With one foot in Europe and the other one in Asia, Turkey is a cultural and historical hub, with influences from many empires, and surrounded by waters on three sides. Known for the iconic Blue Mosque, modern Ankara, cosmopolitan Istanbul, and the Bosphorus strait, the country has plenty more to offer. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the Black Sea, the country is home to some of the most spectacular sceneries of pristine beaches and otherworldly blue waters. Its beaches are as diverse as they are plentiful, offering different experiences to people drawn from all over the world to Turkish lands. Read on, as we describe the best and most beautiful beaches in Turkey, and discover what sets them apart.
1. Konyaalti Beach
There aren’t many beaches with a remarkable mountain backdrop out there, but Konyaalti Beach is one of them. Located on the west side of Antalya, Konyaalti Beach is one of the two main beaches here, the other one being Lara Beach. Konyaalti Beach stretches over seven kilometers (four miles) and features excellent bars and restaurants, buzzing nightlife, a waterpark, and epic views of the Beydağları Mountains. Toilets, showers, and changing rooms are available and free of charge. Several lifeguards are also stationed at the beach to guarantee the safety of visitors at all times.
Konyaalti Beach
Address: Kuşkavağı, 07070 Konyaaltı/Antalya, Turkey
2. Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach is the meeting point of clear turquoise waters and steep forested cliffs, just off the coast between the towns of Kas and Kalkan. It is not large, but it compensates with its pristine beauty and activity options. You’ll need to go down almost 200 steps, but the views and experience are worth it. Once on the beach, you can go swimming, snorkeling, or just sit in the sun. The beach is family-friendly, has showers and toilets, and it’s close to Kalkan Harbor, where you’ll find several bars and restaurants.
Kaputas Beach
Address: Kalkan, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
3. Cirali Beach
Cirali Beach is one of Turkey’s hidden gems, about an hour’s drive from Antalya. Nestled between mountain scenery and lush forested areas, this unspoiled beach is never overcrowded, so people who come here get to enjoy the sound of the waves, the sun rays, and otherworldly scenery, without the big crowds and loud music. The waters have the most surreal shades of blue. There’s also a lot of history as the ruins of Olympus are nearby, and it’s also a fantastic place for hiking, swimming, and spotting returning turtles.
Cirali Beach
Address: Ulupınar, 07982 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
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4. Iztuzu Beach
Iztuzu Beach is a 4.5-kilometer (2.7-mile) strip of sand, separating the water of the Mediterranean Sea from the Dalyan River. Also known as Turtle Beach, it is a significant turtle nesting habitat, with a great role in turtle conservation. The beach is best reached by boat, as visitors will get to pass spectacular ancient sites, as well as marvel at the open coast. The waters are shallow and warm, so it’s the ideal place to go for a swim, and then lie on the golden-sand beach.
Iztuzu Beach
Address: Gökbel Mahallesi No 89, 48840 Ortaca/Muğla, Turkey
Website: Iztuzu Beach
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Turkey Tour Guide
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Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
5. Kabak Beach
If you’re looking for a hidden beach, not known by anyone but where you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace surrounding you, Kabak Beach is for you. Usually frequented by hikers and backpackers, the beach is a 30-minute walk from the village of the same name, and a steep hike away. Since it’s surrounded by water on one side and forested cliffs on the other three sides, the only way to access the beach is by descending one of the rocky cliffs. While the views from up above the beach are stunning, once you get your feet on the sandy beach you’ll be happy you went there – from the deep blue waters to the surrounding landscape, everything is astonishing.
Kabak Beach
Address: Uzunyurt, 48300 Uzunyurt Köyü Fethiye/Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey
6. Patara Beach
Nestled in a quaint little village, Patara is Turkey’s longest beach. However, it is quite secluded, mostly due to the lack of development in the area. Upon arrival, you’ll find an unspoiled beach with rolling dunes, turquoise waters, and towering peaks - the perfect setting to relax, get a tan and swim in the sea. If you’re on the lookout for Turkey’s best beaches, this one should undoubtedly be on the list – picturesque and untouched.
Patara Beach
Address: Gelemiş, 07976 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey
7. Butterfly Valley Beach
Located in Fethiye’s Butterfly Valley, this is yet another stunningly beautiful beach. Bright sapphire waters kiss the steep rocky cliffs, while the white sand beach sits as a barrier between them. The entire Butterfly Valley is a gem, with spectacular flora, a plethora of hiking trails, and, as the name suggests, lots and lots of butterflies – more than 80 species to be precise.
Butterfly Valley Beach
Address: Fethiye, Turkey
8. Cleopatra Beach
Cleopatra Beach surely sets itself apart from the other beaches in Turkey, as the legend says, the soft sands on the beach were brought by Cleopatra herself because she used to love swimming in the sea there. Moreover, the beach is set in majestic scenery, surrounded by steep rocks, with the Medieval Alanya Castle sitting atop the hill. There’s even a pirates’ boat docked on the shores to complete the picture.
Cleopatra Beach
Address: Kızlar Pınarı, Atatürk Blv. No:199, 07460 Alanya/Antalya, Turkey
9. Icmeler Beach
On the more popular side of the spectrum, near Turkey’s iconic Marmaris, is the famous Icmeler resort, home to the Icmeler Beach. People come here for the beautiful beaches, the great food served at the restaurants all around, and the fun and entertainment. It’s interesting to see how a fishing village turned into one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resorts today. The surrounding hills are sprinkled with hiking trails galore, so there’s always an alternative to sunbathing on the beach.
Icmeler Beach
Address: Icmeler, Muğla, Turkey
10. Blue Lagoon
Many countries claim to have their blue lagoon, but the one in Ölüdeniz, in Turkey, does justice to the name. Also known as Ölüdeniz Beach, Blue Lagoon is home to tranquil, deep blue waters, a long strip of golden sand, and forested cliffs. Ideal for swimming, boating, paddleboarding, and paragliding, Blue Lagoon is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning Mediterranean beaches.
Blue Lagoon
Address: Ölüdeniz, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey
A country rich in culture and history
Bright sapphire and turquoise waters, white and golden sand beaches, lush forested cliffs - these are just a few of the gems you’ll find along the Turkish coastline. And the above-listed are the best and most beautiful beaches in Turkey that you should definitely visit.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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