Turkey's secret is well and truly out, and in recent years it has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits wanting a beach break. But which beaches are the best? We've picked out a few that you might like to try...
Perfect 10 Turkish beaches
Oludeniz Beach, Belcekiz, south-east of Fethiye
Once regarded as something of an unspoilt paradise, Oludeniz has been sullied somewhat by the tourist hordes. But it's still possible to see why they come in the first place. The natural setting is first class, and the lagoon just beautiful. Be prepared for crowds, however.
Butterfly Valley
Just along the coast from Oludeniz this stunning bay can only be reached by boat and it's possible to stay overnight and star gaze from a tent or tepee. As it's so inaccessible the nature there is untouched though you won't starve as there's a small restaurant. But the real pull is the lack of modern trappings making it a must-see beach when visiting the area.
Iztuzu Beach, Near Dalyan, to the north-west of Dalayan
Known pretty much to all and sundry as 'Turtle beach' this is one of the few spots in the world where the rare loggerhead turtle comes to give lay eggs. Efforts are made to ensure that tourism doesn't threaten the turtles' breeding grounds but the gorgeous sand bar is too good to miss. To get there, you need to take a boat trip from Dalyan.
Kaputas Beach, Where: Between Kas and Kalkan, south-western Turkey
Kaputas Beach lies at the end of a stunning mountain gorge, and can only be accessed by trudging down a series of steps (or a dolmus share taxi in peak months). It's worth the effort of getting to, though; the water is ultra-inviting and the setting sensational.
Konyaalti Beach, Antalya
It's in Turkey's major beach tourism city, but Konyaalti Beach isn't quite as crowded as you might imagine. It's a rough sand and shingle affair, but the mountain views and the fact that you can walk onto it from the city hubbub make it a hugely attractive option.
Pamucak Beach, Between Ephesus and Selcuk, South Aegean
It's not far from some of the worst excesses of Turkish coastline development and mass tourism, but Pamucak Beach is still relatively unspoilt. There are a few hotels at the southern end, but for the most part, it's how this part of the world used to be. The beach stretches for a good few kilometres, so you can get plenty of space to yourself.
Patara Beach, Patara, 45 miles south-east of Fethiye
With 20km or so of white sand, gorgeous dunes at the back and ancient ruins lying just behind, Patara is regularly cited as Turkey's best beach. It's unusual for the area in that it's not in the least bit pebbly, and it's remarkably uncrowded.
Turkbuku Beach, Bodrum Peninsula
If you're looking for Turkey's equivalent of St Tropez, this is it. Luxurious hotels, dressed to impress guests and beautiful people line the special sunbathing platforms above the sand and pebbles. Turkbuku has also got something of a party scene; it's an awesome (if pricey) place in which to take proceedings well into the early hours.
Olympos Beach, South of Antalya
Again, Olympos Beach is unlikely to win a glut of best sand awards, but it's the vibe that people go for. It's a cool place to hang out for the backpacking fraternity – helped immeasurably by all the bizarre treehouse hostels nearby.
Alacati Beach, West of Izmir, Northern Aegean
The beach itself isn't all that much to write home about, but the activities available from Alacati Beach are. It is a world renowned windsurfing hub, with the consistent breezes and still waters drawing watersports fans from far afield.