The holiday season in Turkey
The Turkish state is geographically divided into two parts. A large area with resorts is spread out in South-West Asia, only 3% of the land lies on the territory of Europe. Another feature of the geographical location is that the country is washed by four seas at once: the Black, Marmara, Mediterranean and Aegean.
Depending on the area of the country, the climate varies from Mediterranean to subtropical Mediterranean. Their general characteristic is hot and dry summers and rainy winters with plus temperatures. In summer, the thermometer rises to 35-37 degrees, and in winter it rarely falls below 5. The sea reaches 26-29 degrees in hot weather.
The holiday season in Turkey starts from mid–April – early May and ends with the arrival of November.
Top 7 resorts in Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea
Alanya
Alanya is the southern tourist city of Turkey on the Mediterranean coast. The coastal part of the region is indented by small bays formed by rocky headlands.
The flat areas are covered with sand and equipped for beaches. At a distance from the city on the north side there are low Toros Mountains, which have a significant impact on the formation of the climate, protecting the region from cold northern winds.
The weather conditions of Alanya with warm, humid winters and dry summers fully correspond to the subtropical Mediterranean climate. The temperature maximum falls in August, but in winter the thermometer rarely drops below 15 degrees. The importance of air during the year remains in the range of 55-65%.
Map of Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean Sea
The holiday season starts in mid-April and ends with the arrival of winter. The peak of the tourist influx is in July-August. This is mainly due to the children’s holidays. Optimal weather conditions for recreation (warm water and the absence of sweltering heat) are created in May and mid–September – October.
Features of the resort
- The longest holiday season is here.
- The beaches of Alanya are the cleanest in the whole region. The sandy shore is replaced by a pebbly or even rocky bottom.
- Most beaches are marked with a blue flag.
- The resort benefits from affordable prices. In Alanya, with cost savings, the tourist does not lose the quality of service.
- The savings are also significantly felt on exotic fruits.
- The city is about 150 km away from the airport, so the transfer to the nearest resort areas will take at least 2 hours.
- The resort is notable for its sparse green spaces. One of the few exceptions is the Avsalar pine forest.
Beaches of the resort
| Beach | Features | Hotels nearby |
| Damlatash | It is located in the city limits in the immediate vicinity of the cave of the same name. The sandy shore continues with a soft bottom, the entrance to the water is steep.
Entrance to the beach is free, as are the sun beds. Infrastructure: changing rooms, shower, toilet, Playground, cafes and souvenir shops nearby. For an additional fee, there are water activities: windsurfing, catamarans, scooter. |
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| Cleopatra Beach | It is located in the city limits and is covered with soft sand. The bottom is soft (the number of slabs is minimal), and the depth increases evenly. The infrastructure is paid for by everyone, with the exception of residents of the shoreline hotels. An umbrella and a sunbed can be rented for 3, 5 USD. A visit to the toilet costs 0.2 USD. There are many restaurants and shops along the coast. There is a luna park in the immediate vicinity.
There are water activities on the beach: snorkeling, parasailing, water skiing… Scooters and catamarans are available for rent. |
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| Keykubat | The beach is 3 km away. A sandy strip with separate pebble areas. The entrance to the sea is gradual and uniform, and the bottom is soft and sandy. Entrance to the beach and changing rooms are free, you need to spend 1.2 USD on a chaise longue. Diving, snorkeling and surfing are thriving on the beach. A chain of cafes and restaurants stretches along the coast. |
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| Portakal | The beach is 1 km long with a sandy and pebble surface. It is located at the confluence of the Oba River with the Mediterranean Sea. The bottom is rocky and sharp, and the descent into the water is uneven. Along with hotel areas and public stretches, wild, undeveloped corners can be found on the beach. The coastal waters offer ideal conditions for windsurfing and fishing. |
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Alanya provides its tourists with a wide range of hotels, the total one-time capacity of which is about 200 thousand people.
Entertainments
Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean Sea provide everything for a beach holiday. For those who are tired of lazy lying on the beach, Alanya offers a wide range of entertainment
| Type of entertainment | Description | Average Cost (USD) |
| Aquarium | The complex of 45 aquariums reveals the secrets of the life of underwater inhabitants. The main ones are an aquarium with a sunken underwater ship and an underwater tunnel with transparent walls. There is a 5D cinema | 60-70 |
| Hamam | A hammam is an Ottoman bathhouse. To rejuvenate the skin and relax the muscles, you need to go through a sequence of steaming on marble, foam peeling, massage and relaxing with a mug of tea. It is recommended to visit the Hammam on the first day of rest. | 20-50 |
| Diving | Clean water, abundance and diversity of marine life, picturesque grottoes and sunken vehicles contribute to the development of diving. The cost of the service usually includes two dives. There is a whole network of diving schools in the city that conduct training and organize diving. | 50 |
| Rafting | For entertainment, a multi-kilometer section of the river is allocated near the Kepryul Canyon, where difficult sections alternate with calm waters. The organizers provide basic training for beginners, as well as photo and video shooting of the descent. | 20-45 |
| Motorcycle Safari | Off-road motorcycle riding is flourishing in the foothills of the Toros Mountains. The tour also includes a visit to a mountain village, eating local delicacies and swimming in clean lakes. | 25-30 |
| Sea fishing | A boat with all the necessary equipment, professional spinning rods is provided to a company of 3-4 fishermen for 3-4 hours. | 60-70 |
Conakles
Konakli is a tourist city in Turkey, located in the suburbs of Alanya (12 km west).
Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean Sea have similar climatic conditions typical of a subtropical climate. The thermometer columns in Konakli show values similar to Alanya. The holiday season in the region starts at the end of April and lasts until November.
Features
- Konakli is a quiet town where there is practically no nightlife.
- A large market opens on Wednesdays.
- The beaches of the city are well equipped and clean, their surface is covered with pebbles, and the bottom is rocky with large boulders.
- In the town, the pricing policy of hotels is lower than in the region, and almost all hotels have a stretch of coastline.
- Most hotels are open all year round.
Beaches of the resort
| Beach | Features | Hotels nearby |
| Injekum | Injekum is a 1.5 km zone with a sandy shore, a soft bottom and a gentle descent into the water with a long shallow water (10 m). All kinds of water and underwater activities are available |
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| The Admiral | Mostly a pebble beach with a steep descent into the water and an abundance of rocks at the bottom. It is impossible to enter without special shoes. The waters are choppy here, but hotels solve this problem with piers. |
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| Turtle Beach | At the end of the line of hotels is the beach of the Konak Beach restaurant, characterized by calm waters, golden sands and excellent service. Renting a sunbed and an umbrella will cost a little more than 2 USD, for restaurant customers – everything is free. |
Entertainments
| Type of entertainment | Description | Average cost |
| Trampoline | Children’s entertainment near the city mosque | 1 USD |
| Karting | High-speed driving along one of the central streets of the city. There is an adult who works throughout the day, and a children’s one – it opens only in the evening. The price is for 10 minutes. | Adult -10 USD
Children’s — 5 USD |
| Amusement park | Located near the coast, the park is easily recognizable by the Ferris wheel. The entrance fee is the same for children and adults. You will have to pay separately for a movie theater session | Entrance to the park – 2 USD
Movie show – 3.5 USD |
| Dolphinarium | It opens in May and runs until June. After the performance, you can buy a swimming session with dolphins. | Admission is free for children under 4 years old
Children 4-9 years old – 13 USD Adults – 17 USD Swimming with dolphins – 100 USD |
Belek
Belek, a relatively young and rapidly growing resort town in Turkey, stands on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is located on a small plateau, on the Mediterranean coast. The permanent population is 30 thousand people.
The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by hot summers (temperatures reach 42-45°C) and warm but rainy winters (12°C, at night temperatures can reach -14°C).
The holiday season starts in mid-May and ends in September. The sea warms up by 23-29 °C during this period. With the arrival of autumn, the amount of precipitation increases and cold and dampness appear.
Features of the resort
- Belek has a dead season in winter.
- The sun shines in Belek for 300 days a year.
- All beaches are marked with a blue flag.
- The entire coastal area belongs to the hotels (there are no communal beaches).
- Turtles live on many beaches, and the territories where they have been spotted are closed for the night.
Beaches of the resort
| Beach | Features | Hotels nearby |
| Titanik Deluxe Belek Beach Hotel | Sandy beach. It is equipped with changing rooms, sun beds, shower and toilet. The entire infrastructure is free for hotel guests. Those who wish can rent soft covered platforms — bungalows. |
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| The frame | The beach, located 7 km from the city, is covered with fine sand. The beach is public. There is all the necessary infrastructure on the shore, and water entertainment is available for a fee. |
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| Central Beach | A modern 16-kilometer beach, equipped with the latest owl. There are many cafes and bars nearby. The main feature of the beach is that turtles lay eggs here, so it is often closed at night. |
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| Robinson | The only pebble beach on the coast. It is located on the outskirts of the city, but has the necessary infrastructure. |
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Entertainments
| Type of entertainment | Description | Average Cost (USD) |
| Kepryulyu Canyon Park | The 500-hectare National Nature Reserve serves as a habitat for more than 500 species of plants, rare tropical birds and animals. You can rent a horse for a walk in the park. Rafting works | Adult tour – 22-25
Children’s room – 13-15 USD Guide – 50 USD |
| Zeytin Taş Cave | 20 years ago, this cave was discovered in the vicinity of Belek. Since its opening, it has come under state protection, and to this day the beautiful landscapes and mountain formations (stalactites and stalagmites) amaze tourists with their beauty. | Admission is free |
| Troy Water Park | Water parks belong to hotels, in particular Troy is owned by the Rixos Premium Belek Hotel. In the center of the hall there is a large figure of a Trojan Horse. The complex includes many slides, pools and cafes. | 5-8 USD |
| Diving | Beginner tours offer group dives of 15 meters for beginners. Professionals can perform dives up to 50 m. The price is for 2 dives. | 50 USD |
| Disco Lab | This is a nightclub on site at the Adam & Eve Hotel. The entrance is free for guests. The highlight of the program is considered to be local DJs, cover bands and dancers. | The cost of admission depends directly on the level of the event. |
Side
Side is a relatively small seaside town in Turkey, located on a plateau near the Mediterranean coast. Antalya Airport is 75 km away from the city. The indigenous population of the town is 80 thousand people, but during the holiday season. The climate of the region is mild, Mediterranean. Summers are always hot and dry, and most precipitation falls in warm winters.
The holiday season starts at the end of April. The tourist infrastructure is fully operational by the beginning of May. The April –May period is considered a low season, which is what Europeans use. However, the coastal waters are only warmed up to 20 °C. The peak season coincides in Side with the maximum temperatures (33-36 °C) and falls in July-August. The sea warms up to 29°C.
From September to October, the velvet season pleases tourists with the warm sea (21-24 °C) and not too hot air (22-29 °C). Winters in Side are warm (14 °C), but rains interfere with sightseeing tours. You can enjoy walking in December and March, when the air reaches 16 °C during the day, and the water is 17-19 °C.
Features of the resort
- The heat in Side is easier to tolerate due to the abundance of eucalyptus plantations.
- During the peak season, not all hotels are able to maintain a high level of service with an influx of tourists.
- The transfer from the airport to the hotel takes about an hour. Internal communication in the form of taxis or dolmuses is well developed.
- The main part of the attractions is concentrated on the cape. There are beaches with tourist infrastructure to the west and east of the cape. The eastern beach is usually less crowded.
- To save money, you should look for housing in the historical center of Side.
Beaches of the resort
| Beach | Features | Hotels nearby |
| West Beach | A public beach with free entrance, with the largest shallow water in the city. The infrastructure is well developed, there are diverse water activities. Along the beach there is an embankment with cafes and shops. |
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| East Beach | The shallow water area is significantly inferior to the western beach. The entrance to the water is gentle, and on the sandy shore and bottom there are areas of non-sharp pebbles. There is a rocky surface directly near the cape on the shore. The beach infrastructure has everything you need. Water activities are available. |
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| Cholakly | The sandy beach is 13 km from Side. All the hotels in the town of the same name are located on the coast. The sand is golden and clean, the bottom is soft, the entrance to the water is gentle with prolonged shallow water. There is a water park nearby, there are playgrounds everywhere. The infrastructure is well developed. |
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| Kyzylot | The equipped beach is 16 km from Side. It is characterized as a quiet place with many sites for a secluded holiday. Water activities are available, infrastructure is developed. |
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Entertainments
Side was originally a fortress city, the outer walls and towers of which have been preserved to this day.
Some buildings are not damaged by time and earthquake, the most popular of them are:
- amphitheater (the largest in Turkey);
- the columns of the Temple of Apollo;
- aqueduct of the 2nd century;
- Agora (city square);
- a public toilet built in BC.
| Type of entertainment | Description | Average Cost (USD) |
| Diving | Diving schools begin training those who have reached the age of 10. The programs include diving near the coastline. Experienced divers can book a yacht tour with diving in the open sea. | The dive costs about 45 USD, the cost of the training course reaches 180 USD |
| Night clubs | The most popular clubs are:
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The entrance fee depends on the level of the event and averages 10-15 USD |
| Bars | Most of these establishments are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The menu and drinks are different everywhere. The following establishments are famous for their good cuisine:
Surf Bar Restaurant; Kayı’s Bar & Restaurant; Old Town Pub & Bistro. |
The cost of alcohol starts from 5 USD. Lunch/dinner for one person will cost an average of 40 USD. |
Antalya
Antalya is the second city on the Mediterranean coast after the Greek Alexandria. The permanent number of residents here is about 2.5 mn. Most of the surrounding area and a significant part of the city are covered by low Torro mountains, with rivers, caves, and mountain waterfalls.
The coastal areas are covered with sandy beaches and dense coniferous forests that come close to the shore. The coastal area is not flat, which is especially noticeable in the old town.
Antalya’s climate is Mediterranean, subtropical, characterized by mild but rainy winters. The increased amount of precipitation from October to April is due to the mountains, which delay the clouds.
Summers in the province are hot, often there is no precipitation at all. The average temperature at the resort in summer stays at around 25-35 °C. By winter, the city is gradually cooling down, but the thermometer rarely drops below 5 °C, and it snows even less often.
Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean Sea usually open the season with the arrival of May, and Antalya is no exception. The main flow of tourists stops in early November. The peak season is in July and August.
Features of recreation
- Antalya has a wide range of accommodation, which, in addition to hotels, boarding houses and various kinds of hostels, offers travelers a large selection of private apartments.
- It is believed that if there is a port in Antalya, then there is no need to talk about the purity of the sea. But this misconception is refuted by the blue flags of the beaches located directly near the port.
- The coast of Antalya is located in a bay, so the sea warms up several degrees more during the season than at other resorts.
- The entire central part of Antalya stands on a rocky shore, so for tourists the beaches are replaced with wooden or metal platforms, with ladders for diving into the water.
Beaches of the resort
Antalya is geographically divided into districts, each of which includes a beach
| Beach | Features | Hotels nearby |
| Lara | A 12-kilometer beach that borders the Duden Waterfall. Concerts of world and domestic stars are often held on the beach. There are hotels along the beach, and the coastal area is equipped with everything necessary for recreation. There are cafes and shops along the sandy strip. |
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| Konyaalty | A public beach with coarse sand and sparse pebbly areas. The territory is as close to the center as possible and is marked with a blue flag, and is popular with the local population. The beach has all the necessary infrastructure, including bars. Water activities are available. |
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| Beachpark | The noisiest and busiest beach is almost in the center of the city. There is a well-developed infrastructure and an active nightlife. Open-air concerts are often held. |
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| Patara
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Untouched by civilization, the beach has been taken under state protection due to the abundance of turtles laying eggs in warm sand. The coastline stretches for 22 km and is dotted with rocky coves. The nearest hotels are at least 3 km from the beach. |
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| Olympos | Olympos occupies the top positions in the world ranking of clean beaches. The coastal area of 4 km is covered with small pebbles. There is a national park of the same name in the immediate vicinity.There are also ruins of buildings from the Middle Ages in the vicinity. The peculiarity of some local hotels is the location in the trees. At night, young people arrange discos on the shore. |
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Entertainments
| Type of entertainment | Description | Average Cost (USD) |
| Ataturk Park | This is an entertainment complex that combines a variety of flora and fauna, equipped paths along which you can ride a bicycle, horse, or walk, a sandy beach with a soft and gentle bottom, a congress center and a children’s amusement park with a trampoline, slides, carousels and a race track. | For 2 USD |
| Hadrian’s Gate | The gate is the only preserved part of the ancient fortress surrounding the city. They are a triple arched portal decorated with columns with exquisite capitals. It is assumed that the building previously had a second floor. The gates are used for their intended purpose: through them you can get to the old part of the city. | The visit is not paid |
| Archaeological Museum | The museum stands on a mountain in the western district. The history of the building begins in 1919, when Suleiman Fikri Bey managed to stop the export of archaeological finds from the country. Now the museum has more than 2 thousand historical objects and the collection is growing. There are 13 halls in the museum, including a children’s room, a hall of mosaics, icons, coins… | 20 lire |
| Kesik Minaret | The minaret, despite significant damage, is of great historical value. Many architectural styles are used in its design. The difference is most noticeable on the capitals. Additionally, the structure is decorated with columns and carvings around the door and window openings. | It is not possible to enter the damaged building. |
| Water park | More than 40 m2 are equipped according to international standards. Antalya Water Park is the largest on the Mediterranean coast. The complex contains many pools with different depths, some have islands. The variety of water slides is amazing. There are areas for the youngest visitors. | Children from 12 years old and adults pay 47 liras for the whole day
For half a day – 33 lira Children 7-12 years old – 28 There are discounts for students. They pay 33 lira for the whole day. |
Kemer
The urban areas of Kemer, with a population of just over 20 thousand, are spread out on a flat plateau between the Mediterranean Sea and the peaks of the Toros Mountains. Pine forests approach the city border from all sides.
The city consists of the following districts:
- Gainyuk;
- Beldibi;
- Kirish;
- Chamyuva;
- Tekirova.
The climate here is typical for the entire Mediterranean coast, only the humidity is slightly lowered. In summer, the air and water warm up to 36 and 26 degrees, respectively. In winter, these indicators drop to 14 (air) and 16 (water) degrees.
The holiday season in Kemer opens with the arrival of the May sun, which warms the coastal waters to 20 degrees. The tourist influx is observed in the summer months, especially July and August.
Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean Sea often cannot cope with the flow of tourists at the height of the season, but thanks to the developed infrastructure, Kemer hotels do not lose their level of service.
Features of the resort
- Kemer is ideal for outdoor activities with nightlife. The city is always noisy.
- There are large shopping malls in the city, which bring tourists from neighboring cities.
- Many yacht tours start in Kemer.
- Kemer, like Antalya, offers a wide range of accommodation. Tourists who choose to travel independently will find villas and apartments for any period and budget.
- In the coastal waters, thanks to the rocky bottom, ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling are created.
Kemer Beaches
| Beach | Features | Hotels nearby |
| Central Beach | The beach is north of the harbor of Turkiz Marina. Its main surface is multicolored pebbles, there are sandy areas. The entrance to the water is convenient, the bottom is pebbly. The beach has all the necessary infrastructure and a free access area. There are water attractions and diving schools in the coastal waters. |
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| Moonlight | It is located in the bay of the same name. The beach is sandy, at the entrance to the water the sand is replaced by pebbles. Moonlight park complex with a variety of children’s and adult entertainment is located along the beach. The territory is divided into paid and free. The entrance fee includes a sunbed, soft bedding and an umbrella. There is a bar and fast food on the beach. |
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| Tekirovs | The beach is located in the village of the same name, half an hour’s drive from the center of Kemer, the rest here is considered elite. The coastal area is covered with pebbles, sometimes covered with sand. The bottom is pebbly. The entire beach is municipal, you will have to pay only for the use of infrastructure (sun beds, umbrellas). |
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Entertainments
| Type of entertainment | Description | Average Cost (USD) |
| Dolphinarium | The entertainment complex is located in the central park of the city. The performance lasts 45 minutes, after which those who wish can swim with dolphins. | Swimming for 5 minutes – 75 USD
Admission for children is 10 USD Entrance for adults is 20 USD |
| Jeep Safari | A car ride through the Toros Mountains takes place at an altitude of more than 1,500 m. The tour includes a walk, swimming in mountain lakes, and a visit to a mountain village. For a separate fee, it is worth visiting a cave with mountain formations. | walk15 USD/person
entrance to the cave – 1-2 USD |
| Boat trips | Boat trips are often combined with trips from city to city. For example, a tour from Kemer to Antalya by water will cost no more than an overland trip. | 6 USD |
| Dinopark | A magnificent park with an exposition of prehistoric lizards will be interesting for both children and adults. Children’s attractions are available for an additional fee. | 25 USD |
Kirish
The village is located 5 km from Kemer in a southerly direction. A rocky mountain separates Kirish from the confluence with Kemer, which stretches along the cities overland up to the coastline. The climate of the town is no different from Kemer.
Features of the holiday:
- Kirisha has no developed infrastructure and almost no entertainment.
- The beaches of the city are pebbly, but the hotels brought sand and built piers.
Comparison table for Turkish resorts
| Resort | Price category | Respectability | Of note | Hotel category | Beach coverage | Characteristic |
| Alanya | Average | Budget | many | 1-5* | Sand/pebbles | The cultural and entertainment program is well developed |
| Conakles | Average | Budget | few | 1-5* | pebbles | The resort is ideal for a beach holiday |
| Belek | High | Elite | medium | 3-5* | sand | Developed infrastructure |
| Side | Average | Elite (coast)/Budget (old town) | Many | 1-5* | sand | It is famous for its ancient ruins |
| Antalya | Average | Elite | many | 1-5* | sand | Shopping and plenty of entertainment |
| Kemer | Average | Elite | many | 3-5* | pebbles | |
| Kirish | High | Elite | no | 4-5 | pebbles | Secluded recreation, ecotourism |
Average prices for a week’s stay with an all-inclusive rate for 2019:
| Name of the resort | Hotel category | Room for two | Family Room |
| Alanya | 5* | 850 | 1500 |
| 4* | 500 | 900 | |
| 3* | 400 | 650 | |
| 2* | 330 | 550 | |
| Conakles | 5* | 1100 | 2000 |
| 4* | 750 | 1300 | |
| 3* | 600 | 750 | |
| 2* | 480 | 700 | |
| Without stars | 400 | 500 | |
| Belek | 5* | 1500 | 2500 |
| 4* | 850 | 2000 | |
| 3* | 600 | 1100 | |
| Side | 5* | 900 | 1500 |
| 4* | 700 | 1400 | |
| 3* | 500 | 900 | |
| 2* | 400 | 600 | |
| Without stars | 300 | 400 | |
| Antalya | 5* | 1000 | 1300 |
| 4* | 700 | 950 | |
| 3* | 500 | 750 | |
| 2* | 350 | 550 | |
| Without stars | 300 | 400 | |
| Kemer | 5* | 1000 | 1950 |
| 4* | 800 | 1500 | |
| 3* | 500 | 1100 | |
| Kirish | 5* | 1600 | 2100 |
| 4* | 1100 | 1500 |
Turkey is a country with a developed infrastructure, despite the fact that each Mediterranean resort has individual characteristics, in each city you can find a place for an ideal vacation for any request.
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