Summer holidays in Turkey: A guide to 20 resorts

Turkey continues to be a premier choice for summer holidays, consistently ranking high in popularity among European travelers. The country offers an extensive coastline of over 8,300 kilometers, dotted with 531 beaches awarded the Blue Flag for their quality and environmental standards. Combined with excellent resorts, diverse cuisine, and a wide range of activities including golf and historical exploration, Turkey presents a compelling vacation choice.

Many visitors find themselves returning to Turkey year after year, sometimes to the same resort. For those seeking new experiences or wanting to explore different regions, a guide to Turkey's diverse resorts is invaluable. The Aegean Riviera, for instance, provides a calmer, more European-style atmosphere. Its coastline is more varied, featuring smaller bays and picturesque ports, offering a blend of beach life with evening strolls, dining, and excursions.

This region appeals particularly to active travelers who prefer to explore beyond their resort. They can discover nearby towns, take boat trips between coves, or venture into the mountains and to ancient historical sites. Resorts like Bodrum are known for their all-inclusive offerings, vibrant nightlife, and wellness facilities, making them popular with both domestic and international tourists. Bodrum also boasts historical attractions such as the ancient theater and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.

Further along the coast, Dalaman serves as a gateway to the Aegean Riviera, surrounded by pine forests and mountains. While Dalaman itself has fewer extensive beaches, its mild climate makes it ideal for outdoor pursuits like sailing and paragliding. Didim, situated between Izmir and Bodrum, is renowned for its well-preserved ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, and its golden sandy beaches like Altinkum, which offer clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. The town is lined with numerous restaurants and cafes.