The Turkish Riviera Will Be 2026's Hottest Escape

Say “Riviera” and most people instantly picture the French coast: superyachts docked in Saint-Tropez, sun-dazed celebrities slipping out of beach clubs, and €30 spritzes alongside caviar-topped pasta. For others, their thoughts might drift to Italy, either to Portofino’s postcard harbor or the cliffs of Cinque Terre. But very few think of Türkiye, let alone know of the so-called Turquoise Coast, making this riviera one of the most under-the-radar spots in the Mediterranean. 

Türkiye’s southwestern coastline has been surprisingly unrecognized, especially compared to Europe’s more obvious summer destinations. But, anyone who has stayed in this region (myself included), knows it’s only a matter of time before the Turquoise Coast dominates travel bucket lists. It’s everything travelers say they want from the Mediterranean: crystal-clear water, sun-soaked afternoons, top-notch hospitality, rich culture, incredible views, and prices that don’t make your jaw drop.

For some background, the region stretches across hundreds of miles of cliffs, pine forests, fishing villages, and archaeological sites older than most of Europe. Think from Bodrum to Marmaris, down through Fethiye and Kaş, and into a maze of coves you can only reach by boat. It’s about the size of a small European country, yet somehow remains one of the last little-known coastlines in the Mediterranean.

So where should you stay? What’s worth doing? And how do you experience the Riviera before everyone else inevitably shows up? Here’s how.

Checking In

If there’s one property that perfectly defines the beauty of the Turkish Riviera, it’s D Maris Bay. This hotel has been one of the coast’s most iconic stays for decades, and anyone who understands the assignment of a proper Mediterranean vacation knows this is the place. Located on a volcanic ridge on the Datça Peninsula, the property was once a remote hideaway before evolving into a massive, luxurious, ultra-scenic resort.

What makes it special isn’t just its sky-high location, spacious rooms, or top-notch service (though all are excellent), but the access it gives you to the coast’s best qualities. D Maris Bay sits on its own protected peninsula with five (!) separate beaches, each with its own vibe. It’s a rare resort where you can spend an entire day beach-hopping without ever leaving the property. Add in an impressive and delicious lineup of restaurants, a luxe spa, multiple pools, curated designer shops, and a long list of activities, and you’ll quickly understand why D Maris Bay is what locals brag about and where repeat guests return to. No matter what you want to see and do along the Riviera, this is the perfect home base.

Checking Out (the Surroundings)

To experience the Riviera properly, you have to treat it less like a checklist and more like a coastline you flow with rather than plan. For a TL;DR snapshot of the coast, we’ll break it down. 

Days are best spent on the clear, turquoise water, chartering a boat, and checking out coves that barely register on Google Maps. Long, seafood lunches are a must, where most tables sit right on the edge of the sea, and the catch of the day is whatever swam closest that morning. Old towns consist of stone-lane villages draped in bougainvillea, perfect for an afternoon of coffee, lemonade, and a browse through local ceramic studios. If you want scenery with history, there’s that, too. The cliffside ruins of Knidos glow like gold when the sun begins to set. And because wellness is part of Türkiye’s DNA, be sure to schedule in time for a hammam, of course.

Since the coast is so big, it’s best to chip off sections each time you visit. Ahead, we’ve unpacked a three-day Turkish Riviera itinerary if you’re staying at D Maris Bay.

A 3-Day Turkish Riviera Itinerary If You’re Staying at D Maris Bay

Day 1: Check In

Morning

Arrive at D Maris Bay, soak in the views from the terrace (right off the lobby) with a complimentary drink in hand, then head straight to Silence Beach. It’s the quiet, adults-only one with calm water and spaced-out loungers, making it the easiest way to shake off a travel day.

Afternoon

The property is filled with more activities than guests can count, so try to check some off the list. For those who want to be active, they can hit the tennis or padel courts (the resort brings in visiting pros throughout the season), book a paddleboard or kayak straight from the marina, or do sailing lessons. There are also private helicopter tours and a custom-made motor yacht, Alia Open Sea, that’s available for charter.

Early Evening

First, grab a drink at the Bay Terrace Bar and watch as the sun begins to set over the water. If you’re into animals, walk over to the grassy hill where helmeted guinea fowl run wild before dusk. There are loungers, a bar, and some incredible views.

Dinner

Once you’re hungry, the resort has a full roster of great options. D Maris Kitchen handles Turkish and international dishes; Zuma offers famous beachside seafood (get the black cod and a few sushi rolls); and La Guérite has that glamorous, French-Mediterranean energy. For something Greek, head to Manos; for Italy-by-the-coast, there’s Aurora Capri; and if you want steak, don’t miss Nusr-Et.

Day 2: Boat Day

Morning

Head to breakfast at The Terrace, then down to the marina for a 10 a.m. boat charter. Pick a fast boat if you want to hit multiple coves; pick a gulet if you’re in the mood for a slower morning. Once out at sea, be sure to explore a few coves and take a dip in the water.

Lunch in Söğüt

Pull into Söğüt around 1:30 and eat at Octopus Restaurant. Order grilled octopus, sea bass, tomato salad, and a cold beer or local white. PSA: Lunch usually runs long, since the vibe is laidback and casual.

Evening

Head back to the hotel by late afternoon. Swim at Maris Beach — the more polished and very exclusive option — then have dinner at La Guérite, the most lively of the D Maris Bay restaurants. 

Day 3: Old Datça + Knidos + Hammam

Morning

Wake up, enjoy coffee on your balcony, then hit the road and drive 35 minutes to Old Datça. Walk the stone lanes, grab a coffee at Café Inn, and pop into a ceramic shop or two. It’s small and easy to cover.

Afternoon

Continue to Knidos, and arrive around 4:30 p.m. to see the ruins before sunset. The amphitheater overlooking the water is worth the detour.

Evening

Back at the hotel, try to sneak in a spa treatment or dip in one of the pools, and enjoy a leisurely dinner or walk along the water afterward.