The icy British winter still has us all in a chokehold, if only there was a place where the beaches still sparkled, where the sea stays warm year round…

HELLO TURKISH RIVIERA

Antalya is Turkey’s blonde beached hun. Sun yourself (almost) year round and explore colourful marinas, cobbled streets and the foothills of Mt. Olympos.

BEACHING

You can’t really go wrong with any of Antalya’s beaches…

Lara Beach is an all round fave, think fine white sand and locals playing football and volleyball by the water’s edge. It’s right beside the city so you’ve also got beach bars and clubs that spill onto the sand.

Çıralı is beach with a slice of history - this pebbled lad is right beside the ancient city of Olympos. And if you don’t mind a (stunning) cliffside drive, Kaputas is a total dreamboat. It’s a teeny beach nestled under giant cliffs with sapphire blue water 😍

PLAYING

This is the adventure capital of Turkey…

Try rafting down Korpolu Canyon, there’s 12 snaking rapids and plenty of gushing waterfalls to salute to as you hurtle by. Or hang with Hercules at the top of Mt. Olympos. A cable car will whisk you up for a 360 view of the riviera complete with snow-capped mountains and turquoise sea views.

If you’re on a serious culture bender, hit up the nearby Lycian tombs cut straight into the mountainside (3rd picture).

EATING

“Did someone say kebabs?”

It’s incredibly easy to find great food here, even the smallest street vendor cooks up a meal you’d sell your nan for. But for something a little special Fatma Sultan Restaurant's yer one. Eat a fusion of Turkish-Mediterranean food while staring out over the old city.

DRINKING

Top tip: A Turkish coffee will set you back less than €1 in almost any restaurant, bar or cafe. Drink many.

For something harder head to the locals haunt Çello Cafe Bar for traditional ‘raki’ (liquorice flavoured grape brandy). Parties spill onto the streets when the bars close or head to one of the wonderfully bad megaclubs like Infernos.