10 Best Beaches in Turkey

Turkey is a multi-cultural melting pot of peoples, civilizations, and landscapes. With Eastern Europe on one side and Asia on the other, Turkey has been molded and impacted by empires, cultural links, and commerce routes throughout its long history. Its natural landscapes and coastline have always played a significant role in the country's fortunes. These same magnificent beaches in Turkey attract visitors to this historic nation.

Turkey's coasts, surrounded by seas on three sides, provide:

• Opportunities to swim in the clean waters of the Aegean Sea.
• The inland waters of the Black Sea.
• The pure sparkling blues of the Mediterranean Sea.

If you're looking for spectacular, fascinating, and incredibly diverse beaches, a trip to Turkey is in order.

1. Patara Beach

Patara beach is a peaceful stretch of beach where you may spend time sunning and swimming in the beautiful ocean. Patara is Turkey's longest beach, located in a small, picturesque village along the famous Lycian Way walking trail. The lack of development in this area, particularly along the coastline, distinguishes this beach from other Turkish seasides.

Because of the protected Loggerhead turtles that have been coming for 40 million years to deposit their eggs, urban encroachment has not reached this area. This unusual beach isn't about sun loungers and beach bars but about appreciating the unique beauty of this part of Turkey and comprehending the beach's historical and ecological significance.

2. Kaputas Beach

The beautiful and tranquil waters of Kaputas beach are sandwiched between towering forested cliffs. Kaputas Beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and is ideal for families with children. There are numerous utilities available, including showers and toilets.

After completing the 170-step descent to the beach, rent a sun lounger and parasol and spend a few hours dozing in the shade. Modest restaurants and pubs surround Kalkan harbor. Stay until the sun sets and then eat dinner in the early evening as the yachts and boats return to the dock after days at sea.

Photo by Atıf Zafrak on Unsplash

3. Iztuzu Beach

The enticing 4.5-kilometer-long expanse of sand in Iztuzu is made entirely of sand. Iztuzu, often known as Turtle Beach, is one of Turkey's most important beaches for turtle conservation. The beach is a visually spectacular natural setting, consisting primarily of a long stretch of sand that serves as a barrier between the intricateness of the Dalyan river's freshwater and the bold beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.

This lovely stretch of Turkish shoreline showcases the country's enthralling natural environment, which is best appreciated on a boat journey along the river delta. The boat takes you from Daylan to the open shore of Iztuzu beaches, cutting through the reeds and ancient historical sites. Spend the day swimming in the shallows of the pristinely clean and warm shallow waters, then drying off on one of the sun loungers located along the beach.

4. Kabak Beach

To reach this beautiful small beach in Lycia, you'll need to be prepared to do some hiking — and we mean hiking. The drop from the top of the jagged cliffs may appear scary, but the views of Kabak beach far below from up high will take your breath away.

Your efforts will be more than rewarded after a pretty long stumbling down over jagged stones and steep dips. Kick back and relax on the gentle warmth of Kabak beach's pristine sand, then splash in the calm sea's shallows. Sailboats bob beautifully on the top of gentle waves, and there's a shaded space where you can take a break from the sun and have a well-deserved cool drink.

5. Konyaalti Beach, Antalya

Konyaalti Beach, one of Antalya's two best stretches of sand, is located on the west side of the ancient port city and spans seven kilometers. This piece of resort-quality beach is known for its entertainment and nightlife. It includes a tree-lined beach park filled with Turkish pine and hibiscus and a waterpark, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants overlooking the stunning Beydalar mountains.

Because it is one of the most popular beaches in Antalya, there are lifeguards stationed at the beach and free changing rooms, restrooms, and showers for all guests, making it an ideal site to visit with a family.

6. Oludeniz Beach

Many spots worldwide claim to be blue lagoons, but this one might be the real deal. lüdeniz Beach, also known as Blue Lagoon, is a large bay where visitors gather to relax in the calm seas. The beach itself is somewhat run-down, but it's easy to lose track of time simply sitting in the shallows once in the water. Alternatively, rent a paddleboard and voyage across the calm seas to the little island in the bay to watch the yachts come from the sea.

Because of the beauty of Lüdeniz Beach, it attracts a lot of visitors from the surrounding areas, especially during high season, so be sure to arrive early so you can properly enjoy the view - you could even be lucky enough to glimpse a turtle.

7. Ovabuku Beach

Cobalt blue oceans, stunning natural scenery, and soft sandy shingle — Ovabükü bay on the Datça peninsula has it all. The beach, which is brimming with exquisite beauty, is home to several locally-owned restaurants that serve slices of bread, fresh fish, and salads in the shade of the surrounding trees. There are also several charming tiny pensions here, so you may stay for a night or two and enjoy the authentic beauty of Ovabükü beach.

The beach itself is small but surrounded by the freshness of the forested hillside, and concealed within this rocky enclave, Ovabükü offers the opportunity for an authentic slice of isolation, away from the duties of contemporary life.

8. Cirali Beach

This pristine beach, where turtles return to breed, is excellent for anyone seeking peace. The beach isn't the most accessible spot to get to, but it's less busy. It's surrounded on both sides by lush mountains that tumble into the curve of the pebbly beach and the crystal clear waves. It is a lovely enclave of peace without the usual beach backdrop of clubs, screaming, loud music, and water sports.

The laid-back vibe is contagious — take a stroll to the beach for a swim, then retire to your sun lounger for more relaxation. It's nearly impossible to realize that thriving tourist resorts sprawl along constructed seafronts further along the coast from here. The decaying ruins of Olympus may be found to the west of the shore, further down the stony sand. You can even choose to hike up Mount Olympus if you're feeling very energetic.

9. Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

The lovely Cleopatra Beach is located on the undulating slopes of the majestic, medieval Alanya castle. This beautiful beach has smooth sands that are supposed to have been brought there by Cleopatra herself after she enjoyed bathing in the water here.

This section of the Mediterranean is quite enough for swimming, but there are enough strong waves to make trying out water sports even more enjoyable. If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, enjoy a drink and a leisurely meal at one of the many beach-side cafes. This is the classic vacation beach that offers everything you need to make your day at the beach as relaxing as possible.

Photo by Nihat Sinan Erul on Unsplash 

10. Icmeler Beach

The well-known holiday town of Icmeler near Marmaris attracts thousands of visitors each year; people rush to this area in quest of glorious beaches, good times, and delicious food, and Icmeler Beach provides all of that. This is one of Turkey's most popular beachfront resorts, and it's easy to see why. It's a magnet for families who want to spend their vacations together by the sea.

What was once a small fishing community has developed enormously into a flourishing tourist destination, complete with beach bars, restaurants, and water sports. Everything you could need for a fun and exciting beach vacation is available to you. When you've gotten your fill of splashing in the shallows and tanning, the neighboring hills are fantastic for climbing and can provide some lovely views of the beach from a high vantage point.