Planning a Trip? Discover Turkey’s 10 Best Holiday Destinations

20.08.2025 - 15:27

Turkey is a holiday paradise that attracts millions of local and foreign tourists every year with its natural beauty, historical riches and cultural diversity. Especially in the summer, the deep blue seas of the Aegean and Mediterranean, the lush green highlands of the Black Sea and the mystical geography of Central Anatolia offer unique options for those who want to discover Turkey. We have thoroughly researched the top 10 holiday destinations in Turkey as of 2025. Whether you are looking for a peaceful beach holiday, nature walks, or historical tourism, this list will guide you both during the planning stage and throughout your holiday. So, where to go on holiday in Turkey? Where are the best vacation spots in Turkey? Let's explore together!

1. Bodrum – The Favourite of the Aegean

Bodrum, one of Muğla's most popular holiday resorts, is not only well-known in Turkey but also worldwide. It hosts many celebrities throughout the year. Bodrum's whitewashed houses, narrow streets lined with bougainvillaea, historic castles and museums showcase the city's rich cultural heritage. If you are a history lover, Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archaeology Museum are must-see attractions for you! On the other hand, Bodrum's blue-flag beaches and crystal-clear waters offer ideal settings for holidaymakers seeking water sports and seaside enjoyment. Bodrum is also a destination that appeals to everyone. Both young people and families enjoy Bodrum with its lively nightlife, boutique hotels, luxury restaurants, and cafes around the marina. Bodrum is also quite popular for yacht tourism and stands out with its holiday options that cater to every taste.

2. Kaş – The Blue Heaven of the Mediterranean

The charming town of Kaş in Antalya is a unique destination for both nature and sea lovers. Kaş is particularly chosen by those who enjoy diving and has been attracting diving enthusiasts from all over the world with more than 30 diving spots. Kaş is also a favourite destination for those seeking a peaceful holiday with its tranquil atmosphere, bohemian lifestyle and stone houses. Kaş's closeness to world-famous beaches such as Kaputaş Beach and Ölüdeniz makes Kaş an attractive destination for those looking for both beach and nature holidays. With its historical ruins, ancient theatres and seaside walking paths, Kaş offers both cultural and natural beauty.

3. Fethiye – Where Nature and History Meet

Fethiye, located within the borders of Muğla province, is a holiday paradise that is home to world-famous beaches such as Ölüdeniz. Fethiye, the starting point of the Lycian Way, is rich in historical ruins and natural beauty. Butterfly Valley, Gemiler Island, and Fethiye Castle are among the region's top attractions. Fethiye is also an ideal destination for extreme sports, particularly paragliding and boat tours, which offer unforgettable experiences for holidaymakers. The city centre, with its lively markets and colourful restaurants, provides both a relaxing and exploratory holiday experience.

4. Marmaris – Where Blue and Green Meet

Marmaris is another popular holiday destination in Muğla. It attracts visitors with its blue flag beaches and lush green nature. Marmaris offers holidaymakers a wide range of options with its luxury holiday villages, yacht tourism and lively nightlife. İztuzu Beach, in particular, is protected as a breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles and is of great importance for ecotourism. The cafes, restaurants, and shopping spots around Marmaris Marina attract both local and foreign tourists. For those who want to holiday surrounded by nature, forest walks, bay tours, and boat trips are ideal activities.

5. Alaçatı – Where Wind and Aesthetics Meet

Alaçatı, a popular district of Izmir, is one of Turkey's most ideal spots for windsurfing enthusiasts. Alaçatı has attracted the attention of both local and foreign tourists in recent years with its stone houses, narrow streets, bougainvillaea gardens, and boutique hotels. Alaçatı's historic stone houses and restored boutique hotels give the city a unique aesthetic. Additionally, Alaçatı's cuisine is famous for its seafood and olive oil-based dishes. Windsurfing, yoga camps, boutique cafes, and charming streets make Alaçatı not just a holiday destination but also a peaceful living space.

6. Ayder Plateau – The Natural Paradise of the Black Sea

Ayder is one of Rize's most popular plateaus. It is famous for its lush green nature, natural hot springs and traditional plateau houses. Ayder Plateau is one of the most well-known plateaus in the Black Sea region and is an excellent destination for nature walks, photography and plateau tourism. Staying in plateau houses, tasting the region's natural delicacies, and relaxing in the cool plateau climate are indispensable parts of an Ayder holiday. Additionally, Ayder appeals to adventure-seeking holidaymakers with outdoor activities such as rafting and trekking.

7. Assos – Where History and Nature Intertwine

Located within the borders of Çanakkale, Assos is a unique destination that attracts attention with its historical riches and natural beauty. The Temple of Athena, the Ancient Theatre of Assos and Behramkale Village are among the region's historical treasures. Assos's peaceful and tranquil atmosphere is ideal for those seeking both cultural and nature-oriented holidays. With its seaside walking paths, small cafes and restaurants, and accommodation options with sea views, Assos offers an unforgettable holiday experience.

8. Bodrum – The Shining Star of the Aegean

When you visit Bodrum, you will be greeted by whitewashed houses, streets lined with bougainvillea and sparkling sea. You can explore Bodrum Castle and touch history at the Underwater Archaeology Museum. You can sunbathe on the beaches, go on a yacht tour or enjoy water sports. In the evening, you can dive into the lively nightlife. Take a walk around the marina and try fresh seafood at the fish restaurants. Whether you stay in luxury hotels or small guesthouses in Bodrum, you will enjoy your holiday.

9. Kaş – The Hidden Paradise of the Mediterranean

Kaş is one of the most peaceful and tranquil holiday resorts in Antalya. Here, you can explore the underwater world by diving. There are more than 30 diving spots. You can swim at Kaputaş Beach and visit the ancient theatre. You will immediately feel the bohemian atmosphere of Kaş. Wander through the narrow streets, sit in small cafés, and watch the sunset. There is no need to rush here; life moves slowly in Kaş.

10. Ayvalık – The Peaceful Face of the Aegean

Ayvalık, Balıkesir's favourite holiday resort, offers the peaceful face of the Aegean with its historic stone houses surrounded by olive trees and its tranquil atmosphere. Cunda Island is Ayvalık's most famous spot and is renowned for its seafood restaurants. Beach walks, island tours, and strolls through olive groves make an Ayvalık holiday unforgettable. The region's boutique hotels and guesthouses offer both economical and luxurious accommodation options.