Stunning 'turquoise coast' under 5 hours from UK with incredible beaches and cheap resorts

Many Brits are seeking alternative travel destinations to crowded hotspots like Spain and Portugal. As anti-tourism protests ramp up across Europe, Brits are thinking about where they should head instead of the traditional destinations. One of the countries they are flocking to is Turkey, located in both Asia and Europe.

Turkey is home to many attractive destinations, and cities like Istanbul are a huge hit with tourists. But there is one part of the country that is ideal for a sun holiday with cheap resorts, great food, stunning beaches and high temperatures. Turkey is home to the Turquoise Coast, which is often also referred to as the Turkish Riviera. This area of the country is located in the South-west along the Mediterranean Sea. The area is home to towns and cities that are popular with tourists, such as Antalya and Fethiye, as well as the areas in between the two.

Here, you will find crystal clear blue waters (which give the coastal region its name) as well as stunning islands, amazing beaches and ancient sites. The coast here stretches for more than 600 miles, offering plenty of opportunity for exploration and fun in the sun.

In Antalya, there are plenty of affordable resorts, including Concorde De Luxe Resort and Porto Bello Hotel Resort & Spa. Meanwhile, Fethiye also has its fair share. Both of these areas have beautiful beaches and amazing scenery.

Operators such as TUI, Love Holidays and Trivago offer package holidays to the Turkish Turquoise Coast for as little as £149 per person. To get to the Turquoise Coast from the UK, you would fly directly to Dalaman (DLM) or Antalya (AYT) Airport, with the flight time being around 4 and a half hours.

People have had great things to say about the Turquoise Coast in Turkey. One Tripadvisor reviewer wrote: "Nice place and very sunny and warm. Nice to bring children. Water is great. Clearly a place to visit! Go here!"

Meanwhile, renowned travel publication Lonely Planet calls it "Turkey at its most staggeringly beautiful: sandy sweeps of shore hug a coastline lapped by jade waters and backed by forest-blanketed slopes".

Avid traveller Dania Demirci of Adventurefolio says of the region: "The Turquoise Coast is one of the most idyllic places in Turkey. It's home to many historical sites, beautiful sandy and pebble beaches, and some of the most charming beach towns and cities.

"While many cities have resorts and luxury stays, there is still a bounty of budget-friendly options."

The top-rated beach in the area, according to Tripadvisor, is Ölüdeniz Beach, located near the resort town of Fethiye. One person said: "If you talk about nature, it's absolutely gorgeous. That beauty is breathtaking. On one side of the scythe are white pebbles and the azure sea, and on the other, the water is emerald and the pines are reflected in it. The sea is warm, gentle and very pleasant."

Another wrote: "We got there on foot along the Lycia Way. From above, it is gorgeous, especially for the variety of contrasting colours."

Other top-rated beaches along the Turquoise Coast in Turkey include ztuzu Plaj, Kleopatra Plaj and Kaputa Beach.