAegean Region
Shades of blue on the Turquoise Coast near Bodrum
Once a sleepy fishing town, Bodrum has steadily grown in popularity to become a glitzy holiday spot without losing its authenticity. Golden beaches and sparkling waters form a delightful backdrop for the now buzzing city.
There’s a glamorous marina and a charming old town, as well as oh-so-stylish restaurants, all crowned with a castle. In the Bodrum area, discover Turkey’s answer to St Tropez in Turkbuku or enjoy the village atmosphere at Torba.
Colourful buildings look out to sea at relaxed Guvercinlik while Turgutreis combines shopping with beautiful sunsets. This region has it all.
Majestic ruins
The ancient city of Ephesus – a nearby historic destination
Step into the days of emperors and gladiators in Ephesus, in the nearby city of İzmir, previously the most important city in Ionaion Asia Minor, nowadays a beautifully preserved relic of the Roman past.
The ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, also lie at the same site.
Or in the centre of Bodrum, a town in the Muğla province and neighbouring city to İzmir, see how the 15th-century Bodrum Castle stands stoically looking over the marina. It’s also home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Mouthwatering cuisine
Enjoy al fresco dining under the stars
Indulge in local specialities like stuffed vine leaves
Much like the many-layered history, the influence of multiple cultures and heritages can be savoured in Bodrum’s gastronomical scene.
While one can certainly find global cuisine on most streets, don’t miss the fresh fish, local green herbs and vegetable dishes known as ‘zeytinyağli yemekler’, cooked in olive oil, as well as delicious steaming flatbreads, stuffed vine leaves, creamy fresh hummus and sizzling meat skewers.
Better yet, opt for a meze and try it all.
Buzzing bazaars
Take in the sights and sounds at Bodrum Bazaar
Who could visit Turkey without spending an afternoon wandering the grand bazaar, tasting everything from steaming tea to glistening fruits that melt in your mouth like honey?
Peruse the intricately knotted rugs, style yourself with silk scarves in every colour and browse the local jewellery at the Bodrum Bazaar.
Or, seek shelter from the afternoon heat in one of the many modern shopping centres that have sprung up around town.
Wherever you shop you’ll be guaranteed to find the perfect keepsakes from your wonderful holiday on the Turquoise Coast.
Time to explore Turkey
Whether the colours of Dalaman or the flavours of Bodrum have tempted you, Jet2holidays has found the most amazing places for you to stay this summer.
Your whole trip will be ABTA and ATOL-protected and there’s a 24-hour emergency helpline if you need support while on holiday.
With free child places* being offered by Jet2holidays this summer, book your holiday now and you can enjoy even greater value while exploring Turkey’s glamorous Turquoise Coast.
To discover more and book your Turkey holiday, visit Jet2holidays.com/turkey
*Terms & conditions apply
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