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Best markets on the Turquoise Coast

  • Turquoise Coast, Turkey

Last updated: 05 April, 2024

Every town of any size in Turkey has a weekly market; a travelling circus that moves each day to different places in each region.

Those in predominantly tourist resorts do have less of a locals feel, but almost all will have kitchenware and household stalls alongside fake designer handbags and clothes, leatherware, jewellery and beautiful handmade backgammon sets.

Markets in places such as Yalikavak, Alacati, Fethiye, Mugla and Kas also have wonderful fruit and veg sections, often with pop up stalls selling freshly-made gozleme (thin flatbreads filled with feta cheese or spicy potato) and ayrun (a traditional yoghurt drink).

Even if you’re not a shopper, this is a great place to people watch – to experience a slice of authentic Turkish life.

Recommendations

5

Bodrum Market

  • Bodrum, Aegean Region, Turkey

People shopping at a covered market with food stalls

Experience

Bodrum’s weekly market, held in the Pazar next to Dolmus station, takes place on Tuesday (for textiles) and Friday (fruits and vegetables). The textile market is famous throughout the region; alongside the beautiful cottons and linens, there are also kilims (carpets), clothing and kitchenware on sale.

Good for age: 13+

Fethiye Market

  • Fethiye, Mediterranean Region, Turkey

Turkish ceramics on sale at the market

Experience

Held on a Tuesday, stretching out along the banks of a dry river bed, this is a market for both locals and tourists, with excellent leatherware and ceramics that are far cheaper than in the town’s shops.

Good for age: 13+

Duration: All day

When: Tuesdays

Freq: weekly

Kas Market

  • Kas, Mediterranean Region, Turkey

Orange bag for sale at the market

Experience

Less touristy than neighbouring Kalkan, Kas’ Friday market is a mix of local produce, fake goods and beautiful fabrics, with handbags for a fraction of the price of those in the town’s designer stores.

Good for age: 13+

Duration: All day

When: Fridays

Freq: weekly

Mugla Market

  • Mugla, Aegean Region, Turkey

Handcrafted souvenir stands on stone street bazaar

Experience

If you’re looking for an authentic market experience, Mugla is the best – and biggest – in the region. As the town is not a particular tourist draw, it’s primarily for locals. Every Thursday.

Good for age: 13+

Duration: All day

When: Every Thursday

Freq: weekly

Turgutreis Market

  • Turgutreis, Aegean Region, Turkey

Market stall with bags filled with spices for sale

Experience

This open-air market is the largest on the Bodrum peninsula, held every Saturday, is packed with stalls selling local produce – olives, cheese, meze, seasonal fruits and vegetables – plus the usual fare of textiles and crafts.

Good for age: 18+

Duration: One day

When: Saturday

Freq: weekly

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Weekly markets happen on different days in different resorts; ask at your hotel (or in any bar or restaurant) to find out what day it’s happening. Towns do get very busy on market day, so if you’re driving be prepared to park some distance away – if you can walk it’s a much better idea.

Bartering is all part of the fun – aim for about 60-70% of the original asking price.

Many markets have pop up stalls selling traditional Turkish snacks and drinks – ideal for a mid-spree refuel.

When to do it

Most markets start early – around 8am – and usually close up by mid-afternoon. Morning is by far the best time – stallholders are keen to do a deal on their first sale of the day – and as they are often covered by temporary awnings, they can get increasingly hot as the day progresses.