Bordered by four seas (the Med, the Aegean, the Marmara and the Black), Türkiye has more than its fair share of dazzling beaches. Listing the best beaches of Türkiye should be easy, but with over 8,000 km of coastline, deciding which beach in Türkiye to hit this summer can be quite overwhelming.
Spending a few lazy days or weeks in a beach town in Türkiye could be Mediterranean living at its best. Imagine laid-back resort towns, long, hot days, crystal clear water, incredible food and not a trouble in the world! If that’s not enough, exceptional value for money is by far the best thing about having a beach holiday in Türkiye.
So now that you’ve decided to spend your summer in Türkiye, it’s time to dive in and choose where you’ll be going. Any legit Türkiye itinerary must have some good beach time on it. Overwhelmed by choice? Fear not! We’ll tell you about our favourite beach town in Türkiye. We’ve also asked a few travel writers professional beach bums to share their best beaches in Türkiye with you.
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Reasons to Choose Türkiye for a Beach Holiday
- Value for money: Due to the favourable exchange rate, Türkiye offers unbeatable value. You could have a better Mediterranean holiday in Türkiye than in Greece, Italy or France, but at a fraction of the price. Paying in Turkish lira makes your money last much longer than in Euros.
- One of the greatest cities on earth, Istanbul must be visited at least twice in your lifetime. While you can fly directly to many beach destinations in Türkiye, you will miss out if you don’t stop in Istanbul for a few days before or after hitting the beach.
- Beach and culture combo: Even the most professional beach bum needs something other than a beach at times. Türkiye is a treasure chest of antiquity, and ancient ruins, tombs or temples are usually just a stone’s throw away from a stunning beach.
- It’s incredibly beautiful: Türkiye is blessed with incredible natural scenery. You can expect crystal clear water on the coast in every shade of blue imaginable, backed by rugged mountains covered in forests. Further inland you’ll find magical landscapes such as Cappadocia and Pamukkale, which make excellent add-ons to your beach vacation in Türkiye.
- The food: Turkish cuisine is so much more than just donner kebabs. Situated at the crossroads of continents and history, the food in Turkey is sublime. Influences from the Ottoman Empire, Greece, the Middle East and the Caucasus come together in the tastiest way ever. Eating in Türkiye is one of the best things about travelling to Turkey.
The Best Beach Towns in Türkiye
Kas
The heavenly resort town of Kas on the Turquoise Coast is our version of the ultimate Mediterranean beach holiday. Don’t let the word Resort Town fool you, though. There is absolutely nothing tacky about Kas.
Kas is a laid-back seaside town that is not overrun with tourists, yet it has some of the best beaches in Türkiye. Combine those beaches with excellent tourist infrastructure and laid-back charm, and you’ll get to understand why we love Kas so much.
Kaputas Beach, perhaps the most stunning of all the beaches in Türkiye, is just outside of town. The incredible colour of the water and the sandy beach are sure to impress even the biggest beach snob out there.
Closer to Kas, you’ll find Limanagzi Beach with its 4 laid-back beach clubs where you can chill out all day long, and swim in the liquid glass waters. To reach Limanagzi from Kas, take one of the regular boats leaving from the harbour in town.
The Big Pebble Beach in town has equally glass-like water, is quiet and should also be on your list of beaches to go to.
At sunset get something cold from a supermarket or convenience store and head to the ancient amphitheatre and watch the fireball drop into the Med, and cheers to yet another day in paradise.
Where to stay in Kas:
Located 10 minutes away from the centre of the Kas, Villa Dundar is the perfect home base for relaxing and exploring the beaches of Kas. Villa Dundar has a fantastic swimming pool, air-conditioning, and great self-catering facilities, including a BBQ. Quiet and secluded location near the Big Pebble Beach.
Check availability now.
Antalya
With 300 days of sunshine, miles of free public beaches, rocking nightlife, and a crazy affordable cost of living, Antalya has always been a hit with vacationers and ex-pats alike. But what makes the beaches in Antalya unique isn’t just the sun but the history.
The city was first settled in 200 BC. As you walk the streets of Kaleci, Antalya’s Old Quarter, you trace the path of history. Mere steps outside my Airbnb was the arched façade of Hadrian’s Gate, built by the namesake Roman Emperor in the 2nd century.
Down the street from a popular Irish Pub is the Kesik Minare, or Broken Minaret, built as a Roman temple in 2 AD, converted into a Byzantine church in the 700s, then converted into a mosque in the early 13th century by Arab invaders, conquered and reconverted into a Christian church during the Crusades, then back into the mosque.
To catch the tram to Konyaalti beach, you walk past the last remaining Saat Kulesi (clock tower), built in the 1800s during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abdül Hamid II.
For roughly 40 cents, Antalya’s light rail will take you to one of the city’s largest and most popular beaches.
The walk from the tram stop to the beach offers the best coastal view in Antalya. The beach sits below a cliff and is backed by a stunning mountain range. Turquoise blue waters, the yellow glow of the sun, the stonewashed pebbled shoreline, and the imposing Beydağları mountain peaks in the background make the walk to the beach one of the most Instagramable spots in all of Türkiye.
By Marco of Nomadic FIRE
Where to stay at Konyaalti Beach:
Onkel Rada Apart Hotel features a NICE swimming pool, good location with close proximity to the beach, supermarkets, restaurants and bus stops.
Check availability and prices
Oludeniz
Oludeniz is a small beach resort outside of Fethiye in southwest Türkiye. It started to become more well known in the 1960s after being developed, and even in the past decade it seems to have become ever more popular.
In many respects, Oludeniz is your typical beach town, from the souvenir shops to the eager waiters inviting tourists into their establishments for dinner. Yet a couple of things set it above most others – the Blue Lagoon and the paragliding.
The more traditional name of the town is Belcegiz, and so unsurprisingly, the beach in the main part of town is known as Belcegiz beach, and it’s pretty enough. But it’s the Blue Lagoon that is the biggest draw.
Oludeniz used to refer to the lagoon and literally means “dead sea” due to its calm waters and phenomenal turquoise shades (a sand bar separates the bay from the sea). Set just outside the town, it’s a family-friendly and beautiful place to spend a day or more. The water is pretty shallow, making it good for little ones too.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the true beauty of the town and lagoon is only fully realised from the air. Every day, numerous outfits in town take the intrepid gut-wrenching van drives to the top of nearby Mount Babadag at 1979 metres with one aim: to throw them off the top in a paraglide, with a trained instructor, of course, to soar across the town and land back on the beach.
The combination makes Oludeniz one of the best beach towns in Türkiye.
By Dave of Dave Chant
Where to stay in Oludeniz :
Meters away from Ölüdeniz Beach, this hotel is surrounded by a 250-year old tropical garden. It offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool with a hot tub.
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Alaçatı
Trendy Alaçatı, on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula, is a premier beach town renowned for its blend of stunning beaches, old stone houses, vibrant nightlife, and captivating attractions.
Ilica Beach stands out with its golden sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding. The town’s nightlife is a lively mix of stylish bars, cosy cafes, and bustling restaurants that come alive after sundown, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Alaçatı’s charm extends beyond its beaches and nightlife. Its well-preserved Ottoman architecture, showcased in narrow cobblestone streets and stone houses, adds an authentic touch. The iconic Alaçatı Windmills dotting the landscape add to the town’s historical allure.
The local market is a vibrant hub where visitors can explore handcrafted goods, textiles, and fresh produce, providing insight into the region’s culture and offering great shopping opportunities.
Alaçatı’s strategic location also allows easy exploration of nearby attractions like Çeşme and Ephesus, giving travellers the best of beach and historical immersion.
Alaçatı seems to have it all – dazzling beaches, lively nightlife, cultural richness, and proximity to key sites make it a top-tier destination for a top beach vacation in Türkiye.
Where to stay in Alaçatı:
Alakapi Hotel & Villas offers a boutique experience if you’re looking for a special place to stay in Alacati
Check prices and availibilty
Fethiye
Fethiye, just down the road from Oludeniz, is a beach paradise that’s got it all. You’ve got your pick of beautiful beaches like Calis Beach and Belcekiz Beach, each with its own vibe and loads of water activities to dive into.
But Fethiye isn’t just about sun and sand – it’s like a time capsule with ancient stuff like Lycian rock tombs and cool spots nearby, like Tlos and Patara, where you can explore history like a real adventurer. And let’s not forget the buzzing markets in town; they’re perfect for picking up unique souvenirs and soaking up the local scene.
When the sun dips, Fethiye’s got nightlife to keep you going – think beach clubs, bars, and even some traditional entertainment to spice things up. Plus, the marina’s got a classy feel with restaurants and cafes lining the water.
Oh, and here’s the best part: Fethiye’s spot-on for exploring nature’s wonders nearby, like the Saklikent Gorge and Butterfly Valley. So, whether you’re up for chilling by the shore or diving into history and nature, Fethiye’s the spot for a laid-back yet exciting beach getaway.
Where to stay in Fethiye :
Körfez Suites has the best seaviews in Fethiye.
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Side
A beach town with a history of two thousand years, Side is located on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, only 75 km away from Antalya. The name Side (aptly pronounced as Sea Day) comes from the Arabic word meaning “pomegranate”.
Side has a bit of everything for everyone – a stunning coastline, rich history, old-town charm, beautiful resorts and many restaurants.
Side was ruled by many kingdoms, the most famous conquerer being Alexander the Great, followed by the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. The traces of these empires are evident as you walk around the streets of town. There are well-preserved old city walls sprinkled with Roman and Byzantine ruins all around the town.
The Roman amphitheatre, built in the 2nd century, was once a ground for gladiator fights and has a seating capacity of 15,000. Other ruins include Nymphaeum, the state Agora, Roman baths, the basilica and the Temple of Apollo.
The Temple of Apollo sits at the edge of the peninsula and is one of the best spots to catch the sunset. It is said that the temple of Apollo was the secret meeting place of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony.
Walk down the cobbled streets of Side to reach the inviting blue waters and golden sands of Side beaches. Side has two beaches – West and East Beach. West Beach is a fine sandy stretch of beach with plenty of water sports activities. There are plenty of restaurants and family-friendly resorts dotted around Side.
Frequent buses run from Antalya to Side, and while it can easily be visited as a day trip, you really want to spend a few days in Side to soak in its rich history, culture…and blue waters
By Anuradha of Country Hopping Couple
Where to stay in Side
Near Kumkoy Beach, the apartment features a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer.
Check availability now.
Datca
Datca’s where beach vibes meet history and nature. It’s that laid-back spot where you can soak up the sun, explore the past, and connect with nature – a perfect getaway for anyone seeking a relaxed yet adventure-packed beach escape in Turkey.
Datca, nestled in Türkiye’s southwest, is a beach lover’s dream with its laid-back vibe and stunning coastline. The beaches here, like Kargı and Hayıtbükü, are gems – with a mix of sandy and pebble shores, clear waters, and perfect chill-out spots.
Beyond Datca’s beaches, you’ll find ancient ruins, and the old town oozes charm with its narrow streets and traditional Turkish vibes. And don’t miss the local markets; they’re full of goodies and give you a taste of authentic life.
When the day winds down, Datca keeps it mellow with a relaxed nightlife scene. Think cosy bars and seaside spots to unwind after a day in the sun. And the food! Seafood lovers, you’re in for a treat with the freshest catches and local flavours.
The best part? Datca’s surrounded by incredible nature. Whether it’s exploring hidden coves, hiking along coastal trails, or checking out the stunning Knidos ruins, there’s something for every nature enthusiast.
Where to stay in Datca
Datça Gül Apart is within walking distance of three of the best beaches in town. This apart-hotel is perfect for self-catering.
Check availability now.
Bodrum
When it comes to beautiful beach destinations, Türkiye really does have a lot to offer. And Bodrum stands out as one of the best beaches of Türkiye.
A beach holiday requires three necessary ingredients: sun, sand and water. Bodrum has all of these all year round. It is hot and generally dry in the summer, from May to October. While it tends to get some rain in the winter, the average temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors.
The iconic beach town has become a popular spot for Turkish celebrities, especially in summer. The enchanting white houses, narrow streets, quaint seaside cafes and restaurants provide the perfect backdrop for this beach paradise. There is no shortage of amazing locations for swimming, sunbathing or just sitting on the beach and enjoying the unique Aegean atmosphere.
Bodrum, an old fishing town, also has traditional Turkish markets, and ruins from the ancient Greek period and is as good a place as any to feast on the full repertoire of Turkish cuisine.
The town is easily accessible by car, bus or air. Milas-Bodrum International Airport receives direct flights from the UK, Germany, Russia and Qatar among others. So if you’re in dire need of some vitamin sea, you can fly directly to Bodrum, and head straight to one of the best beaches in Türkiye.
By Fay and Faheem of Capetocasa
Where to stay in Bodrum:
Tui Magic Life is an inclusive 5-star resort right on the beach. Enough said. Book your room already
Check availability now.
Amasra
Amasra is a Black Sea town that captivates with its charm and natural beauty. The town boasts two stunning city beaches, each offering a unique experience. The first, Buyukliman Beach, enchants visitors with its golden sands and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The second, Küçükliman Beach, nestled beneath the ancient Amasra Castle, provides a more secluded and serene atmosphere.
You’ll love Amasra if you’re looking for a quiet beach holiday with sandy beaches and calm waters. The Black Sea beaches in Amasra are soft and sandy without a ripple, right in the centre of town.
When you need some culture, head over to the Amasra Museum. It has a handsome collection of Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine artefacts on display as well as an ethnography section of the Ottoman era.
And for a truly memorable experience, hopping on a boat cruise around Amasra and Rabbit Island is a must. These leisurely cruises offer a unique perspective of the town, allowing you to soak in its beauty from the shimmering waters of the Black Sea.
Where to stay in Amasra:
Centrally located, Sardinia Otel is just a short walk from the bother beaches, the marina, and the best restaurants in town.
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Best Beaches of Türkiye Map
We hope that you’ll have a fantastic time on whichever beach you end up choosing. Let us know in the comments below where in Turkey you’ll be spending your summer
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