Turkey’s Aegean Coast is a sun-soaked stretch of history, beaches, and vibrant culture — the perfect backdrop for those seeking a varied holiday. Bodrum delivers luxury and nightlife with stylish beachside hotels, while Kusadasi and Selcuk offer budget and family-friendly options close to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. For trendsetters, Izmir’s seafront buzz and boutique hotels in Alsancak are a must. Whether you're after design, comfort, or culture, this coastline has the perfect base for every traveller.

This coastline is packed with unforgettable sights, from the stunning 15th-century Castle of St Peter in Bodrum, with its sea views and ancient towers, to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus near Selcuk — home to marble streets and the once-mighty Temple of Artemis. Don’t miss the Basilica of Saint John nearby, especially with a guide to bring its rich history to life. And when you’re ready for a change of pace, the waterparks at Adaland and Aqua Fantasy offer a fun-filled break.

Don't forget that during the peak summer months, this region is incredibly busy. To guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in the Aegean Coast, do your research and book well ahead.

The best places to stay in the Turkish Aegean Coast

Bodrum

• There are a number of reasons why gorgeous Kempinski Barbaros Bay is one of the best places to stay on the Turkish Aegean Coast. It has its own private, sandy beach and marina; the private deck views are spectacular; it has five restaurants and bars; plus a sybaritic spa.
• 4Reasons Hotel ticks all the boxes for stylish accommodation, delicious food and great service. Built just above the unspoiled village of Yalikavak, it's serene, but still has all the benefits of being Bodrum-adjacent.
• Caresse is a 5* beachfront resort located right on the Aegean Sea. With plush contemporary suites, a wonderful spa and two excellent restaurants, it's a top-notch spot. Wonderfully romantic.
• The sleek Doria Hotel offers whitewashed rooms with parquet floors, the odd splash of colour, private balconies and stunning sea views. Located in Bitez, a few miles west of Bodrum, this seaside stay also has a luxurious spa to help you fully unwind.

Kusadasi

• Book Villa Konak if you want an inexpensive, friendly, sunny base. There's a lovely, high walled garden, a library of holiday left-behinds and the owners love a chat. It's also only a few minutes from the harbour.

Selcuk

• Naz Han is the one to book if you want to be near to Ephesus. It's also right in the heart of this little town and has an excellent restaurant.
• Markiz Konaklari is a Turkish country house located in Sirince, 8km outside Selcuk. This rustic property offers traditional accommodation complete with four poster beds, stone walls and wooden beams. Relax in the lovely garden and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
• Güllü Konak, also situated in Sirince, offers individually decorated rustic guest rooms and cosy common areas. Enjoy traditional meals from the restaurant and soak up the sun with a good book in their gardens.

Izmir

• Otel Antikhan is a very reasonable option for Izmir, with all the benefits of a much blander chain hotel. It offers a pretty leafy courtyard and traditional accommodation, some rooms with three beds, which are ideal for families. A top value stay.
• Key Hotel is wonderfully situated in the centre of town. This luxurious stay boasts stylish high-tech accommodation, as well as a restaurant with wonderful views, which serves international cuisine.

Alaçati

• Incirliev is a charming boutique property combining tradition with contemporary chic. Its whitewashed rooms feature four poster beds and parquet floors, and there's a quaint courtyard garden where breakfast is served. Character at great value.
• Tas Otel offers romantic bedrooms with creamy furnishings and exposed stone walls. There's a lovely outdoor pool to relax by, or you could head down to the beach which is just a short distance away. An intimate stay.
• Nars Alaçati is a charming stone house close to all the town's hotspots. Their lovely rooms feature four poster beds, killim rugs and antique furniture — ideal for romantic breaks.
• Chigdem Hotel is just a three minute walk from the centre of town. Boasting individually decorated rooms with splashes of vibrant colours, there's also a pool in the courtyard for cooling off. Superbly charming.
• The wonderfully romantic Viento Hotel is a traditional Turkish property, boasting elegant rooms in the centre of town. Grab one of the hotel bikes and spend your days at the nearby beaches or unwind by the pool in the garden.
• The boutique Alavya offers chic, well-lit rooms with exposed brick walls, spread across six houses. There's an atmospheric communal area and an outdoor pool. Enjoy meals from the Mitu bistro year round, or if you're there in the summer, then make the most out of their fine dining restaurant, Fogo.
• The central Beyevi is set in a townhouse featuring traditional whitewashed interiors and original artworks. Relax with a good book by their picturesque pool and make the most out of your location to see all that Alaçati has to offer.
• La Capria, set in stunning grounds, offers boutique rooms and suites featuring opulent interiors, hot tubs and balconies. Littered with antiques and with a yacht available to charter, this is a wonderfully romantic stay.
• Nars Ilica, located right on the coast a few miles north of Alaçati, provides chic rooms with balconies offering delightful sea views. You'll love the organic breakfasts served each morning before spending your days soaking up the sun on their private beach area.

Wonderfully Situated Stays

• D Hotel enjoys a terrific location set amidst pine forests, volcanic mountains and right on the waterfront of the beautiful Datcha Peninsula. Boasting chic and upmarket accommodation, this stylish spot offers access to no less than five private beaches! Plus, there three restaurants to try as well as a spa to help you fully rejuvenate.

For An Apartment Or Villa

• If you think a self-catering option would be your best bet, then check out the wide variety available online with our partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• It's best to visit the Aegean Coast in the summertime. The temperature often rises above 30ºC in July and August, however this is peak season, so expect to pay more for accommodation.
• September is ideal if you fancy slightly lower prices and a quieter atmosphere. With the average temperature around 23°C, it's still lovely weather (although the probability of rainfall is higher).
• International visitors can either fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport or Bodrum Airport.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search and take a look at our suggestions on the Turquoise Coast.
• Check out our pick of the best places to stay in Fethiye or Kalkan
• Lastly, feel free to call or email one of our gurus for advice.