30 July, 2018
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.
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.
The biggest beach bum you know - it's all about scouting out the best sunbathing spots and making a dent in a good book.
August into September - these coastlines and beach clubs were made for summer holidays.
Health nuts scouting out the best thermal baths.
Your oldest one-piece - you won't want to risk ruining your new Hunza G in the mud baths.
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.
