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Travel + Leisure Names Bodrum & Cyprus Top 2026 Destinations

Travel + Leisure Names Bodrum & Cyprus Top 2026 Destinations

Created21.01.2026, 10.55

Updated21.01.2026, 11.24

One of the world’s most influential travel and lifestyle authorities, Travel + Leisure, has officially published its best places to travel in 2026, a carefully curated selection known globally as the Travel + Leisure the 50 best places to travel in 2026 list. Compiled through editors’ insights and global destination analysis, the list evaluates more than 100 locations worldwide, focusing on tourism momentum, lifestyle quality, and long-term global relevance.

Bodrum is now a global luxury destination Among the destinations selected, Bodrum and Cyprus stand out as Mediterranean locations that are no longer defined solely by tourism, but by their growing roles within global tourism investment routes.

Bodrum’s Global Recognition Strengthens Its Luxury Investment Profile

Once a modest fishing village, Bodrum has evolved into what international media now widely described as the “St. Tropez of Turkey.” This transformation is underpinned by strong tourism momentum. According to recent trend data, international interest in Bodrum has risen by 85 percent year over year, reflecting its growing visibility among high-end travelers. Today, Bodrum blends ancient heritage with glamorous beaches, luxury resorts, vibrant nightlife, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that consistently attracts global tastemakers and high-net-worth visitors.

While the region enjoys a Mediterranean climate throughout the year, Bodrum’s peak season traditionally runs from April to October, when its coastline is at its most dynamic. Recent additions such as the Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort and the first Scorpios location outside Greece have further elevated the destination’s profile, with the highly anticipated Bvlgari Resort scheduled to open in early 2027. Improved air connectivity, including new direct routes from the UK and Europe, is also making Bodrum increasingly accessible, reinforcing its position among the most desirable Travel + Leisure 2026 destinations.

The growing international profile of Bodrum has had a direct impact on Bodrum property prices. Market observers tracking property prices in Bodrum, Turkey note that values are increasingly influenced by global luxury demand rather than domestic dynamics. This trend is visible across the market, as Bodrum real estate prices and house prices in Bodrum, Turkey continue to rise in line with international buyer interest.

Major luxury and lifestyle brands entering the region, alongside upcoming ultra-luxury resort projects, have reinforced confidence among investors seeking long-term value. As a result, Bodrum luxury real estate investment is now widely viewed as a strategic move for those aiming to invest in Bodrum real estate within a globally recognized destination.

Short-Term Rentals and Airbnb Demand in Bodrum

Tourism performance data further supports Bodrum’s investment narrative. Rising international demand has translated into strong performance for Airbnb in Bodrum, Turkey, particularly in high-end coastal and marina-front areas. Increased visitor interest and longer stays are driving higher Bodrum short-term rental yields, positioning Airbnb investment in Bodrum as a compelling option for investors focused on income-generating assets.

This dynamic underlines a broader shift: Bodrum is no longer a purely seasonal market, but a destination capable of delivering both lifestyle use and sustainable rental income throughout extended tourism periods.

Cyprus Emerges as a Year-Round Lifestyle and Investment Hub

Cyprus, long favored by northern European travelers, is now capturing global attention as a multifaceted lifestyle destination. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, the island offers a compelling mix of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and extensive hiking networks, particularly in the Troodos Mountains. These natural advantages have helped reposition Cyprus as an emerging hub for adventure, wellness, and gastronomy within the Mediterranean.

International travel companies have begun to spotlight the island’s diversity, with new cycling and exploration itineraries set to debut in 2026, drawing comparisons to Mallorca for its dramatic landscapes and varied terrain. Beyond outdoor pursuits, Cyprus continues to invest in sustainable tourism initiatives, including artificial reefs designed to enhance marine biodiversity for snorkelers and divers. Remarkably, Cyprus remains one of the few destinations in Europe where visitors can ski in the mountains and swim in the Mediterranean on the same day, further strengthening its appeal as one of the best places to travel in 2026.

Cyprus’ inclusion among the Travel + Leisure 2026 destinations reflects a similar transformation. Once perceived primarily as a summer escape, Cyprus is now being redefined as a Mediterranean center for adventure, gastronomy, and cultural life. This repositioning aligns closely with rising demand for Cyprus property investment, particularly among European and international buyers.

Interest in Cyprus real estate investment is increasingly driven by those seeking stability, accessibility, and long-term residency options. Searches related to buy property in Cyprus 2026 highlight a growing appetite for permanent or semi-permanent living, supported by high-quality infrastructure and lifestyle offerings. Premium developments featuring Cyprus luxury villas for sale are especially attractive to buyers viewing Cyprus as both a lifestyle choice and a secure asset base.

From Travel Destinations to Property Investment Hotspots

The inclusion of Bodrum and Cyprus in the Travel + Leisure the 50 best places to travel in 2026 list illustrates a broader global trend: today’s top travel destinations are also becoming leaders in property investment in top travel destinations. Lifestyle-driven demand, limited luxury supply, and international visibility are transforming these locations into some of the best tourism cities for real estate investment.

From a Tekce-style perspective, this recognition reinforces existing market data. Bodrum and Cyprus are increasingly regarded as emerging luxury destinations in 2026, offering strong fundamentals for capital appreciation, rental income, and long-term lifestyle use. As a result, both destinations now rank among the most attractive luxury destinations to invest in 2026 within the evolving global real estate landscape.

For investors and lifestyle buyers seeking expert guidance in these globally recognized destinations, TEKCE Real Estate provides local expertise and tailored property solutions across Bodrum and Cyprus.