Comparisons
Turkey holidays from the UK: Antalya, Dalaman or Bodrum?
Which coast to choose, when to go, and what to know about all-inclusives, money and the heat.
By Traveljin Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read
Quick answer
- Antalya suits big all-inclusive resorts and families; Dalaman is the gateway to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Dalyan's lagoons; Bodrum is the most stylish, with beach clubs and marinas.
- May, June, September and October are the most comfortable months. July and August often reach the mid 30s°C.
- The sea stays warm into October, making Turkey one of the best late-season sun destinations within about four hours of London.
| Flight from London | About 4 hours (Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum) |
|---|---|
| Best months | May–June, September–October |
| Hottest | July–August |
| Time difference | 2 hours ahead in British summer, 3 in winter |
| Currency | Turkish lira |
Antalya and the Turkish Riviera
Antalya airport serves the biggest concentration of resorts: Lara for large all-inclusives close to the city, Belek for golf, Side for its Roman ruins and sandy beaches, and Kemer for a mountain backdrop and pebbly bays.
Further west, Kaş and Kalkan are smaller towns with cliffside hotels, boat trips to the sunken city at Kekova and excellent snorkelling.
Dalaman: Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Dalyan
Dalaman airport is close to some of Turkey's most beautiful coast. Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon is famous, and paragliders launch from Babadağ mountain above it. Fethiye has boat trips around the Twelve Islands, and Göcek is a base for yachting.
Dalyan is a riverside town with rock tombs, mud baths and boats to İztuzu beach, where loggerhead turtles nest. The beach closes at night in the nesting season to protect them.
Bodrum and Marmaris
Bodrum, reached through Milas-Bodrum airport, has a castle, a lively harbour, beach clubs and boutique hotels around the peninsula's bays. Marmaris, about 90 minutes from Dalaman, is a busy resort with a big marina and boat trips into the surrounding pine-covered coves.
Practical tips
- Entry requirements: check the FCDO's Turkey travel advice on GOV.UK before you book.
- Money: the Turkish lira is the currency, but many tourist businesses quote prices in euros or pounds. Cards are widely accepted; pay in lira when a card machine asks.
- All-inclusive: Turkey's large resorts often offer strong value, especially in June and September.
- Heat: in July and August, plan excursions for the morning and choose hotels with good shade.
- Add-on: Cappadocia, with its hot-air balloons and cave hotels, is a short domestic flight away.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of Turkey is best for a family holiday?
The Antalya area, especially Lara, Belek and Side, has the most family all-inclusive resorts and sandy beaches. Fethiye and Ölüdeniz suit active families who want boat trips and scenery.
When is the best time to go to Turkey?
May to June and September to October: warm sea, sunshine and more comfortable temperatures than in July and August.
How long is the flight to Turkey from the UK?
About four hours from London to Antalya, Dalaman or Bodrum.
