Dreaming of blue skies? A stunning coastal destination in Turkey could be just the place to escape the grey UK weather.

According to new research from American Express, Bodrum on Turkey’s southwestern Aegean Sea coast is one of the top trending destinations for 2024.

Turkey is even expected to overtake France as the second most popular European holiday destination, according to figures from World Travel Market.

Visitor numbers have risen by 70 percent since 2019 compared with a 30 percent rise over the same period in people travelling to France and Spain.

Once a fishing village, Bodrum has grown into one of Turkey’s leading seaside resorts with pretty beaches and historic sites.

Bitez Beach is the resort’s top rated and one British traveller described it as a “beautiful place” on Tripadvisor.

‘Supongo’ wrote: “An unexpected delight. A very lovely upmarket beach, which even has carpet strips over the pebbles to make getting into the water easy.”

An American Express spokesperson said: “If you love the history and energy of Istanbul, Bodrum, Turkey is home to beaches on the sparkling blue Aegean, bustling bazaars, fresh seafood and active nightlife.”