Strung along the coast, Dalaman’s beaches include enchanting pebble coves lapped by turquoise waters. Breathtaking cliff-bound bays only accessible by boat. And popular town beaches studded with watersports and glitzy marinas. Out of all of them, it’s Olu Deniz that steals the show. Here, a slender finger of pebble, fine shingle and coarse sand divides the azure sea from an aquamarine lagoon.

It really is like something from a storybook. A protected beauty spot, the translucent lagoon waters are a dream for bathers and paddlers. And even then, Olu Deniz still has its main Belcekiz Beach. This wonderful sand-and-shingle sweep is lined with seafront establishments, so you’re only ever a flip-flop away from refreshments. Runner-up in the heart-stopping scenery stakes has to be Dalyan beach.

Just outside of town, it’s known as Istuzu Beach and offers up five kilometres of pristine sands. Just hop on a boat and you’re there – although you need to take care not to disturb the protected loggerhead turtles that nest in its sands.

Of course, there are plenty of other beaches worthy of your presence. Calis Beach seems to go on forever, shelving into brisk waters. And all around Fethiye, Kalkan and Kas, drop-dead gorgeous beaches and rocky coves act like siren-calls for sunbathers and snorkellers. Oh, and Icmeler and Marmaris deserve a mention too. At Icmeler, three Blue Flag beaches provide perfect spots for serious sunbathing.

For the buzziest beach life, it’s got to be Marmaris, though. Its dark sand-and-shingle beach is flanked by lively restaurants and pavement cafes. And an army of watersports, too. Finally, there’s one last beach that makes everyone swoon. Patara. This enormous curve of sands in the south of the region is so outrageously beautiful it stops you in your tracks. Better still, it’s so big it hardly ever gets crowded.

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