READ MORE: Britain's favourite road trips revealed, from Scotland's take on Route 66 to the spectacular Jurassic CoastWant to holiday like a travel expert? Get free access to this subscriber article about the best Greek islands to visit (and the worst ones to avoid) when you sign up HERE to the Escape newsletterSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ALESIA FIDDLER - TRAVEL REPORTER Published: 11:56 BST, 28 July 2026 | Updated: 11:56 BST, 28 July 2026
Holidaymakers chasing the Riviera glamour of St Tropez don't have to pay the eye-watering prices often associated with the dreamy, star-filled destination. There's an alternative in Turkey that costs 43 per cent less and offers boutique beach clubs, yacht-filled marinas and luxury all-inclusive hotels.Located on Turkey's Aegean coast, Bodrum has long been dubbed 'Turkey's St Tropez'.The dreamy location has long attracted celebrities, including Kate Moss and even royalty. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle holidayed there in 2017 before their wedding, Conde Nast Traveller reports. With whitewashed streets, crystal-clear waters and great weather, you'll find it hard to believe you're not in St Tropez.Travellers on a budget can enjoy a glamorous 7-night stay from as little as £309 per person, according to travel experts at First Choice. Bodrum has been dubbed 'Turkey's St Tropez' for its dreamy beaches and yacht-filled marinas A trip there is around 43 per cent cheaper than one to St Tropez, which can be a pricey destination to visitOr if you have some extra cash to splash, a four-star all-inclusive trip can be found from just £509 per person. A similar break in St Tropez costs around £440 more per person, meaning travellers could save 43 per cent by choosing Bodrum instead. Food and drinks won't set you back much in Bodrum either – it works out at around a third cheaper overall. The average three-course meal there costs just €46 (£39.30) but in St Tropez would be a pricey €68 (£58.10). Meanwhile, local beer in Bodrum is 50 per cent less.Beyond its beaches, Bodrum is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.Built between 353 and 351 BCE, the mausoleum was the tomb of Mausolus, ruler of Caria. Bodrum Castle is another must-see. The spectacular medieval fortress overlooks the marina and was partly built using stones from the ancient mausoleum. Visitors can also combine two countries in a single day. Meanwhile food and drink in Bodrum works out a third cheaper overallVisitors can hop on a ferry over to the Greek island of Kos for just €35 (£29.90) return, and the trip takes less than an hour.Kevin Nelson, managing director at First Choice, said: 'More than ever, holidaymakers want experiences that feel special without having to compromise on value.'Bodrum is one of the best examples of that. It offers many of the experiences people associate with Europe's most glamorous seaside resorts, while still providing exceptional value, particularly for families and couples looking to book a late summer escape.'Sarah Jooste, product executive at First Choice, described how 'effortlessly luxurious' Bodrum is 'without ever feeling out of reach'.She recommended heading to the fishing village of Gümüşlük one evening for seafood and cocktails 'while watching one of the best sunsets on the peninsula'.'It's exactly the sort of experience people imagine costs a fortune somewhere like St Tropez, but in Bodrum you can enjoy the same atmosphere for a fraction of the price,' the expert added.
