Picture this: you land in Antalya on a Monday morning, meet your dentist by lunchtime, and by Wednesday you’re lounging on Konyaalti Beach with a brand-new smile — and thousands of pounds still in your bank account. That’s a dental holiday in Turkey, and it’s not too good to be true.
More and more UK patients are combining dental treatment with a proper Mediterranean break. Instead of sitting in a grey waiting room back home, they’re recovering poolside in 30-degree sunshine. Here’s how to plan yours.
What Is a Dental Holiday?
A dental holiday is exactly what it sounds like — you travel to another country for dental work and turn the trip into a holiday. Turkey has become the go-to destination for this, especially Antalya, where world-class dental clinics sit just minutes from pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and five-star resorts.
The concept works because most dental procedures don’t require bed rest. After veneers, crowns, or even implant placement, you’re typically free to explore, eat (soft foods at first), and enjoy your surroundings within hours. The warm climate actually helps — vitamin D and fresh air do wonders for recovery compared to a British winter.
Why Antalya Is the Perfect Dental Holiday Destination
Antalya isn’t just a dental hub — it’s Turkey’s tourism capital for good reason. Here’s what makes it uniquely suited for a dental holiday.
World-Class Dental Clinics
Antalya’s top clinics rival anything in London or Berlin. At Morsia Dental, for example, patients are treated in a purpose-built facility with panoramic X-ray suites, CAD/CAM milling labs, and surgical rooms that meet European sterilisation standards. The clinical team trained across Europe and Turkey, and the entire patient journey — from WhatsApp consultation to aftercare — runs in English.
Beautiful Beaches and Resorts
Konyaalti and Lara Beach rank among the Mediterranean’s best stretches of coastline. The turquoise water is warm enough for swimming from May to November, and the beach infrastructure — sunbeds, restaurants, water sports — is excellent. Lara’s resort strip offers all-inclusive hotels starting from £40–£60 per night, which is less than a budget hotel in central London.
Affordable Luxury
Your money goes further in Antalya than almost anywhere in southern Europe. A seaside dinner for two with wine costs £20–£30. A professional hamam (Turkish bath) is under £15. Five-star hotels regularly drop below £80 per night in shoulder season. When you factor in the 50–70% savings on dental work, a dental holiday can actually cost less than the treatment alone would back in the UK.
Sample Dental Holiday Itinerary — 7 Days in Antalya
Here’s a realistic week-long itinerary that balances treatment with genuine holiday time. This works for most procedures including dental implants, veneers, and crowns.
Day 1-2: Arrival, Consultation and Treatment
You arrive at Antalya Airport and a clinic transfer takes you to your hotel — usually a 20–30 minute ride. After settling in, you head to the clinic for your initial consultation: panoramic X-ray, 3D CT scan (if needed), and a face-to-face discussion of your treatment plan. Depending on the procedure, treatment may begin the same day or the following morning.
For veneer or crown patients, Day 2 is typically when teeth are prepared and temporary restorations fitted. Implant patients have their surgery on Day 2 and rest for the evening. Either way, you’re done by mid-afternoon and free to take a gentle walk along the harbour.
Day 3-4: Recovery and Sightseeing
These are your recovery days — but “recovery” in Antalya doesn’t mean lying in a dark room. Most patients feel well enough to explore the Old Town (Kaleiçi), browse the bazaars, or take a boat trip along the coast. Stick to soft foods (Antalya’s fresh fish and meze are perfect for this) and avoid anything that puts pressure on the treatment site.
If you had implants placed, swelling peaks around Day 2–3 and then subsides. Cold compresses and the prescribed medication keep things comfortable. By Day 4, most patients feel close to normal.
Day 5-6: Beach, Old Town, Waterfalls
Now you’re properly on holiday. Hit the beach, visit the Düden Waterfalls (the lower falls cascade directly into the sea — it’s genuinely spectacular), take a cable car up Tahtalı Mountain, or spend a day at one of Antalya’s waterparks. Veneer patients may have a quick fitting appointment, but it rarely takes more than an hour.
This is also a great time to explore Antalya’s food scene beyond soft-food territory. The kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), and fresh seafood are outstanding — and a fraction of UK restaurant prices.
Day 7: Final Check-Up and Departure
On your last morning, visit the clinic for a final check-up. Your dentist confirms everything looks good, gives you aftercare instructions, and hands you a direct contact for any questions after you return home. Then it’s back to the airport for your flight to the UK — rested, tanned, and smiling.
Dental Holiday Packages — What’s Included?
Many Turkish clinics offer all-inclusive dental holiday packages. A typical package from a premium clinic includes:
- Free consultation and treatment planning (including panoramic X-ray and CT scan)
- All dental treatment as quoted in your personalised plan
- Hotel accommodation — usually 4 or 5 stars, for the duration of your stay
- Airport and clinic transfers — private car, not a shared shuttle
- Temporary restorations where applicable
- Aftercare kit and written instructions
- WhatsApp support line for post-treatment questions
What’s not usually included: flights (you can often find better deals booking independently), travel insurance, and personal spending money.
How Much Does a Dental Holiday in Turkey Cost?
The total cost depends on what treatment you’re having. Here are some real-world examples:
- Veneer package (20 teeth): £3,500–£5,500 including hotel and transfers — compared to £10,000–£20,000 for veneers alone in the UK
- Implant package (single): £700–£1,000 all-inclusive — versus £2,500+ at a UK private practice
- Crown package (full set): £2,000–£4,000 including accommodation — versus £6,000–£12,000 in the UK
Add return flights (typically £80–£200 from UK airports) and spending money (£20–£40 per day is comfortable in Antalya), and your total dental holiday still comes in at 50–70% less than UK-only treatment.
Best Hotels Near Morsia Dental Clinic
Staying close to the clinic makes your week smoother — no long taxi rides when your jaw is tender. These hotels are all within 10–15 minutes of Morsia Dental in Antalya:
- Akra Hotel — 5-star, seafront, walking distance to Kaleiçi Old Town. Popular with dental tourists for its central location and excellent breakfast.
- Ramada Plaza — Modern 5-star on the cliffs overlooking the sea. Good spa facilities for post-treatment relaxation.
- DoubleTree by Hilton — Reliable international chain with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool. Consistent quality.
- Su Hotel — Boutique option right in the Old Town. More character, smaller scale, walking distance to restaurants and shops.
Many patients let the clinic arrange accommodation as part of their package — the negotiated rates are often better than booking direct.
Things to Do in Antalya Between Appointments
Antalya has more to offer than just beaches (though the beaches are hard to beat). Between your dental appointments, you can:
- Explore Kaleiçi Old Town — cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses, Hadrian’s Gate (built 130 AD)
- Visit the Antalya Museum — one of Turkey’s best archaeology collections
- Take a boat trip from the old harbour along the dramatic coastline
- See the Düden Waterfalls — both the upper falls (park setting) and lower falls (cliffside into the sea)
- Day trip to Aspendos — a 2,000-year-old Roman theatre still used for performances
- Ride the Olympos cable car up Tahtalı Mountain (2,365m) for panoramic views
- Relax in a traditional hamam — the perfect recovery-day activity
Recovery after dental work doesn’t mean sitting in a hotel room. Antalya gives you plenty of low-key, enjoyable ways to spend your time — and you’ll go home with holiday memories alongside your new smile.
FAQ — Dental Holiday Turkey
Can I combine a holiday with dental treatment in Turkey?
Absolutely. Antalya is Turkey’s top dental tourism destination precisely because it combines excellent clinics with a world-class holiday setting. Most dental procedures leave you free to explore, swim, and sightsee within a day or two of treatment. Thousands of UK patients do this every year.
How many days do I need for a dental holiday in Antalya?
Plan 5–7 days for most treatments. Veneers and crowns can be completed in 5 days (two clinic visits with time between). Implants may require 5–7 days for the surgical phase, with a return visit 3–6 months later for the final crown. Your clinic will give you a personalised timeline.
What is included in a dental holiday package?
A standard package typically includes dental treatment, hotel accommodation (4–5 star), airport transfers, clinic transfers, consultation and X-rays, temporary restorations, and aftercare support. Flights and travel insurance are usually booked separately.
What can I do in Antalya while recovering from dental work?
Plenty. Antalya’s Old Town, beaches, museums, waterfalls, and boat trips are all gentle enough for dental recovery. Avoid extreme sports and very chewy foods for the first few days, but otherwise you can enjoy a normal holiday. The warm Mediterranean climate actually supports faster healing.
Which hotels are closest to the dental clinics in Antalya?
Most premium dental clinics are in central Antalya, near Konyaalti or the Old Town. Hotels like Akra Hotel, Ramada Plaza, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Su Hotel are all within 10–15 minutes of major clinics. Many clinics arrange hotel bookings at negotiated rates as part of their package.
References
The clinical information in this article was cross-checked against the peer-reviewed publications listed below.
- Halsey ES et al. Medical Tourism. , 2025. PMID: 41818526
- Potin M et al. Injuries and medical emergencies among international travellers. J Travel Med, 2024. PMID: 37405992
- Gambhir RS et al. Dental public health in India: An insight. J Family Med Prim Care, 2016. PMID: 28348984
This content is for general information only and does not replace an in-person examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a dentist about your own situation.
