While beach holidays in Turkey are often synonymous with (mostly) British tourists occupying row after row of sun loungers, rowdy club nights and all-inclusive resorts, many of the best beaches in Turkey can be easily accessed using public transport, or your own car, as revealed in our guide to the best Turkey beaches.
If you're looking to enjoy a vacation on the Turkish coast, be assured that a range of beaches await.
While the country isn't short of developed resort areas supported by extensive tourist infrastructure, and the likes of large all-inclusive hotels with multiple pools, bars and restaurants, travelers who are looking to veer from well-walked tourist paths can also find their piece of paradise in Turkey.
Take your pick from coves that play host to stacks of turtles, such as Dalyan's Iztuzu Beach, to citrus-backed bays, and spots that are ideal for wind-surfing adventures — all of which are among the best beaches in Turkey covered below.
Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is a stunning 4.5 km stretch of golden sand near Dalyan, on Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise coast.
It's famous for its natural beauty and as a protected nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
Tracks emerging from the sea are visible on the sand in June and July. These are formed when turtles have dragged themselves ashore to lay their eggs, and the marshes behind the beach are often alive with other wildlife too.
While lack of shade can be an issue, the gently shelving seabed calms the choppy waters, making Iztuzu one of the best beaches to visit if you're traveling to Turkey with children.
Public boats depart Dalyan's harbor every 30–60 minutes. The journey takes 30–45 minutes through the reed-lined Dalyan River delta, passing the Lycian rock tombs and Dalyan wetlands.
Alternatively, drive or take a dolmuş (minibus) from Dalyan to the beach's southern entrance.
To see the turtles, head here in June or July.
Want more context on the weather and when to visit? Read up on the best time to visit Turkey.
Iztuzu Beach and Dalyan © Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock
Patara’s fine white-sand beach ranks as one of the longest continuous beach in the Mediterranean.
It measures 9km from the access road to the mouth of the Eşen Çayı, and then another 6km to the end.
In peak season the immediate vicinity of the beach entrance gets crowded, but walking northwest past the dunes brings you to plenty of solitary spots.
Note that while swimming in spring and autumn can delightful, in summer the exposed shoreline can be battered by body-surfable waves.
The nearest airport, Dalaman Airport, is 1.5 hours by car. From there, travel by car or bus to Gelemiş village, the base for visiting Patara Beach. You need to pay an entry fee, which also includes access to the Patara archaeological site.
Planning to go it alone? Read up on getting around Turkey.
The June to September high season is hot and sunny — perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This is also sea turtle nesting season.
Meanwhile, the May and October shoulder-season months are warm, with fewer tourists.
Aerial view of an untouched Patara Beach in Antalya, Turkey © proslgn/Shutterstock
The small village of Kabak is the perfect place to escape package holiday groups.
Most visitors come here to chill out in one of the many wooden huts and bungalows, set in the pine-forested valley behind the sand-and-pebble beach.
Wear mosquito repellent in the summer though, as these pesky insects are everywhere.
Want more pre-trip inspiration? Discover the best things to do in Turkey.
Fly into Dalaman Airport and then head to Fethiye (it’s around 1.5 hours by car). From Fethiye, continue to Ölüdeniz (14 km) by minibus or taxi.
From Ölüdeniz, take a dolmuş bus to Kabak. The minibus drops you off at the top of the Kabak Valley. You then need to walk 20–30 minutes downhill on a rocky path to the beach.
Lycian Way hikers can reach Kabak directly by foot from Faralya.
The lively months of June–September are best for swimming, hiking and beach lounging.
Beautiful beach view of Kabak Valley near Fethiye, Turkey. © Shutterstock
The laidback resort, shrouded in citrus groves, is situated on a narrow plain between the mountains and a long, curving 3km-long shingle beach that's widely considered to be one of the best beaches in Turkey.
It's possible to walk along the beach to the ruins of ancient Olympos, as well as longer hikes on the Lycian Way, which blazes its way through the settlement.
Çiralı is safeguarded by various Turkish bodies for its unique ecology. This has enabled threatened loggerhead and green sea turtles to continue laying their eggs here.
Be careful not to so dig up, litter or nocturnally illuminate the beach during the summer nesting season.
Fly into Antalya International Airport, the nearest major airport. From there, Çıralı is approximately 90 km by road.
In the early stages of planning your trip? Read up on getting to Turkey.
May to October is the best time to visit to swim, hike and see turtles — they nest from May to July, and hatchling appear from July to September.
Cirali Olympos beach at Mediterranean sea, Antalya Province, Turkey © Shutterstock
Ancient Phaselis, with its superb swimming opportunities, is sure to tempt you off the main road.
Here the ruins of Phaselis flank three small bays, providing ample opportunity to contemplate antique monuments while lying on the beach.
The natural beauty of the clear sea makes for a rewarding half-day outing. Bring a picnic if you don’t fancy the car-park snack caravans.
Looking for more ideas for your summer vacation? Discover where to enjoy the best beach holidays in Europe, and take inspiration from our Turkey itineraries.
From Antalya, take the D400 highway heading southwest towards Kemer. After about 45 minutes, you'll reach Tekirova — look out for signs to Phaselis. Buses are also available.
Again summer is the best time to visit to Phaselis, with early fall also good for exploring the ruins and enjoying the last warm days of the year.
The scenic view of the beach of Phaselis ancient city, Antalya © Shutterstock
Bozcaada is a charming Aegean island off the coast of Çanakkale Province, Turkey.
Famous for its crystal-clear beaches, vineyards, and Greek-Turkish cultural fusion, it's home to some of Turkey’s most idyllic coastal escapes, including Akvaryum Koyu, Ayazma Beach, and Habbele Beach.
Ayazma is the most developed option, with watersports and sun beds, while the secluded, sandy Beylik cove and Aqvaryum bay tend to be more peaceful.
From Istanbul, drive (6–7 hours) or take a bus to Geyikli İskele, via Çanakkale. Alternatively, fly to Çanakkale Airport (CKZ), then continue by car or bus (1.5–2 hours).
Through spring to early fall, ferries run regularly between Geyikli Port and Bozcaada Harbor and take 20–30 minutes.
Late May to early October is the best time to visit Bozcaada. Outside these periods, the ferry service is reduced and the sea is cold.
Ayazma Beach, Bozcaada, Turkey © Kemal Mardin/Shutterstock
Aydıncık Beach is a pristine stretch of golden sand located on Gökçeada, Turkey’s largest island.
One of the island’s most popular beaches, it's known for its crystal-clear waters, fine sand and consistent windsurfing conditions.
For sure one of the best beaches in Turkey, it's located 10km from the island's main town, this beach is 1500m of sugary blonde sand, lapped by warm, pristine water.
The salt lake just inland is a major habitat for migratory birds, especially flamingos.
Ferries depart from Kabatepe Port, near Eceabat in Çanakkale Province.
You can bring a car or travel as a foot passenger (note: having a car will make is easier to reach remote beaches like Aydıncık, which is 15-20 minutes from Kuzu Limanı.
Either visit in July and August for lively vibes and perfect beach weather, or else in the warm shoulder season months of June and September.
Aydincik, Turkey © Shutterstock
Located in İzmir Province, on Turkey’s northern Aegean coast, the charming coastal town of Foça is known for its historic stone houses, peaceful atmosphere, and clear turquoise waters.
Some excellent beaches are dotted along the scenic 20km road that separates Foça from Yeni Foça.
The best sand is at Acar Kamping (after 10km), but 700m before that, paths from the roadside lead down beneath some high voltage power lines to a succession of idyllic coves opposite an islet.
Fly into Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) in İzmir. From the airport, Foça is about 90 km (1.5 hours) north by road.
Either rent a car and drive via the İzmir–Çanakkale road (D550), then turn off toward Foça or Yeni Foça, or else take a bus or minibus from İzmir’s central bus station.
Summer and early fall are the best times to head here.
Foca beach, Izmir province, Turkey © Shutterstock
Karasu Beach is located in Sakarya Province, on the Black Sea coast of northwestern Turkey.
It’s one of the longest beaches in Turkey, stretching over 20 kilometers, and is known for its wide sandy shoreline, shallow entry waters, and popularity as a local summer escape from Istanbul.
The nearest major cities to Karasu Beach are Istanbul (2.5 to 3 hours by road) and Sakarya (1.5 hours by road). Either drive the TEM Highway (O-4) or D-100 to Sakarya, then follow signs to Karasu (~170 km total), or take an intercity bus.
Again, this is best visited in summer or early fall.
Dilek Peninsula National Park in Turkey © Shutterstock
Alaçatı Beach is a stylish and vibrant beach destination on Turkey’s Çeşme Peninsula, in İzmir Province, celebrated for its turquoise Aegean waters, boutique beach clubs, and world-class windsurfing.
Located just outside the historic town of Alaçatı, the beach is perfect for both relaxing and active holidays.
Fly into İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport. 85 km from Alaçatı, from the airport, you can rent a car and drive for 1–1.5 hours, or take the seasonal shuttle to Alaçatı.
Alaçatı Beach is about 3–4 km south of the town center.
Alaçatı Beach is best visited from late May to early October.
Windsurfing in Alacati, Cesme, Turkey © Shutterstock
Palamutbükü Beach is a peaceful and picturesque stretch of coastline on the Datça Peninsula in Muğla Province, southwestern Turkey.
Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pebbly shore, and laid-back atmosphere, it's ideal for those seeking tranquillity and nature far from the crowds of more commercial beaches.
To get to Palamutbükü Beach, fly into Milas-Bodrum Airport and take a ferry from Bodrum to Datça (approx. 2 hours).
In summer, regular services run from Datça Otogar (bus station) to Palamutbükü village and beach area.
Again, summer is best for a blissful beach, with the ferry service in full swing.
Palamut Buku bay in Datca, Turkey © Shutterstock
Kaputaş Beach is one of the most iconic beaches in Turkey, located between the coastal towns of Kaş and Kalkan in Antalya Province, along the Turquoise Coast.
Known for its striking turquoise water, steep canyon setting, and dramatic limestone cliffs, it’s a small but spectacular beach that’s perfect for a scenic swim.
Kaputaş has served as the backdrop for innumerable TV advert shoots, and, unless there’s been a southerly storm, the water is crystalline.
Fly to Dalaman Airport. From here, it’s about 2 hours to Kalkan and 2.5 hours to Kaş by car.
Both Kaş and Kalkan are also accessible by intercity buses from Fethiye, Antalya, or Istanbul (with transfers).
Kaputaş lies between Kaş (20 min) and Kalkan (10 min) on the scenic D400 highway. There is a small parking area along the road above the beach.
Access to the beach is via a steep staircase of about 180 steps from the roadside.
The June to September high season is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, but you’ll need to arrive early to avoid crowds and secure a spot.
Sandy Kaputas beach - one of the best beaches in Turkey © Ale_Koziura/Shutterstock
Butterfly Valley is located near Ölüdeniz, a popular beach resort town in the Fethiye district of southwestern Turkey, and name after the many species that flutter about here during the right seasons.
The beach is accessible by boat from Ölüdeniz or a rocky path leading down from the road. The golden sands are backed by a beautiful limestone canyon just inland.
Like to mix thing up on your vacations? Find out some fun facts about Turkey.
The only practical way to reach Butterfly Valley Beach is by boat, as the valley is surrounded by steep cliffs.
You can take a 20-30-minute water taxi from Ölüdeniz Beach, or book a tour that typically combines Butterfly Valley with stops at Blue Cave, St. Nicholas Island and Cold Water Bay.
The peak summer season is the best time to visit, or May and October when the weather is still warm, boats still run, and conditions are less crowded.
Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz, Turkey © Shutterstock
Antalya, located on Turkey’s southwestern coast, is home to a wide range of beautiful beaches — from lively urban stretches to secluded coves.
The most popular beaches include Konyaaltı Beach (west of the city center), Lara Beach (east of city center), Olymposa and Cirali's beaches, which are to the southwest, and offer a more rustic, nature-oriented experiences.
Meanwhile, Phaselis Beach is a historic site with beach access.
Mot beaches are easily accessible by public bus or tram from the city center. You could also rent a car or scooter, or take tours to shuttled to further afield beaches.
Tours often include stops at Kaputaş, Phaselis, or Olympos, and roundtrip transport.
You can also find minibuses (dolmuş) to places like Olympos and Cirali from the main bus station.
Again, summer comes out on top, with May and October better for smaller crowds and less intense heat.
Lara beach near Antalya in Turkey © Shutterstock
Known for its crystal-clear turquoise water, fine golden sand and a scenic backdrop of cliffs and Alanya Castle, Kleopatra Beach is located on the western side of the Alanya peninsula, right below the castle.
Offering watersports and activities from parasailing and banana-boating to go-karting, it's no wonder Kleopatra Beach is one of the best beaches in Turkey.
This is the most popular beach in the local area, lined with a multitude of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops as well as tattoo parlours.
If you’re staying in or near Alanya center, the beach is likely within 10–20 minutes on foot.
Don’t fancy the walk? Minibuses run along Atatürk Boulevard and the coast road.
For a unique approach, take the Alanya Teleferik (cable car) from Damlataş up to the castle and enjoy panoramic views before descending to the beach.
The summer high season comes out as the best time to visit, with April, May and October also offering warm weather.
Alanya. Turkey. View of the city from fortress © Shutterstock
In the process of planning a trip to Turkey? Make use of our guide to how to plan a trip to Turkey, and wise up on where to stay with our Turkey accommodation tips.
Don't enjoy planning? Contact our local Turkey travel experts to have them curate your perfect Turkey itinerary for any duration, whether you're limited to a 7 days Turkey itinerary, or can extend your vacation to a 10 days Turkey itinerary.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 29.05.2025
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