With turquoise waters and white sands, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Suluada was one of the many islands that make up the Maldives.
But this slice of paradise is actually a little closer to home, as it lies off the coast of Antalya, in the south west of Turkey.
Dubbed the ‘Maldives of Turkey’, Suluada, which means ‘watery island’, is completely uninhabited. Surrounded by white sand and crystal clear waters, it’s a popular day trip for tourists looking to escape the mainland.
Feeling tempted? Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip.
What to expect when visiting Suluada
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Travellers can reach Suluada by taking a boat tour from mainland locations, including Adrasan, Antalya and Kemer.
While they won’t find any restaurants or accommodation options on the island, it’s a great day-trip location for swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling.
Villa Plus Turkey.com says: ‘Upon arriving, visitors are greeted with a sight that seems straight out of a postcard.
‘The island’s coastline is fringed with fine, powdery white sand and the azure waters beckon for a refreshing swim.’
The volcanic island offers a rugged, rocky landscape, and in the centre of the Suluada, visitors can find the ‘Cave of Love’.
As legend has it, the cave’s water is filled with the tears of a young girl who was separated from her love. Now, the freshwater is said to have healing powers.
The island has two beaches that are suitable for swimming, and both boast shallow and clear waters great for snorkelers. You might even be able to spot loggerhead turtles or bottlenose dolphins.
How to get to Suluada
Several different boat operators offer tours to Suluada Island. Excursion Go offers a full-day boat tour and pick up from your hotel for just £12 per person.
There’ll likely be other boats (and plenty of tourists) visiting the island at the same time, especially during high season.
The most common departure is from Adrasan Bay. The boat ride takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions. Expect coastline and bay views along the way.
The closest airport to Adrasan is Antalya Airport, the drive takes around an hour and a half. Flights from London to Antalya take four hours and 30 minutes.
Return tickets from Stansted to Antalya next month can be found on Skyscanner from £100.
What are people saying about Suluada?
The island has a 4.45/5 rating on TripAdvisor, based on over 100 reviews. Travellers have referred to it as ‘stunning and a ‘hidden paradise’.
One reviewer described the trip as ‘excellent’ adding that the views make you feel like you’re in the Maldives.
Another user wrote: ‘The island doesn’t look like much when you’re sailing towards it, but as you get closer, you may think you’ve arrived in the Maldives.’
She added: ‘The only negative thing is it’s not a hidden gem, so it can get very, very busy in high season with boatloads of tourists pulling up. So, my advice is to go early or out of season.’
The top-rated Turkish Islands, according to Tripadvisor
Suluada isn’t the only island worth visiting in Turkey. Here are the top five-rated islands on TripAdvisor.
Kekova Island – one of the most visited Turkish islands, Kekova lies southwest of Demre in Antalya province. It boasts clear waters and a historic ancient city.
Princes’ Islands – this cluster of nine islands is located southeast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. They’re mostly car-free and are known for their horse-drawn carriages.
Sedur Island – also known as Cleopatra Island Sedir is a small island in the Gulf of Gokova.
Suluada – The paradise island is one of Turkey’s top-rated.
Bozcaada – located in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea, Bozcaada is Turkey’s third-largest island.
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