Holidays to the Aegean Coast

Bodrum is one of the busiest cities on Turkey’s Aegean Coast and provides visitors with stunning architecture, history and plenty of opportunities to try out some water sports. Didim offers visitors incredible ruins to explore, as well as a beautiful horseshoe beach ideal for children and a marina. Kusadasi is known for its relaxed atmosphere and harbour, as well as pretty streets ideal for wandering, while Gumbet is ideal for those who want to enjoy shopping as well as some of Turkey’s best nightlife, with a blue flag beach which is ideal for those travelling with little ones. And the former fishing village of Altinkum is also worth a visit for the golden sands of its shores, as well as the many bars and markets on offer here.

Whatever your budget and holiday type there is a restaurant for you on your holidays to the Aegean Coast. If you like to try out the local dishes and produce choose a long lunch and let your waiter choose for you. The Turkish are famously proud of their delicious food and will be only too happy to bring you their favourites to try. The fish and seafood here are all locally sourced and freshly caught, with fish stews as well as fresh shellfish a must. The Turkish famously love their meat and you can try delicious succulent dishes, such as kebabs mixed with creamy dips and served up with delicious Greek salads, while there are plenty of options for vegetarians as well. If you’re travelling with fussy eaters or just prefer to try international cuisine why not try Italian, Mediterranean or even find a British or Irish pub for some grub from home?

Those on their family holidays to the Aegean Coast will find themselves spoilt for choice. Most of the restaurants here offer kid-friendly options and menus, while most of the beaches have blue flag status with gentle waves and shallow waters ideal for those who like to paddle and splash. If you enjoy water parks there are endless possibilities, with almost 20 to choose from along this stretch of coast. Try slides and water slides, as well as wave pools and rapids until even the most energetic children are tired out. The Lunapark in Izmir is full of fun things to do for kids, and big kids, of all ages, or you could try Go-karting at one of the nearby tracks.

There is so much to see and do on holidays to the Aegean Coast you won’t know how to fit it all in. Visit one of the many water parks dotted along the coastline, or try other water-based activities on the sea. Rent jet skis and race through the waves, learn to windsurf or enjoy the non-stop thrill of a banana boat or doughnut ride behind a motorboat. Go-karting is ideal for those on their family holidays, while you can also enjoy hiking or mountain biking through the stunning local scenery if you prefer to stick to the land.

Whether you simply want to relax, unwind and soak up the beautiful strong sunshine Turkey is so famous for, or you prefer to try all of the water sports and activities you can find there’s something for you on holidays to the Aegean Coast. Bodrum is home to two of the best beaches in the area. Kadiklesi Beach has plenty of space, as well as a gentle wind which makes it perfect for water sports such as windsurfing, while Yalikavak Beach is backed by an excellent selection of restaurants so you can enjoy delicious food, cocktails and beer straight from your lounger. Kusadasi is home to Pamuk Beach which offers a large stretch of sand with plenty of space and very little else, ideal for those who like to be secluded. Alternatively, if you prefer plenty of amenities Ladies Beach, also in Kusadasi, has lots to offer. Turgutreis is a great base for beach bums, the resort has 8 incredible beaches for you to choose between, each with a distinct character and all beautiful. All of the resorts on Turkey’s Aegean Coast are home to a fantastic selection of beaches, with boat trips and hire available if you prefer to find your own secluded spot.

Most of the towns along the Aegean Coast of Turkey offer a fantastic selection of bars and clubs where you can enjoy a cool cocktail as you soak up the beautiful views. Head to a shisha bar for something different and enjoy a range of wines, beers and more in a traditional Turkish environment where you can simply relax and unwind. If you prefer to hit the clubs Gumbet and Altinkum have plenty on offer, with lots of opportunities to dance the night away until the early hours of the morning. Altinkum is also home to some fantastic night bazaars and cosy bars where you can spend the evenings deep in conversation. And if you prefer to simply try out a beach bar most of the towns along the coast offer a range of options along the sands while some resorts, like Turgutreis, even have boat parties on offer.

Whether you prefer to relax on the soft sands of the beach or party the night away holidays to the Aegean Coast have couples covered. Most of the towns are home to soft golden sandy beaches, but if you prefer to find your own secluded spot there are boat trips which leave most of the harbours daily and will take you to little coves or secluded sands. Alternatively, hire your own boat and spend the day exploring for yourselves. If its spas you’re looking for there are plenty to try, and a traditional Turkish hammam is a must. Or you could enjoy a cool beer or exotic cocktail on the sands of the beach before partying the night away in one of the coast’s many clubs.

Explore some of the fantastic culture along the Aegean Coast with day trips by boat and on land available. Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus and wander through these magnificent ruins, stopping in the ancient amphitheatre to admire the incredible architecture. The Castle of St Peter in Bodrum offers beautiful views and is uniquely set on an island out to sea. The Ephesus Museum will take you back in time to ancient Turkey and offers incredible artefacts as well as exhibits. Or you could head to the Lycian Rock Tombs in Dalyan and explore these incredible buildings set into the hillside.