Aegean Coast Holidays

What can you expect on Aegean Coast holidays that you won’t find elsewhere?

The Aegean coast, where the sun is almost guaranteed to shine, is an ideal destination for a summer holiday. With clear-water beaches and a year-round dry climate, you’ll be able to bask in the warmth and cool off with a splash in the sea. Take in the local culture at the ancient sites of Ephesus, Miletus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale and Pergamon and on guided tours of their ruins, peek back in time to when the Greeks and Romans ruled. Ephesus in particular is considered the best preserved classical city in the region. Stroll along the Sacred Way, take a seat in the 25,000 capacity open-air Great Theatre and take away a real feel for life in Roman times. Or visit Troy – the famous city whose prince, Paris, seduced Helen of Sparta, sparking war and the ten-year siege that birthed Odysseus’ iconic Trojan Horse. Or, for a more laidback excursion, head to Bodrum, home to a bounty of sandy and pebbled beaches.

The town of Bodrum itself is large and home to many good restaurants and a booming nightlife. A short (15-20 minute) drive north of Bodrum across the peninsula is the beautiful harbour at Torba, with the nearby village of Golkoy also worth a visit, lying as it does along an incredibly pretty little bay. Yes there are plenty of large resorts dotted around, but for the best Bodrum holidays we have sought out the smaller boutique hotels, and it is very easy to get away from the resorts and the crowds and to see traditional life away from tourist modernisation.

Who is the Aegean coast best for?

With its wonderful blend of coast and culture, Aegean coast holidays are likely to appeal to many: sun-worshipers will jump at the chance to bask in the Turkish heat while lazing on a floury-soft beach; lovers of ancient mythology can discover Homer’s expertly portrayed locations with their own eyes; and, thanks to the Aegean Sea that laps at the coast’s shores, both keen sailors and those who love the taste of freshly-caught fish will be in paradise.

The best ways to discover the Aegean coast

For a slice of the good life, stay in an extravagant villa in Bodrum’s old port and lap up the luxury as you enjoy serene sea views, candlelit dinners and the opportunity to venture out into the Turkish countryside. If you're travelling with family in tow, the Aegean coast has plenty to offer the whole clan. For a nature-filled quest, take the family to discover the pristine coastline on foot or by bike - we're willing to bet that the little ones will love the beaches just as much as you. Next, charter a boat to sail around the hidden coves of Palamut Bay. Dip into the waters of the Turgut waterfall, snack on homemade pistachio ice cream in Datca, and meet the giant turtles on Iztuzu beach. The Aegean coast has endless adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

Special things to do on the Aegean coast

- Take a journey on a caique, a traditional Turkish fishing boat native to the coast. Onboard, you can follow the winding Dalyan River down to the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Iztuzu Beach. Along the way, look to the banks and admire the magnificent rock tombs of Kaunos, before taking a revitalizing mud bath at Lake Koycegiz.

- Charter a gulet. As above, this is a superb way to see the Aegean Coast. These wide-hulled (and therefore stable and spacious) boats tend to be skippered by hoary old seadogs who know all the best secret bays in which to moor up for the evening, while you enjoy a sundowner and a swim before a supper of delicious Turkish specialities on board or in a fun local beachfront taverna.