The best beach hotels in Turkey for the half of May

All hotels have been independently assessed and selected. We earn a commission if you book through the links below, but this never influences our rating.

Our expert writers are usually hosted for free to gain the first-hand experience necessary for their review.

Turkey’s beautiful turquoise coast stretches south and east, from chic Aegean Bodrum to the beachside Mediterranean resorts of Antalya and Alanya, and has something for everyone. Think secluded bays only accessible by boat, vast beaches of white sand where loggerhead turtles clamber ashore to lay their eggs, and rocky headlands marching down into a sea of ​​the deepest turquoise imaginable.

Behind this beautiful coast, dense pine forests cover the lower slopes of high limestone peaks, snow-capped from November to May, and the strikingly beautiful ruins of ancient cultures – Lycian, Greek and Roman – litter the landscape in the form of rock-cut tombs. , theaters with steep levels and fallen columns. Whether it’s lounging in the pool and swimming in the sea, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, exploring remote ancient sites or a round of golf, this beautiful south-west corner is tailor-made for the perfect beach holiday, so here’s our pick of the very best beach hotels in Turkey.


At a glance the best beach hotels on the turquoise coast of Turkey


How we assess

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

Set around its own private bay on the northern shore of a rugged peninsula jutting out from Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast, it’s hard to imagine a more relaxing yet sophisticated and exclusive retreat than the Mandarin Oriental. Apart from the passing of the occasional yacht or cruiser belonging to the wealthy Turkish elite, who have turned Bodrum and its environs into their own French Riviera, once you enter the resort grounds there is nothing to delight you about the outside world remembers. Daytime activities revolve around the two beaches and their crystal clear waters, or relax at an elegant pool complex. Otherwise, you can pamper yourself in the fantastic spa.

• The best hotels on the turquoise coast

Olympos Lodge occupies a prime location at the southern end of Çıralı Beach, an unspoilt gem on Turkey’s spectacularly beautiful turquoise coast. The beach, surrounded by pine-clad mountain peaks, surrounded by limestone ridges and close to a crystal clear river, is protected from development as it is a known nesting site for turtles. The hotel itself consists of a number of luxurious bungalows set in lush, almost subtropical grounds. Run by the same family for over thirty years, it is a cozy place with a palm-leaf covered bar where you can enjoy the sun and an after-dinner drink, hammocks strung between the trees for shade during the day. dozing, and a duck pond.

• The best hotels in Turkey

Isolated and serene, D-Maris Bay sits in a beautiful bay surrounded by row upon row of lush mountain peaks on the undeveloped and protected Datça Peninsula, accessed by a five-kilometer-long, densely forested avenue. This fantastic setting, excellent food and extensive facilities make it one of the best, if not the best, luxury beach resorts in Turkey. The sea view rooms overlook a cove surrounded by jagged hills of volcanic rock and hills full of almond and olive trees, while five white sandy beaches, a water ski school, indoor and outdoor pools and a huge spa mean you’re unlikely to miss anything here. come. stuck to do something.

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Reachable only by boat, Yazz Collective’s stylish, low-lying guesthouses peek unobtrusively from an enveloping canopy, a little green oasis tucked into the embrace of high limestone cliffs fronted by a white-sand beach lapped by crystal-clear waters. Yazz carries its chic exclusivity lightly: the five-star beachfront restaurant is deceptively casual, the grounds beautifully kept but resolutely ill-mannered, the service attentive rather than obsequious. The outside world simply melts away in Yazz’s private cove, a world unto itself where days revolve around lounging on the beach, peaceful swimming and paddle boarding, reading and quiet contemplation; evenings dedicated to tasting the Collective’s signature cocktails and signature seafood dinners.

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Another resort only accessible by boat, on the beautiful, sleepy Bozburun Peninsula, Sabrina’s Haus is an exquisite retreat for adults looking for a beach holiday in the tranquil part of the Turkish Mediterranean. Connected by travertine marble paths, the eight thatched villas and pergolas are set in gardens filled with swaying palm, banana and fig trees at the foot of a steep hill. It’s impossible to be romantic without being cheesy: dinner à deux on floating pontoons, oil lamps placed outside your room at dusk, tables right on the sea. The hotel does not have a large swimming pool, but there are plenty of terraces with sun loungers and parasols, right on the sea, and water sports equipment.

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Small, friendly, extremely stylish and excellently run, this boutique hotel near the lively seaside town of Kalkan is the ideal place for a relaxing romantic break or as a base for exploring Lycia’s beautiful ancient sites, beautifully rugged coastline and mountainous hinterland. On site, the hotel’s sleek, low-rise buildings harmonize perfectly with the lush, landscaped and terraced grounds that slope steeply into the sea, and the infinity pool is stunning with its fantastic views. But the beach club, with its restaurant, olive tree-shaded natural stone terraces, sun loungers and easy access to the crystal clear waters of the bay, is the biggest asset – especially as various water sports are on offer.

• The best boutique hotels on the Turquoise Coast

On secluded Kalemya Bay, with its clear blue waters and densely forested hills, The Hillside Beach Club is a large, cheerful resort with all the trappings of a small town and extensive facilities for families and couples. Several chalet blocks are cut into the hills and slope towards the bay, with restaurants and other facilities on the ground floor. Here you will find three sandy beaches (two of which are for adults only); three restaurants and eight bars; a nature trail and a shuttle boat service to the various beaches. Regular fitness classes and wellness programs are catered for active guests, as are diving and sailing lessons, plus a mini football pitch. It’s also incredibly welcoming to families.

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The EDITION of the Turquoise Coast tumbles in layers along one side of the Bodrum Peninsula, punctuated by olive groves, terraces dotted with hammocks, lawns with pools and steps leading to the nightclub, restaurants, pool deck, spa and, below, the grinning crescent moon of white sand (actually made of crushed marble). The Aegean Sea, which runs the spectrum from aquamarine in the shallows to lapis lazuli in the deeper reaches, can be accessed directly from the hotel’s private beach, which has a cabana-strewn jetty. The rooms are subdued with a muted color palette and most with views of the blue, but upgrade to a suite for a kitchen and private plunge pool.

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Situated on a hill and surrounded by olive, pomegranate, walnut and fig trees, the viewpoint, unsurprisingly, has stunning views of the sandy curve of Patara beach and the sea beyond. In keeping with the peaceful, rural location, the emphasis is on a simple yet refined, rustic charm. There is a shaded terrace in traditional Turkish style, with low cushions where you can relax, read or chat with other guests, a beautifully landscaped pool area and a comfortable reception room, complete with its own mini library. Breakfast is a la Turca, which means an abundance of delicious cheeses, olives, fresh bread, homemade jams, yogurt, baked fruit and eggs. Each bedroom has a lovely little balcony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best beaches in Turkey?

With a coastline bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, Marmara and the Black Sea, Turkey is blessed with countless beautiful beaches. Highlights include Alacati, Ayayorgi Bay, Cleopatra, Gumusluk, Guzelcehisar, Iztuzu, Kas, Kaputas, Kabak, Lara, Ovabuku and Patara.

What is the largest coastal city in Turkey?

Marmaris on the Mediterranean is Turkey’s largest coastal town, with a choice of beaches and numerous restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. The old town is set around a hilltop castle, which overlooks an attractive harbour. Activities include boat trips, water parks and inland excursions.

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

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