Turkey is an ancient patchwork of cultures, peoples and landscapes. Turkey’s long history has been shaped and influenced by empires, cultural ties, and trade routes, with Eastern Europe to one side and Asia to the other.
Turkey’s coastline and natural landscapes have long been vital to the nation’s fortunes; today, travelers are drawn to this ancient country by its stunning beaches.
Turkey’s coastlines, which are surrounded by water on three sides, provide opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear Aegean Sea, the Black Sea’s interior waters, and the Mediterranean Sea’s brilliant blue waters. Turkey has some of the most remarkable, intriguing, and varied beaches you could ever want to visit.
From the Aegean to the Mediterranean, Turkey boasts a coastline of over 7,000 kilometers, offering a diverse range of beaches to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking secluded coves, lively resorts, or historical backdrops, Turkey has a beach for you.
Top 16 Beaches in Turkey: Your Ultimate Guide
To help you plan your perfect beach getaway, I’ve compiled a list of the top 16 beaches in Turkey, based on a combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and unique experiences.
1 Iztuzu Beach: This 45-kilometer stretch of sand, also known as Turtle Beach, is a haven for loggerhead sea turtles. Nestled between the Dalyan River and the Mediterranean Sea, Iztuzu offers pristine waters, stunning scenery, and a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
2. Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz: This iconic lagoon, famed for its breathtakingly blue waters, is a must-visit for any beach lover Surrounded by lush mountains and offering a variety of water sports, the Blue Lagoon is a paradise for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
3. Icmeler Beach: This lively beach near Marmaris is a popular choice for families and those seeking a vibrant atmosphere. With its soft sand, shallow waters, and abundance of restaurants and bars, Icmeler Beach offers a perfect blend of fun and relaxation.
4. Ovabuku: This charming cove on the Datça Peninsula is a hidden gem, offering tranquility and natural beauty. Surrounded by pine forests and boasting crystal-clear waters, Ovabuku is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape.
5. Cirali Beach: This unspoiled beach is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a secluded getaway. With its long stretch of sand, ancient ruins, and nesting loggerhead turtles, Cirali Beach offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
6. Patara Beach: This 18-kilometer stretch of sand is the longest beach in Turkey and a protected area for loggerhead turtles. Patara Beach offers a pristine environment, historical ruins, and a chance to witness the wonders of nature.
7. Konyaalti Beach, Antalya: This 7-kilometer stretch of sand is a popular choice for families and those seeking a lively atmosphere. With its soft sand, shallow waters, and abundance of amenities, Konyaalti Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
8. Cleopatra Beach, Alanya: This picturesque beach, nestled beneath the historic Alanya Castle, boasts soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Legend has it that Cleopatra herself enjoyed swimming here, making it a truly special destination.
9. Kaputas Beach: This secluded beach, accessible by a steep staircase, offers stunning views and pristine waters. With its calm waves and nearby amenities, Kaputas Beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.
10. Kabak Beach: This hidden gem, accessible only by a challenging hike, rewards visitors with breathtaking views and a secluded paradise. With its soft sand, turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere, Kabak Beach is a true gem.
11. Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz: This enchanting valley, accessible by boat or a challenging hike, is a haven for butterflies and nature lovers. With its cascading waterfall, lush vegetation, and secluded beach, Butterfly Valley offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
12. Olympos Beach: This beautiful beach, located near the ancient city of Olympos, offers a blend of history and natural beauty. With its long stretch of sand, clear waters, and nearby ruins, Olympos Beach is a perfect destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
13. Ortakent: This quiet beach, located near Bodrum, offers a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views. With its soft sand, clear waters, and abundance of amenities, Ortakent is ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful escape.
14. Bitez Beach, Bodrum: This family-friendly beach, located near Bodrum, offers a variety of activities and stunning views. With its soft sand, clear waters, and abundance of restaurants and bars, Bitez Beach is a perfect choice for a fun-filled beach vacation.
15. Cleopatra Island, Marmaris: This small island, accessible by boat, boasts stunning scenery and historical significance. With its warm waters, beautiful beach, and ancient ruins, Cleopatra Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
16. Palamutbuku Beach, Mugla: This picturesque beach, located on the Datça Peninsula, offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. With its long stretch of sand, clear waters, and abundance of amenities, Palamutbuku Beach is ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful escape.
Planning Your Beach Getaway in Turkey
With so many incredible beaches to choose from, planning your beach getaway in Turkey can be an exciting adventure. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:
1. Consider the time of year: Turkey’s beach season typically runs from May to October, with the hottest months being July and August. If you prefer warm weather and lively crowds, these months are ideal. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October).
2. Choose your location: Turkey’s coastline is vast and diverse, offering a variety of beach experiences. Consider your preferences for scenery, activities, and atmosphere when choosing your location.
3. Research accommodation options: Turkey offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Choose an option that suits your budget and preferences.
4. Book flights and transportation: Book your flights and transportation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
5. Pack for the beach: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You may also want to bring a beach towel, water bottle, and snacks.
6. Respect local customs: Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
7. Learn a few basic Turkish phrases: Learning a few basic Turkish phrases will help you communicate with locals and enhance your overall experience.
8. Relax and enjoy: Once you’ve arrived in Turkey, relax and enjoy your beach getaway! Take time to soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Turkey’s beaches offer something for everyone, from secluded coves and lively resorts to historical backdrops and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing escape, an adventurous getaway, or a cultural experience, Turkey’s beaches are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, book your flights, and get ready to experience the magic of Turkey’s beaches!
1 Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz
An absolutely enchanting place, Butterfly Valley’s scenic beach is wedged between hulking great cliffs along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. It is only reachable by boat or by hiking through its massive, lush canyon, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
The large valley, so called because of its variety of butterfly species, is located south of the much more well-known Oludeniz and its amazing Blue Lagoon. Its brilliant white sands and shimmering turquoise waters are just as enticing as the surrounding enormous mountains, which already give the area a dramatic appearance.
In addition to swimming in the sea and hiking through the canyon to view its waterfall, you can canoe, scuba dive, and set up camp. Once the rowdy pirate boats carrying tourists have departed, the picturesque location is once again quiet. The beach also has a bar to chill at while basking in its breathtaking scenery and views.
You will need to be ready for some hiking in order to reach this charming little beach in Lycia, and when we say hiking, we mean hiking. Although the descent from the top of the rocky cliffs may seem a little intimidating, the breathtaking views of Kabak beach below will astound you.
You won’t be able to stop snapping photos of the breathtaking views over the tops of shaded pines, across the sandy enclave, and out towards the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea!
Your perseverance will be more than rewarded after a somewhat protracted tumble over jagged stones and down precipitous drops. Enjoy the gentle warmth of Kabak beach’s pure sand as you unwind and make splashes in the calm sea. There’s a shaded area to enjoy a well-earned refreshing drink and take a break from the sun, while sailboats gracefully bob on the gentle waves.
Sandwiched between steep forested cliffs are the clear and calm waters of Kaputas beach. The perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, Kaputas is a great beach for families with children. There are a wide range of amenities, including showers and toilets.
After descending the 170 steps to the beach, rent a sun lounger and a parasol so you can spend some time napping in the shade. Nearby, Kalkan harbor is lined with small restaurants and bars. After spending days at sea, the yachts and boats return to the dock in the early evening, so stay until the sun sets and savor dinner.
1 Bitez Beach, Bodrum
Bitez Beach, a family favorite, is situated next to the Gulf of Gokova, directly west of Bodrum. It is surrounded by a large number of upscale cafes and restaurants and offers plenty of sun loungers and parasols for visitors to use.
Besides strolling along its sun-kissed sands, you can swim, splash about and windsurf about its crystal-clear waters. Horseback riding trips and scuba diving excursions are also available along its captivating coastline.
Bitez’s proximity to Bodrum’s bustling nightlife and remarkable historical sites makes it an ideal starting point for a tranquil beach vacation. Even though it can get very crowded, the views of the lush, green hills surrounding its stunning bay are breathtaking.
Ten minutes’ drive to the west brings you to the even more tranquil Ortakent, which gently winds alongside an enormous bay. The lovely beach is lined with numerous hotels, eateries, and bars and is quite long and narrow with clean, clear waters.
It’s a mixture of pebbles and sand, scattered with innumerable sun loungers and umbrellas that cafes give away for free when you buy a certain quantity of food and beverages. Its shallow waters are ideal for cooling off on a hot summer’s day, despite being rather cold; showers and changing rooms are also available.
Following your swim or sunbathing with its vibrant little fish, you can stroll along its jetty and browse through all the craft stalls lining its waterfront. There are also delicious seafood dishes to try and sightseeing cruises to take about the bay.
Set right at the southern end of the stunning Cirali Beach is the equally attractive Olympos Beach. Overlooking massive green mountains, the shimmering sands and waters of this place are next to the ancient, ruined city of the same name.
The lengthy, broad stretches of the beach are currently under protection as a national park, and the only way to reach them is via the archaeological site. Amazing to explore, its extensive, overgrown ruins include millennia-old basilicas, baths and theaters.
Once you’ve ambled about Olympos til your heart’s content, carry on to the two-kilometre-long beach. Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding towering mountains and the sparkling Aegean Sea as you relax on the area’s sands and pebbles. Many people also go snorkelling and kayaking here while turtles’ nest here in summer.
It is understandable why Marmaris Beach is among the most well-liked in all of Turkey given the breathtaking views, fine sands, and array of water sports available. It is conveniently close to the city center and offers a wide range of entertaining activities suitable for guests of all ages.
It is approximately 4 kilometers long and has a long boulevard surrounded by palm trees that is lined with cafes and restaurants. Rentable sun loungers and parasols are available at several of these, and at one end is a children’s playground.
Apart from meandering along its ebony shores, you can engage in jet skiing, kitesurfing, or paddleboarding around its enormous, breathtaking bay. There are also exciting boat excursions to the neighboring Phosphorus Cave and vibrant nightlife venues to visit.
Life in ANTALYA TURKEY! The Country of PERFECT WOMEN and GORGEOUS BEACHES! -TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY VLOG
What are the best beaches in Turkey?
Find the best place to visit for your next seaside vacation with our list of the best beaches in Turkey. 1. Patara 2. Bodrum Peninsula 3. Kaputaş Beach 6. Butterfly Valley 7. Antalya 8. Kaş 9. Iztuzu Beach 10. Bozburun & Datça Peninsulas 11. Kabak 12. Ölüdeniz 13. Cleopatra Beach, Alanya 14. Pamucak Beach 16. Bozcaada Beaches 1. Patara
Is Turkey a good beach destination?
She lives in Turkey. With a long western coastline that laps both the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, Turkey has long been a top beach destination. European tourists arrive in their droves during summer to soak up a few weeks of sun, sand, and sea. With a huge number of beach resorts to choose from, there’s something for every kind of traveler here.
Which Beach in Turkey is best for a family?
Both Bitez Beach, with its long strip of golden sand, and Ortakent Beach, with its yawning bay, are great family-friendly options. The aqua-colored sea here is shallow at the water’s edge, the sand is backed by restaurants and cafés, and there are plenty of water sports opportunities. 3. Kaputaş Beach
What is the longest beach in Turkey?
At 18 kilometres, Patara is the longest beach in all of Turkey, and with minimal development, you’ll easily find a lovely spot to enjoy it in private. Perfect for long walks in the sand, sunbathing and swimming, the waters here are warm and shallow, ideal for kids and great for snorkelling during your villa holiday in Turkey.