Natalie The best beaches in Turkey surprise anyone who has never visited this country before simply because they are out of this world. Turkey ranks as one of the world’s best countries for summer holiday tourism, and the sandy beaches play a large part in this success. Featuring crystal-clear water, they easily match Spain and Portugal, especially for natural beauty.
Hence, millions of tourists arrive via the three main tourist airports of Antalya, Dalaman, and Bodrum every year to visit and stay at the famous beaches, which offer excellent facilities, calm water, and incredible views. From peaceful retreats to calm waters, these stretches of sand are the ultimate picturesque settings for fun-filled summer days.
Turkey’s 7000 kilometres of coastline fronts the Aegean, Mediterranean, Black Sea and Marmara seas. Given this fact, one would easily assume that the whole country excels in summer holidays, but this would be wrong. Ideal 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, and the infrastructure doesn’t match the excellence of Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean areas. Indeed, the Mediterranean Antalya region is Turkey’s number one spot for holidays. Other popular areas with beautiful beaches include Fethiye, Marmaris, and Bodrum.
The Best Beaches in Turkey
1: Lara Beach in Antalya City Centre
Lara’s sandy beach and blue water are best known for large, all-inclusive themed hotels with private beaches, massive pools, and plenty of activities. This makes the white sand area, Turkey’s version of Las Vegas, but don’t think of tacky gambling dens because you can expect abundant soft sand.
Hotels provide quirky aspects to your stay, and there are private villas to rent, albeit at hefty prices. Another option is to book accommodation in Antalya city centre and head there for the day. Such is the beauty of Lara Beach; couples often host weddings there. If you don’t plan to stay, Lara is 15 kilometres long, but only 2 kilometres on the west side, and is open to the public.
2: Konyaalti in Turkey’s Antalya Province
Meanwhile, to the left of Antalya city centre, Konyaaltı Beach, 11 kilometres away and 20 minutes by bus, is the most popular district for summer weekends. The local council constantly invests in clean, turquoise waters and excellent amenities to ensure picturesque settings. The location often pits itself against Lara to determine which is the best. For sand, Lara is best, but otherwise, Konyaalti Beach offers blue waters, plenty of activities, beach bars, and blue flag beach status.
If you need more activities for the kids, the pools of Antalya Aqualand Water Park, which is nearby, also offer abundant fun. Stretching for 8 kilometres, the excellent facilities include water sports, a beach park, and restaurants, but other attractions within a short bus ride make this area an all-rounder.
3: Kabak Beach in Fethiye
On the Mediterranean Turkish coast, the Fethiye region boasts natural beauty and clear water that take your breath away. The central beaches deserve fame and admiration, but many hidden coves and bays among pine forests will also surprise and delight intrepid travellers. So, head to Kabak Beach in Faralya for fantastic scenery, basic guesthouses, and turquoise water, perfect for cooling off in summer.
The downside to the immaculate beach is the steep walk down the hillside, but it does end in a serene location. Additionally, nature lovers like this hidden enclave, but there are not many bars, restaurants, and shops right next to it, so take supplies. Kabak Bay is a primarily underdeveloped seaside resort, but for simplicity, it delivers in abundance.
4: Kleopatra Beach in Alanya
Offering azure water and easily pleasing sports enthusiasts, the powdery sands of Cleopatra Beach constantly rank year after year for perfection, as well as stunning sea views. Urban legends say Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and Roman general Mark Anthony swam together at this city beach during their love affair, hence the name. Cleopatra Beach also sits near the famous Damlatas cave, which is excellent for people with asthma.
Also spelt Kleopatra, the beach is public and has free entrance, but there are charges for renting sunbeds and umbrellas. After visiting Cleopatra, this bustling city offers everything else, including historical sites, a sound bar street, decent shopping, and varied nightlife scenes. Alanya is one resort accessed by Antalya airport and features much-untamed beauty.
5: Kaputas and Stunning Views
This famous beach sits near Kas and Kalkan on Turkey’s southern coast, and although unsuitable for people with walking difficulties due to the 170 steps down the cliff, it offers tranquil escapes. The backdrop of mountains adds to amazing views, crystalline waters, and powdery sands, and many travel magazines feature photos of the dramatic cliffs at Kaputas Beach. Still, one downside 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, rugged cliffs and incredible views. Kaputas Beach also lines the main D400 highway, so it can be reached by car, but expect limited parking spaces. On the other side, forested cliffs portray the untamed beauty of nature. Since mass tourism has not ruined Kaputas, the dramatic vibes of rocky cliffs and scenic views will impress everyone.
6: Iztuzu Turtle Beach and Dalyan Resort for Tranquil Escapes
Whether you stay in nearby Dalyan village or visit Iztuzu Beach on day trips from other resorts, this fantastic location amazes everyone. Iztuzu’s location in Turkey’s Dalyan Delta is fascinating as a ground for loggerhead turtles. 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 and blue water.
Her name was Captain June, and along with David Bellamy, they campaigned and got Turkey’s government to declare Iztuzu in the Dalaman area as a national park, ensuring turtles survived for many years. For a great day out, take a boat trip to visit Iztuzu Beach, the mud bath and ruins of Kaunos, an ancient city. Additionally, for a peaceful retreat, visit the mud bath of Lake Koycegiz, which keeps the traditional rustic vibes. If time allows, for a quiet retreat, also visit Lake Koycegiz village.
7: Butterfly Valley Beach (Kelebekler Vadisi)
The location of this Mediterranean pebble beach, also called Kelebekler Vadisi beach, is remote; hence, it can only be reached via water taxi or daily boat rides from Olu Deniz, and although Butterfly Valley can’t boast of yellow sand, the hippy vibes add a unique twist whether you visit for the day or camp overnight in wooden bungalows. The clear and shallow Mediterranean Sea waters are great for snorkelling, and the only buildings are rustic wooden huts, even for the beach bar.
Butterfly Valley isn’t even a village, but more a small community sitting between two towering mountains, and this adds to the rustic vibes that stand out on Turkey’s turquoise coast. Put aside any ideas of luxury villas and pools at hefty prices because the serene location of Butterfly Valley is Mother Nature’s home from home; hence, the name stems from the species of butterflies that breed there.
8: Patara Resort for Delightful Beach Experiences
Turn off Turkey’s D400 coastal highway and drive through pine tree forests, lush greenery, and limestone peaks to reach the longest Mediterranean, Turkey Beach, Patara. Embracing mainstream tourism nearly 50 years ago, all-inclusive resort hotels have left Patara Beach with fewer international tourists.
But this sandy stretch is not about luxury; it is more about culture and heritage, and this is also seen in Patara village and the ancient Lycian city of the same name, with temples, stone cobble streets, and a theatre. The one downside of this location is that big waves overwhelm young children in certain months, so check before swimming. Forget about pebbly beaches, though, because this is gorgeous sand, sand, sand.
9: Lovely Icmeler Beach for Nature Lovers
Two coastal resorts cover the cusp of Turkey’s turquoise coast and Aegean. Marmaris is the more prominent, but during beach seasons, opt for Icmeler Beach, which showcases the southwestern coast. Turkish families love Icmeler because of its family-friendly vibes, and a wide range of beach bars and restaurants support it.
Icmeler is not the most popular resort, but this works in its favour. Prices are reasonable, and the Blue Flag status ensures top-notch cleanliness. The bonus of this seaside resort is that should you want a change, hop on a bus ride to neighbouring Marmaris, which has more upbeat vibes. Also, visit nearby Incekum Beach or Amos Beach.
10: The Blue Lagoon and Belcekiz Beach
Backed by the Babadag Mountain range, this family destination has stunning views of Beydağları Mountain, which makes it the perfect getaway for beach lovers. Once at the central Olu Deniz Beach, turn right and walk along the path to arrive at the Blue Lagoon, a highly photographed sand spot with easy beach access and chairs for hire. Often, guests of Hillside Beach Club will alternate days here with days in Fethiye city centre. Don’t expect plenty of restaurants, just some snack shops, but back in central Olu Deniz, you can stop off at many eateries on your way back. Despite the popularity, the beauty of nature still shines through.
11: Altinkum Beach on the Turkish Aegean Coast
The name Altinkum translates to golden sand, which gives us a big clue about the abundance of sandy spots among gentle waves. Altinkum Beach, reaching down to the attractive harbour, is backed by excellent bars and restaurants, and the promenade is busy at night, with people dining al fresco. Alongside the central beach, visit the 2nd and 3rd pebble beach areas and other nearby hotspots like Akbuk. Expect azure waves and yellow sand from this perfect spot for memorable holidays. This isn’t a secluded beach, and during summer, sunbathers struggle to find space, but it is ideal for a central location with plenty of amenities focused away from the beach.
12: Cirali Beach Resort
Belonging to the quaint village of the same name, Çıralı Beach, on Turkey’s southern turquoise coast, which shares a part sand, part stone beach with neighbouring Olympos in a natural park, is quiet. Prices are reasonable, and although the choice of accommodation is limited, this is a one-off destination, unlike anywhere else.
This Turkey Beach isn’t a popular resort, so crowds are limited, and the serene location promotes peaceful vibes for those wishing to relax and rejuvenate. Watch out for solid waves on Olympos’s eastern side. Other than that, you can break up the sunbathing, explore the ancient forested ruins, or enjoy snacks in rustic treehouse restaurants in neighbouring Olympos. At nighttime, also visit the eternal flame of Chimaera.
13: Ovabükü Beach in Datca
Stay in an authentic boutique hotel and enjoy the delights of Ovabuku in Datca. Data isn’t a popular destination, but more exclusive, hence the hefty prices of hotels. However, you can visit on a day trip. Pristine Ovabuku remains off the mainstream grid, so overcrowding at the height of the summer isn’t an issue, but the 1-kilometre beach is part sand and part pebble, and the sea deepens near the shore, so watch any young children.
Also, head to neighbouring Hayitbuku and Kurubuk bays to break up beach days. These bays boast immense beauty. Lush forests surround much of the Datca peninsula, where many yachts sail the Aegean Sea dock to explore the nearby hidden bays and coves, making these an exclusive beach retreat.
14: Ortakent on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsula
Many Turkish beaches sit on the southwestern coast, but on Turkey’s Aegean Sea side, Ortakent Beach, also known as Yahsi Beach, wins favours with Turks, so to do as the Romans do, head there. Now commonly called Ortakent-Yaksi, this beach joins two resorts to present Bodrum’s longest beach.
Visit the western part of Ortakent Beach for touristic vibes; otherwise, the more laid-back eastern part features delightful boutique hotels. Turkish families love Ortakent as a holiday destination, but many arrive for the day from other towns and villages on a day trip or bus ride. This is a popular spot out of all Bodrum’s public beaches, but for a change, visit nearby Camel Beach or Bitez Beach, both of which earn admiration.
15: Ladies Beach Resort in Kusadasi
Ah, now we come to a location on Turkey’s Aegean coast oozing with nostalgia. Ladies Beach, on the outskirts of Kusadasi city centre, has two urban legends that explain the name. The first says that during Ottoman times, only ladies could visit. The second says that in days when Kusadasi was a fishing village, wives used to wait on this beach for their husbands to return from gruelling fishing trips.
Regardless of which you believe, the Blue Flag status, ample bars, restaurants, water sports, jet skiing, and oodles of space make this a gorgeous destination on Turkey’s Turkish Aegean coast. The nearby streets filled with Turkish villas also give them a quaint village vibe, making it seem separate from the main city centre.
16: Calis Beach Vacations
In Turkey’s Fethiye region, Calis Beach is another area that has seen heavy investment in the beachfront promenade and facilities. Plenty of restaurants and beach cafes make a roaring trade from day to night, and summer weekends see an increase in visitors as families flock from surrounding areas to enjoy stunning sea views.
With strict building regulations to preserve the low town ambience, this picturesque setting is a firm favourite with families. Catch the water taxi from Fethiye town centre to visit. Still, most people agree that Calis is an excellent place for a holiday because everything you want, including a fantastic beach, is on your doorstep. Hands down, a Calis holiday is unforgettable.
17: Ilica on the Turkish Aegean Coast
This is another beach destination on Turkey’s western coast that isn’t well known in international circles, yet Turks rave about Ilica Beach. Sitting in Izmir’s Cesme area, the name stems from thermal springs, and it is a blissful beach to take a romantic stroll along. Stretching up to 3 kilometres, expect oodles of sand, breathtaking views and hot waters from the springs feeding into the sea.
Cesme was a charming village that turned into an upmarket resort town, and it sits next to Alacati, Turkey’s windsurfing capital, thanks to strong winds that sweep around the bay. In Turkey’s Izmir region, plenty of all-inclusive hotels with lush gardens make for the perfect stay. However, if you visit Ilica Beach, choose a nearby boutique beach hotel where Cesme and Alacati earn mass fame.
Also, About Turkey
Turkey is a fantastic destination, from the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea to famous resort towns for beach holidays and summer property ownership. As you can see, the best beaches also sit near famous holiday towns and resorts, which we discuss in our article here. Whether you are looking for somewhere with azure waters, boat rides, untamed beauty, or powdery sands, these towns are the perfect destinations to fall in love with.
About Us
We are Spot Blue International, and we sell holiday homes, investment properties, and permanent living properties. Our local experts have in-depth knowledge of all resorts and the best beaches in Turkey, so to wake up to fantastic sea views, contact us today or see more articles in our blog about locations and destinations in Turkey.
