The resorts of Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea are among the most popular with Russians. These are often recommended by tourist agencies. Pleasant climate, developed infrastructure, hotels for every taste, ancient attractions – in short, a vacation spent here will bring only positive emotions. However, each resort has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are better to know in advance.
Antalya
Which Russian hasn’t heard of this incredibly popular resort? It is located 16 km from the airport and boasts well-developed infrastructure. Here, you will find excellent pebble and sandy beaches, many of which have the prestigious “Blue Flag” award. Antalya is suitable for everyone – families with small children, parents with teenagers, young people, and the elderly.
The main thing is to carefully choose a hotel from the many available options. The most active life happens in the hotels. In Antalya, you won’t be bored. There are water parks and attractions, shows and other entertainment programs, children’s clubs, excursions. Hotels always take care of the little ones – special menus, suitable furniture, playgrounds, shallow pools, animators, and nannies. The sea is also perfect for kids – they can splash around in the extensive shallow waters.
For young people, there are bars and nightclubs, hiking trips, and extreme entertainment options with peers.
Recommended:
- Rixos Downtown 5* – total area of 42,462 sq.m., 300 meters to Konyaalti beach, animation, heated pool, outdoor pool of 153 sq.m., Rixy Kids Club (drawing courses, educational and sports events), 24/7 all-inclusive concept.
- Limak Lara De Luxe Hotel & Resort 5* – located on Lara-Kundu beach, sandy entry into the sea, total area of 50,000 sq.m., water park, several pools, entertainment program, children’s club.
- Lara Barut Collection 5* – first coastline, total area of 110,000 sq.m., animation, 24/7 ultra all-inclusive system, 6 pools, 8 restaurants and a confectionery, 5 bars.
Belek
A very popular and expensive resort, as most hotels here are 5-star. There aren’t many young people. Primarily, families with children and respectable tourists, golf enthusiasts – the courses here are top-notch. Europeans appreciate it the most. However, it is unlikely to save money in Belek. Some tourists choose this place to showcase their social status. In winter, football teams come here for training. It’s easy to get here, just a half-hour drive from Antalya airport.
The beaches are sandy, which families with small children prefer. Another plus is that the depth increases very gradually. The area is green, with many gardens and parks, making it easy to breathe even in hot months. Parents with children will be comfortable. Every hotel provides suitable dietary options, cribs, high chairs, and other necessary furniture for children. Restaurants are set up so that milk or baby formula can be prepared 24/7.
There are playgrounds, kids’ rooms, clubs, and animation. The rest is especially beneficial for sick and weak children. Pines and eucalyptus trees grow here, making the air truly healing. Popular activities include rafting, visiting a nature reserve, and the water park.
Recommended:
- Alva Donna Exclusive 5* – first line, VIP pavilions on the beach, sports and entertainment events, mini-club for children, 4 outdoor pools (2 heated) and 2 children’s pools.
- Rixos Premium Belek 5* – total area of 405,000 sq.m., RIXY kids club, guests can visit “The Land Of Legends” theme park for free, pool with slides.
- Bellis Deluxe 5* – main building and complex of bungalows and villas, amusement park with a total area of 3,000 sq.m., entertainment shows, disco, large team of animators.
Side
An ancient city founded in the 7th century BC, now a popular Turkish resort with many attractions. It is best to come here in June or September when it is not too hot, although the season lasts from May to October. There are two large beaches, with hotels mainly located on the western one, and ancient ruins on the eastern one. The easiest way to get to Side is by flying to Antalya airport.
Side is a great place for shopping enthusiasts. Here you can buy traditional Turkish sweets, clothes, shoes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Prices are initially high, so you need to bargain. You can pay in the local currency, euros, or dollars. There are many European tourists, so food is quite expensive.
But the food is delicious – especially seafood dishes. To save on food, it is better to eat in suburban cafes. Be sure to visit the ancient city located in Side. It is very picturesque. The Temple of Apollo is particularly impressive.
Recommended:
- Alva Donna Beach Resort Comfort 5* – first coastline, mini-club for children 4-12 years old, 3 outdoor pools, seawater pool in SPA, water slides.
- Barut Hemera 5* – total area of 55,000 sq.m., great place for family vacations, 3 outdoor pools, water slides, mini-club for children, animation.
- Seven Seas Hotel Blue 5* – private beach with Blue Flag, bungalow complex, water park, 5 restaurants, and 8 bars.
Kemer
One of the best resorts in Turkey, suitable for absolutely everyone. Families with very young children, elderly people who do not handle heat well, and young people seeking active recreation can all come here. The climate is very comfortable. There are many green spaces, sea breezes, mountains – in short, even in the hottest months, it is easy to breathe here.
The beaches are mostly pebbly, with some imported sand. The bottom is also rocky, making the water very clear. The local residents are very diligent about keeping the beaches clean, which is why there are so many Blue Flags. The season lasts from May to October. You can stay in Kemer itself – the best option for young people, as there is always somewhere to go in the evening – discos, nightclubs.
Or you can choose one of the many villages that belong to the city and enjoy the peace and quiet. The hotels here are quite comfortable. There are many pine, fir, and citrus trees. The air here is simply incomparable.
Recommended:
- Rox Royal 5* – total area of 45,000 sq.m., outdoor and indoor pools, water slides, private beach 150 m away, children’s pool, and mini-club.
- Limak Limra & Resort 5* – ultra all-inclusive, evening show programs, 4 outdoor pools, 6 water slides, children’s animation in Russian.
- Akka Antedon 5* – located at the foot of the Beydağları mountains, animation team, premium ultra all-inclusive system, 7 water slides, 2 outdoor freshwater pools.
Göynük
Located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. It was here that representatives of the Lycian civilization settled in ancient times. Warm and mild climate, turquoise sea, which warms up to +27°C in July, numerous attractions – all this makes Göynük very attractive for tourists. The hotels here are for every taste. You can stay in a 5-star hotel and not worry about anything during your vacation, as such hotels are miniature cities with everything you need.
Or you can save money by choosing a modest guesthouse – everything will be homely, you will get to know real Turkish cuisine, feel the friendly atmosphere of local families, and save money. What to do in your free time? You can go to the national park, go on a horse excursion, jeep safari, explore local caves and grottos, and admire the canyons. The nature here is very picturesque! There are plenty of shops where you can buy things, souvenirs, and food. You will also remember a picnic in a pomegranate grove.
Recommended:
- Seven Seas Hotel Life – Kids Concept Göynük – various entertainment activities, 9.1 rating based on 95 reviews, booked 6 times today.
- Mirage Park Resort Göynük – surrounded by Taurus Mountains, pines, and orange groves, 8.5 rating based on 170 reviews, booked 7 times today.
Kiris
Located next to Kemer, it is most convenient to get here from Antalya airport. The drive will take 1-1.5 hours. It is best to come at the beginning of September – families with children will have already left, and the small village will be calm and quiet. The gentle, very clean sea, inexpensive hotels, and plenty of fruit – all this is Kiris. By the end of September, it may rain, and the sea after storms may seem cold.
On the way from the airport to Kiris, you will see many palm trees, although they are all imported. You can enjoy the enchanting views of the Mediterranean Sea. The atmosphere is completely different from Kemer. If Kemer is filled with noise and fun, with many lively discos and nightclubs, Kiris is quiet and peaceful. However, much depends on the hotel you stay in. In those hotels that Russian tourists have long loved, “Vladimirsky Central” and other soulful songs will play until morning.
Recommended:
- Limak Limra Hotel – Kids Concept Kiris – located on the seashore, 8.3 rating based on 168 reviews, booked 6 times today.
- Queens Park Le Jardin Kiris – located next to the shoreline, 7.9 rating based on 57 reviews, booked 7 times today.
- Akka Alinda Hotel Kiris – located on the seashore in Kiris Bay, 8.2 rating based on 45 reviews, booked 8 times today.
Avsallar
Another small and very cozy village. It was founded in the mid-19th century, and since then people have been coming here to relax and swim in the Mediterranean Sea. It is suitable for both young companies and families with children. This place has great tourist potential, and prices are still low.
The nature here is very beautiful, the sea water heats up quickly and cools down only by the end of October. And since the village is located in a bay, storms will not interfere with your vacation, and there are rarely big waves. Most beaches are sandy-pebble, with a gentle entrance into the sea, perfect for children. Although the resort is small, there are plenty of shops.
You can buy exotic souvenirs, clothes ranging from swimsuits and T-shirts to jackets and cardigans. There is a dolphinarium and a water park. You can visit Cleopatra Island and Turtle Island. The Olive Cave and waterfalls also attract tourists.
Recommended:
- Lonicera Resort & Spa Hotel Avsallar – located on the famous Incekum beach in Fugla Bay, 8.4 rating based on 136 reviews, booked 7 times today.
- Azura Deluxe Resort & Spa Avsallar – outdoor pool with water park and large spa center, 8.7 rating based on 75 reviews, booked 6 times today.
- Gold Island Hotel Avsallar – located on a peninsula and surrounded by its private beach, 8.1 rating based on 107 reviews, booked 6 times today.
Konakli
This is a quiet place where even at the height of the season there are not many tourists. The nightlife here also does not thrive. However, the beach is wonderful, stretching for almost 6 km. Therefore, the hotels here are usually located right by the water. The beaches are mostly pebbly, with a few sandy ones. The rocky scenery is very picturesque. Tourists are advised to purchase special shoes for entering the sea.
The resort itself is small, green, and tidy. Cozy streets, many cafes, shops, and stores will delight tourists. There are few large shopping centers, the most popular being “Mega Mall,” where you can buy everything from clothes to spices. You can ride a scooter or yacht, go diving, and take excursions.
Recommended:
- Haydarpasha Palace Hotel 5* – private beach, 8.3 rating based on 95 reviews, booked 8 times today.
- Hotel Titan Select Konakli – 250 meters from its private sandy-pebble beach, 7.7 rating based on 17 reviews, booked 7 times today.
Alanya
One of the most popular resorts in the country. It is located between the sea and the Taurus Mountains. Rocky hills, forests with coniferous and deciduous trees make the area very picturesque. The summer here is hot and dry, and you can swim as early as May when the sea temperature reaches +23°C, and in August it rises to +28°C. Here are the famous sandy beaches, awarded Blue Flags, which brought fame to Turkey as a resort.
The coastline is very long – about 100 km. The beaches are divided into western and eastern. These lands have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, so there are many various attractions. Besides, there are excellent shopping opportunities – you can buy jewelry, leather goods, carpets, sweets, clothes, and shoes. If you shop in private stores, you need to bargain. The price is initially doubled.
Mahmutlar
A resort with many advantages, but it is designed for unpretentious tourists. The beaches are not the best, with many large stones or slabs on the shore. There can also be strong waves. There are about 25,000 local residents, and in the summer, the number of tourists triples. A lot of new housing is being built, and if you want to buy an apartment in Turkey, Mahmutlar is a great choice. Housing here is inexpensive, the place is picturesque, and there is a Russian diaspora. There is a market where you can buy everything from food to souvenirs.
It is best to come in the evening when prices drop significantly, as traders are eager to sell their goods. Nearby are ancient cities where you can admire temples and caravanserais. Excursions are regularly organized here. Tourists will also enjoy exploring caves with stalactites along the Dim River, and the delicious trout that can be caught in the river is prepared in numerous cafes. This place also has a beautiful park with fountains and many shops.
Oludeniz
This is where the Turks themselves love to relax, coming here on vacation or just for the weekend. There are also many guests from Europe, while Russians are only beginning to explore Oludeniz. It is located at the border of two seas – the Mediterranean and the Aegean, offering the benefits of both. The water here is bright turquoise, and the beaches are sandy with a beautiful light shade. Photos turn out very beautiful.
If your tour does not include an all-inclusive system, you can explore the wonderful atmospheric cafes of Oludeniz. Keep in mind that the portions here are very large, so it is better to share one between two people. Popular activities include beach sports, paragliding with an instructor (even children are allowed), and boat rides on the Blue Lagoon, diving. The famous Lycian Trail also passes here, which you can explore on your own.
Recommended:
- Liberty Hotels Lykia 5* – first coastline, “Children’s Paradise” water park area (slides, water park, pools, snacks), dance lessons, 5 a la carte restaurants, and 7 bars.
- Suncity Hotel & Beach Club 4* – total area of 20,000 sq.m., private sandy beach (free transfer 5 times a day), 2 outdoor and 1 indoor pool.
Dalaman
A young resort also located between the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. It is famous for its nature. Here grow groves of orange trees, there are ruins of ancient buildings, and there is also a railway station where no trains run. In the 19th century, the King of Egypt decided to build a hunting lodge and extend rails to it. As a result, the lodge was built in Egypt, but the station was somehow built in Dalaman. No one ever used it. It is very green here, and the water has a pleasant turquoise color.
About 30,000 residents live in Dalaman, but hundreds of thousands of tourists come here. There is a wonderful sandy beach awarded the Blue Flag. Its length is about 7 km, and the sea is shallow. But even more interesting is the nearby Iztuzu Beach. Here, turtles lay their eggs. You can see little turtles making their way to the water. The Turtle Beach is about 5 km long, with crystal clear water and sand. The best way to get here is by taxi.
Recommended:
- Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa Dalaman – located in a beautiful place, on a private sandy beach by the Dalaman River, 9.1 rating based on 145 reviews, booked 6 times today.
- Robinson Club Sarigerme Park Dalaman – located on Sarigerme beach, 9.2 rating based on 36 reviews, booked 6 times today.
Which to Choose for a Vacation with Children
It is good to go to Alanya with little tourists. You just need to carefully choose a hotel and prefer one with its own sandy beach. Teenagers will not be bored here either. The entertainment infrastructure is at a high level. There is a dolphinarium, amusement park, many ancient attractions, including fortresses, and a national park. Antalya and the nearby Lara are also worth considering.
Both places are famous for their wonderful family hotels, where parents and children of any age will be incredibly comfortable. Kemer and its surrounding villages are also an excellent choice. Due to the abundance of pine forests, the climate here is truly healing. If the children are very young, it is better to choose one of the quiet resort villages nearby, where there is accommodation for any budget. Teenagers and their parents will enjoy Kemer itself – a beautiful city with many entertainment and excursions. Wealthy tourists can be recommended Belek.
Which to Choose for Youth Recreation
The most popular place for young people is Alanya. There are many budget hotels here, and the prices in cafes, shops, and restaurants are also pleasing. The town is quite far from the airport, so tourists are attracted here by low prices. Konakli and Mahmutlar are also good places for young people. There is a wide selection of affordable housing, and renting a room in a hotel for 10 Euro a day (converted to local currency) is quite possible.
For a day in a 5-star hotel, you will have to pay 50 Euro. There is also a vibrant nightlife in clubs and bars, many discos and other entertainment centers. Visiting the water park is also inexpensive. On the beach, you can ride jet skis and “bananas”. In Kemer, there are many discos and interesting animation programs. Many hotels are designed specifically for young people.
The food here is delicious, and you can try any dishes: Turkish, European, Asian, vegetarian. Entertainment centers are located in the city center. Nightclubs Inferno and Aura Club are famous beyond Turkey. Foam parties, bars, celebrity concerts – it’s never boring here. Even if you come without your company, you will find new friends here.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Mediterranean resorts of Turkey is in June and September. May can be hit or miss. Of course, nature in May is very beautiful, with many trees and shrubs in bloom. However, there can be temperature fluctuations, and the sea might feel too cold. July and August may be too hot for residents of temperate zones in Russia. Of course, the sea will be warm, reaching +27-28°C, but the scorching heat is not for everyone.
These months are suitable for resilient young people. In October, the season ends, and in the second half of the month, swimming may become uncomfortable. However, June and September are ideal – the sea is warm at +26°C, and there isn’t oppressive heat, allowing you to enjoy both beach relaxation and excursions. Europeans have long appreciated the resorts of Turkey, with many returning year after year to spend their holidays here.