Beaches in Turkey

Kaputas Beach in southwestern Turkey is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country for its clear turquoise Mediterranean waters, golden, fine sand, and a metre-high cliff. The beach has a breathtaking landscape, an ideal destination for those who love swimming and sunbathing. Umbrellas and sunbeds are usually available at a fee. Showers, toilets, changing rooms are also available, along with a snack bar.

Patara Beach is one of Turkey's longest and widest beaches and is also considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The same sand from the beach forms into sand dunes in the desert through winds and erosion. Hence, the beach’s unique feature is that it looks like a desert. It has been marked as a specially protected area due to the breeding of loggerhead turtles, an endangered species.

Named after the Ptolemaic Queen, Kleopatra beach is one of the most renowned coastlines of Turkey. Its green cliffs, clear water, and golden sands make it a certified Blue Flag beach. Roman politician Marcus Antonius is said to have gifted this beach to queen Cleopatra. There are many water sports here, such as jet-skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, surfing, and sailing. The waters are clear enough to see schools of fish swimming along.

Icmeler Beach is a sandy, spacious, and blue flag-clean beach. Located 8 km from Marmaris, this beach is among the area's most crowded and popular beaches. It is popular for watersports, including Jet skiing, Banana rides, Ringo, parasailing, and swimming. Some parts of the beach are assigned public and have no sunbeds throughout the season. In spring, volleyball competitions and tournaments are held here.

Popularly known as turtle beach, Iztuzu Beach stretches for almost 5 kilometers and was declared the best beach destination and open space in Europe. Since loggerhead turtles (an endangered animal according to IUCN) breed in this area, with over 300 nests per year, the beach has been marked as a protected area.

Lara Beach, also called the Las Vegas of Turkey, is located to the east of Kaleici, Antalya. The beach is 15km long. However, only 2km on the west side is for the public and include showers, umbrellas, sunbeds, changing rooms, a beach promenade, etc. There are also watersports, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, paragliding, banana boat rides, and more.

Marked by shades of turquoise and aquamarine, Oludeniz Beach is located at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. It is a short bus ride away from Fethiye. It is a certified Blue Flag beach because of its pristine sandy bay. The beach, with its shallow waters and inner island, makes for a picturesque scene.

Located on the Turquoise coast of Turkey, the Butterfly Valley is a hidden cove at the foothills of Mt. Babadag. This picturesque canyon is only accessible by boat. Boasting more than 100 species, Butterfly Valley, or ‘Kelebekler Vadisi’, is home to the endangered Jersey Tiger butterfly. A museum is located within the area, giving interested visitors more information about the region's butterflies.

Kidrak Beach is a protected site and a part of the Kidrak Natural Park. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. With beach clubs around every corner, Kidrak is usually crowded. Amenities like umbrellas, and sun loungers, are accessible only to resort visitors.

Kemer beach is one of the largest beaches and houses the holiday resort of the same name. Its gray-brown sand, pristine waters, and wide landscape are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and parasailing. The east side of the beach is a great spot to enjoy the peace and catch a beautiful sunset.

The most popular beach in Antalya, Konyaaltı Beach is popular for its nightlife. The 13 km long beach comprises sand and pebbles and has a promenade, bistros, cafes, snack stands, and restaurants at the eastern end. It is also famous for jet skiing, swimming, diving, and snorkelling.

The Oludeniz Blue Lagoon is a famous bay boasting a peaceful atmosphere, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and stunning beauty. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing on the soft sand, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. You can reach the Blue Lagoon by boat or foot with a short hike.

Situated on the Aegean Sea in Izmir, Ilica beach is a beautiful beach known for its transparent and turquoise waters. It is a famous spot for swimming or indulging in water sports, such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing. It is a long and wide beach with plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing.

Çıralı Beach, a hidden gem south of Antalya, offers something for everyone, from nature enthusiasts to history aficionados. This pristine pebble and sand beach is framed by lush green mountains, dotted with palm trees, olive groves, and charming red-roofed villas. It's a laid-back resort with quality eateries and cozy tavernas.

Kabak Beach, nestled in the scenic Kabak Koyu valley on Turkey's southwestern coast, is a hidden gem on the Turkish Riviera. With its crystal-clear Mediterranean views and serene seclusion from tourist crowds, it offers a tranquil escape amidst breathtaking natural beauty.