Holidaymakers say Turkey is leaving them ‘skint’ as price hikes push many to rethink future visits, with some advising others to ‘give it a miss’ entirely
British tourists are turning their backs on one of Turkey’s most popular resorts, claiming rocketing costs have drained their wallets. Once a budget-friendly haven, the country is now being described by many as simply too expensive.
The once-bustling streets of Antalya, Marmaris and Side are now echoing with complaints from disillusioned visitors. TikTok and travel forums are flooded with frustrated tourists sharing eye-watering holiday bills. One traveller, Tez, took to TikTok to warn fellow Brits about rising prices in Antalya. “Give it a miss unless you want to be skint,” he advised in a now-viral video.
Tez claimed holiday essentials are now luxury-priced, with jet-skiing costing around £100 for less than an hour. Even a pint of beer, he said, won’t come in under £5.
Vodka drinkers, too, are being stung, as Tez warned bars are charging a premium on alcohol. He suggested an all-inclusive deal might be the only way to avoid daily spending shocks.
READ MORE: Tourists vow to ‘never return’ to holiday hotspot as rocketing prices leave them ‘skint’
His video has struck a nerve, drawing in thousands of views and hundreds of comments from those who’ve experienced similar. Many shared their own holiday horror stories of overspending.
One commenter said: “I went there last year, all inclusive. Still spent £2,000, never again!” Another revealed: “We stopped at the shop on the way from the hotel to the airport. Ordered two kebabs and two drinks, they charged me £52.”
A third added: “Turkey is so expensive now. I went to Marmaris. I will never go to Turkey again.” Another shared: “Won’t be going back to Side.”
They continued: “Nearly £1,300 spent between two people for five days and that was doing no excursions, having two meals a day and barely drinking.” It’s a far cry from Turkey’s previous reputation as a cheap and cheerful destination.
Not everyone agreed, however, with some defending the destination. One user said: “Still cheaper than the UK,” while another added, “Again, depends where you go. We live here and don’t spend crazy money at all.”
The sharp rise in prices has been partly explained by Turkey’s ongoing inflation crisis. According to Statista, food and drink prices alone soared by nearly 49% between November 2023 and 2024.
They added: “Domestic producer price indices have been continuously rising, which has directly resulted in a price increase in all consumer goods and services.” Inflation in essentials has hit locals and tourists alike.
Turkey is reportedly working to reverse the impact of inflation on its tourism industry. Efforts are being made to improve infrastructure, promote wellness travel, and stabilise costs.
Still, for many British holidaymakers, the damage may already be done. “I’ll be looking elsewhere next year,” one wrote, a sentiment that seems to be spreading fast.
