Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Dalaman coast)
Turkey's south-west coast runs from the pine-backed bays of Dalyan and Fethiye past Kalkan and Kaş to Antalya's big resort strip, with Lycian tombs, Roman theatres and warm sea from May to October. All-inclusive hotels around Antalya and Belek give strong value; Kaş and Kalkan suit independent travellers. Avoid the July–August heat if you can.
Overview
The coast splits into two halves with different airports. Dalaman serves Dalyan, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Kalkan and Kaş, where smaller hotels, villas and gulet cruises dominate and the Lycian Way hiking trail threads between coves and ruins. Antalya airport serves the city's Ottoman old town and the large all-inclusive resorts of Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya, popular with families and golfers. Kaş is the best base for diving, kayaking over Kekova's sunken ruins and a slower pace. The sea stays swimmable from May into November, but midsummer highs of around 34°C make spring and autumn better for sightseeing and walking.
Map of Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Dalaman coast)
Highlights
- 1Adventure
Ölüdeniz and Babadağ
The sheltered Blue Lagoon near Fethiye is one of Turkey's most photographed beaches, and tandem paragliders launch from high on Babadağ mountain to land on the sand below. Arrive early to beat the day-trip crowds.
- 2History
Kekova
Boat trips and sea-kayak tours from Kaş and Üçağız pass over the half-submerged ruins of a Lycian town sunk by earthquakes, then stop at Kaleköy, ancient Simena, where a castle overlooks Lycian tombs and the bay.
- 3History
Aspendos
One of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere, built in the second century AD and still used for summer performances, east of Antalya. Combine it with the ruins of Perge and Side on a day trip.
- 4Beach
Patara Beach
An 18km strand of soft sand backed by dunes and the ruins of Lycian Patara, including a restored assembly hall. It is a protected loggerhead turtle nesting site, so the beach closes at night during the summer.
- 5Wildlife
Dalyan and İztuzu Beach
Take a river boat from Dalyan, beneath Lycian-style rock tombs carved into the cliffs, to İztuzu, a long sandbar beach where loggerhead turtles nest. The ruins of ancient Kaunos and the mud baths lie on the same route.
Where to stay
Kalkan
Whitewashed hillside town of villas with pools, rooftop restaurants and swimming platforms; a long-standing British favourite, best for couples and families with a car.
Kaş
Relaxed harbour town with independent hotels, dive schools and boat trips to Kekova; suits couples and active travellers who don't need a sandy beach on the doorstep.
Ölüdeniz and Hisarönü
Package-holiday hub with the lagoon beach, paragliding and busy bars in Hisarönü above; good for families and groups wanting plenty to do.
Belek
Large all-inclusive resorts and championship golf courses on long sandy beaches, around 30 minutes from Antalya airport; easy for families with young children.
When to go to Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Dalaman coast)
Best time: May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
Average climate in Antalya
How much does Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Dalaman coast) cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £180 off-peak and £480 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Dalaman coast)
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism.
If you hold a British citizen passport, you can visit Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, for business or tourism
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Hepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- Very low risk of malaria
- There is a very low risk of malaria in Turkey: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Turkey
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Thu 29 Oct 2026 | Republic Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr |
| Fri 23 Apr 2027 | National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour and Solidarity Day |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha |
| Tue 18 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha |
| Wed 19 May 2027 | Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day · Eid al-Adha |
| Thu 15 Jul 2027 | Democracy and National Unity Day |
| Mon 30 Aug 2027 | Victory Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Transfers are long: Dalaman to Kaş takes about two hours and Antalya to Kaş over three, so choose your airport by resort rather than by the cheapest fare.
- Walk the Lycian Way from March to May or in October and November; summer heat on its exposed, shadeless stretches is punishing and water sources are few.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Turkey guide.
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