Sunset dips in turquoise waters, hand-in-hand strolls around culture-stuffed towns… these are the cornerstones of a romantic getaway. Set your sights on Turkey and you’ll soon see it more than delivers. It merges olde worlde with ultra-modern and offers a range of hotels and activities which are tailor-made for two. Get ready to dial up the dreaminess with our couples holidays guide…

Bodrum  

Just-preserved ruins? Blissful bays? Yacht-lined marinas? It’d be easy to fall in love all over again, surrounded by the beauty of Bodrum. You can also take advantage of nights on the tiles down Bar Street, good times galore in Gumbet and the smashing seafront in Altinkum. What’s more, the main city is a melting pot of cultural treasures and hip shops to browse. 

If there’s anything more romantic than dining by the waterfront as colourful boats bob in the breeze, then let us know. Fresh seafood platters, spiced meats, local wine – it’s all on the menu in Bodrum’s fine-dining restaurants. Afterwards, head to one of the boutique bars for bubbles with a view. 

Antalya  

If you’re a couple of beach bums, you could be a match made in heaven for Antalya. Mother Nature lent extra pizzazz to the sandy stretches here, and 8km-long Lara Beach is the icing on the golden cake. Find a shady patch under a parasol and stay until sundown, when the seaside bars come into their own. Over in upmarket Belek, nearly ten miles of golden grains await, as well as championship golf courses. Meanwhile, Aspendos Amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo and Athena open windows to the past to peer into.

In need of a pamper? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Treat yourself and your other half to some R&R at a traditional hammam (spa). You’ll both feel thoroughly zen after a full-body scrub, massage or mud bath.  

Dalaman 

Delve into Dalaman’s natural beauty and you’ll soon be swept off your feet. The Blue Lagoon is Olu Deniz’s star of the shimmering show, so boat trips are definitely on the cards. Keep your eyes peeled on Iztuzu Beach for nesting loggerhead turtles, then get the mud baths of Dalyan, characterful stalls of the Grand Bazaar and family-run eateries right to the top of your itinerary. Both wild at heart? Spend a day at one of Dalaman’s national parks, where you’ll uncover hectare after hectare of pure bliss. Some even have risen wooden platforms dotted throughout to help you spot the local wildlife.

Izmir

Right at the top of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is enthralling Izmir. You can expect a taste of tradition, with old town walls hiding must-see sights and snug tavernas. You’ll also have the bucket-list landmark of Ephesus close by, and Dilek National Park is worth a visit between time spent lazing and dining. You won’t be able to resist leisurely afternoons in vineyards or cafés.

If you’re wondering where’s best to unpack your suitcase, we’ve got you covered. The popular seaside town of Kusadasi is a resort of two halves. On the one hand, it’s a sun-seekers dream, thanks to a whopping eight beaches. But on the other, it’s ideal for culture vultures. It’s ancient city walls and cobbled streets are home to markets and a mix of late-night bars and traditional Turkish street-eats. Laidback Ozdere and Didim are also well worth a visit!