What Are the Best Beaches in Turkey

TURKEY’S BEST BEACHES

Turkey boast some spectacular beaches (some of them we uncovered before); from family-friendly stretches of soft white sand and shallow waters to those that are perfect for water sports and close to local nightlife. To help you decide which ones to explore on your next holiday, we’ve uncovered some of Turkey’s best beaches in and around Antalya (Alanya, Kas, Patara) and Dalaman (Marmaris, Dalyan, Oludeniz). All you need to do is pack a beach towel and sun cream!

ALANYA

On the southwest coast, this Medieval town offers two Blue Flag beaches – Kleopatra Beach is the most popular on the western side.

The long stretch of sandy beach offers deep waters, watersports and is adjacent to a promenade full of bars and restaurants. Rich in Roman history, Alanya boasts stunning architecture, a castle and clear views of the Taurus Mountains.

KAŞ

Popular with locals, Kaptuas Beach sits just along the road between Kalkan and Kas. At the foot of a deep gorge, the beach is secluded with a small parking bay.

There are steep steps down to the beach, so it’s not the most accessible but certainly worth the effort for the clear water and uninterrupted views.

PATARA

Patara Beach is Turkey’s longest beach, with 18km of wide, sweeping golden sand.

Loggerhead sea turtles nest here, so look out for them if you visit. The largely uninterrupted area is home to Lycian ruins inland, including a basilica and amphitheatre. It’s a great place to explore when you’ve had enough of sunbathing!

MARMARİS

Icmeler Beach has long been a favourite with travellers. Around 8km away from Marmaris, the location is a huge draw. It’s a small, curved stretch of beach with clear water and luxury yachts floating in the bay.

With numerous shops, restaurants and a mountainous back drop, it’s worth spending a whole day here to make the most the most of what’s on offer locally.

DALYAN

Home to Loggerhead sea turtles, Iztuzu Beach is accessible by road and the Dalyan River.

The protected beach is 13km south of Dalyan, offering two miles of soft golden sand and clear turquoise water for swimming in.

ÖLÜDENİZ

The Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz is probably one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches.

Around 13km from Fethiye, the quiet scenic beach resort is surrounded by a nature reserve and attracts crowds for its brilliant paragliding facilities. Locally, Oludeniz town offers plenty of laid back shops, bars and restaurants.