HEAD FOR THE MED

For beautiful landscapes, turquoise seas and historical gems, try these sunshine getaways

- WORDS: HELENA CARTWRIGHT, ZOE WEST, ALICIA MILLER.

Ölüdeniz, TURKEY

With its dramatic mountain backdrop, Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey’s most breathtaking coastal gems. Nestled along the country’s stunning southwest coast, this small resort town enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Head for the famous Blue Lagoon, part of a protected national park offering calm, crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming as well as snorkelling and paddleboarding.

Just beyond the shoreline, the soaring Babadağ Mountain provides a world-class launch point for paragliding. If you’re daring, you can drift over the bay.

For a more sedate day trip, head for the ancient ruins of Kayaköy, a hauntingly beautiful ghost village and open-air museum, with around 500 preserved houses and three churches.

As evening falls, the laid-back promenade of Ölüdeniz comes alive with inviting seaside restaurants serving freshly caught seafood and traditional meze.

WHERE TO STAY