With

With
August creeping up on us, we’re
more determined than ever to squeeze every last drop out of the
final month of summer. Dalaman, a region on Turkey’s southwestern
coast, is an under-the-radar alternative to Grecian and Croatian coves. Beyond being a
beach paradise for days of sailing and long meals, the area
is renowned for its restorative thermal and mud baths, meaning it’s
a shoe-in for chilling out before the autumnal rush of
September.

Don’t miss

The Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz Beach is one of the biggest draws of
the Dalaman area. Sheltered from the sea by a thin strip of land,
it’s an electric-blue haven for floating on your back undisturbed
except for waves lapping your face.
Watersports lovers on the hunt for slightly wilder waters
should head to Sarigerme. This is where Mediterranean and Aegean collide, making for
gnarly windsurfing waves.

For a glamorous day out, shimmy on over to Göcek, the primary
sailing port in Dalaman. Whether you decide to rent a boat to take
a spin with a bunch of friends for the day, or just feel like
seeing and being seen during your four-hour lunch (Turkey has some
excellent wine), this will no doubt be one of the glitzier days on
your holiday.

Who to bring with you

The biggest beach bum you know – it’s all about scouting out the
best sunbathing spots and making a dent in a good book.

When to go

August into September – these coastlines and beach clubs were
made for summer holidays.

Most likely to bump into

Health nuts scouting out the best thermal baths.

Essentials to bring with you

Your oldest one-piece – you won’t want to risk ruining your new
Hunza G in the mud baths.

How to get there

Fly from one of nine locations in the UK straight into Dalaman
Airport. If you can, try to fly on a weekday to snag flights as low
as £60.