Türkiye: the Turkish Riviera
The Turkish Riviera, from Alanya and Antalya west to Kaş, Fethiye and Dalyan, is one of Europe’s most popular sun destinations: over 300 days of sunshine a year, a sea warm enough to swim in from May to November, Roman cities next to the beach and resorts for every budget. RivieraScout starts here, with practical, checked information for planning a holiday.
Destinations
Antalya region
Antalya
The whole coast at a glance: which resort suits you, the city itself, and how to get around.
Lara & Kundu
Sandy beach and big resorts 20 minutes from the airport, with Antalya city on the doorstep.
Belek
Five-star resorts in pine forest, twelve golf courses and protected turtle beaches, 35 minutes from the airport.
Side
Roman ruins on a peninsula, sandy family beaches and the Manavgat river.
Manavgat
Market town next to Side: the Monday and Thursday market, the waterfall, river boats and Green Canyon.
Alanya
A lively city around a castle rock, Cleopatra Beach, nightlife and mild winters.
Gazipaşa
The quiet eastern end of the Riviera, with its own airport, empty beaches and ancient Selinus.
Kemer
Mountains straight down to clear pebble bays west of Antalya; Phaselis, canyons and the Tahtalı cable car.
Lycian coast
Olympos, Çıralı & Adrasan
Ruins in a river gorge, a protected beach, the eternal flames of the Chimaera and boat trips to Suluada.
Demre, Kekova & Finike
Rock tombs of Myra, the church of St Nicholas and the sunken city of Kekova.
Kaş
A small harbour town with crystal-clear water, diving, Kaputaş beach and the ferry to Meis.
Kalkan
Hillside villas and rooftop restaurants near Patara beach, closest to Dalaman airport.
Fethiye & Dalaman
Fethiye
Harbour town on a bay of islands: the 12 islands boat trip, fish market, Kayaköy and Saklıkent.
Ölüdeniz
The famous Blue Lagoon, paragliding from Babadağ and boats to Butterfly Valley.
Göcek
Sailing village with six marinas, island boat trips and the start of gulet cruises.
Dalyan
River village with royal rock tombs, İztuzu Turtle Beach and mud baths.
Planning tools
Antalya Airport transfers
Times and prices from Antalya Airport to every resort, with a calculator.
Dalaman Airport transfers
Times and prices from Dalaman to Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Göcek, Dalyan, Kalkan and Kaş.
Holiday budget calculator
Estimate accommodation, transfers, food and trips for your trip, by resort and month.
Market days
Which town has its weekly market on which day, from Fethiye to Alanya.
Weather by month
Air and sea temperatures, rain and sunshine, plus a live 10-day forecast.
Golf in Belek
Twelve courses compared with green fees.
Day trips
Aspendos, Perge, rafting, Antalya Old Town and more.
Practical basics
Getting there: Antalya Airport (AYT) has direct flights from most of Europe, typically 3.5 to 4 hours from the UK and 3 to 3.5 hours from Germany. Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP) is a smaller alternative for Alanya.
Money: the Turkish lira. Cards work almost everywhere in the resorts; keep some cash for minibuses and markets. Tipping 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated.
Getting around: dolmuş minibuses connect the resorts cheaply and frequently along the main coast road. Taxis are metered. A hire car is useful for day trips but not needed for a beach holiday.
Season: the beach season runs from May to early November; many large resorts close from November to March, while Antalya city and Alanya stay open all year.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Türkiye?
Citizens of the UK and of EU countries including Germany can currently visit Türkiye visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Rules differ by nationality and can change, so check your government’s travel advice before booking.
What currency is used in Türkiye?
The Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most shops in the resorts; carry some cash for dolmuş minibuses, markets and small cafés. Prices in tourist areas are often also shown in euros.
What time zone is Antalya in?
Türkiye uses UTC+3 all year and does not change the clocks. In summer that is 2 hours ahead of the UK and 1 hour ahead of Germany; in winter 3 and 2 hours.
Can you drink tap water in Antalya?
Tap water is treated, but most locals and visitors drink bottled water, which is cheap and sold everywhere. Hotels provide it in rooms.
Do I need a plug adapter?
Türkiye uses 230 V and the two-pin European plugs (types C and F), the same as Germany. Visitors from the UK need an adapter.