Which is the right Turkish escape for you?

FOR SUN-SEEKERS

Antalya, on Turkey’s beautiful Mediterranean coast, has 300 days of sunshine annually, with daytime temperatures averaging 32C in July and August, and the water temperatures of the Mediterranean in the same months around 28C. So, it’s little surprise that the impressive swath of gently-shelving sandy beaches to the east of this gateway city have been developed for 75 miles – all the way to picturesque Alanya. The fertile plain behind the beach is dotted with superb ancient sites, though most people come here to do what sun worshippers do best – sunbathe, swim, eat and drink. Good-value all-inclusive hotels abound here, with TUI offering a number of options. A one-week stay at the Rixos Premium Belek (020 3451 2688; tui.co.uk) costs from £943 per person, including flights.

The Aegean coast of Turkey is generally less developed than that found to the east of Antalya, and it is appreciably cooler too, with chic Bodrum’s hottest month, July, averaging 28C and sea temperatures 25C at their August peak. Bodrum, currently one of the Mediterranean’s hottest places to see and be seen, is hardly unspoilt, but the region’s mix of rocky shores and sandy coves has restricted development somewhat. A one-week stay at the suitably sophisticated beachfront Bodrum Edition starts from £2,071 per person with British Airways, including flights (0344 493 0787; britishairways.com).

If it’s peace and quiet you’re looking for, the Lycian shore between Fethiye and Kaş is far less developed than either Antalya or Bodrum and is as attractive as anywhere in the entire Mediterranean. Its centrepiece is Patara Beach. An impressive eight miles long, it promises firm, golden sand, towering dunes and a view scarcely troubled by development. This is real Robinson Crusoe territory – bar the municipal facilities at the beach’s southern tip, there’s scarcely a sun-lounger or café in sight. Set in an olive grove, Bademli Apartments (00 90 24284 35184; apartmentsinpatara.com) are just a mile from the beach and the spectacular ancient ruins at Patara. A one-week stay costs from £375 for a one-bed and £475 a two-bed apartment.

You can fly to Dalaman Airport, a oneand-a-half-hour drive from Patara, with easyJet (easyjet.com; from £109 return).

g Ocean’s heaven: Patara Beach in Antalya promises miles of firm, golden sand