Best Beaches in Turkey

Boasting diverse coastlines on four different sea borders, Turkey has plenty of beaches to offer. The warm southerly Mediterranean tends to see the most action, but don’t sleep on the easy-going Aegean Coast or the treasure trove of attractions that line the wilder Black Sea. From family fun to quiet solitude, here are the top beaches in Turkey.

Lara Beach, Antalya

This sandy shoreline in Antalya is also one of the most popular beaches in Turkey. Close to Antalya city centre, airport and its bustling coast resorts, it’s easy to see why this place swarms in the summer. The water is warm and paddle-friendly for little feet, making it a top choice for family holidays. It also has Blue Flag status. The surrounding area has plenty of facilities to keep you satisfied, from sea-view bars to showers, changing rooms and rental sunbeds.

Patara Beach, Kaş

Patara Beach is probably Turkey’s most famous, owing to its extremely long swathe of sandy dunes and the presence of romantic Lycian ruins nearby. It’s located close to Gelemiş on the Mediterranean Coast and is a nesting spot for sea turtles. The preservation of nests leads to the occasional closure of sections, but you’ll always find quiet spots across the beach’s 18 km (11 miles) stretch. Take a long walk along the beach, following a small section of the fabled Lycian Way.

Princes’ Islands, Adalar

For those craving beaches in Istanbul, take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands. Located in the Marmara Sea, Adalar is made up of four main islands plus many small islets. You can get to the islands by ferry, with journeys taking as little as 1 hour. Büyükada, in particular, has some of the nicest swimming waters of them all, offering a mix of rocky, sandy and platformed coasts. Despite their proximity to Istanbul, the beaches of the Princes’ Islands are renowned for their tranquillity.

Güzelcehisar Beach, Bartın

This scenic and unusual beach on Turkey’s Black Sea coast is noted for its forested backdrop. Behind the emerald seashore, towering basalt columns descend into the water as a result of ancient volcanic activity. You can explore these geological wonders thanks to a series of wooden walkways. There’s also a sandy beach that’s clean and boasts amenities like changing rooms.

Kilyos, Sarıyer

Another top option for Istanbul stays, this Black Sea-set beach is popular with surfers and kiteboarders. The beaches along Kilyos are clean and sandy, with copious beach clubs and facilities to keep you satisfied. One of the most popular is Dalia Beach, with its rattan umbrellas and lush lounging furniture. Highlights in the area to explore away from the beach include a 4th-century Genoese Castle that rests peacefully along the shoreline.

Kaputaş Beach, Kaş

While small, Kaputaş is one of the most photogenic beaches in the country and one you may recognise from glitzy travel magazines. Located near Kaş on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, Kaputaş is situated on a cosy little bay surrounded by astonishing cliffs. The charming Saribelen Island juts out across the shoreline, coaxing a steady supply of scenic sailing yachts that circumnavigate its dreamy coastline. You’ll need to arrive at the beach early to avoid the crowds that swell during peak seasons.

Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Cleopatra Beach is located close to Alanya on the Turkish Riviera. Named after the iconic Queen of Egypt, legend says that Cleopatra bathed daily in these waters when frequenting the area. Today, it’s a Blue Flag-awarded beach that’s renowned for its prime facilities, impressive views and overall cleanliness. Despite its popularity, there are usually always quieter spots away from the resorts. Nearby sites include the enchanting Damlataş Cave, home to towering stalactites and stalagmites.

İçmeler Beach, Marmaris

This spectacular beach on Turkey’s Aegean Coast boasts calm, crystalline waters and glittering golden sand. İçmeler means “lost paradise” in Turkish, and it’s easy to see how it got its name. The sandy shores are surrounded by sumptuous views of Aegean islands, wildflowers, forests and cliffs. It’s serviced by cafes and boasts sun loungers, viewing points and other attractive amenities. The beach is the best in the vicinity of Marmaris, where you can visit the attractive 16th-century Marmaris Castle.

Gümüşlük, Bodrum

This small fishing village close to Bodrum on its namesake peninsula is noted for the historic Myndus ruins that line the coast of Myndos’ Rabbit Island. With charming pebbly and sandy shores, it’s famed as a viewing spot for Aegean sunsets. As a result, you’ll find plenty of restaurants along the coast with terraces looking out over the open evening sky. Its beach also affords excellent views of the Dodecanese Islands, with Kos due south of the peninsula’s southern Akyarlar Beach.

İztuzu Beach, Dalyan

This astonishing beach on the Mediterranean Coast is also a protected natural reserve. This protection means that the waters are free from noisy or intrusive jet skis and other boating activities. This results in an impressive and idyllic swimming paradise with plenty of alluring coves and islets, like Delikada, to explore. The beach is also sometimes referred to as Turtle Beach due to the nesting population of loggerhead sea turtles that make their first way to the sea in July.