Along Türkiye’s thousands of kilometers of coastline, there’s no single answer to the question of “the best beach,” because the right beach depends on the kind of vacation you want. In our video we showcased 20 stunning beaches in Türkiye. In this guide we group the standouts by travel style, so you can easily pick the one that suits you best.
For postcard views
Ölüdeniz (Fethiye)
With its turquoise lagoon and paragliders drifting down from Babadağ, the most photographed beach in Türkiye. The lagoon is calm and shallow, so it’s great for families with kids too. For details, see our Fethiye guide.
Kaputaş (between Kaş and Kalkan)
A small cove of unbelievable turquoise, reached by a staircase down through the cliffs. On summer afternoons it gets crowded and can be wavy; going early in the morning is best.
Cleopatra Beach (Alanya)
A long beach stretching from the foot of the castle, known for its clear water despite being right in town.
For nature and quiet
Patara
Unique for its miles of sand dunes, the ruins of an ancient city and its role as a sea turtle nesting site. Because it’s a protected area, there’s no development, and the beach is closed at night.
İztuzu (Dalyan)
With the Dalyan channel on one side and the sea on the other, this sandy beach is one of the most important nesting sites for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). Taking a boat from Dalyan also lets you see the rock tombs along the channel.
Çıralı (Olympos)
A favorite with nature lovers, with guesthouses among orange groves, a pebbly shore stretching to the ancient city of Olympos and the nearby Chimaera flames (Yanartaş). It’s also a turtle nesting site.
Kabak Bay (Fethiye)
Reached by a steep road, this cove of tent camps and laid-back vibes draws people seeking a back-to-nature lifestyle.
For families
Sarımsaklı (Ayvalık)
Ideal for families with kids, with its long, shallow sandy beach. Nearby Badavut is a quieter alternative. For the area, see our Ayvalık guide.
Konyaaltı (Antalya)
A long pebble beach within the city; with views of the Taurus Mountains and easy access, it combines a city break with beach time.
İçmeler (Marmaris)
A classic for family vacations, with calm water and resorts lining the shore. Our Marmaris guide has the details.
The Aegean’s windy, cool waters
Ilıca and Altınkum (Çeşme)
Çeşme’s beaches are known for their cool, clear water. The area around Alaçatı is one of the most famous windsurfing spots in Türkiye.
Bozcaada’s beaches
Ayazma and the island’s other coves, combined with its vineyards and stone-paved town center, make for a quiet Aegean escape. Keep in mind that the water is cool.
Practical tips
- At turtle nesting sites (such as Patara, İztuzu and Çıralı), don’t go onto the beach at night, stay away from marked nests and only put up umbrellas in permitted areas.
- To avoid the crowds, choose June or September over July and August.
- Wind: On the Aegean, the wind picks up in the afternoon; take advantage of the mornings for calm water.
- Sun: Shade and plenty of water at midday; a hat is a must, especially for kids.
To compare beach hotels and guesthouses: hotels in Türkiye.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best month for swimming in Türkiye?
On the Aegean and Mediterranean, the sea is usually warmest from late June to early October. September is ideal for both warm water and smaller crowds.
What does the Blue Flag mean?
The Blue Flag is an international award given to beaches and marinas that meet criteria for water quality, environmental management and safety. You can check the current list with official sources.
