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Turkey has become one of Europe’s go-to destinations for an all-inclusive holiday, and it’s easy to see why. With long sandy beaches, warm Mediterranean waters, huge resort hotels and plenty of sunshine, it offers everything from affordable family breaks to luxurious adults-only escapes.
But Turkey is a big country, and choosing where to stay can make a huge difference to your holiday. The large resorts around Antalya are very different from the stylish Aegean coast around Bodrum, while destinations such as Fethiye offer spectacular scenery alongside their all-inclusive hotels.
So, where are the best places to go?
1. Antalya – Best All-Rounder
If you’re looking for a classic Turkish all-inclusive holiday, Antalya is one of the safest bets.
The region has an enormous choice of hotels, from affordable family resorts to five-star properties offering ultra-all-inclusive packages. Many have multiple swimming pools, waterparks, kids’ clubs, private beaches, restaurants and evening entertainment, meaning you could easily spend most of your holiday without leaving the resort.
Antalya also offers more than just beaches. The city’s atmospheric old town, Kaleiçi, is packed with narrow streets, restaurants and historic buildings, while attractions such as the ancient city of Perge and the Düden Waterfalls make good day trips.
It’s particularly convenient for British holidaymakers too, with Antalya Airport serving a huge number of package-holiday resorts along the coast.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors and those wanting plenty of hotel choice.
2. Belek – Best for Luxury
For an all-inclusive holiday with a touch of luxury, it’s hard to beat Belek.
Located just outside Antalya, Belek is famous for its enormous five-star resorts, private beaches and championship golf courses. Many hotels offer what is known as ‘ultra all-inclusive’, with a huge range of restaurants, bars, activities and entertainment included.
It’s also particularly good for families. Several resorts have extensive children’s facilities and waterparks, while adults can make the most of spas, golf courses and à la carte restaurants.
For golfers, Belek is arguably the best destination in Turkey, with numerous championship courses surrounding the resort.
Best for: Luxury, golf, families and anyone wanting a high-end resort experience.
3. Side – Best for Families and History
Side offers an appealing combination of a traditional Turkish resort and a large choice of all-inclusive hotels.
The beaches are long and sandy, while many parts of the coastline have shallow water, making the area particularly appealing to families with younger children. There’s also a good selection of family-friendly hotels with pools, slides and kids’ clubs.
What makes Side different, however, is its history. The ancient town is home to impressive Roman ruins, including a huge theatre and the remains of the Temple of Apollo. You can spend the morning exploring archaeological sites before heading back to the beach in the afternoon.
The resort is also relatively accessible from Antalya Airport, with transfers to Side taking around 50 minutes.
Best for: Families, history lovers and beach holidays with plenty to explore.
4. Bodrum – Best for Couples and Style
Bodrum has a rather different feel from the huge resort complexes found around Antalya.
The Aegean destination is known for its whitewashed buildings, stylish marina, beach clubs and more sophisticated atmosphere. There are still plenty of all-inclusive options, but Bodrum is particularly appealing if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket or adult-focused.
The surrounding peninsula is dotted with attractive bays and luxury hotels, while Bodrum itself has a lively selection of restaurants, bars and nightlife.
It can be more expensive than some of Turkey’s other all-inclusive destinations, but for couples looking for a stylish holiday, it can be worth paying a little extra.
Best for: Couples, adults-only holidays, nightlife and luxury.
5. Fethiye – Best for Scenery
If spectacular scenery is high on your holiday wish list, consider Fethiye.
The region is surrounded by rugged mountains, pine forests and beautiful turquoise bays. It also provides access to some of Turkey’s most famous coastal attractions, including the Blue Lagoon at nearby Ölüdeniz.
Fethiye’s all-inclusive hotels tend to be a little smaller and less focused on the enormous resort experience found around Antalya and Belek. That makes the area particularly appealing if you want an all-inclusive base but still plan to get out and explore.
Boat trips, mountain walks and excursions to places such as the abandoned village of Kayaköy provide plenty of alternatives to spending every day beside the pool.
Best for: Couples, scenery, exploring and active holidays.
6. Ölüdeniz – Best for Beaches
Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey’s most recognisable holiday destinations, thanks largely to its famous Blue Lagoon.
The striking combination of clear turquoise water, white sand and mountainous scenery makes it particularly attractive for couples and families who want somewhere visually impressive.
It’s also famous for paragliding, with the mountains providing an incredible backdrop for one of Turkey’s most popular adventure activities.
All-inclusive hotels are available in the wider Ölüdeniz area, although the destination generally feels less like a giant purpose-built resort than places such as Belek or Lara.
Best for: Beaches, scenery, couples and adventure.
7. Marmaris – Best for Nightlife
Marmaris is a good choice if you want your all-inclusive holiday to include plenty of entertainment outside the hotel.
The resort is built around a busy marina and waterfront, with restaurants, bars and clubs providing plenty to do after dark. There are also numerous boat trips and excursions available along the surrounding coastline.
Despite its reputation for nightlife, Marmaris isn’t only for partygoers. Families can choose all-inclusive resorts away from the busiest parts of the centre, particularly around nearby İçmeler.
Dalaman Airport is around an hour away, making it relatively convenient for holidaymakers travelling to the region.
Best for: Nightlife, groups, families and boat trips.
8. Kemer – Best for Mountains and Beaches
Kemer offers something a little different again, with the dramatic Taurus Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop to the resort.
The coastline around Kemer combines beaches and small coves with pine forests and mountains, creating a more dramatic landscape than some of the flatter resort areas around Antalya.
Many of the area’s hotels are large all-inclusive resorts, while the town itself has a marina, restaurants and bars.
One thing to bear in mind is that some beaches around Kemer are pebbly rather than sandy, although the scenery more than makes up for it for many visitors.
Best for: Mountain scenery, couples and families looking for a more picturesque setting.
9. Alanya – Best for Value
At the eastern end of the Antalya coast, Alanya is another popular choice for an affordable all-inclusive holiday.
The resort has a long sandy coastline, a lively town centre and a huge range of hotels. It’s also home to the famous Alanya Castle, which sits dramatically above the town.
Prices can be particularly attractive compared with some of Turkey’s luxury resort areas, making Alanya a good option if you’re trying to get as much holiday for your money as possible.
The main downside is the transfer time. Antalya Airport can be around two hours away, although Gazipaşa Airport is much closer and may offer a more convenient alternative depending on your flights.
Best for: Value, families, beaches and lively evenings.
10. Lara Beach – Best for a Convenient Luxury Break
Lara Beach is another excellent option if you want a luxurious all-inclusive without a long transfer after landing.
The resort is located close to Antalya Airport and is packed with huge five-star hotels offering everything from extensive swimming pools and waterparks to private beaches and numerous restaurants.
Because of the concentration of large resorts, Lara is particularly well suited to people who want a straightforward holiday where virtually everything is available on site.
It’s also a good choice for families who don’t want to spend hours on a coach after a flight.
Best for: Luxury, families and short airport transfers.
Which Part of Turkey Is Best for an All-Inclusive?
Ultimately, the best destination depends on the type of holiday you’re looking for.
| Destination | Best for |
|---|---|
| Antalya | Best all-rounder |
| Belek | Luxury and golf |
| Side | Families and history |
| Bodrum | Couples and style |
| Fethiye | Scenery and exploring |
| Ölüdeniz | Beaches and adventure |
| Marmaris | Nightlife |
| Kemer | Mountains and scenery |
| Alanya | Value for money |
| Lara Beach | Luxury and convenience |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Turkey?
Turkey’s all-inclusive resorts are at their busiest during the summer months, particularly July and August. These months offer reliably hot weather but can also bring very high temperatures, particularly around the Antalya coast.
For a more comfortable combination of warm weather and fewer crowds, consider travelling in May, June, September or October. These months can be particularly appealing if you want to spend time exploring rather than simply sitting around the pool.
September is especially attractive for an all-inclusive break, with the sea remaining warm while temperatures become a little easier to handle than during the height of summer.
So, Where Should You Book?
For the best overall choice, Antalya is difficult to beat thanks to its huge selection of resorts and easy access to beaches, attractions and excursions.
For luxury, choose Belek. For families, Side is an excellent combination of beaches, hotels and history. If you’re travelling as a couple, Bodrum or Fethiye could offer a more relaxed and sophisticated experience.
And if getting the best value is your priority, it’s worth looking at Alanya and some of the larger resort areas around Antalya.
Whichever destination you choose, Turkey’s combination of sunshine, impressive hotels, beaches and extensive all-inclusive packages makes it one of the easiest choices for a hassle-free summer holiday.
