Natalie Fronting turquoise waters, the best beach towns in Turkey are home to communities of Turks and foreigners as well as being major tourist hubs. However, before you embark on a search of coastal towns, it is worth knowing a bit of geography.
The Turkish coast covers three sides of the country, and fronts four seas. The north faces the Black Sea, the Istanbul faces Marmara Sea, the south faces the Mediterranean, and the west faces the Aegean Sea. Indeed, Turkey has an average of 7,200 kilometres of coastline,
Each coast is different and attracts varied tourists and house hunters. The northern resorts facing the Black Sea tend to attract Middle Eastern tourists and Turks from other areas. This is because the beaches are not a patch compared to the south and west coasts, and people go there more for the cultural and conservative ambience. Istanbul does better as a city break destination rather than beaches; hence, this leaves the west and south coasts, also known as the Aegean and Mediterranean.
The coastal resorts in provinces such as Antalya, Fethiye, Marmaris, and Bodrum are busiest between May and October when the official tourism season starts and major airlines resume their summer schedules. Hotels, bars, and restaurants close in some smaller resorts during winter, but life continues, especially in expats and larger towns.
Hundreds of international flights from and to Bodrum, Izmir, Dalaman, and Antalya airports connect them to other countries, and in this article, we will focus on the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Best Beach Towns in Turkey
About Aegean Turkey
The Turkish Aegean Coast covers the entire western side, and millions of tourists fly yearly into Bodrum and Izmir airports for the charming towns. Some destinations have developed into expat towns, with foreigners, mainly Brits, making them home. Undoubtedly, beaches are the biggest attraction. Some popular cities surrounding them stand out for specific reasons and attractions.
1: Altinkum and Didim: Golden Sand and the Apollo Temple
The name “Altinkum” translates into golden sands in Turkish, which gives an excellent insight into this holiday town and expat destination. Sometimes called Didim, mainly by Turks, Altinkum refers to the seafront area, while Didim is the main shopping centre, a short distance away.
Unfortunately, town officials were not original when naming beaches; they just called them first, second and third. These are all within central districts but branch out along the coastline, and more small bays and coves are local secrets. Nearby, the small, traditional village of Mavisehir is popular with Turkish tourists. Yet, foreigners visit to see the famous sunset views and to shop at the evening market.
The major landmark and historical site is Apollo Temple, which stands at the entrance to Didim. Still, the main lure is as a cheap holiday town. Anyone who wants their home comforts and the sun will enjoy restaurants selling English breakfasts and Sunday dinners and showing the latest football matches.
In the heart of the town, the blue flag “first beach” commands the most attention. Further along, the second beach excels in water sports. The Third Beach is home to a scuba diving centre. Yesilkent, a 5-minute drive from the Altinkum town centre, is a well-kept secret of this region. Its shallow and cooling waters make this area adored by families with small kids.
2: Kusadasi: The Cruise Ship King
Just one hour’s drive from Altinkum, the vast and sprawling city of Kusadasi earned fame for one reason: big cruise ships dock weekly to transport passengers to the nearby Ephesus city ruins, Turkey’s most significant historical sites. The cruise ship trade has sparked tourism rushes, with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops eager to catch tourists’ attention.
Although Kusadasi caters to mainstream holidays, the town was more popular with Irish holidaymakers in previous years. There are two huge water parks, and Pigeon Island, the major landmark, is home to ancient Byzantine ruins. Backed by all-inclusive hotels, most people stop by Pamuk Beach after a trip to nearby Ephesus.
We prefer Ladies Beach on the outskirts simply because of the excellent amenities and facilities and the residential ambience. Kusadasi is also a centre of excellence for scuba diving. The highlight is the sunken A300 Airbus Place, an artificial reef attracting copious amounts of stunning underwater flora and fauna. Also, visit to Sevgi Plaj in Davutlar. The town is relatively dormant in winter but comes alive in summer because Turks own holiday homes there.
3: Bodrum Peninsula
Now, this is where beach lovers will feel at home. The Bodrum peninsula consists of the main centre and smaller coastal resorts, each with a unique vibe that attracts various nationalities. International yachts generally dock in for the state-of-the-art marina. Further along the coastline, luxury Golturkbuku is where you can hang out if you have plenty of cash to splash. Golturkbuku ultimately markets itself as a luxury town, often favoured by Turkish celebrities. International stars endorse the centre, which has luxury hotels and an established marina.
Gumbet beach resort attracts British nationals, and beachfront restaurants in Turgutreis are ideal for watching the fantastic Aegean sunset. Turgutreis has a long-established holidaymaker base, but the biggest success story is Yalikavak. The town went from a small fishing village with an attractive harbour to a budget destination and expat haven. Now firmly established on the yachting scene with the state-of-the-art marina, the marina often hosts mega yachts of billionaires.
Yalikavak is a hot tourist spot and a popular expat destination. Holidaymakers returning year after year adore the half-sand, half-pebble beach and backing restaurants. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and an endless supply of food and drinks make Yalikavak a firm favourite for families and couples.
Wealthy and famous Turks adore Gumusluk, a small, traditional village famous for its rustic harbour with fishing boats and plenty of restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood. The small village of Gokcebel retains the impression of being stuck in time, while places like Bitez, and Ortakent maintain a down-to-earth presence. The tiny coastal resort of Kadikalesi hardly features on Turkey’s mainstream tourism map; yet again, it attracts many Turks during summer.
Pick up any mainstream travel guide, and you will rarely read about Iasos. Also called Kiyikislacik, residents enjoy slow-paced lifestyles away from the rat race. Occasionally, day-trippers pass through to explore ancient city ruins fronting the coastline, but others prefer the area’s secluded getaways.
Iasos maintains a strategic location on the Gulluk Gulf, which belongs to the Milas district of Muğla province. Like Bodrum town centre, Bodrum airport is just a 30-minute drive away, with its vibrant shopping and nightlife scenes. Considering Bodrum is a popular holiday destination, newcomers often assume Iasos is a touristic nightmare, offering no signs of local culture and traditions, but they are wrong.
With frequent, established foreign flights, the modern airport makes the peninsula the most popular destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast. Including Bodrum town centre and smaller holiday resorts scattered all over the coastline, each attracts typical holidaymaker stereotypes thanks to unique characteristics.
4: Cesme and Alacati in the Izmir Region
Izmir has always had a solid reputation as a retirement destination for Turks from significant cities who purchased holiday homes. However, with the internet and independent travel, more foreigners drifted in that direction and liked what they saw. While Izmir city is a gem of activities and things to do, the star attractions are two smaller towns on the outskirts.
Alacati, part of the Cesme region, is now a top windsurfing destination, even holding international world championship festivals. Visitors adore the cute cobbled streets and blue and white architecture dating from the history of an old Greek town. Boutique hotels are the preferred place to stay, while property prices in both are rising thanks to increased interest from foreign investors and expats.
Most places mentioned above attract foreign tourists, but Cesme and Alacati on the Izmir Peninsula have always been popular with Turkish tourists. Youngsters enjoy the latest music trends and entertainment supplied by trendy and hip clubs like Babylon, which are relaxing sandy havens by day and party hotspots by night.
Alacati windsurfing hotspot holds championship competitions, while Cesme boasts about Ilaca Beach. Turks love the clear waters of Ilaca, which are warm in some parts thanks to nearby hot springs. The soft sand emphasises the dream, and while calm at times, gentle north winds provide small waves, adding to the splashing fun.
5: Datca: Last Gem of the Turkish Aegean Coast
Another well-kept secret that is becoming a magnet for tourists is Datca. The laidback lifestyle, quaint country lanes, old boutique hotels, and abundance of flowers may seem like a utopia, and indeed, this sleepy fishing village has avoided the pitfalls of other holiday towns, like high-rise buildings.
Some artistic circles say Datca is the ideal creative retreat, while others flock to see ancient Knidos. Many, however, stop by while sailing the Turkish Riviera. In the old part of town, original wooden buildings and stone cottages still stand, and all Turkish families love Datca. The village is not a busy resort but has a lively harbour section, portraying age-old practices from days ago.
Mediterranean Coastal Towns
The picturesque south coast of Turkey, known as the Mediterranean or turquoise coast in sailing worlds, offers breathtaking views. As part of the Riviera, getting there is easy via the state-of-the-art Antalya airport, which operates flights all year round or Dalaman airport, depending on where you head. The Med also sits aside the main D400 highway from east to south of Turkey, making for fantastic road trips.
6: Marmaris: Hang the Architect
Urban legends say the name “Marmaris” deviates from the area’s first name, meaning “hang the architect,” because of a king who detested his newly built castle. Start by wandering the old town’s cobbled streets to visit the museum and castle, or head to the long sandy beach in the centre. Follow with dinner in a harbourside restaurant, or youngsters end the night on a bar street with lively nightlife scenes. Tourist attractions are further afield, but if you want a laid-back, relaxing town, Marmaris will offer that. For more low-key ambience, but in the same location, try Icmeler, the next-door neighbour.
7: Fethiye Region: Including Oludeniz, Hisaronu, and Ovacik
One of our favourite regions, Fethiye, ticks all the boxes. Flying into Dalaman airport, the region is quite close. Places to stay include Fethiye city centre, but we prefer the gorgeous coastal town of Oludeniz. Many tourists choose the Hillside Beach Club Hotel.
The region features the famous Kabak beach and Blue Lagoon, a highly photographed destination with relaxed and friendly vibes. The area has a large expat community, some of whom have settled in Ovacik and Hisaronu resorts. Otherwise, Calis’s long stretch of sand is a great place to watch the vibrant orange sunset over the Mediterranean.
Enjoy the boat ride to Butterfly Valley, which has clear waters for scuba diving and cheap camping vibes. With just one beach bar and basic amenities, nature lovers adore this part of Turkey. Rather than being a sand beach, the pebbly stretch offers gorgeous views.
8: Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach
Dalyan technically isn’t a beach town but more of a river destination, yet it is near Iztuzu beach, famed for nesting loggerhead turtles. Likewise, the Lycian tombs from the ancient site of Kaunos, looking over the Dalyan delta, intrigue the town. During summer, people take day trips from most surrounding coastal cities to visit the mud baths. Plenty of activities and natural settings set the town apart from other seaside resorts as a peaceful retreat.
9: Kas and Kalkan
These two resorts, sitting side by side, are smaller than the places mentioned above, yet each maintains a unique quality found nowhere else. Kalkan distinguishes itself from other locations with an upmarket status, as often seen in standout villas for rent. They have infinity pools and amazing views, and genuinely excellent villas sometimes cost millions of pounds.
Kas has grown because of tourism and expat popularity, yet around the harbourfront and old town, whitewashed houses with wooden shutters and flowing pink bougainvillaea show slight traces of nostalgia. Kas is the ferry port for the trip to the Greek island of Kastellorizo (Meis).
10: Antalya City Centre for Beautiful Beaches
If white sand between your toes is what you want during the intense summer heat, this coastal city earns respect for two famous beaches: Konyaalti and Lara. These stunning beaches and blue waters deserve respect for driving tourism trends. Lara, nicknamed the Las Vegas of Turkey, features themed hotels, while Konyaalti, a substantial commercial and residential area, is near the Aquarium, which has Europe’s longest tunnel.
Antalya has many five-star hotels with private beaches that are popular with foreign tourists, host domestic tourists, and city break fans. If you love historic sites, head to nearby Aspendos, the world’s best-preserved Roman theatre. Antalya boasts gorgeous waterfalls for nature pursuits and sits near the nationally protected Olympic Park, which is home to Mount Tahtali. Meanwhile, Kaleici Old Quarter features much cultural heritage. Wander the narrow streets to see the historical mosque and old Ottoman houses.
11: Golfing in Belek
This former fishing town is a small, luxurious resort that is world-famous. Its name stretches far across the globe in mainstream travel and property markets. As one of 66 neighbourhoods in the Serik district, many foreigners have never heard of Serik but know all about Belek.
Belek has hosted the Turkish Airlines World Golf final and famous players like Tiger Woods and Barack Obama. Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Carya, Sueno, Cornelia, and Gloria Golf are the top five golf courses. Belek also leads five-star hospitality in 30 plus coastal spa and wellness hotels and hosted the G20 summit 2016.
Outside of tourism, the population drops to 7000 residents, but come May, holiday companies sell all-inclusive resort holidays to Belek. This number expands as tourists descend to enjoy the delights and the Mediterranean Sea.
As the primary hub, the town centre, landmark mosque, and tree-lined streets are everything a gorgeous town should be. Emphasising the tremendous Turkish outdoors, restaurants serving a variety of Turkish and international menus make a roaring trade, as do bars offering a relaxed nightlife style.
There are many shops and shopping malls in nearby Antalya city centre, where you can spend your cash, and dine, under one roof. Things to do in and around Belek include the Kursunlu waterfall, Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Theatre, and Land of Legends theme park.
For foreign house sales, Belek grabs buyers’ attention with a modern real estate market consisting of apartments and villas for sale. Some foreigners purchased the property and now live there, while buy-to-let investors often look towards golf and spa tourism for rental income.
12: Alanya and Cleopatra Beach
Alanya is far from a quiet beach town. Mass promotion brings in tourists and house hunters from all over the world. Attracted by blue flag beaches and summer living vibes, this medium-sized resort city has plenty of amenities and places on the outskirts of town like Mahmutlar. Expect hot months during summer because this is the eastern Mediterranean.
The closest airport is Gazipasa, but people use Antalya simply because of the more extensive flight schedule. Waterfront locations are plentiful for the sea view, and international and Turkish restaurants serve cuisine worldwide, so you need never go hungry. At the same time, historic buildings include the Red Tower and the old shipyard. This is not a quiet location, but for amenities on your doorstep and lots of adventure activities, then Alanya fits the bill.
13: Olympos and Cirali
These two Turkish beach resorts win hands down for summer weekends or to get off the beaten track. Sitting side by side in a valley but sharing the same beach, Cirali suits basic hotel needs. However, the scenic village of Olympos boasts of wooden architecture in their quirky hotels, which are tree houses. Think of a hippie treehouse location that attracts an international crowd thanks to natural appeal. There are loads of extra beach space and budget hotel options, although there aren’t many entertainment possibilities after dark. Many places are family hotels, and you will receive a warm welcome. While there, see the ruins of Olympos and Chimaera burning flames.
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