Planning your next summer holiday? Why Turkiye should be on your list
Flexible bookings and extended sunshine attracting GCC visitors
DUBAI – Turkiye is positioning itself as one of the most attractive destinations for GCC travellers looking to book a summer escape at short notice, as changing travel habits encourage more spontaneous holiday planning.
New data from Expedia Group shows travellers are increasingly leaving booking decisions until closer to departure, creating fresh demand for destinations that combine flexibility, value and diverse experiences.
According to the global travel platform, searches made between seven and 13 days before departure increased by 25 percent during the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year. The shift reflects evolving travel behaviour influenced by changing weather conditions, global events and increasingly dynamic personal schedules.
For travellers seeking an impromptu Mediterranean break, Turkiye offers a long summer season, varied accommodation choices and attractive seasonal offers stretching well into autumn. Alongside its famous coastline, visitors can enjoy renowned Turkish hospitality, rich cuisine, outdoor adventures and the country's distinctive Night Museums programme.
Changing trends
The growing preference for last-minute travel is reshaping holiday choices across the region, with flexibility becoming a major factor for many travellers.
Turkiye's Mediterranean coastline is particularly well suited to spontaneous holidays, offering everything from luxury beachfront resorts to boutique accommodation. Visitors can spend their days relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring hidden coves or taking part in activities such as diving and paragliding.
The country's combination of coastal scenery, cultural attractions and extensive tourism infrastructure means even short-notice trips can deliver a complete holiday experience without lengthy planning.
Coastal appeal
Among Turkiye's standout destinations is Antalya, regarded as the country's premier resort city and one of the Mediterranean's leading holiday hotspots.
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually, Antalya attracts visitors throughout an extended summer season. Resort areas including Belek, Kemer and Side feature luxury accommodation, wellness facilities, diverse dining options and sports amenities designed for both families and independent travellers.
Antalya is also home to 232 Blue Flag beaches, the highest number of any destination worldwide. The coastline ranges from wide sandy beaches to secluded bays with clear turquoise waters.
Its international reputation continues to grow. Three Antalya beaches, Belek, Gündoğdu and Kadriye, were included in TUI's science-based ranking of the world's most beautiful beaches. Overall, Turkiye secured four places in the global top 10, more than any other destination.
Beyond the resort areas, visitors can discover the turquoise waters of Kaputaş, walk along Patara Beach, where endangered Caretta caretta turtles nest, or swim above the submerged ancient ruins surrounding Kekova.
Aegean escape
Turkiye's western coastline offers a different holiday experience, blending seaside resorts, historic settlements and celebrated culinary traditions.
The Northern Aegean has gained renewed attention following Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey, inspired by Homer's epic. The region is home to the ancient city of Troy in Çanakkale, where archaeology, mythology and dramatic coastal scenery meet. Nearby destinations including Assos and the island of Bozcaada offer quieter coastal retreats, while Ayvalık and Cunda are known for their charming streets, waterfront settings and relaxed lifestyle.
Further south, İzmir serves as the gateway to some of the Aegean's best-known holiday destinations. Coastal towns such as Çeşme, Alaçatı and Urla combine stylish resorts with MICHELIN-recognised dining, while Bodrum, Datça, Marmaris and Fethiye continue to attract visitors with crystal-clear waters, Blue Voyage sailing routes, luxury accommodation and celebrated regional cuisine.
Tourism officials say the country's extended warm season, broad choice of destinations and competitive seasonal offers provide travellers with greater flexibility when planning a late summer break.