Turkey’s best beach hotels for the May half term

By | April 22, 2024

All hotels were independently reviewed and selected. If you book through the links below we will earn a commission but this never affects our rating.

Our expert writers are often hosted free of charge to gain the first-hand experience they need to review.

Stretching south and east from stylish Bodrum in the Aegean to the Mediterranean seaside resorts of Antalya and Alanya, Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast has something for everyone. Think secluded bays only accessible by boat, great stretches of white sand where loggerhead turtles climb ashore to lay their eggs, and rocky headlands jutting into the deepest turquoise sea imaginable.

Behind this exquisite coast, dense pine forests cover the lower slopes of towering limestone peaks, snow-covered from November to May, and strikingly beautiful ruins of ancient cultures such as Lycian, Greek and Roman dot the landscape in the form of rock tombs. , upright tiered theaters and overturned columns. Whether for lounging in the pool and swimming in the sea, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, exploring remote ancient sites or playing a round or three of golf, this beautiful southwestern corner is tailor-made for the perfect beach holiday; Here’s our pick: Turkey’s best beach hotels.


The best beach hotels on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast at a glance


How do we examine

Every hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are often hosted free of charge. They stay at least one night, test at least one meal, and try other experiences the hotel has to offer.

It’s hard to imagine a more relaxed yet sophisticated and exclusive resort than the Mandarin Oriental, nestled in its own private bay on the northern shores of a rugged peninsula jutting out from Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast. Except for the occasional passage of yachts or cruisers belonging to Turkey’s wealthy elite, who have turned Bodrum and its surroundings into their own French Riviera, there is nothing left to remind you of the outside world when you enter the resort. Daytime activities revolve around the twin beaches and crystal clear waters in front of them, or relaxing next to an elegant pool complex. Otherwise, pamper yourself at the gorgeous spa.

• Best hotels on the Turquoise Coast

Olympos Lodge has a prominent location towards the southern end of Çınodot. The beach is a pristine jewel on Turkey’s spectacularly beautiful Turquoise Coast. Backed by pine-covered peaks, surrounded by limestone ridges and near a clear river, the beach is protected from development as it is a recognized turtle nesting site. The hotel consists of several luxury bungalows set amidst lush, almost subtropical landscapes. Run by the same family for more than three decades, it’s a cozy spot with a palm-frond bar for dinner and after-dinner drinks, hammocks strung between trees for daytime shady snoozing, and a duck pond.

• Turkey’s best hotels

Isolated and tranquil, D-Maris Bay is located in a magnificent bay on the undeveloped and protected Datça Peninsula, surrounded by rows of lushly vegetated peaks, accessed via a 3-mile-long densely forested road. This spectacular setting, along with amazing food and extensive amenities, make this one of the best, if not the best, luxury beach resorts in Turkey. Sea view rooms overlook a bay surrounded by jagged volcanic rock peaks and hillsides dotted with almond and olive trees; Five white sand beaches, a wakeboarding school, indoor and outdoor pools and a large spa mean you’ll probably never visit again. stuck with something to do.

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Accessible only by boat, Yazz Collective’s stylish, low-slung guesthouses peer unobtrusively from the enveloping tree canopy into a tiny green oasis tucked into the lap of towering limestone cliffs fronting a white-sand beach lapped by crystal-clear waters. Yazz plays down his stylish privilege; The five-star quality beach restaurant is deceptively comfortable, the grounds beautifully manicured but decidedly neglected, the service attentive rather than sycophantic. The outside world melts away in Yazz’s private bay; a world unto itself, where days are spent lounging on the beach, gentle swimming and paddle boarding, reading and quiet contemplation; Evenings where Kollektif’s unique cocktails and special seafood dishes are tasted.

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Another resort on the beautiful and tranquil Bozburun Peninsula, accessible only by boat, Sabrina’s Haus is the perfect getaway for adults looking for a beach holiday in the quiet part of the Mediterranean. Eight villas and thatched-roof pergolas are connected by travertine marble paths and set in gardens filled with swaying palm, banana and fig trees at the foot of a steep slope. It’s incredibly romantic without being cheesy: dinner for two on floating pontoons, oil lamps placed outside your room at dusk, tables by the sea. The hotel does not have a main pool, but there are many terraces right next to the sea with sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as water sports equipment.

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Small, friendly, exceptionally stylish and superbly run, this boutique hotel near the vibrant resort of Kalkan is the ideal base for a relaxing romantic break or to explore the magnificent ancient sites, magnificently indented coastline and mountainous hinterland of Lycia. On site, the hotel’s sleek, low-rise buildings blend perfectly with the lush, landscaped and terraced grounds that drop steeply down to the sea, and its infinity pool is spectacular with its spectacular views. However, the beach club, with its restaurant, natural stone terraces shaded by olive trees, sun loungers and easy access to the clear waters of the gulf, is the biggest blessing, especially since it has many water sports opportunities.

• Best boutique hotels on the Turquoise Coast

Located on secluded Kalemya Bay, with its clear blue waters and densely wooded hills, The Hillside Beach Club is a big, cheerful resort with all the operation of a small town and ample amenities for families and couples. Several blocks of chalets slope down towards the hillsides and the bay, with restaurants and other facilities at ground level. Here you’ll find three beaches (two of which are adults-only); three restaurants and eight bars; a nature trail and boat shuttle to different beaches. Regular fitness classes and wellness programs, as well as diving and sailing lessons, as well as a mini football field, are designed for active guests. There is also incredible hospitality from the families.

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Turquoise Coast’s EDITION descends in layers from one side of the Bodrum peninsula; terraces full of olive trees, terraces full of hammocks, lawns with pools and stairs leading down to the nightclub, restaurants, pool terrace, spa and the grin at the bottom. White sand in a crescent shape (actually made from crushed marble). The Aegean Sea, which ranges from aquamarines in the shallows to lapis lazuli in its depths, is directly accessible from the hotel’s private beach, complete with a pier lined with cabanas. Rooms are simple in design with a simple color palette and most have views of the blue, although upgrades to a suite for a kitchen and private plunge pool are available.

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Situated on a hillside and surrounded by olive, pomegranate, walnut and fig trees, Viewpoint unsurprisingly has spectacular views towards the sandy bend of Patara beach and the sea beyond. In keeping with the tranquil rural location, simple yet elegant rustic charm is emphasized. There is a shaded terrace landscaped in traditional Turkish style with low cushions to relax, read a book or chat with other guests, a beautifully landscaped swimming pool area and a cozy reception room complete with its own mini library. Breakfast a la Turca means a breakfast consisting of delicious cheeses, olives, fresh bread, homemade jams, yoghurt, fried fruits and eggs. Each bedroom has a cute little balcony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best beaches in Turkey?

Turkey, which has a coastline that meets the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara and Black Seas, has countless beautiful beaches. Alaçatı, Ayayorgi Bay, Cleopatra, Gümüşlük, Güzelcehisar, İztuzu, Kaş, Kaputaş, Kabak, Lara, Ovabükü and Patara stand out.

What is the largest seaside resort in Turkey?

Marmaris, on the Mediterranean coast, is Turkey’s largest seaside resort with a variety of beaches and numerous restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. The old town is centered on a hilltop castle overlooking an attractive harbour. Activities include boat trips, water parks and inland excursions.

Contributions by Jade Conroy, Rhiannon Edwards, Tina Walsh and Georgina Wilson-Powell

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