Turkey Holidays
Turkey is GotoBeach’s most important destination — and the one our team knows most deeply. From the championship golf resorts of Belek to the turquoise coves of Bodrum, the family beaches of Side to the clifftop restaurants of Antalya, we have been visiting, inspecting and selling Turkey for decades. This is not a destination we sell from a brochure. It is one we know from the inside.
Turkey has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for UK travellers for straightforward reasons: long, reliable summers, exceptional all inclusive hotels at competitive prices, and a coastline that stretches from the Aegean to the eastern Mediterranean with enough variety to suit almost every type of holiday. Within a four-hour flight of the UK, it is genuinely difficult to match what Turkey offers — particularly for families, golfers and guests who want a five-star all inclusive experience without paying five-star European prices.
Outstanding all inclusive value
Turkey’s ultra all inclusive hotels offer multiple à la carte restaurants, premium drinks, water sports, entertainment and full beach service at price points that comparable hotels in Greece or Spain cannot approach. The value-for-quality ratio here is genuinely exceptional.
Reliable sunshine
From May through to October, Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coast offers some of the most reliable summer weather in Europe. July and August regularly reach 35°C on the Antalya coast. May, June and September offer warm, comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds and better prices.
The finest golf in the Mediterranean
Belek is Europe’s premier golf resort destination. Over twenty championship courses sit within a short drive of each other, including the 45-hole Gloria Golf Club complex and Regnum Carya — regularly ranked among the finest courses in the Mediterranean. For golfing holidays from the UK, Belek has no serious rival.
Land of Legends — the best theme park in the region
Located in Belek, Land of Legends has become one of the primary reasons UK families choose Turkey over Spain or Greece. A full waterpark, roller coasters, shopping, restaurants and evening entertainment — all within easy reach of Belek’s all inclusive hotels. Thomas visited with his family in May 2026 and rates it highly for families with children of all ages.
Direct flights from across the UK
Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman airports are served by direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds Bradford and many other regional UK airports. Flight times to Antalya are typically three to four hours. Most major airlines including TUI, Jet2, easyJet and SunExpress operate routes throughout the summer season.
Something for every type of traveller
Families with young children, couples seeking luxury, golfers, divers, history enthusiasts, food lovers — Turkey accommodates all of them. Belek for families and golfers, Bodrum for boutique luxury, Marmaris for nightlife, Fethiye for natural beauty, Kusadasi for history. The range of experiences available within a single country is remarkable.
“Turkey is the destination I inspect more than any other — and after all these years, it continues to surprise me. The quality gap between what you get in a top Belek all inclusive and what you pay for it compared with equivalent hotels in Spain or Greece is still significant. For families especially, Turkey represents exceptional value. The food standards at the best properties here are genuinely outstanding.”
Thomas — GotoBeach Product Manager, 28 years in travelTurkey’s holiday coast stretches over 1,500 kilometres and encompasses a wide range of resort areas, each with its own character. Here is our honest assessment of the main areas we cover — and who each one suits best.
Belek
Turkey’s premier resort for families and golfers. Luxury all inclusive hotels in a pine forest setting, championship golf courses and easy access to Land of Legends theme park. Thomas’s first recommendation for first-time Turkey visitors.
Lara
Long sandy beach, large ultra all inclusive resorts and a lively atmosphere. Very family-friendly. Closest resort area to Antalya city — good for guests who want easy access to the city alongside a beach holiday.
Side
Excellent beaches, a charming old town with Roman ruins and a wide range of hotel options from mid-range to luxury. A good choice for guests who want a blend of beach holiday and cultural interest.
Kemer
Set between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean, Kemer has some of Turkey’s most dramatic scenery. The water is particularly clear here. Suits guests who want beautiful natural surroundings alongside their beach holiday.
Bodrum
Turkey’s most cosmopolitan resort — boutique hotels, a lively marina, excellent restaurants and the finest nightlife on the Aegean coast. Suits couples and adult groups rather than young families.
Marmaris
A large resort with a long sandy beach, a bustling town centre and excellent water sports. Very popular with British holidaymakers. Suits families and groups who want a lively atmosphere with good beach access.
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Home to the famous Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz — one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches. The surrounding landscape is extraordinary. A more relaxed alternative to the larger resort areas.
Kusadasi
On the Aegean coast, close to the ancient ruins of Ephesus — one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Suits guests who want to combine beach holiday with genuine historical interest.
Alanya
One of Turkey’s longest sandy beaches, dominated by the dramatic Alanya Castle on its clifftop promontory. A lively, family-friendly resort with a good range of all inclusive hotels at competitive prices.
Our Turkey blog guides are written by Thomas and Raşit from direct, first-hand experience. No AI-generated content, no copied brochure text — just honest, detailed advice from people who know Turkey properly.
Thomas’s complete guide to Turkey’s nine main resort areas — who each one suits, what to expect and how to choose.
Thomas visited Land of Legends with his family in May 2026. His honest guide to the six closest hotels — including shuttle availability and entry costs.
Verde, Golf and Serenity compared honestly. Thomas’s assessment of Özaltın Holding’s three-resort campus — including the Food Court steakhouse and the chocolate bar.
One of Belek’s most celebrated luxury properties, reviewed honestly — including the pine forest setting, the golf access and the all inclusive food quality.
Raşit’s personal guide to the ten best fish restaurants in Antalya — written by someone who has lived and worked here for 30 years.
What to do in Belek when you are not on the golf course or in the pool — beaches, restaurants, day trips and local experiences.
Visa — important
UK passport holders must obtain a Turkish e-Visa before travelling. Apply at evisa.gov.tr. Entry will be refused without one. Do not leave this until the day of travel.
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY). Most resorts accept euros and pounds at hotels and tourist restaurants. ATMs are widely available. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
Best time to go
May, June and September offer the best combination of warm weather, lower prices and fewer crowds. July and August are peak season — hottest, busiest and most expensive. October is still warm and represents excellent value.
Flight time from UK
Approximately 3.5–4.5 hours from London to Antalya. Bodrum and Dalaman are similar. Direct flights operate from most major UK airports throughout the summer season.
Is Turkey safe for UK holidaymakers in 2026?
Turkey’s main resort areas — Antalya, Belek, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kusadasi — have well-established tourist infrastructure and are visited by millions of UK travellers each year without incident. As with any destination, we recommend checking the UK Government’s foreign travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey before booking and before travelling.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
Yes. UK passport holders must obtain a Turkish e-Visa before travel. Applications are made online at evisa.gov.tr. The process takes approximately 10 minutes. Entry will be refused if you arrive without a valid e-Visa — do not leave this until the day of departure. Current visa fees are shown on the official portal.
What is ultra all inclusive in Turkey?
Ultra all inclusive (sometimes called UAI) is Turkey’s premium all inclusive board basis. It typically covers all meals at the main buffet restaurant, multiple à la carte restaurants (included, not charged as extras), premium branded drinks throughout the day and evening, snacks and ice cream between meals, water sports equipment (non-motorised), daytime activities and evening entertainment. The exact inclusions vary by hotel — GotoBeach can confirm what is included in the specific property you are considering.
Which is the best resort in Turkey for families?
Belek is Thomas’s first recommendation for families visiting Turkey. The combination of large, well-equipped all inclusive resorts, proximity to Land of Legends theme park, calm sandy beaches and excellent children’s clubs makes it the most complete family holiday offer in Turkey. Side and Lara are also very strong family destinations. For families specifically looking to visit Land of Legends, see our guide to the closest hotels.
Which is the best resort in Turkey for golf?
Belek is Europe’s premier golf destination and the answer for any golfer visiting Turkey. Over twenty championship courses operate in and around Belek, including the 45-hole Gloria Golf Club complex, Regnum Carya, Cornelia Diamond and Kaya Palazzo’s own course. For a detailed guide to golf in Belek, see our Gloria Hotels guide and our Kaya Palazzo review.
What deposit do I need to book a Turkey holiday with GotoBeach?
For Turkey holidays, GotoBeach requires a deposit of just £30 per person to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure. Every Turkey package holiday booked through GotoBeach is ATOL-protected under licence #11211 held by Caria Holidays Ltd.
What is the best time of year to visit Turkey?
May, June and September are the months Thomas recommends most often — reliably warm (26–32°C), less crowded than peak season and considerably better priced than July and August. July and August are the hottest months (32–38°C on the Antalya coast) and peak family season — book well in advance. October is still warm and excellent value. For golfers, April, May, October and November offer the most comfortable playing conditions.
How do I get from Antalya Airport to Belek?
Belek is approximately 35 kilometres east of Antalya International Airport (AYT). The transfer takes approximately 30–35 minutes under normal traffic conditions. GotoBeach includes return airport transfers as part of all Turkey package bookings — your transfer will be arranged and confirmed as part of your booking.
Browse our full Turkey hotel collection — Belek, Lara, Side, Kemer, Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, Kusadasi and Alanya. ATOL-protected packages from £30pp deposit.
All Turkey holidays booked through GotoBeach are ATOL-protected · Caria Holidays Ltd · ATOL #11211 · +44 208 211 00 01 · info@gotobeach.co.uk