Sorgun holidays

The beach might be the headline act, but pine forests and ancient ruins help put holidays to Sorgun on the radar.

The best of both worlds

Sorgun pairs beach life with a healthy dose of greenery. Tucked just east of Side on Antalya's southern coast, this resort swaps busy streets for pine forests, shady walking trails and bucketloads of Mediterranean coastline. When you've had your fill of beach days, traditional Turkish hammams are on hand for a proper scrub and soak, while nearby waterparks dial things up with slides, splash zones and lazy rivers.

Beach bar territory

The beach might just be the main event here. Sorgun's got a long stretch of sand-and-shingle shoreline, so there's plenty of room to roll out a towel. And it’s not short on facilities, either. Beach bars dot the seafront, so an iced drink – or a straw poked into a fresh coconut – is never far away. And if lounging isn't on the agenda, there's plenty going on offshore, too, from diving trips and watersports to pirate boat cruises along the coast.

The lake locals love

If you fancy swapping sunbeds for scenery, this is the place to do it. Just inland from the beach is Titreyengöl, which translates to 'shimmering lake'. It's one of the area's lesser-known gems, with walking trails circling the water and plenty of peaceful spots to pause and eye up the view. Nearby, the Manavgat River winds its way through the landscape before meeting the sea, and boat trips are a popular way to take it all in.

Side trips to ancient Side

Just 10 minutes’ drive up the coast, Side proves Turkey's not all about beaches. The ancient town is packed with Roman remains, including a huge amphitheatre that once held around 20,000 spectators. Right by the waterfront, you'll also find the famous Temple of Apollo, while nearby bazaars are piled high with Turkish delight, spices and handcrafted souvenirs.