Kusadasi means ‘bird island’ in Turkish, but is by no means as tranquil as the name suggests. Beaches, bazaars and bars abound, buzzing with a wide range of tourists. The ruins of Ephesus are 20 minutes away by coach, Pamukkale 3hrs. This major resort attracts families for beach holidays, as well as young people looking for a lively social scene.
Getting there: transfer time from Izmir Airport is around 90mins.
Price: Airtours offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the two-star Istankoy hotel for £259, including flights and transfers.
Bodrum is the jumping off point for ferries to Greece, gulet cruises around the South Aegean and any number of water sports, including snorkelling and scuba-diving. At night the town turns into a mini-Ibiza: clubs pump out loud music and flicker the sky with their laser light shows. Bodrum is home to Halikarnas, Europe’s largest open-air disco. Still very scenic, Bodrum appeals mainly to a young crowd. Nearby Gumbet has a slightly more relaxed pace, and is popular with families and couples.
Getting there: transfer time from Bodrum Airport is approximately 45mins.
Price: Sunworld offers a lead-in of £219 for seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the two-star Kilavuz Hotel, Bodrum, including flights and transfers.
Kas is ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and hedonism of Turkey’s more lively resorts. The approach road from Kalkan is described as one of the country’s most beautiful coastal drives. Life in Kas is not focused around its small, pebbly beaches, but instead the charming town centre. As well as a good selection of restaurants and traditional tea houses, Kas offers excellent shopping and sightseeing opportunities. The sunken Lycian city of Kekova is 45mins away by bus, and backstreet shops sell everything from carpets to designer goods.
Getting there: transfer time from Dalaman Airport is about 90mins.
Price: Simply Travel offer two weeks’ half-board at the Hotel Korsan Kale for £545, including flights and transfers.
Marmaris is perhaps the most European of Turkey’s coastal resorts. A riviera-style town, it is home to Turkey’s largest and busiest yachting marina.
As such, it is the start point for many a gulet cruise, but the busy town is a destination in its own right. Smart shops and chic bars and clubs attract a cosmopolitan crowd. The beach at nearby Icmeler, once considered part of Marmaris, attracts sun worshippers with its dramatic mountain backdrop.
Getting there: transfer time from Dalaman Airport is around 90mins.
Price: Sunquest offers a lead-in of £335 for seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the two to three-star Halici Hotel, Marmaris.