Last updated: September 2026
Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays offer some of the most spectacular beach destinations in the world. The coast stretches for hundreds of kilometres, combining superb weather, turquoise sea, ancient ruins and outstanding value that consistently beats comparable destinations in Greece or Spain.
From the sophisticated city of Antalya to the boutique hilltop town of Kalkan, from the golf resorts of Belek to the iconic Blue Lagoon at Olu Deniz, Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays suit every type of traveller and every budget.
The two main gateways are Antalya Airport (AYT) for the eastern resorts and Dalaman Airport (DLM) for the western Turquoise Coast. Both airports have direct flights from UK airports throughout the summer season.
Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays deliver more sunshine hours, more ancient history and better value for money than almost any comparable coastline in Europe.
The sea reaches 28°C in August and stays warm well into October. The beach season runs from late April to early November — considerably longer than Greece, Spain or Croatia.
Ancient ruins are everywhere. Aspendos has the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. Side has temples right on the seafront. Phaselis sits directly at the water’s edge inside a pine forest. Every Turkish Mediterranean Coast resort has a major ruin within easy reach.
Value for money is consistently strong. Package holidays on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast compare favourably with Greek islands, offering similar quality at noticeably lower prices for flights, hotels and food.
The variety of resorts is remarkable. You can choose a lively all-inclusive complex at Lara Beach, a boutique rooftop-terrace retreat in Kalkan, a golf-focused luxury resort in Belek, or a family beach hotel in Kemer — all within the same coastline.
Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays benefit from one of the most reliable climates in Europe. The coast receives over 300 days of sunshine per year across most resorts.
May and June are excellent months for Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays. Temperatures are warm (25–30°C), the sea is swimmable from mid-May, and the resorts are less crowded than peak summer.
July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Temperatures regularly reach 38°C inland, though sea breezes keep the beach areas more comfortable. All hotels, restaurants and attractions are in full operation.
September and October are the best months for couples, older travellers and those who prefer quieter beaches. The sea is at its warmest in September (26–27°C) and temperatures remain comfortable well into October.
November to April is the off-season. Many smaller hotels close, though Antalya remains mild and active year-round as a city destination. Spring flowers and cool walking temperatures make March and April pleasant for active holidays.
The Turkish Mediterranean Coast divides naturally into two zones, each served by its own airport and offering distinct holiday experiences.
The eastern zone, centred on Antalya, includes Kemer, Lara Beach, Belek and Side. This area suits families, first-time visitors and those who want a classic package holiday with excellent beaches and good nightlife.
The western zone, centred on Dalaman, includes Fethiye, Olu Deniz and Kalkan. This area is generally more boutique, less developed and popular with independent travellers and repeat visitors.
All resorts on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast share the same core strengths: excellent weather, warm clear sea, affordable dining and genuine Turkish hospitality that keeps visitors returning year after year.
Antalya holidays offer a unique combination of city culture and outstanding beaches. The old town of Kaleici contains a beautifully preserved Roman harbour, Hadrian’s Gate and narrow streets lined with boutique hotels and cafes.
Konyaalti Beach stretches 7km west from the city, backed by the dramatic peaks of the Taurus Mountains. Lara Beach, east of the city, is Turkey’s most famous sandy beach strip.
Antalya Airport (AYT) is the main gateway for the entire eastern Turkish Mediterranean Coast, with direct flights from most UK airports in around four hours.
The city also provides easy access to Aspendos, Perge and Termessos — three of Turkey’s most impressive ancient sites — all within 45 minutes by road. The Antalya Museum is one of Turkey’s finest collections of Roman antiquities.
Side holidays combine ancient atmosphere with two excellent sandy beaches. The resort sits on a small peninsula 60km east of Antalya, with beaches on both sides of the headland.
The Temple of Apollo stands dramatically at the tip of the peninsula, its columns silhouetted against the sea at sunset — one of the most photographed views in Turkey and a highlight of any Turkish Mediterranean Coast holiday.
Side suits couples and families who want a beach holiday with genuine cultural interest. The pace is relaxed and the town retains a pleasantly authentic character despite its popularity.
Kemer holidays attract visitors looking for natural beauty alongside a good beach. The resort sits where pine-covered Taurus Mountain slopes meet the turquoise sea, 40km south of Antalya.
The area has five distinct resort zones — Kemer town, Beldibi, Goynuk, Camyuva and Tekirova — each with its own character and beach. The mountain backdrop makes this one of the most visually striking spots on the entire coast.
Nearby, the ancient city of Phaselis sits right at the water’s edge inside a pine forest — one of the most atmospheric ruin sites on the entire Turkish Mediterranean Coast.
Lara Beach holidays are centred on a long, broad sandy beach east of Antalya city, lined with large all-inclusive hotel complexes. Transfers from Antalya Airport take just 15 minutes.
Belek, a short drive further east, is the golf capital of Turkey, with more than ten championship courses. Belek holidays attract golfers, luxury travellers and families who want excellent facilities in a purpose-built resort environment.
Land of Legends theme park near Belek is one of Turkey’s most popular family attractions, making both resorts strong choices for Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays with children.
The western section of the Turkish Mediterranean Coast — served by Dalaman Airport — has a distinctly different character: more boutique, less developed and strikingly beautiful.
Kalkan holidays revolve around whitewashed hilltop streets, rooftop terrace restaurants and upmarket pool villas. The nearby beaches of Kaputas and Patara are among the most stunning on the entire coast.
Fethiye holidays suit those who want an authentic Turkish market town experience alongside good beaches. Fethiye is also the classic starting point for Blue Voyage gulet cruises along the Turquoise Coast.
Olu Deniz holidays are centred on the world-famous Blue Lagoon, one of Turkey’s most photographed natural features. The resort is also the world’s most popular paragliding destination, with launches from Babadag mountain at 1,969 metres.
Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays put you within reach of some of the world’s greatest ancient ruins. This was one of the most heavily settled and prosperous stretches of coastline in the ancient world.
Aspendos (47km east of Antalya) has the best-preserved Roman theatre on Earth. Built in the 2nd century AD for 15,000 spectators, its stage building stands virtually intact and still hosts opera and concert performances.
Perge (18km east of Antalya) is a vast Roman city with a colonnaded street, public baths, an agora and a stadium. The carved marble statuary is now displayed in the Antalya Museum.
Termessos (34km northwest of Antalya) sits at 1,000 metres in the Taurus Mountains — the only city never conquered by Alexander the Great. The views from the theatre are extraordinary.
Phaselis (near Kemer) and the Temple of Apollo at Side are two more unmissable ancient sites that make Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays genuinely enriching beyond the beach.
Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays offer exceptional food at very good value. Fresh fish, wood-fired pide, grilled meats, mezze and Turkish desserts are available everywhere from simple family restaurants to harbour-side dining terraces.
Turkish tea (çay) and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice are available at roadside stalls throughout the coast. Eating like a local is easy and inexpensive — a full meal with drinks typically costs far less than the equivalent in Spain or Greece.
Water sports are well catered for across all Turkish Mediterranean Coast resorts. Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats and pedalos are available on most main beaches. Diving is especially popular from Kemer and Kas, where the clear water offers excellent visibility.
Gulet cruises — traditional wooden sailing boats — are one of the most memorable experiences on the coast. Day trips and week-long Blue Voyage charters depart from Fethiye, Marmaris and Antalya, exploring hidden coves, sea caves and uninhabited islands only accessible by boat.
Practical tips for Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays: carry cash in Turkish Lira for smaller purchases, haggling is normal and expected at markets and souvenir shops, and tipping around 10% is appreciated at restaurants. The Turkish e-Visa must be obtained online before travel — it cannot be bought on arrival.
Two airports serve the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. The right choice depends on which resort you are visiting.
Antalya Airport (AYT) serves the eastern coast — Antalya, Kemer, Lara Beach, Belek and Side. Flight time from UK airports is approximately four hours. Direct flights operate from most major UK airports throughout the summer season.
Dalaman Airport (DLM) serves the western Turquoise Coast — Fethiye, Olu Deniz, Kalkan and Kas. Transfers to Fethiye take around 45 minutes; to Kalkan approximately 75 minutes.
Both airports have good transfer services and car hire facilities. Hiring a car gives excellent flexibility for exploring the ancient sites and coastal roads between resorts.
| Main airports | Antalya (AYT) and Dalaman (DLM) |
| Flight time from UK | Approx 4 hours |
| Time zone | GMT+3 (no daylight saving) |
| Currency | Turkish Lira; euros and pounds accepted in resorts |
| Best months | May–October; July–August hottest and busiest |
| Sea temperature | 22°C June · 28°C August · 25°C September |
| Visa | Turkish e-Visa required — apply online before travel |
| Top resorts | Antalya, Side, Kemer, Lara Beach, Belek, Kalkan, Fethiye, Olu Deniz |
| Top ancient sites | Aspendos, Perge, Termessos, Phaselis, Temple of Apollo |
| Number of resorts | 9 main resorts served by 2 airports |
Search4Sun works with leading UK tour operators to find the best value Turkish Mediterranean Coast holidays. Browse departures from local airports across the UK.
For peace of mind when booking, always check your holiday is ABTA protected. For last-minute Turkish Mediterranean Coast holiday deals, check LastMinute.com for the latest availability and rates.
It depends on your holiday style. Antalya suits city breaks and cultural visits.
Side is best for couples who want ancient atmosphere and good beaches. Kemer offers natural beauty and a relaxed pace.
Lara Beach and Belek are best for all-inclusive luxury. Kalkan is perfect for boutique breaks, while Olu Deniz is unmissable for the Blue Lagoon.
Fly into Antalya (AYT) for the eastern resorts: Antalya, Kemer, Lara Beach, Belek and Side. Fly into Dalaman (DLM) for the western Turquoise Coast: Fethiye, Olu Deniz and Kalkan. Both airports have regular direct flights from UK airports throughout the summer.
Yes, it is one of the best family holiday coastlines in Europe. Lara Beach, Kemer and Side have excellent family-friendly hotels with shallow calm water. Belek has Land of Legends theme park and waterparks. The warm, flat sea at Olu Deniz lagoon is perfect for young children.
May, June and September offer warm weather, quieter beaches and slightly lower prices than peak season. July and August are the hottest and busiest months with temperatures regularly reaching 38°C. October is still warm enough for swimming and is very popular with couples and older travellers.
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