Antalya

Antalya is the first choice on the Turkish coast for beaches and resorts on the Mediterranean, backed by the Taurus Mountains, whose peaks keep their snow into spring.

At its heart lies Kaleiçi, the old town, with its lanes and wooden Ottoman houses around the ancient harbour, entered through Hadrian's Gate, built in the 2nd century AD. On the edge of the city, the Lower Düden Falls drop from a cliff straight into the sea.

The large resorts stretch east of the city in Belek and Lara, and many suit families, with pools, children's clubs and spacious suites. We recommend those that offer privacy and halal dining, and can arrange an all-inclusive stay if you wish.

Antalya is best from May to October, and is about an hour and a quarter from Istanbul by domestic flight.