11 Best Beaches in Turkey

With a coastline of over 5,000 miles, Turkey has beaches for all tastes. This is a country bordered by three seas—the Aegean, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara—so there’s always a choice. Stretches range from long sandy stunners in Alanya to sublime coves around Kaş, family-friendly strips in Antalya and Black Sea perfection in Şile. Turkey is also the ultimate culinary powerhouse, with rich traditions, vibrant street food and plenty of unique dishes to try. All of this makes the country a top destination for a superb (and tasty) beach holiday. Here are the best beaches in Turkey to appreciate the beauty of its enormous coastline.

Best city beach in Turkey

Head to Alanya for the best urban beach in Turkey. Kleopatra is a long and spacious public stretch with killer views and proximity to city life. A tall cliff topped with a castle and the Damlataş Cave flank the beach, giving it a romantic edge. According to legend, the Ptolemaic queen Cleopatra spent some love-filled moments here with the Roman general Mark Antony, hence the name. You can’t blame them for enjoying the local vistas—the sands are soft, the sunsets are magnificent and life is good here. The busy Atatürk Boulevard, lined with numerous restaurants and cafes, borders the beach, so you’re always close to food and drinks. Hop on the cable car (right at the south beach entrance) to marvel at Kleopatra from above and visit the medieval Alanya Castle from the Seljuk era.

Best for families

Although technically in Antalya, Lara Beach feels worlds away from the big city bustle. It’s the ultimate resort area beach, serving many tourist complexes along the Mediterranean coast. Your kids will love this stretch—it’s shallow, sandy and wide. Lara extends for almost 5 miles, so space is never a problem here. Private beach clubs, waterside restaurants and watersports rentals dot the long strip. Some of Antalya’s most popular attractions are also located here. Take your kids to Sandland for a display of large sand sculptures and the Aksu Dolphinarium for animal shows. When all you’re seeking is a carefree family holiday, Lara is perfect. Here, hotels and beaches are close by and all facilities are in place. The area also has the biggest concentration of all-inclusive Antalya resorts.

Best for beachside dining and entertainment

Konyaaltı is what places Antalya among the most exciting beach towns in the world. It’s a gorgeous 4.3-mile stretch nestled between cliffs and dramatic mountains north of the city. Seeing the beach from above at the lookout next to the Müze tram stop is a guaranteed “wow” moment. Konyaaltı is a pebbly beach, meaning the water is crystal-clear, but you’ll need to wear shoes to walk comfortably. The liveliest section is around Beach Park (closer to Antalya’s city center), where you’ll find an endless supply of top restaurant chains, coffee shops with large terraces and glamorous beach bars. Think Marina Dubai, but bigger and more affordable. As you venture further out, you’ll enter the hotel realm with some of Antalya’s best five-star resorts and cool boutique accommodations just steps from the beach. Cycling is the most rewarding way to explore Konyaaltı, as the designated path extends all the way to Antalya’s outskirts. 

Best for mesmerizing views

Kaputaş is one of those places where no matter how you take a picture, it always comes out postcard-quality. The blueness of the Mediterranean is absolute here. The mighty cliffs guarding the bay ensure its epic beauty. The surface is a mix of sand and rocks. Kaputaş is located between Kaş and Kalkan, right alongside the main road. Arrive early to secure a parking spot—spaces are limited and there’s only a single row along a busy thoroughfare. There’s a toilet, changing cabin and shower on the beach. You can rent a sunbed and umbrella during high season, but parking your towel and taking a quick dip works great too.

Best for diving, paragliding and snorkeling

Sublime beauty awaits you at Ölüdeniz. Surrounded by green mountains and backed by a blue lagoon, it’s one of the most spectacular beaches in Turkey. Long and pebbly, Ölüdeniz (translated as “Dead Sea”) has waters that are almost always tranquil and transparent. While you might think such a spot would be isolated, there’s a resort village and even a Starbucks with a terrace overlooking the gorgeous panoramas. The village section of Ölüdeniz is free, but a small fee is required for the most famous part around Kumburnu beach. The area is fantastic for water activities, with paragliding among the most popular choices. If you prefer something less adventurous, snorkel around the Blue Lagoon, try paddleboarding, or go diving. Ölüdeniz is also a stop on the Lycian Way, Turkey’s premier hiking trail.

Best for transparent waters

Advertised as the “Turkish Maldives” by tour operators, Suluada Beach isn’t actually that similar to the island country in the Indian Ocean. However, it is ultra-beautiful in a classic turquoise Mediterranean way. Located on an island and only accessible by boat, this beach is a pristine revelation with translucent waters, tiny pebbles, and scenic coastal panoramas. Getting there is relatively easy—catch a boat from Adrasan port or book a tour from Antalya or Kemer. Like many other “hidden beaches” around the world, you won’t be swimming alone. Suluada gets crowded during summer, but not as crowded as, say, Maya Bay in Thailand. Try to book a sunset tour—the vistas will be irresistible.  

Best for kids and windsurfing enthusiasts

If you’re in Izmir, a visit to Alaçatı is a must. This historic town on the Çeşme peninsula is famous for its colorful narrow streets, atmospheric traditional restaurants and blue coast. Here you’ll find Ilıca—one of Turkey’s best sandy beaches. The combination of white sand and cyan waters gives it an almost Caribbean appearance. It’s shallow and wide—an ideal choice for families with small children. It’s also the ultimate spot for windsurfing, thanks to perfect conditions. Stretching for over a mile, Ilıca has all the facilities, many beach bars and watersports rentals. Visiting Alaçatı is often paired with exploring Çeşme town, known for its luxurious marina, ancient castle and beautiful beaches. Head to the public Kocakarı beach for more Aegean bliss.

Best for ancient history

Rarely do you get a chance to bathe next to the ruins of a Lycian town dating to the 4th century BC. In Turkey, it’s possible. Bordering the remains of the ancient city of Olympus, the eponymous beach is among the country’s most unique stretches. Towering mountains, Genoese Castle ruins and crystal-clear blue sea are all included. You can reach the beach from Çıralı village for free (some walking required) or enter directly from Olympus National Park for a fee. As it’s a protected park area, there are no beach bars or rentals. Bring water shoes, as the beach is made of pebbles. Another showstopping attraction in the area is Mount Chimaera, a park with perpetual burning flames above Çıralı. 

Best for golden sands

Turkey’s Turquoise Coast reaches its peak at Patara. This is an epic beach for both literal and metaphorical reasons. You’ve got a whopping 11 miles of fine golden sands, ideal for sunbathing, castle-building, lounging and playing. The stretch also runs alongside the ruins of the ancient city of Patara. The locale is best known as the birthplace of the 4th-century Lycian bishop St. Nicholas, whom the world knows as Santa Claus. With a well-preserved amphitheater, colonnaded streets and a Byzantine basilica, the Patara archaeological site is a must-visit. The beach is also a nesting place for loggerhead turtles, so keep an eye out for official announcements to avoid disturbing the fragile ecosystem. 

Best beach day trip from Istanbul

Turkey has a long yet relatively unknown Black Sea coast. With all the tourist marketing efforts focused on the Mediterranean region, the resort towns along this windier, wavier coastline rarely get much attention from international visitors. Proximity to Istanbul (about a 1-hour drive) makes Şile a perfect beach town for experiencing the Black Sea without much hassle. The main stretch here is a gorgeous sandy bay surrounded by rocks and green hills. During summer, it’s your best choice for a seaside escape near the glorious Bosphorus city. Şile town is a delightful resort with cozy streets and plenty of great eateries.

Best for wildlife encounters

Located in Dalyan, İztuzu Beach is a unique Mediterranean beach. Apart from having all the qualities of an ideal Mediterranean stretch—golden sands, crystal-clear waters and inspiring views—the beach is also one of the largest nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles. You’ll notice many cages in the sand protecting turtle nests. The combination of loungers with umbrellas alongside those cordoned-off spots is quite a sight. The beach also closes in the evening, so plan your visit accordingly. Join a special tour to see turtles in the water. Sometimes you can spot these beautiful, endangered creatures close to shore where the Dalyan River meets the Mediterranean waters.