Whether your idea of a perfect holiday involves basking in the sun on a beautiful beach, or taking on a hiking trail through some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, there's one destination just a four-hour flight from the UK that's worth having on your radar.
Türkiye's Antalya has long been a firm favourite with Brits looking for balmy weather, thanks to its year-round mild Mediterranean climate, including 300 days of sunshine.
Dubbed the Turkish Riviera, this 'charmingly beautiful' spot boasts pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters that are ideal for having a paddle or simply making for a spectacular backdrop for those all-important social media snaps.
Add in the dense green forests, majestic Taurus mountains and unspoiled islands, and it's easy to see why this region has long been drawing in intrepid explorers.
For those who love a beach day, Antalya has over 1,000km of spectacular coast ranging from pristine bays to natural pools where spring waters meet the sea. It also the world record for having the highest number of Blue Flag-certified beaches. Lara Beach is a particular highlight, thanks to its proximity to plenty of bars, restaurants and shops, not to mention the ideal conditions for watersports. Prefer something a little more laidback? Head to the underrated Kaputaş Beach in Kaş, nestled between two cliffs. It can only be reached by a long stairway, but you'll be rewarded with some pretty spectacular views.
Meanwhile, Cleopatra Beach boasts the backdrop of the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, with legend claiming that Cleopatra used to visit this beach because she loved to swim around the bay. It's easy to see why it would appeal, given the white sands and crystalline waters!
If you'd rather don your hiking boots, then the Lycian Way needs to be on your bucket list. Türkiye's first long-distance hiking trail spans the Teke Peninsula’s awe-inspiring scenery with rugged mountains, charming villages and tombs dating back 2,000 years. According to the insiders at Go Türkiye, around 30,000 visitors walk the trail every year, whether that's a shorter, multi-day segment, or for the more seasoned adventurers, completing the entire route which takes around a month.
Oh, and history buffs will want to take a boat from Antalya’s old Roman harbour to admire ancient cities such as Side, Patara, Olympos and Phaselis.
It's not just the scenery that makes Antalya a must-visit for 2026. The charming villages and beachfront towns boast a plethora of independent shops, local restaurants and a range of different accommodation options to suit every budget. The region is also host to plenty of exciting events throughout the year from the Golden Orange Film Festival, to the popular jazz festival in Kaş. For something truly spectacular, head to the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, held in the 2,000-year-old Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
- Step into a Turkish summer where nature, culture, history and unforgettable tastes await you. Book early, arrive on time. Find out more at goturkiye.com.