Turkey boasts its legendary settings, whether it’s architecture, stunning landscapes, beautiful coastlines, or just a random hidden street that makes you stop and take notice.
With everything the country has to offer, in this article, you will dive deep into the information on the coastal side of Turkey. The country’s coastline stretches over 8,000 km.
The view is truly heavenly and gives a picturesque moment that will stay in your memory. With powder‑white sands, crystal clear waters and dramatic cliffs, this is the dreamy European vacation you need.
For this to happen, you need to know where to go. I’ll give you some of the nicest beaches in Turkey. Additionally, this blog also covers the snorkelling locations, romantic getaways for couples, and various activities available at each beach in Turkey.
Here is the List of the Best Beaches in Turkey
No more hiding the best things Turkey has to offer. These 15 beaches are handpicked and are most loved by locals and travellers. I will tell you more about the beaches, what makes them special, and other nearby places to visit.
Oludeniz Blue Lagoon
You must have heard of the town called Fethiye; Ölüdeniz beach is 10 km away from there. And you can reach the beach either by taking a minivan or a taxi.
Highlights:
- Paragliding off Babadag Mountain
- Family‑friendly sandy beach in a pine‑fringed national park
The beach looks like a picture-perfect postcard. The water here is crystal clear, and it’s hard not to jump in the moment you arrive. It is not just a dry beach with white sand; green hills surround the place, but a protected national park, which looks like paradise carved by nature itself.
The Best Things You Can Do Here
- Relax and sunbathe
- Snorkel in the Blue Lagoon
- Paragliding from Babadağ Mountain
- Boat trip to Butterfly Valley
- Engage in water activities such as paddleboarding, jet skiing, and diving.
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Paradise Beach, Bar and Restaurant & Billy Beach Cafe Bar.
Patara Beach
In the town of Patara, this beach has many things that could catch your eye, as it is the longest in Turkey. This is the most visited by tourists for its serene experience.
Highlights:
- Longest sandy beach in Turkey-18 km
- Witness ancient Lycian ruins and sea turtle nesting
The perfect way to explore many places is to take a bus from Antalya to Fethiye. Then, spend a day, or as you wish, and take a minivan to reach the beach.
When you visit the beach, you’ll experience more than just a beach vacation. You can also choose to make it a historical time by knowing more about the ancient ruins of Patara.
The Best Things You Can Do Here
- Visit the historical ruins of Patara.
- Take a guided tour to Patara.
- Watching turtles laying eggs (May to October)
- Horse riding on the beach
- Do water sports like swimming, surfing, snorkelling and many more.
| Do You Know?
Patara is the birthplace of Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas). It is a fascinating destination with interesting facts to learn. |
Popular Tourists Choice for Eateries: Carpediem Restaurant, Ayse Pancake House, Patara & Patara Gözleme Evi.
Kaputas Beach
Approximately 20 km from Kaş and 7 km from Kalkan, you can find Kaputaş Beach. Personally, Kaputaş Beach is the best beach, as you can see the famous tourist regions Kaş and Kalkan, which are close.
Highlights:
- Dramatic canyon‑framed setting
- Pebbly‑sand beach
Hidden between two incredible cliffs, this beach is quickly gaining recognition for its 200 stairs down from the roadside. When you are at the beach, just pick a sunbed and relax as long as you want.
For the sunbeds, they will charge you just 50 – 100 INR per person. Or take a blanket, lie down and have a picnic without spending anything.
The Best Things You Can Do Here
- Exploring the Blue Cave
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Take a guided tour to explore different sights in one go.
- Drone photography is a popular activity at this beach.
- Just down the stairs, get ice cream and snacks.
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Adams Restaurant Kalkan, Ada Restoran, & Kaş Belediyesi Sosyal Tesisleri – Cafe Bar.
Cirali Beach
Located about 80 km south of Antalya, Çıralı Beach is perfect if you are looking for a quiet and natural beach to spend your day. You can get here by bus or taxi, and then it’s just a short walk from the village.
Highlights:
- Watch loggerhead turtles nesting on sandy parts
- Surrounded by forest & the Olympos Mountains
The beach here is long, wide, and calm. You won’t find loud music or big resorts, just soft sand, pebbles, and clean water. It’s a nature-lover’s dream, with green mountains right behind you. In summer, it’s also a nesting ground for turtles, so many parts of the beach are protected just for the turtles.
The Best Things You Can Do Here
- Trek up to Chimaera
- Hop into a fishing charter boat for a ride
- See the ruins of Mt Olympos
- Swimming and snorkelling
- Hike the Lycian Way
- Olympos ancient site
- Explore the ancient site of Olympos and its unique treehouses.
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Emek Cafe & Bistro, San Simon Restaurant, Bar, Sila Cafe and Pancake House & and Asma Altı Cafe & Patisserie.
Butterfly Valley Beach
Butterfly Valley is one of the most special places you’ll find in Turkey. It’s only accessible by boat from Ölüdeniz or by a long hike from the top of the cliffs. Going is an adventurous experience that also offers a romantic getaway for couples.
Highlights:
- Home to hundreds of butterflies in spring and summer
- Rustic and untouched beach
As a kid, I used to run just to catch a butterfly, but here you could see butterflies fluttering all around you. Other than the butterflies, this place feels like stepping into a secret valley, surrounded by high cliffs, making the experience more thrilling. If you love wild nature, this is the perfect laid-back place in Turkey.
The Best Things You Can Do Here
- Camp near the beach and stargaze
- Swim or snorkel with a chance to see marine life
- Take a boat ride from Ölüdeniz
- Explore the small stream and green trails
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Faralya Gül Pansiyon & Restaurant, and Yiğitoğlu Restaurant.
Kabak Beach
Kabak Beach is about 30 km from Fethiye. You’ll need to take a car or minibus through mountain roads and then walk down a trail or take a shuttle to the beach.
Highlights:
- Hidden, peaceful beach with a boho vibe
- Surrounded by forested hills
This beach should be on your list if you are trying to escape the crowd. This beach is small, peaceful, and surrounded by green hills. The downside here is that there aren’t any big luxury resorts.
However, you can find a few eco-lodges, hammocks, tents and a relaxed vibe. It’s a favourite for yoga lovers and people looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Go for a swim or snorkel
- Relax in a hammock at an eco-lodge
- Do yoga or join a wellness retreat
- Watch the sunset from the hills
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Kabak Misafir Evi and Kabak Valley Camp.
Iztuzu Beach
Located around 12 km from Dalyan, this beach is also known as Turtle Beach. You can reach it either by boat down the Dalyan River or by taking a local minibus.
Highlights:
- Protected nesting area for loggerhead turtles
- Between a river and the sea
İztuzu is a long, golden-sand beach with calm waves and clean surroundings. What makes it unique is its role as a turtle nesting area, so it’s carefully protected.
Then the most interesting thing you need to notice is, on one side- there’s a river; on the other- a sea. It’s a perfect mix of nature that you will be excited to witness.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Visit the turtle rescue centre
- Relax and sunbathe
- Take a boat ride from Dalyan
- Enjoy a picnic by the beach
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Iztuzu Beach Cafe, Turtle Beach and Nar Danesi.
Kleopatra Beach
Located in the heart of Alanya city, Kleopatra Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Turkey. And it’s named after Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, after she visited the beach with her beloved Mark Antony.
Highlights:
- Linked to the legend of Cleopatra
- Lively area with great sunset views
Everyone loves an ancient love story, and this beach comes with an interesting story; legend says Cleopatra once swam here, so this beach has always been considered royal.
When you are there, you can also visit the Alanya Archaeological Museum, which features ancient artefacts like the bronze statue of Heracles.
Then you can also see many ceramics, marble and other things like mosaics dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Try jet skiing or parasailing
- Do many water sports: surfing, diving, banana boating and more
- Relax on a sunbed
- Walk along the beach promenade
- Visiting artistic and religious sites near the beach
- Watch the sunset behind the cliffs
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Bono Beach Et & Balık Restaurant, Kleopatra Blue Hawaii Restaurant and 140 Coffee Bistro.
Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı Beach is a favourite among Antalya locals. It is located right in the city, and it’s very easy to reach by bus, tram, or even on foot from Kaleiçi. If you live there, you can have a picnic every single day.
Highlights:
- Pebble Beach with mountain views
- Great for evening strolls and cycling
Konyaaltı Beach stretches for several kilometres with a clean shore of pebbles and deep blue waters. With a beautiful backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, this beach makes it one of the most scenic spots in the city.
Moreover, this beach has a park, walking path, and playground; it is a go-to place for families and is favoured among kids.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Rent a bike and ride along the coast
- Swim and sunbathe
- Visit the nearby Antalya Aquarium
- Grab coffee at a beachfront café
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Lara Balık, Shakespeare Bistro, and Jiraf Coffee & Book.
Lara Beach
Lara Beach is about 17 km from Antalya city centre. It’s also super easy to access by car, bus, or taxi, and it takes only 30-40 minutes to reach.
Highlights:
- Scenic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains
- Luxury resorts and beach clubs
This beach is most known for its soft, golden sand and warm, calm sea. And many luxury resorts fill this place. This is the best area to stay if you are looking for a well-maintained hotel and happening beach clubs.
You can meet many travellers in cafes and pubs with whom you can vibe all day and end up adding them to your friend list.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Swim and enjoy the warm sea
- Sip cocktails at a beach club
- Join a beach volleyball game
- Watch sand sculptures at Sandland nearby
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Red & White Beach, Sirali Kebap, and Palm Beach Lara.
Ilıca Beach
This beach is a gem, and you will find it in Çeşme, which is a town near Izmir. Ilıca Beach is about 5 km from the Çeşme town centre. And with a short distance, you don’t have to pay a lot for a taxi to get to. As it is near the town, you get to enjoy the local town life and the beach life.
Highlights:
- Shallow sea, that’s great for kids
- Hot spring water mixes with the sea
This beach is very clean and stretches wide with fine, powdery sand. The sea is shallow and warm, making it safe for families with children.
Locals love it for its calmness and the thermal spring waters that merge with the sea, giving it a spa-like feel. So, without spending any money, you can float in the water for hours and feel refreshed.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Soak in thermal waters
- Swim and relax with kids
- Enjoy water sports like windsurfing
- Walk to nearby Alaçatı for cafes and shopping
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Kumrucu Hüseyin and Altin Kapi.
Adrasan Beach & Suluada Island
Apart from all the other beaches, this is certainly a different kind of experience. Adrasan Beach is about 95 km from Antalya.
But you can totally skip the beach and book a tour from Antalya or Kemer. You will get a pickup and drop-off service from the city, which is just under 2,000 INR per person.
Highlights:
- A chance to live in the Maldives settings, but in Turkey
- Best to witness marine life
The beach offers a quiet bay with calm waves, perfect for feeling more relaxed. Here, the forest hills surround the waters. And you have a few small cafes nearby that serve the best food. So it will be a quiet getaway with very few people surrounding you, while still getting all the amenities.
After relaxing by the beach, you can catch a boat to Suluada Island, which is also known as the Maldives of Turkey. Here, you will be taken to many beach spots. And each of them is beautiful, featuring different shades of watercolour, marine life and various activities.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Take a boat trip to Suluada
- Snorkel in clear waters
- Go fishing on the island
- Visit Pirate Cave and Love Cave
- Watch the sunset from the shore
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Le Jardin Cafe, and Saide Cafe & Restaurant.
Phaselis Beach
You’ll find this beach around 15 km from Kemer. Actually, the beach is within the boundary of Kemer. And if you’re staying in Kemer, you’ll find that the town itself has a beach just within walking distance. But Phaselis Beach has more stories to tell and is less crowded.
Highlights:
- Swim next to ancient ruins
- Surrounded by trees and calm coves
- Great for snorkelling
Phaselis is one of the most unique beaches because it’s surrounded by ancient ruins. You can swim in crystal-clear water while looking at old stone walls and harbour remains.
Back then, Phaselis was the port city of the Lycian civilization, so if you are on a guided tour, you can get a historical explanation of this place. It’s like going back in time while enjoying a modern beach day.
Then, when you are here, there are three small coves (a small sheltered bay) to choose from. Each bay is peaceful, and pine trees shade them for you to relax.
Unlike other beaches, you need to pay 860 INR per person, which also includes sightseeing in the area. It’s open from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Explore the ancient ruins
- Snorkel near ancient harbour walls
- Have a picnic in the pine forest
- Take boat trips around the bay
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Dallas Restoran, GÖZDEM PIDE PIZZA, and Asya 01 Ocakbaşı Restaurant
Kalkan Beach
Kalkan Beach is located right in Kalkan town, about 25 km from Kaş. You can find a lot of accommodation here at a cheaper price, all set in a cute setting.
Highlights:
- Romantic boutique beach vibe
- Local band performances in Old Town
You can do beach activities just like any other beach. But the speciality of this place is that the town behind the beach.
It is loaded with cute shops, flower-covered balconies, and brightly painted houses and rooftop cafes. Everything looks straight out of a postcard and is perfect for Instagrammable images.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Swim and snorkel in clear water
- Buy cute souvenirs in Old Town
- Dine in balcony cafes
- Boat tours to hidden bays & secluded coves
- Trip to the sunken city of Kekova
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Trio Restaurant Kalkan, and The Fish Terrace.
Icmeler Beach
When all the beaches in Turkey have clear water, this beach stands out with its highest standards of cleanliness and proper safety guidance.
Highlights:
- Great for hiking and Biking Trails
- Good mix of nature and shops
You can see how the palm trees line the shore, and the green hills in the background make it very scenic. It’s quieter than Marmaris but still has everything you need, from water sports to cafes and shopping.
The Best Things You Can Do Here:
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding
- Go trekking and do a relaxing mud bath
- Try fresh seafood by the beach
- Do jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding
- Trip to Nimara Cave and Marmaris National Park
Popular Tourists’ Choice for Eateries: Richards Place İcmeler, Love Boat Restaurant, and Cafe Savas.
Conclusion
Turkey boasts beautiful beaches that attract every kind of traveller. Whether it’s iconic sandy lagoons, turtle-filled shores, or a sky full of butterflies, each place has its unique charm.
With European beach options, you get to make your dream come true. All the buildings, streets, and beaches literally look unreal with their beauty. Every sight in Turkey is so colourful. Even when you are looking at them through photos, you will be tempted to book a flight.
Don’t wait too long to live a beachside life that brings you the most peace and soulful calmness. And the best beaches in Turkey ensure every traveller finds their perfect seaside haven.
Frequently Asked Questions Best Beaches in Turkey
Which are the best beaches in Turkey for snorkelling?
There are numerous beaches that offer several snorkelling spots. Most of them have clear blue water, underground caves, and reefs. But some of the famous places for snorkelling are Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley, Kas Peninsula, and Kalkan.
Which is the best beach in Turkey for couples?
For a romantic beach date, go to Ölüdeniz, Kaputaş Beach and Çıralı Beach. These beaches offer you dramatic scenery and crystal clear waters. Here, you will mostly enjoy the intimate escapes away from bustling streets.
For a beach stay, when is the right time to go to Turkey?
To live a beach life, travel to Turkey during the months of June, July, and August. This time, you get the ideal climate to do all water activities.
Can you rent beach chairs or umbrellas on the beach?
Yes, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach. You have to pay to use the beach sunbeds and umbrellas. However, if you come across any beachside cafes and bars, they usually have sunbeds available. Plus, when you buy a drink or food, you get to use the property’s sunbeds for free.
