Natalie The best beaches in Turkey delight and surprise anyone who has not visited this country before. From long stretches of sand to crystal-clear water, Turkey ranks as one of the world’s best countries for beach tourism. The country easily matches the coasts of Spain and Portugal, especially for natural beauty, and every year, millions of tourists arrive via the three main touristic airports of Antalya, Dalaman and Bodrum, to experience the blue waters.
The history of beach tourism in Turkey stretches back nearly 80 years to when the Bodrum region first attracted wealthy artisans and academics. The country received another boost when Turkey opened to mainstream foreign property buyers in 2001, who flocked for seafront homes on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. From famous beaches to less crowded spots with calm waters, let’s look at Turkish beaches for fun-filled summer days.
Nine of the Best Beaches in Turkey
Geography Facts!
Turkey’s 7000 kilometres of coastline fronts the Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Marmara seas. The only landlocked part of Turkey is the eastern region. Given this fact, one would easily assume that the whole country excels in beach holidays, but this would be wrong. The best areas for beautiful beaches are Turkey’s Mediterranean coast (southern) or the Turkish Aegean (western) coasts.
The north Turkish coast has beaches; however, they are more shingle than sand, and the beach infrastructure of the black sea doesn’t match the excellence of the Aegean and Mediterranean. Northern Turkey also has a climate zone that is different from southern Turkey, with lower temperatures.
Likewise, Istanbul is the most visited spot in Turkey. Still, this destination is more suited to city breaks and tourists visiting historical sites. There are beaches in Istanbul, but none rank as the best in Turkey. Indeed, the Antalya area of the Mediterranean coast is Turkey’s number one spot for beach holidays. Other popular regions include Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum.
1: Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach in Antalya City Centre
Buy holiday property or book holidays in Antalya’s main city centre, and you can have the best of both worlds. Trip Advisor rates Konyaalti and Lara beaches for blue waters, water sports, and soft sand. Both belong to the Turquoise coast, and the Kaleici marina area also features the more minor, less-known Mermerli beach.
Lara Beach: Lara is best known for large, all-inclusive themed hotels, leading the area to be nicknamed Turkey’s version of Las Vegas. Lara also boasts of Sandland, full of life-sized statues made from white sand in summer. Sitting 16 kilometres from Antalya city centre, it is just 30 minutes by bus.
Konyaalti Beach: Meanwhile, to the left of the city centre, Konyaalti, 11 kilometres away and 20 minutes on the bus, is the most popular beachside district in Turkey’s Antalya area. The local council is constantly investing in the Turquoise waters, water sports opportunities, and excellent beachside amenities to ensure idyllic beachside experiences. Such is the popularity and natural beauty; homes sell quickly because everyone wants to wake up to those fantastic crystalline waters.
2: Blue Flag Cleopatra Beach in Alanya
- Ranked as Turkey’s 2nd Best Beach by Trip Advisor users
- Sits in Alanya seaside town, which belongs to Turkey’s Antalya province
- Alanya City is easily accessed via Antalya Airport or Gazipasa airport
- Popular with Germans, Brits and Russians for untamed beauty
- On the western side of Alanya’s main city centre.
Offering azure water and easily pleasing water sports enthusiasts, the powdery sands of Cleopatra (Kleopatra Beach) constantly rank year after year for perfection. Urban legends say Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and the Roman general, Anthony, swam together here during their love affair, hence the name. Kleopatra sits near the famous Damlatas cave, which is excellent for people with asthma.
It is a public beach with free entrance, but there are charges for renting sunbeds and umbrellas. Expect extremely clear water quality! This bustling city offers everything else, including historical sites, decent shopping, and varied nightlife scenes to accommodate everyone.
3: Secluded Spots of Kaputas Beach
- Sits between Kas and Kalkan on Turkey’s Mediterranean / southern coast
- Unsuitable for people with walking difficulties due to the 170 steps down the cliff.
- Limited facilities and amenities but amazing views
Many travel magazines feature photos of Kaputas’s dramatic cliffs. Still, one downside to this beautiful beach is that it doesn’t sit in a tourist town. No hotels are nearby, so get a bus from Kas and Kalkan to experience the sandy delights and incredible views.
Kaputas also lines the main D400 highway, so it can be reached by car, but expect limited parking spaces. On the other side of the main road, forested cliffs portray the untamed beauty of nature. Since mass tourism hasn’t ruined Kaputas, the dramatic vibes of rocky cliffs and scenic views memorise everyone.
4: Iztuzu Beach and Dalyan Turtles
- Stay in nearby Dalyan town or visit on day trips from other resorts
- Famous nesting ground for loggerhead turtles
- See Lycian rock tombs and sit in riverside restaurants
Now, this beach in the Dalyan Delta is fascinating. In the 1980s, some businessmen wanted to build hotels along Iztuzu Beach to capitalise on growing tourism trends. However, one woman was outraged because thousands of loggerhead turtles would lose their breeding grounds.
Her name was Captain June, and along with David Bellamy, they campaigned and got Turkey’s government to declare Iztuzu as a national park, ensuring the survival of many turtles over the years to come. Reached via boat on the Dalyan delta, combine a trip to Iztuzu with soothing mud baths and Kaunos ancient city. Both are popular day trips sold in most tourist towns like Bodrum, Fethiye and Marmaris.
4: Lush Greenery of Butterfly Valley Beach (Kelebekler Vadisi)
- Belongs to Turkey’s Fethiye Region
- Stay overnight by using camping facilities
- Reach via water taxi or daily boat trips from Oludeniz
- The hike from Faralya is steep and difficult
- Called Kelebekler Vadisi in Turkish
Butterfly Valley can’t boast of yellow sands, as most are rocky. Likewise, it isn’t a long stretch and has limited amenities, but that is the lure of this popular destination. Sitting on Turkey’s famous Turquoise coast, the hippy vibes of Butterfly Valley are massively different from hordes of tourists. If camping overnight, expect limited electricity and internet. Indeed, this gem is all about returning to nature, and backed by a green valley sitting between stunning mountains, Butterfly Valley is renowned for snorkelling.
5: The Sandy Stretch and Rich History of Patara Beach Resort
Turn off Turkey’s D400 coastal highway and drive through pine tree forests and limestone peaks to reach Blue Flag Patara. As one of Turkey’s first resorts to embrace mainstream tourism nearly 50 years ago, all-inclusive resort hotels have left Patara with fewer international tourists. This doesn’t stop people from seeking the long stretch of sand, one of Turkey’s longest beaches.
Patara’s cultural heritage is also seen in ancient ruins and Lycian archaeological sites, and Patara village, with rustic vibes, lush greenery, and ancient history, is excellent for days out. The one downside is that big waves overwhelm young children at certain times of the year, so check before swimming. Forget about pebbly beaches, though, because this is gorgeous sand, sand, sand.
6: The Lovely Beach of Icmeler
- Wide range of facilities and nearby beach bars and restaurants
- Sits on Turkey’s southwestern coast and is an exceptionally clean beach
- Amazing sunset views and exciting water sports
- Belongs to Icmeler Beach Resort, sitting next to the bigger Marmaris
Check out Icmeler on Turkey’s southwestern coast for family resorts with azure waves and yellow sand. Thousands of international tourists arrive via Dalaman Airport yearly to experience fantastic water sports and sunbathing spots. To break up summer days, jump onboard daily boat rides to enjoy another famous place in this coastal region. Despite the lack of other attractions, Icmeler is a top destination in southwest Turkey.
7: Fethiye’s Blue Lagoon and Belcekiz Beach
- Belongs to Oludeniz resort in Mediterranean Turkey
- It can be accessed via bus from other parts of Turkey’s Fethiye region
- Amazing views of Beydaglari mountains
- For holidays, Oludeniz resort is a short transfer from Dalaman airport
This is a true family destination with amazing views of Beydağları Mountain and our favourite beaches, with yellow sand and shallow waters. The Central Beach is accessed by a long road heading towards the coast. Once at the central Oludeniz Beach, turn right and walk along the path to arrive at the Blue Lagoon, one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches.
If you own a holiday property in Fethiye or visit on holiday, combine days with Kelekbekler Vadisi and Kabak Beach. Oludeniz is a favourite resort for Brits, and the Daily Mail has called the Blue Lagoon one of the world’s best beaches. People paragliding from Babadag Mountain use the landing section here.
8: Altinkum Beach and Golden Sands on the Turkish Aegean coast.
The name Altinkum actually translates to golden sands, which gives us a big clue about the abundance of sandy spots. Altinkum Beach is in the centre, backed by excellent bars and restaurants. The promenade, while quiet in the day, is busy at night, with people dining al fresco. Alongside Altinkum Beach, visit the 2nd and 3rd pebble beach areas and other nearby hotspots like Akbuk.
Expect excellent water sports and yellow sand. This is a typically British resort, although, in recent years, Turkish charm has shone through for cultural heritage while tapping into the delights of home. While there, visit the historic sites of Miletus and Priene nearby and the Apollo temple in town.
Other Famous Beaches in Turkey
Cirali Beach: Belonging to the resort of the same name, Çıralı is shared with backpacking Olympos near the famous ancient ruins. If you stay here, visit Chimaera, which has burning flames at night. The Olympos side has more sand than the Cirali side. Adrasan Sahili, a short bus ride away, is also famous.
Ilica Beach: This Turkish Aegean coast beach belongs to Turkey’s Cesme and Alacati region and is famous for windsurfing and old Greek houses with blue shutters. Beach clubs do a roaring trade with younger Turks, and both resorts attract Turkish retirees from big cities.
Datca Peninsula: This small area on Turkey’s southwestern coast is home to Ovabuku Beach, which has an upmarket, quiet charm. For both Turks and foreigners, Ovabükü is a hidden secret.
Bodrum Peninsula: Naturally, being a peninsula, Bodrum features many stretches of sand, of which Ortakent Beach ranks. Also called Yahsi, shallow waters attract families who also like nearby Bitez beach. Bodrum town centre beach is famous but lacks space in summer, but many hotels offer private beaches.
Kusadasi: There are two excellent choices for sand rather than pebble. Ladies’ Beach on the edge of town is like a mini resort, or you can catch a bus as if heading to Selcuk and stop off at fabulous Pamucak Beach.
Popular Questions about Beaches in Turkey
Which Part of Turkey has the Best Beaches?
Turkey’s Antalya and Mugla regions have the best beaches. Facts and figures show yearly rankings on Trip Advisor and other surveys. However, Antalya does have higher tourist rankings with international arrivals and is the top destination for foreigners and Turks buying seafront property. Hence, the Antalya area is the best spot in Turkey for beaches.
What are the Best Water Sports in Turkey?
Most towns have water sports shacks where you can buy tickets to a fantastic range of water-based activities. Popular water sports include jet skis and banana boats. Still, Turkey, a scuba diving hotspot, earns fame for places like Kas, boasting underwater wrecks to explore and an array of fish species. Alacati, the windsurfing capital, has excellent winds running around, while Gokova and Akyaka earn fame for kitesurfing. Head to Koprulu Canyon in Turkey’s Antalya area for white water rafting.
Are all Beaches in Turkey Accessible?
In Turkey, many beaches are public and free to access. Maintained by local municipalities and open to everyone, you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports facilities. Also, hotels, resorts, or clubs often feature private beaches, which involve paying an entrance fee or purchasing food and beverages or are restricted to hotel guests only.
Where is the Clearest Sea in Turkey?
The clearest sea is anywhere on the Turquoise coast, hence the name, because snorkelling and diving in crystal blue waters is fantastic. The Kekova and Kas region is famous for submerged ruins and stunning underwater visibility.
Fethiye and surrounding areas, including Butterfly Valley and Kabak Bay, are known for their crystal-clear waters and scenic coastline. Visitors enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and diving in these pristine waters. The Datca Peninsula offers secluded coves and bays with transparent waters, like Palamutbuku Beach and Hayitbuku, which have unspoiled natural beauty.
Are Bikinis Allowed in Turkey?
Yes, in most places, Turkish and foreign tourists wear bikinis. The only exception is hotels that purely cater for halal tourism, in which case Muslim women will wear burkini, but this is clearly advertised. So pack those bikinis for your summer holidays; if you don’t have one, many shops sell them. Bikinis are everyday summer attire on Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
What are Famous Beaches in Istanbul?
While Istanbul doesn’t earn fame for beaches compared to Aegean and Mediterranean coastal regions, there are some popular coastal areas where locals and visitors enjoy waterfront delights. Located on the Black Sea coast, Kilyos offers sandy shores and lively atmospheres during the summer months. Kilyos is divided into several sections, including public and private beach clubs.
Also sitting on Turkey’s Black Sea coast near Kilyos, Burc offers scenic views and a relaxing ambience with mixed sandy and rocky areas, sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports activities. Şile coastal town on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, with a historic lighthouse, offers tranquil settings away from the main city centre areas.
Situated on Istanbul’s Asian side along the Sea of Marmara, Caddebostan is popular with locals, thanks to the promenade with cafes, restaurants, and shops for leisurely strolls and seaside dining. On Istanbul’s Asian side, Suadiye offers sandy shorelines and clear waters surrounded by parks and green spaces, providing peaceful escapes from everyday life.
Located along Istanbul’s European side on the Sea of Marmara, Florya’s wide sandy shore also includes recreational facilities. Nearby is the Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion, a historic complex with gardens, restaurants, and walking paths.
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Also About Turkey
The Turquoise Coast: When buying holiday homes in the sun, one destination clients offer favour is Turkey’s turquoise coast. Also called the Turkish Riviera, southwest Turkey boasts ancient ruins and historical sites, sleepy villages, beautiful bays, and many beaches, making the region ideal for anyone investing in homes abroad. The trend started roughly twenty years ago, and since then, many foreigners have also moved to enjoy delightful regions on Turkey’s turquoise coasts like Fethiye, Kalkan and Antalya.
Top Marinas in Turkey: Turkey’s excellent standard of marinas is prime for waterfront living. Turkey, a country straddling Europe and Asia, boasts stunning coastlines stretching over 7,000 kilometres. With deep blue waters, picturesque bays, and rich cultural history, exploring the Turkish coast leads many foreigners to buy properties near beaches and marinas.
Why is Turkey so Popular? From the best beaches in Turkey to significant cities, the world’s 37th-largest country is intriguing. Most holidaymakers who have not visited before stereotype Turkey, but every region is unique in its history, food, shopping and nightlife. This article discusses why Turkey is so famous for holidays and expat living.
