It's hard to play favourites when it comes to Turkey beaches. Whether you're looking for a buzzy hangout or a sandy stretch off the radar, the country's shorelines deliver a variety of experiences for every beach-loving traveller. When you're ready to take a break from Istanbul's nonstop activity, plan a coastal getaway and schedule some time to unwind. Throw some swimwear in a bag and head to one of these eight Turkey beaches.
Kaputaş Beach
Turquoise waters flanked by steep cliffs make Kaputaş Beach quite the picturesque shoreline. This petite paradise isn't the largest beach in Turkey, but it's a slice of serenity that can't be passed up. About 200m (650 ft) east, you'll find the Blue Cave, a naturally formed sea cave accessible by boat.
If you're stopping by, check out Patara Beach too. It's 30 minutes west of Kaputaş Beach by car and well worth a visit when in the area. With a wide stretch of sand and a lengthy shoreline, it has tons of room to spread out and take in the views or go for a long walk.
How to get to Kaputaş Beach
On Turkey's Lycian coast, Kaputaş Beach is a half-hour drive or so from the seaside town of Kaş.
Kleopatra Beach
On the western side of Alanya — not to be confused with the larger city of Antalya two hours west by car — Kleopatra Beach draws beachgoers from around the country. Some 2km (1.2 mi) of shoreline lap right up against the seaside town, meaning you can find plenty of spots to grab some beach loungers with an umbrella and chill out. You can also hire equipment for watersports, including parasailing, jet skiing, and kitesurfing. There's no shortage of beachside bars and restaurants to grab a bite. You definitely won't be alone here, but it makes for a great beach day in Alanya.
How to get to Kleopatra Beach
Fly into Gazipasa Alanya Airport and drive for less than an hour to Alanya. Kleopatra Beach is right on the city's shoreline.
Ölüdeniz Beach
Far from any large-scale metropolitan noise, Ölüdeniz Beach is just south of the resort town of Ölüdeniz, on Turkey's gorgeous Mediterranean coast. Cerulean waters backed by vegetation-covered mountains make for some dazzling views from this beach, where you can laze about on the sand all day long or opt for an activity like paragliding or scuba diving. These calm waters are ideal for swimming thanks to the curved shape of the lagoon. Despite its more remote location, you might encounter some crowds during the summer high season when people flock to the coasts from inland areas in Turkey.
How to get to Ölüdeniz Beach
Turkey's Lycian coast — located in the southwest — is easily reachable from Dalaman Airport. Fly in and drive a little over an hour to get to Ölüdeniz.
Iztuzu Beach
It's not every day you can see a bunch of sea turtles milling about on the beach, but Iztuzu Beach in southwest Turkey is the place to go. It’s also known as Turtle Beach for its local population of turtles and is impressive for both its physical appearance and its wildlife. A home for loggerhead sea turtles, the shoreline's hatching season typically lasts from June to August, but can vary depending on the year. This protected beach divides the Dalyan River from the Mediterranean, making one side fresh water and the other salt water. Come for the unique views and stay for a chance to see turtles.
How to get to Iztuzu Beach
It takes roughly one hour and 45 minutes to get to Iztuzu Beach by car from Dalaman Airport, which is located in southwest Turkey, about a one-hour flight from Istanbul.
Princes' Islands
A short distance from Istanbul lies the Princes' Islands, a small archipelago in the Sea of Marmara. Of the nine islands, four are inhabited — Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada — and you can find beaches on each. It's a different experience from the sweeping shorelines on Turkey's Mediterranean coast but uniquely enjoyable in its own way.
Even with the gigantic skyline of Istanbul looming far off in the distance, it feels like you're a world away from the noise. You won't find cars on these islands, either — only walkers and cyclists. Try Büyükada, the biggest island, for beaches and hiking. With more space than the other islands, you'll find the most options here for places to swim, eat, and wander.
How to get to the Princes' Islands
You can easily reach the Princes' Islands from Istanbul by taking a one-hour ferry ride from either Kabataş station on the European side of Istanbul or from Kadiköy on the Asian side.
Kabak Beach
At Kabak Beach, enticing shades of blue and green mingle together in a small bay. Take a dip in the sea or check out Aladere Falls, a waterfall reachable via a pathway that takes about an hour to get to. The surrounding valley is remote, backed by dense nature and mountains to form a wondrous backdrop.
It's an hour from Fethiye's urban amenities, and you can stay and camp right by the beach, plus you can grab a bite any time of day at the cafes and restaurants. Bungalows and beachside campgrounds make it easy to stay for longer than a day trip.
How to get to Kabak Beach
Less than a one-hour drive south from the resort town of Ölüdeniz in southwest Turkey, Kabak Beach can be reached by car after landing at Dalaman Airport. Expect a drive of about two hours if you're heading directly from the airport to the beach.
Kilyos Beach
Most travellers fly into Istanbul, but the country’s biggest city is a bit far from Turkey's best beaches. If you’re craving a quick escape from Istanbul without hopping on another plane, a trip to the Black Sea offers a getaway from city streets.
Kilyos Beach is where most Istanbul residents recommend as a beach within reach of the city. While it's not quite comparable to the sweeping jewel-toned shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey, Kilyos Beach has plenty of beach clubs and places to hang out in the sunshine. It only takes about an hour to reach by car, making it easy to dip out of the city when you're craving some nature and sea.
How to get to Kilyos Beach
By car, it takes just over an hour to get to Kilyos from Istanbul's city centre. You can also take the bus, but it takes closer to two hours, sometimes longer.
Olympos Beach
A natural pebble shoreline and local population of sea turtles puts Olympos Beach on the map as one of Turkey's best beaches. Set in the middle of a nature preserve, it's near the ancient city of Olympos and less than 90 minutes by car from the coastal city of Antalya. While it's secluded compared to other beaches in Turkey, you'll still find a few restaurants and beach vendors for snacks and refreshments along the shore.
Within walking distance of the beach, the Olympos ruins showcase relics of the past. It has elements from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, including well-preserved temple gates, theatre, and Acropolis Hill.
When you’re in the area, check out Konyaalti Beach closer to the city of Antalya before flying out. It's one of two main beaches in the city, backed by towering mountains and close to everything social — a worthy stop when in town or just passing through.
How to get to Olympos Beach
Less than a 90-minute drive from Antalya, Olympos Beach is easy to fit into any southwest Turkey itinerary thanks to its close proximity to Antalya’s airport.
