TURK NOTE
The Turkish holiday destination fans claim is the ‘Maldives of the Mediterranean’
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THE Maldives can hardly be topped as a holiday destination, but there is a cheaper alternative that’s way closer and easier on the wallet.
With tourists and locals calling it the “Turkish Maldives”, Suluada is a must-see destination.
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Why Suluada?
Suluada, or “Water Island” in Turkish, is a hidden gem off the coast of Turkey, close to Antalya, a popular vacation hotspot for locals and tourists.
The freshwater from the island is thought to have therapeutic benefits by the locals. They also advise tourists to drink the water here, as it’s said to be very useful against kidney stones.
This picturesque island has earned its reputation as a haven for sunseekers and nature lovers with its immaculate beaches, secret coves, and lush greenery.
To maintain the island's untouched beauty, there is no electricity on-site, so there are no hotels or accommodations.
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The island is only reachable by boat and takes about 40 minutes from Antalya.
Boasting unspoiled natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s no surprise that fans call it the “Turkish Malidves.”
The crystal-clear waters get their unique colour thanks to microorganisms known as “foraminifera”.
Suluada is home to diverse marine life, including a natural reef. In fact, experts believe that it should be declared a wildlife reserve.
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Those that are lucky might even spot dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals.
The island is highly rated on social media and Tripadvisor, with 4.5/5 stars.
The Turkey holiday resort where you can still get seven-night breaks for £167pp this summer
Fans call it "incredible", the "best beach ever", and the "closest you can get to the Maldives".
What is it like in Suluada?
Beach lovers will find heaven in Suluada, where guests can relax and enjoy the sun on powder-soft white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Suluada features two beaches for swimming; the mainland beach is preferable if you’d rather swim in peace and quiet, while the larger, wave-filled beach on the west side is ideal for families.
There are plenty of things to do at Suluada, such as hiking the island’s beautiful trails, swimming and snorkelling in the warm Mediterranean Sea, and finding hidden caverns and caves.
Suluada has high biodiversity above and below the water’s surface.
The island is well-liked by those who enjoy birdwatching because it is home to several bird species, such as cormorants and falcons. Divers and snorkelers can see bright fish and sea turtles in the island’s beautiful coral reefs, which are brimming with marine life.
When is the best time to visit Suluada?
Summer is the ideal time to visit Suluada because of the pleasant, sunny weather and high tourist season, which runs from late May to September.
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The 25C to 35C temperature range throughout this time makes it perfect for outdoor and beach activities.
Nonetheless, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to early May) and autumn (October to November) provide nice weather and fewer crowds for those looking for a tranquil experience.
That said, it’s worth double-checking the availability of transports to the island, as many boat services only operate during the peak summer months.
What are the best deals to visit Suluada?
As we’ve already said, the island has no accommodation, so we’ve found the best holiday packages in surrounding holiday resorts.
All the packages include your return flights and accommodation, with some also including resort transfers and baggage allowance.
Here are just some deals we’ve spotted this spring and summer:
- 7 nights room-only at Melissa Gardens in Antalya, Turkey -
- 7 nights self-catering at New Garden Luna Side ApartHotel in Side, Turkey -
- 7 nights self-catering at Lemas Suite Hotel in Side, Turkey -
- 7 nights self-catering at Vega Green in Alanya, Turkey -
Meanwhile, from Kemer and Antalya cost .
What else should I know about Suluada?
Suluada can only be reached by boat, and the nearest holiday resort is Antalya.
Flights from the UK to Antalya take around 4 hours and 20 minutes. Turkey is currently two hours ahead of the UK.
There are currently no restrictions for Brits entering Turkey. However, your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from your arrival and have a full blank page for your stamps.
Brits can stay in Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa.
The UK government also reminds Brits that it’s illegal not to carry a photographic ID in Turkey.
For more holiday deals, Cape Verde has 28C highs all year round & cheap all-inclusive deals from £561pp.
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And there’s an affordable but unspoilt Spanish coast where the beaches are as wild as the nightlife.
Plus, we’ve also revealed the tiny Italian island only locals know about— it’s as good as Capri but much cheaper.
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