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Discover the Pristine 'Turkish Maldives': A Paradise Island Just 40 Minutes Away

Given its turquoise waters and white sands, it wouldn’t be surprising to assume that Suluada was among the numerous islands comprising the Maldives .

But this slice of paradise is actually a little closer to home , since it is located offshore from Antalya, in the southwestern part 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.

Are you feeling enticed? Below is all the information needed to help you organize your journey.

What to expect when visiting Suluada

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Visitors have the option to get to Suluada by joining a boat tour departing from various points on the mainland such as Adrasan, Antalya, and Kemer.

Although you won't discover any eateries or lodging choices on the island, it makes an excellent spot for a day trip where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.

Villa Plus Turkey.com states: 'When they arrive, guests are met with a view that looks like it’s from a postcard.'

'The shoreline of the island is lined with soft, powdery white sand, and the vivid blue waters invite you for a rejuvenating dip.'

The volcanic island presents a rough, stony terrain, and at the heart of Suluada, tourists can discover the 'Grotto of Affection'.

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.

Where can I find Suluada?

Multiple boat operators provide excursions to Suluada Island. Excursion Go runs a comprehensive day-long cruise along with pickup from your accommodation for only £12 per individual.

It’s probable that you'll encounter other vessels (along with numerous visitors) exploring the island simultaneously, particularly during peak tourist season.

The most frequent starting point is Adrasan Bay. The journey by boat lasts around 30 minutes, varying with the weather. You can expect to see coastal scenery and bays during the trip.

Check out additional locations beyond the Maldives

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  • The 'tiny version of the Maldives' in Spain now has a fresh TUI flight departing from a UK airport.

The nearest airstrip to Adrasan is at Antalya Airport, with the journey taking roughly one and a half hours by car. Flights departing from London to Antalya last about four hours and thirty minutes.

Return tickets from London Stansted To get to Antalya next month, you can find flights for £100 on Skyscanner.

What do people think about Suluada?

The island boasts a 4.45 out of 5 star rating on TripAdvisor, derived from more than 100 reviews. Visitors describe it as 'breathtaking' and a 'secret Eden'.

A critic mentioned that the journey was 'outstanding,' noting that the vistas were so stunning they made them feel as though they were in the Maldives.

When approaching the island by sea, it might not seem impressive at first, but as you draw nearer, you could find yourself imagining you've reached the Maldives.

She commented, "The sole drawback is that it isn’t a secret spot, hence it attracts large crowds during peak times with numerous visitors arriving by boat. Therefore, I recommend visiting either early in the day or outside the main tourist season."

The highest-ranked Turkish islands based on TripAdvisor reviews

Suluada is not the sole island worthy of a visit in Turkey. Below are the top five highly rated islands according to 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 – This heavenly island ranks among Turkey’s best.

Bozcaada Situated in the northeastern section of the Aegean Sea, Bozcaada ranks as Turkey’s third-biggest island.

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