Where to go in Turkiye based on your travel style

22 August 2025

Planning your dream escape to Türkiye just got easier, thanks to SunExpress' new low deposits and direct flights from the UK. Whether you're dreaming of romantic sunsets over turquoise waters, family fun on golden beaches, or adrenaline-pumping adventures through ancient landscapes, there's never been a better time to experience Türkiye's incredible diversity on your next holiday.

Where to go in Turkiye based on your travel style

Best for couples: Antalya & the Turkish Riviera

Antalya on the Turkish Riviera is perfect for couples looking for a mix of luxury and unique experiences: stay in boutique hotels carved into clifftops where your private terrace overlooks endless Mediterranean blues, wander hand-in-hand through Kaleiçi, where the old town's cobblestone streets are lined with Ottoman-era houses now hosting intimate restaurants serving fresh seafood and local wines, and take a sunset cruise from Antalya's old harbour, where traditional gulets (wooden yachts) glide past a dramatic coastline dotted with secluded bays. Many couples love Kaputaş Beach, a hidden gem accessible only by a steep path that leads to powdery sand embraced by towering cliffs.

Bodrum offers a more sophisticated romantic atmosphere. This cosmopolitan town attracts well-travelled couples who appreciate excellent dining, stylish beach clubs, and the famous Bodrum Castle standing guard over the marina. Book a table at one of the waterfront restaurants in Bodrum Marina, where you'll dine on fresh meze plates while watching luxury yachts bob in the harbour. The nearby Gümüşlük fishing village provides an even more intimate setting, with tables literally set on the beach where waves lap at your feet during dinner.

Best for families: Izmir & Belek

Türkiye excels at keeping every family member happy, from toddlers to teenagers and parents, too. Belek, easily reached from Antalya airport, specialises in family resorts with everything from mini water parks to supervised children's activities. Many hotels offer connecting family rooms and restaurants with dedicated kids' menus featuring both international favourites and mild Turkish dishes that adventurous young palates can handle.

Izmir offers a different kind of family experience, specifically for families with older children who appreciate city life. Explore Konak Pier for shopping and dining, ride the historic lift up to Asansör for epic city views, or spend a day at Inciraltı Sea Museum where interactive exhibits teach kids about marine life while parents appreciate the architectural beauty of this waterfront complex.

Best for adventure seekers: Dalaman & Cappadocia

Adventure lovers will find their playground across Türkiye's diverse landscapes. The Dalaman region serves as adventure central, with Fethiye as your base camp for heart-pumping activities that push your limits whilst surrounded by spectacular scenery. Paragliding from Babadağ Mountain over Ölüdeniz ranks among the world's top flight experiences. You'll launch from 6,000 feet above sea level, soaring over pine forests before gliding over that famous turquoise lagoon, landing gently on the beach where your feet touch sand after flying like a bird. Even first-timers can experience this thrill with certified tandem instructors who handle all the technical aspects while you focus on the incredible rush.

White water rafting on the Dalaman River gets your adrenaline pumping as you navigate rapids cutting through spectacular canyon scenery. The Saklikent Gorge offers canyoning adventures where you'll wade through icy mountain streams, scramble over rocks, and feel dwarfed by limestone walls rising 300 metres above your head. Mix up your trip with a journey inland to Cappadocia, where hot-air balloon rides soar over ancient valleys and fairy chimneys for an adventure that feels worlds away from the coast.

Best for solo travellers: Bodrum

Travelling solo is a breeze in Bodrum. This easy-going harbour town is packed with friendly guesthouses, bustling markets, and inviting waterside cafés - ideal for making connections or enjoying quiet exploration. Solo female travellers particularly appreciate Bodrum's cosmopolitan vibe and respectful local attitude.

One unmissable highlight for solo travellers is Bodrum Castle, an iconic fortress standing proud at the entrance to the harbour. Built by the Knights of St John in the 15th century, the castle is steeped in history and now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. As you explore its towers and ramparts, you'll enjoy panoramic sea views and the peace that comes from wandering at your own pace. The castle grounds offer quiet corners for reflection, and the exhibits inside bring the region's fascinating maritime past to life. You could also join a blue cruise (gulet cruise) from Bodrum harbour - these shared boat trips attract solo travellers from around the world, creating instant friendships as you island-hop along the coast.

Best for getaways with friends: Marmaris & Fethiye

Marmaris, easily accessible from Dalaman airport, specialises in groups seeking non-stop fun. The famous Bar Street becomes a playground after dark, with venues ranging from British pub-style bars to Turkish tavernas with live music. Many bars offer group packages including dinner and drinks, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply embracing the holiday spirit. But it’s not all about nightlife. By day, Marmaris opens up to group adventures: hire a private boat for a day of cruising between hidden coves, try your hand at jet skiing or banana boating just off the main beaches, or take a group cycling tour along the scenic coastline.

Fethiye, meanwhile, is all about combining adventure with laid-back charm. It’s a fantastic place for friends who want a little bit of everything: relax at a waterfront café in the bustling marina, dive into Fethiye’s local markets, or explore the ancient Lycian rock tombs overlooking the town. And after a day spent out on the water or hiking the surrounding landscape, head for Fethiye's lively Paspatur old town, where cocktail bars and open-air eateries line cobbled streets, creating the perfect backdrop for those long, laughter-filled evenings.

To book your perfect Turkiye holiday, contact your Travel Counsellor today.

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