The "best" resort in Turkey depends on your preference, with top contenders often in Belek, Lara (near Antalya) for luxury all-inclusives, Bodrum for chic vibes (like Macakizi), and Fethiye for nature and famous beaches like Ölüdeniz, with top-rated options including Rixos Premium Belek, Concorde De Luxe Resort, and Nirvana Mediterranean Excellence.
Tourist areas such as Antalya, Bodrum, Marmaris, and Fethiye are considered safe, but petty crime (like pickpocketing) can occur, especially in crowded areas.
Bodrum is a great choice if you enjoy dancing until the sunrise. Antalya is a large resort city located on the Mediterranean Sea. It has an old town with well-preserved ancient city walls, a castle and a beautiful harbour. Most all-inclusive hotels are in Belek and Lara Beach area which is not near the city centre.
Where Istanbul is all about action and the Bosphorus, Bodrum is all about playtime by the sea. This glittering hangout on the 'Turkish Riviera' is just over an hour's flight from Istanbul, so it's easy to combine both in one trip. And you should.
Celebrities in Turkey often stay in exclusive luxury hotels and private villas, particularly in Bodrum (known for its chic bays like Yalikavak and Golturkbuku with spots like The Bodrum EDITION, Macakizi, Maxx Royal), Antalya/Belek (Rixos Premium, Kempinski, Gloria Serenity), and historic Istanbul (Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Pera Palace) for opulent retreats or discreet getaways, choosing places that offer privacy, high-end service, and unique experiences like private beaches or designer amenities.
When visiting Turkey, do dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept tea/hospitality, try local food (like baklava), bargain respectfully in markets, use right hand for eating/passing items, and remove shoes at homes/mosques; don't wear shorts in mosques, speak loudly in places of worship, show excessive public affection, drink alcohol in public, insult the Turkish flag/nation, or use your left hand for dining/passing. Be aware of surroundings, especially regarding scams and sensitive topics like politics or religion.
Although they're both beautiful destinations on the west coast of Turkey, there are quite a few differences between the two. Bodrum resembles a Greek landscape, it's dry and dotted with whitewashed houses, while Marmaris is lush and has a more Turkish vibe.
Turkey's "nicest" part depends on preference, but popular, beautiful regions include the Turquoise Coast (Fethiye, Kaş, Antalya) for beaches, history, and nature; Cappadocia for unique landscapes and balloon rides; Bodrum for vibrant resorts and Aegean charm; and the Black Sea Coast (Trabzon) for lush scenery and monasteries. For history, Istanbul and Ephesus are essential, while smaller towns like Dalyan and Safranbolu offer quieter, authentic experiences.
Antalya has a significant foreign population, but it isn't full of Brits in the way places like Fethiye or parts of Bodrum might feel. Brits certainly live and holiday there, but the foreign community includes Russians, Germans, Ukrainians, Scandinavians, and increasingly Middle Eastern nationals.
It's not safe to travel to places like Burkina Faso, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Myanmar, where major governments advise "Do Not Travel" due to conflict, terrorism, or instability, while areas near borders in Turkey, Israel/Palestine, and Togo also carry high risks. You should always check the latest advisories from your government (like Smartraveller.gov.au, GOV.UK, or Travel.State.gov) for current warnings on specific regions.
Protests and large public gatherings can turn violent and should be avoided. Monitor local media and follow advice from authorities. There is an increased risk of terrorist attacks around large gatherings. Be alert to threats, especially in crowded public settings.
