Beaches in Turkiye

Turkiye’s 8 433 km of coastline spans three seas—Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea—and offers everything from vast sandy stretches to secluded pebble coves. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly resorts, vibrant beach clubs or untouched nature, this guide to Beaches in Turkiye will help you uncover regional highlights, practical tips and eco-friendly advice for the perfect seaside escape.

1. Overview of Turkiye’s Coastlines

• Mediterranean Coast (Antalya, Mersin, Adana): Warm waters, long golden beaches and luxury resorts.
• Aegean Coast (İzmir, Muğla, Aydın): Crystal-clear coves, olive groves on the cliffs and windy bays for watersports.
• Black Sea Coast (Trabzon, Rize, Samsun): Lush green hills meeting cool, pebbly shores and quiet fishing villages.

Each region has its own climate, culture and beach style—plan according to the experience you want.

2. Mediterranean Coast Highlights

Patara Beach (Kaş)

• Why Go: One of Turkiye’s longest sandy beaches (18 km) and a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.
• Tip: Arrive early to find parking outside the national park; follow boardwalks to avoid disturbing turtle nests.

Incekum Beach (Mersin)

• Why Go: Fine, pale sand and shallow, calm water ideal for families with small children.
• Tip: Facilities are basic—bring snacks or picnic gear, and rent umbrellas on site (€5–€10/day).

Cirali (Kemer)

• Why Go: A tranquil, eco-minded village beach near the ancient ruins of Olympos.
• Tip: Limited shoreline development—no sunbeds, so pack your own beach gear and support local cafés.

3. Aegean Coast Gems

Ölüdeniz Lagoon (Fethiye)

• Why Go: Famous “Blue Lagoon” with turquoise, shallow water sheltered by limestone cliffs.
• Tip: Combine with a tandem paraglide flight from Babadağ for unforgettable aerial views.

Çeşme & Alaçatı (İzmir)

• Why Go: World-class windsurfing at Alacati; wide, family-friendly beach at Ilıca with natural thermal springs.
• Tip: Peak wind months are April–October; book gear and lessons in advance during summer.

Pamucak Beach (Selçuk)

• Why Go: Long, gently sloping sand used as a filming location for Hollywood’s Ben-Hur.
• Tip: Less crowded than Kusadasi—combine with a day trip to nearby Ephesus.

4. Marmara & Black Sea Shores

Kilyos (Istanbul)

• Why Go: A weekend escape for Istanbullus, with beach clubs, DJs and barbecues.
• Tip: Arrive before noon on weekends to secure a sunbed; traffic can be heavy on the European side.

Şile & Ağva (Şile District)

• Why Go: Quiet beaches where the Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers meet the sea—ideal for a riverside café then a swim.
• Tip: Saturday farmers’ market in Şile sells local honey, jam and nuts.

Amasra (Bartın Province)**

• Why Go: Charming harbor beaches surrounded by medieval walls and lush forested hills.
• Tip: Sample Amasra’s famous “Amasra’ın Ahtapot” (octopus) at local fish restaurants.

5. Beach Types & Key Features

6. Best Time to Visit

• High Season (June–August): Water temperatures 24–28 °C; beaches busy, full service available.
• Shoulder Seasons (May & September–October): Pleasant air (20–26 °C) and sea temperatures; fewer crowds.
• Off-Peak (November–April): Cooler water (<18 °C) and many beach facilities closed; great for a quiet coastal drive.

7. Water Sports & Activities

• Windsurfing/Kitesurfing: Alaçatı, Datça Peninsula – peak winds in summer.
• Diving & Snorkeling: Kaş and Bodrum—clear water, reefs and wrecks; PADI Open Water courses from €300/3 days.
• Paragliding: Babadağ (Fethiye) overlooks Ölüdeniz lagoon—tandem flights ~€120.
• Boat Tours: Kekova sunken city in Demre; Göcek’s 12 islands boat trips from Fethiye.

8. Beach Facilities & Accessibility

• Blue Flag Beaches: Over 480 Turkiye beaches certified for water quality, safety and environmental management.
• Sunbeds & Umbrellas: €5–€15/day; cash only at smaller beaches.
• Lifeguards: Typically on duty 10:00–18:00 at major beaches; red/yellow/green flag system indicates conditions.
• Accessibility: Some beaches (e.g., Patara main entrance, Ölüdeniz) offer ramps and amphibious wheelchairs—check ahead.

9. Sustainable Beach Tourism

• Turtle Protection: Follow nesting-season signage at Patara and Çıralı; keep distance from marked nesting areas.
• Waste Reduction: Use refillable water bottles and dispose of trash in provided bins.
• Support Locals: Rent from family-run sunshade businesses and dine at village cafés rather than large chains.

10. Local Etiquette & Safety

1. Respect Protected Areas: Stay on designated paths and avoid trampling dune vegetation.
2. Nudism: Topless sunbathing common, but full nudity only on officially designated nude beaches.
3. Sun Safety: UV index can exceed 10—use SPF 50+, hats and seek shade midday.
4. Emergency Number: Dial 112 for ambulance, police or fire; note nearest lifeguard tower code.

Conclusion

Whether you’re lounging on Med-golden sands, chasing Aegean winds or exploring wild Black Sea shores, Beaches in Turkiye offers something for every seaside traveler. Plan your visit according to season and interests, embrace eco-friendly practices, and dive into Turkiye’s coastal diversity. For more on costumes, transport and insider tips, return to our Turkiye Travel Guide. Enjoy your beach holiday!