We may receive a commission if you make purchases through affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Read why our approach to travel is different.
With 7,200 kilometers of coastline and a warm Mediterranean climate, this beautiful country on the border of Europe and Asia has long been a tourist hotspot. With culture-laden cities, a surreal other-worldly interior and some of the best beaches you’ll find, there’s plenty of reasons it’s a favorite among travelers.
Add in a vibrant nightlife scene and a unique, delicious cuisine and you have the makings of the ideal destination. With the dawn of package holidays, visitor numbers skyrocketed year on year. Between 2000 and 2019, visitor numbers increased by over 450%.
But in 2024, that trend has changed. For the first time (other than during the pandemic), Türkiye is seeing a fall in visitor numbers. It’s not just international tourists either: many domestic travelers are staying away from Turkish resorts this year. Instead, they’re heading for Greece.
Why Turkish travelers are abandoning their own resorts
Amidst reports that hotels in Turkish coastal resorts are seeing a 15-20% drop in occupancy rates, the question on everyone’s mind is, why? In recent years, Türkiye’s economy has been hit by inflation, causing a general increase in living costs. In turn, the cost of holidaying at home has risen for Turkish travelers.
International travel for Turkish citizens is comparatively difficult. There are very few countries which allow visa-free entry to Turkish passport holders. EU countries, the United Kingdom and the United States all require a visa to gain entry as a tourist. In April 2024, however, Greece eased the restrictions on Turkish travelers, allowing visa-free travel to 10 Greek islands.
Why this is good news for foreign travelers
While a drop in occupancy rates is a disaster for Turkish hoteliers and local businesses, it’s good news for anyone looking to enjoy some sun, sea and sand. You don’t need to be an economist to understand the correlation between supply and demand: when demand falls and supply remains the same, the result is inevitable.
In an attempt to bolster occupancy rates, hotels in Turkish resorts are dropping their prices. Considering that costs in Türkiye are already lower than in Western Europe and North America, it’s a double whammy for international visitors.
What this means is now is the time to book that trip to Türkiye. With average temperatures of over 20°Celsius through October and an unseasonably warm 15° Celsius in November, Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast is ideal for an autumn getaway. With countless great beach destinations to explore, these are the top cheap resorts in Türkiye.
These are the Top Cheap Resorts in Türkiye for 2024
Akyaka
It should come as no surprise that Akyaka tops our list of the best cheap resorts in Türkiye. Akyaka is, without doubt, our favorite beach town in Türkiye and we couldn’t let you miss out on one of the Mediterranean’s best kept secrets.
If you’re looking for a serene spot away from the bustling resorts and glitzy nightclubs, Akyaka is for you. This is the place where locals flock for their summer holidays and most tourists never reach. Brimming with neo-Ottoman architecture, there are no big resorts in sight. The beaches are stunning and the excellent restaurants offer authentic, unpretentious Turkish cuisine.
Akyaka is just over an hour from Dalaman Airport and hotel prices start from just £19 (US$24) per night. With these prices, there is no question that Akyaka is one of the ultimate cheap resorts in Türkiye. A week’s accommodation will set you back less than £150 (US$192) for a whole week.
Alanya
Another cheap resort in Türkiye, Alanya is a little less off the radar than Akyaka but perfectly combines culture with all the elements of a traditional beach holiday. Watched over by an imposing Medieval castle, getting out of your resort and exploring the city is a must.
Take a stroll along Dalmatas Beach in search of Dalmatas Cave. Discovered in 1948 whilst the harbor was being constructed, the cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites which have been formed over 15,000 years. Filled with carbon dioxide, the cave has it’s own microclimate, maintaining a temperature of around 22° Celsius all year round.
Alanya is around 75 miles from Antalya Airport, the closest international gateway. With hotel prices from £13 (US$16) a night, you can enjoy a week in the sun for under £100, making Alanya one of the top cheap resorts in Türkiye.
Dikili
One of the smaller beach towns on the Mediterranean coast and another of the best cheap resorts in Türkiye, Dikili is truly off the beaten path. Sheltered by a sweeping bay, Dikili offers spectacular views across to the Greek island of Lesvos.
Explore the beautiful inlets on a boat trip, relax on the white sandy beaches without the crowds and rejuvenate with a mud treatment at the hot springs. Just like Akyaka, Dikili doesn’t have large-scale resorts or restaurants aimed at foreign tourists, meaning you can make the most of an authentic Turkish experience.
As another of the top cheap resorts in Turkiye, hotel prices start at just £23 (US$29) per night. Dikili is located to the north of Izmir, with flights from across Europe serving Izmir’s Adnan Menderes Airport every day.
Izmir
The third most-populous city in Türkiye, and by far the largest on our list of cheap resorts in Türkiye, Izmir may be well known, but it isn’t your typical beach resort. It has a particularly fascinating history, having been part of Greece following the First World War. Izmir generally feels a lot more European than most Turkish cities.
The city’s most famous landmark is its historic clocktower which has been destroyed by earthquakes twice.
Izmir is an excellent shopping destination with several huge malls, a plethora of restaurants and some excellent museums.
Izmir is served by Adnan Menderes Airport, one of Türkiye’s busiest international gateways with flights from across Europe landing every day. Hotel prices start at just £27 (US$34) per night, allowing you to spend a week indulging in the city’s culture for less than £200 (US$256).
Marmaris
The final city on our rundown of cheap resorts in Türkiye, Marmaris is probably one of the better known Turkish beach resorts. If you’re looking for the typical beach holiday experience, Marmaris is where you should be heading.
Known for its miles of sandy beaches, Marmaris is the ultimate destination for water sport enthusiasts. Go snorkelling in the beautiful warm ocean, take a boat trip in search of wildlife or simply relax on the beach and watch the world go by. The city is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, but also has a stunning old town with a magnificent castle.
Marmaris is around an hour and a half from Dalaman Airport, with transfers and taxis readily available. Hotels start from as little as £19 (US$24) per night, meaning accommodation costs for a one-week break come in at under £150 (US$192).
Share This Article
Traveling soon? Subscribe to The Insight below and get exclusive access to our personalized travel advice community via WhatsApp so you can ask all your burning travel questions.
Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered.
And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.
Read more of our best insights from around the world
- The 6 Best Restaurants in Corfu Old Town Right Now
- How to Visit Turkmenistan: Everything You Need to Know for 2025
- These 8 Best Restaurants in Vilnius Showcase All Sides of the Lithuanian Food Scene
- 9 Lithuanian Desserts, Cakes and Sweets You’ll Want to Try
- Traditional Lithuanian Food: 8 Foods of Lithuania You Must Try
- The 7 Best Pubs in Cornwall for A Pint: A Local’s Guide
