Beach holidays to Turkey offer an exciting mix of Orient and Occident, making it a truly unique destination. The 8,300 km-long coastline stretches from the Aegean Sea in the west across the Mediterranean in the south to the Black Sea in the north.
Countless water sports such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, and water skiing await active holidaymakers, while peace seekers can soak up the Turkish sun on comfort loungers under umbrellas. Families will love the gently sloping shores, perfect for paddling and playing. We've explored the most beautiful beaches where the mild climate from spring to late autumn provides ideal conditions for swimming.
If you are planning a holiday in Istanbul and, in the meantime, fancy the sea, we recommend the seaside resort of Kilyos-Kumköy on the Black Sea coast, north of the metropolis. The extensive sandy beach is ideal for relaxing and swimming. On the shallow coast, many locals and holidaymakers run around, especially at the weekend. If you are looking for peace, it is best to go to the beach during the week. In the evenings, numerous bars invite you to round the day off with a cocktail or another cool drink.
Our tip: Spend a day at the Solar Beach bathing club and take advantage of the varied leisure programme on the beautiful private beach.
West of Alanya is the 3km long and 60m wide Kleopatra Beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag for its excellent water quality. On the gently sloping shore families, couples and singles can enjoy themselves. If you want to experience something on holiday, participate in the extensive water sports and explore the underwater world while snorkelling. The good wind conditions also attract surfers to Kleopatra Beach. Ice shops, beach clubs, beach bars and restaurants invite you to recharge your batteries.
Our tip: Take advantage of the fun sport programme on the beach and get to know new people whilst playing beach volleyball or doing other activities.
Close to Marmaris, the 1.4km long Icmeler Beach invites to relax. Those who would like to can hire a comfortable lounger and a parasol, and just breath in the gentle sea breeze. For active people, there are water or jet skis, which can travel through the waves at breakneck speeds. Families like to hire pedalos and explore the shore or go for a spin on the banana boat. If you arrive by rental car, you can park near the beach.
Our tip: The brave dare to paraglide high in the air and drift over one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
In the south of the country near Fethiye is the Butterfly Bay, one of the top beaches. The cliffs, up to 350m high around the beach, provide a unique panorama. Nature lovers love the idyllic village because of the 80 butterfly species that live here. We advise you to walk to the 50m high waterfall in the centre of the valley. The view and the romantic ambience are simply unforgettable. The best way to reach the Butterfly Bay is by boat from Oludeniz.
Our tip: Take part in the regular yoga and art classes that take place on the beachfront, you will notice that the workshops in the fascinating landscape have a beneficial effect on body and mind.
The west of Bodrum Bitez Beach is an insider tip for surfers. If you want to perfect your surfing skills or rent equipment, the water sports schools are the right contact. Due to a demarcation in the sea, the areas for swimmers and athletes are separated. In addition, Bitez Beach is one of the best beaches for families. A playground invites you to enjoy yourself if you are looking for a break from splashing in the gently sloping shore.
Our tip: If you get hungry while bathing, take a walk along the promenade above the beach. It has many cafés, beach bars and a good restaurant.
At about 10km long, Belek Beach is one of the longest beaches in the country. Here, those who are looking for relaxation are sure to find a quiet spot. At the 100m wide, sandy beach, guests with toddlers feel comfortable. Variety is provided with the pedalo hire and banana boat rides. As barrier-free toilets are available at Belek Beach, the stretch of coast is also ideal for people with walking difficulties. The infrastructure also includes a sun lounger and parasol hire, and numerous restaurants.
Our tip: Belek Beach is perfectly accessible by taxi, public bus and rental car. You can park your rental car in the nearby car park.
Due to the high proportion of coral, almost white sand awaits you at Illica Beach in the city of Cesme. The approximately 1km long coastline wins you over with clean sanitary facilities, a good culinary provision and crystal-clear water. Gastronomically you are also well looked after with ice cream parlours and restaurants. With hot springs off the coast, the sea here is warmer than other beaches in Turkey. Illica Beach is therefore, affectionately known as bath of the Mediterranean.
Our tip: In the restaurants along the beach promenade you can taste the regional dishes Kumru or stuffed sesame bread.
Hardly any other of the Turkish can impress with turquoise waters like Oludeniz Beach. The lagoon can be found south of Fethiye. The water on the1.7km long and 40m wide coastline drops relatively steeply; competent lifeguards ensure the safety of bathers. Bold people drive up Babadağ Mountain and float down the beach on a tandem paraglide. You will enjoy the wonderful feeling of freedom and weightlessness.
Our tip: We think it's worth getting up early on a holiday at Oludeniz Beach: at sunrise, the ambience in the Blue Lagoon is simply unforgettable.
When visiting the magnificent Olympos Beach, you can combine a bathing trip with an interesting sightseeing tour. Located in the middle of a nature park, the 3km long beach captivates you with a bright yellow beach and clean water. In the middle, a river flows into the sea, so you can swim here in both fresh and salt water. Families like to meet each other at the playground.
Our tip: For a long time, the ancient city, 80km south of Antalya, had been forgotten. However, we do find that a trip to the ancient Roman thermal baths and the basilica is well worth it, if you travel to the Olympos Beach for swimming.
Lara Beach is up to 80m wide and 12km from the centre of Antalya. The 5.2 km long stretch of coast is exceptional with its dark sand and gravel. From Antalya you can easily reach Lara Beach by public bus Dolmus. On the beach you can rent comfortable loungers and umbrellas, and a children's playground will delight the youngest guests. It is also fun going out on the pedalo. A beach club completes the comprehensive offer.
Our tip: From the marina, there are regular boat trips to the most beautiful spots of the beach and spare you the journey on foot.
The Turkish Riviera is often considered the top choice for beach holidays to Turkey, with resorts like Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye offering a mix of luxury, natural beauty, and family-friendly spots. For a more peaceful retreat, the Datça Peninsula and Kas offer quieter beaches with breathtaking scenery.
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