Must Visit Beaches in Turkey
Featuring spectacular landscapes, magnificent mosques, palaces, heritage cities and adventure, Turkey is as vibrant, colorful and surreal as it gets. Even though Turkey has many allures, the hundreds of surreal beaches that adorn the 7000-kilometer Turkish coastline that laps both the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea, are the most popular attraction which makes the vacation all the more fun and enticing for the visitor.
Its natural landscapes and coastline have played a prominent role in the country’s fortune and one can experience the local culture right on the sand. All the beaches are picturesque and splendid and the best way to see it yourself is with a gullet blue cruise.
With such a huge number of beaches to choose from, there is an option that can appeal to the senses of every kind of traveler in Turkey. Antalya offers beach experience with a dash of city life whereas Patara or Cirali Beach offer a quieter and intimate experience that’s more focused on the beach.
During the summer months, especially in July, August and September, Turkey sees millions of visitors heading its way, purely for a spot of beach time as the weather is usually hot and dry while sea temperatures are warm but pleasant, especially with the sea breeze. These beaches in Turkey are ideal for relaxing, swimming, surfing, water sports and having a fun day out with friends and family. It’s no wonder that millions of people flock to Turkey each year to experience the ultimate mix of culture, history and beach bliss. If you are also keen to get away this summer, Turkey could be a fantastic option for you. We can guarantee that you will have a difficult time finding a Turkish beach that doesn’t hit the spot, so we have curated a list of some of the incredible and diverse beaches that will have you booking tickets in no time. So, cruising during summer, exploring limitless sandy beaches enveloped by mountains, dipping your feet into deep crystal-clear blue waters, and witnessing warm sunsets while sipping on refreshing drinks would no longer be a dream for you!
Patara Beach, Gelemiş
Stretching along the coast of Turkish Riviera, Patara Beach, situated near the ancient Lycian city of Patara, is considered as a paradise for nature lovers; with towering limestone peaks of Lycia rise up in the north, rolling, wild sand dunes, and ancient archeological ruins providing a scenic backdrop for this picturesque stretch of coastline. This 18 km long beach is the longest beach with one of the most stunning coastlines amongst the beaches in Turkey. Its soft, white sand and calm blue waters make it a welcoming beach. In order to reach the beach, the visitors have to pass through the ruins of Patara, however, the well-preserved remains of old temples, streets and arches create the perfect backdrop for this ravishing turquoise sea. If you do not fancy hanging out with the crowds, you will be able to find a lovely and quiet spot to enjoy in private, owing to the minimal development here.
This secluded beach along the Mediterranean is mostly visited for leisure walks in the sand, sunbathing, canoeing, paragliding, and scuba diving and swimming, the waters here are warm and shallow which makes it ideal for families with kids and great for snorkeling. Once you get tired of swimming, you can explore the ruins of Patara city which includes monuments such as an ancient Roman amphitheater, a column-lined colonnaded street, and a finely restored bouleuterion, also known as Council House. The beach surely combines nature and history. This coastal gem of Turkish Riviera offers perfect sunsets and freshest air, fragrant with pine. It is also part of a national park, rich with lush greenery and a vibrant local birdlife. The beach serves as a protected breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles and after sunset, Patara is off-limits for humans which guarantees the turtles free range of the sand. This white sand beach bordered by sand dunes on one side and turquoise blue warm water on the other must be added to the bucket list of an avid traveler such as yourself!
READ MORE:
In addition to gardens Istanbul has plenty more to offer, learn about them at exploring tourist attractions of Istanbul.
Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz
Tucked inside the Bluestone National Park, with the Babadag Mountains in the background, Blue Lagoon Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey with rich marine life and a wide range of pine trees. This stunning stretch of sand in Ölüdeniz is situated where the Aegean Sea coincides with the Mediterranean. The soft white sand, turquoise and aquamarine shades of its waters and lush green of the soaring mountains makes for photography gold. The tourists can dive into the vibrant water of the lagoon that is separated from the main beach by a narrow channel and a sandbar, for a few hours of unwinding by the sea. The scents of the peninsula’s flora which includes Myrtle, Laurel, Tamarisk and Pine envelopes the beach. The visitors enjoy lounging in the warm and shallow water, which makes it ideal for families including children to play safely.
The Blue Lagoon Beach was a hidden gem until the early 80s, known only to hippies and backpackers, however, now it is well developed with bars, restaurants, and plenty of other activities, making it a popular attraction for all kinds of tourists. It is one of the premier spots in the whole of Europe for paragliding as the Babadag Mountain provides the perfect launch pad for hundreds of thousands of paragliding enthusiasts. Paragliding from the nearby mountains and enjoying the panoramic aerial view of the lagoon from above are the most popular pastimes for adventure enthusiasts along with scuba diving and snorkeling. The beach is also dotted with some of the best bars and cafes where you can grab the best drinks and food. So, book your tickets and say hello to one of the most fabulous beaches in the Eastern Mediterranean!
Cleopatra Beach, Alanya
Cleopatra Beach, situated right in the city center of Alanya, in the foothills of its iconic medieval fortress, Alanya Castle attracts visitors from all over the world for all the right reasons. This 2.5 kilometer stretch of fine sand of golden yellow color owes its name to Queen Cleopatra, the last Hellenistic Queen of ancient Egypt, who is believed to have fallen in love with the stunning bay while sailing over the Mediterranean region. The perfect blend of modern hues and laid back environment makes it the perfect spot for beach enthusiasts to enjoy the sand, sun and scenic beauty. The lush Mediterranean flora which includes olive groves, pine forests and palm plantations add to the beauty of the place. Visitors can witness photogenic views, soak up the magnificent sandy carpet and dip feet in the mirror-clear lagoon in order to rejuvenate the mind and soul. However, you are not allowed to take any of the sand with you as it’s protected.
This spotlessly clean beach is lined with a picturesque walkway with sun beds, loungers and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, serving Turkish and international dishes, along the stretch of the beach for a relaxing escapade and its shallow, warm, translucent Mediterranean waters are ideal for swimming and water sports. With some pretty large waves, visitors can also indulge in thrilling water sports like surfing, diving, rafting and paragliding. It is a pristine beach with huge waves and the transparency of the sea makes it easy for the visitors to view every fish at the bottom through swimming glasses. If you prefer a little history mixed with your beach time, you can also explore the Damlataş Caves; wander through the old town to learn about the region’s rich history. The blindingly golden sand and translucent blue sea is beyond what words can describe, so you will have to see for yourself!
READ MORE:
Turkey is full of natural wonders and ancient secrets, find out more at Lakes and Beyond – Wonders of Turkey.
Icmeler Beach, Marmaris
The long and crescent-shaped, Icmeler Beach, located in Icmeler in the Dalaman area at a distance of 8 km from the holiday hub of Marmaris, offers a complete package of fun, frolic, relaxation and excitement. The fine golden sand, clear and azure sea and array of marine animals, the surrounding fishing village and the lush green forests add up to the charm of the place. As it is surrounded by pine forests and backed by the Taurus Mountains, it is popular amongst hikers who can enjoy picturesque views after the climb, especially the sunrise from these mountains that glistens on the ocean. The 6 km long stretch of coastline which is a mix of sand and shingle is less crowded and is also cleaned every night so that it remains spotless for the visitors.
Its warm weather blesses the visitors with a relaxing atmosphere as the calm beach with small waves is perfect for lounging under the shadow of an umbrella and going on long swims. If you are someone with an adventurous streak, then water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving are also available to keep you entertained and immersed for hours. Several volleyball tournaments are also organized on this beach in the spring season. Whether you prefer adventure or total sense of relaxation, you will be able to find it all here and if you add drinks and food, you have an unforgettably tranquil experience. As the arc of coarse golden sand faces into the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean, the paradisiacal beauty of Icmeler Beach is elevated, offering a visual treat that you should not miss out on!
Cirali Beach, Cirali
Cirali Beach
Cirali Beach is a jewel of a beach in the small rural village of Cirali, lapped by glistening blue waters and framed by spectacular and verdant mountain scenery. Situated on the Turkish coast south of Antalya, the white pristine sand, and jaw dropping sunset views make Cirali one of the must visit beaches in Turkey. This hidden gem is a prime spot tucked in the middle of the Taurus Mountains amongst pine trees, green fields and citrus orchards, which helps the visitors to feel like they are a million miles away from the commotions of city life. Unlike other beaches in Turkey, Cirali has deliberately avoided major development and favors family-run guesthouses and low-lying small hotels rather than mega-resorts which ensures a low-key atmosphere that remains focused on relaxing on the beach.
With the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos at the southern end and the famed eternal flames of Mount Chimaera towering above, this pebbled beach along the turquoise coast delights both nature lovers and history buffs. This unspoiled beach acts as a cove of serenity for the seekers of tranquility and peace. The visitors can relax on the shores enjoying the scenic charm on beach shacks and loungers and indulge in sunbathing or picnic. The crystal clear waters with favorable depth and no big waves make this beach a great place for swimming and snorkeling as well. Just like Patara Beach, Cirali Beach is also known for loggerhead sea turtles and one portion of the beach is protected by the World Wide Fund for Nature for the breeding and conservation of these endangered species. If you are looking to unwind in the clear sea of the Mediterranean with gorgeous, serene surroundings, this little piece of paradise that is untouched by mass tourism is your ideal destination.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Australian citizens, Chinese citizens and South African citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.