Renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, the beautiful nation of Turkey is nestled between the Black Sea and the waters of the Mediterranean — which makes it home to some of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world, offering a diverse range of beach experiences that cater to all tastes.

From the lively resorts to the secluded coves, there's something for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore the best beaches in Turkey, promising you a dream vacation that combines relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.

Table of Contents

Oludeniz Beach

Location: Fethiye, Muğla, Turkey
Coordinates: 36.5489° N, 29.1154° E

One of Turkey's most iconic beachs, Oludeniz Beach is nestled in a stunning blue lagoon. This pebble beach is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and spectacular views of the Babadag Mountain, a paraglider's paradise. The town itself is a charming tourist hub, rich in local culture and offering a variety of cuisines.

The beach is public and free to visit, but sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a small fee.

An image of a boat and beach chairs on a sunny day.

What Makes It Special? Its close proximity to pine forests adds an element of tranquility, making it perfect for relaxation or engaging in various water activities.

Activities Paragliding, water sports, and boat tours are among the top activities at Oludeniz Beach.

Best Time to Visit The beach tends to be crowded during peak seasons, especially in July and August, but the off-peak periods offer a quieter and more serene experience.

How to Get There You can take a taxi or bus from Fethiye to reach Oludeniz Beach. The exact coordinates of Oludeniz Beach are 36.5489° N, 29.1154° E.

Nearby Amenities There are plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds available for rent, as well as restaurants and accommodations nearby.

Patara Beach

Location: Gelemiş, Kaş, Antalya, Turkey
Coordinates: 36.2704° N, 29.1947° E

As the longest uninterrupted sandy beach in Turkey, Patara Beach offers an experience unlike any other. The beach is part of a national park, and its stunning dunes and clear waters are adjacent to the ancient ruins of Patara, once a major naval and trading port of Lycia. It's a natural and historical treasure, being a habitat for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles and the birthplace of St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus.

Note, if you plan on going, that there's a small fee to enter the national park which includes access to the beach and the archaeological site.

An image of sand dunes and the horizon of a beach in Turkey.

What Makes It Special? Part of Patara National Park, this beach is known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

Activities Visitors can sunbathe, walk along the sand dunes, explore the nearby ruins, and even spot hatching turtles during summer months.

Best Time to Visit Patara Beach is a popular destination, especially during peak season. However, quieter spots are still accessible to enjoy.

How to Get There You can take a bus or taxi from the nearby town of Kas to get to Patara Beach. The latitude and longitude coordinates of Patara Beach are 36.2704° N, 29.1947° E.

Nearby Amenities There are no major amenities on the beach, so be sure to bring essentials with you.

Kaputas Beach

Location: Between Kaş and Kalkan, Antalya, Turkey
Coordinates: 36.2752° N, 29.3542° E

Kaputas Beach, carved into a valley, is a small but enchanting beach on Turkey's coastline. Its turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, and white sand are simply mesmerizing. The beach is at the bottom of a gorge, and the contrast of the sandy beach against the sheer cliffs and turquoise sea creates a beautiful spectacle.

An overhead view of boats in the water of Kaputas Beach, Turkey on a bright day

What Makes It Special? This secluded cove offers a private and serene beach experience, far from the hustle and bustle of some other beaches.

Activities Swimming and snorkeling are ideal at Kaputas Beach thanks to its calm, clear waters.

Best Time to Visit Kaputas Beach offers a quiet and peaceful day at the beach for most of the year.

How to Get There You can take a taxi or drive your own car to reach Kaputas Beach. It is situated along the highway between the towns of Kas and Kalkan. The exact coordinates are 36.2752° N, 29.3542° E.

Nearby Amenities Amenities are limited at this secluded beach, so pack everything you might need for your beach day. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.

Iztuzu Beach

Location: Ortaca, Dalyan, Muğla, Turkey

Coordinates: 36.7782° N, 28.6816° E

Also known as Turtle Beach, Iztuzu Beach is a unique destination. This beautiful sandy beach near Dalyan is a prime spot for nature and animal lovers, nestled in a unique environment where the Mediterranean Sea meets the fresh water delta of the Dalyan River.

A scenic picture of waves on a beach in Turkey.

What Makes It Special? Iztuzu Beach is an important nesting ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtles) and offers an abundance of natural beauty.

Activities Apart from swimming and sunbathing, visitors can walk along the beach and observe turtle nesting grounds.

Best Time to Visit While Iztuzu Beach is open all year round, it is best visited from May through October when the weather is warmer.

How to Get There From Dalyan, you can take a boat or minibus to Iztuzu Beach. The exact coordinates for the beach are 36.7782° N, 28.6816° E.

Nearby Amenities There are cafes, showers, toilets, and sunbeds available on the beach. It's worth noting that the beach is closed at night to protect the nesting turtles.

Olympos Beach

Location: Kumluca, Antalya, Turkey
Coordinates: 36.3692° N, 30.4705° E

Olympos Beach, nestled amongst an impressive mountain range and ancient Lycian ruins, is an enchanting destination that combines natural beauty and history. The surrounding area is steeped in myth and history, being one of the principal cities of the Lycian League, and its ruins are fascinating to explore.

A photo of a wooded mountain overlooking a beach of bright blue water in Turkey.

What Makes It Special? The beach is part of the Olympos National Park and is known for its historical significance and untouched beauty.

Activities You can explore the nearby ruins, swim in the clear waters, sunbathe on the pebbled beach, or hike in the surrounding nature.

Best Time to Visit Olympos Beach is relatively quiet outside the peak months of July and August, providing a peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

How to Get There You can reach Olympos Beach by taking a bus from Antalya to the Olympos Valley entrance and walking or hitching a ride to the beach. The beach's exact coordinates are 36.3692° N, 30.4705° E.

Nearby Amenities There are numerous treehouses and pensions for accommodation nearby, and restaurants available within walking distance.



Regardless of which beach you choose, each of these beautiful locations offers unique and unforgettable experiences for every type of beachgoer.


While You're in Turkey, Rent a Gulet Yacht!

An overhead image of a gulet yacht anchored in a bright blue cove.

Gulet yachtsare a traditional type of wooden sailing ship that have been used in Turkey for centuries. Typically two-masted with a long, narrow hull, they're ideal for sailing in the Mediterranean Sea, and offer a unique and authentic way to experience Turkey's beautiful coastline.

The history of gulet yachts dates back to the 16th century, when they were first built and used by the Ottoman navy. In the 19th century, gulet yachts began to be used for commercial purposes, and they were used to transport goods between ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Today, they're still used for commercial purposes, but they are also popular with tourists who want to experience the beauty of Turkey's coastline.

FAQs

  • Which beaches in Turkey are considered the best?
    • Oludeniz Beach, Patara Beach, Kaputas Beach, Iztuzu Beach, and Olympos Beach are among the best beaches in Turkey.

  • Which beaches in Turkey are suitable for families?
    • Many beaches in Turkey are suitable for families, including Oludeniz Beach, Lara Beach, and Cirali Beach, offering calm waters and shallow areas for the young ones.

  • How crowded are Turkey's beaches by tourists?
    • Some beaches in Turkey, like Oludeniz and Patara, can be crowded during the peak tourist season. However, you can still find more secluded spots, like Kaputas Beach, which offer more privacy.

  • Which beaches in Turkey have the most beautiful natural scenery?
    • Patara Beach, Kaputas Beach, Iztuzu Beach, and Olympos Beach are notable for their stunning natural scenery, with their surrounding mountains, pine forests, and dunes.

  • Which water sports are ideal for Turkey's beaches?
    • Depending on the beach, Turkey offers a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, and snorkeling.

  • Do you need to pay to use the beaches in Turkey?
    • While most public beaches in Turkey are free to use, some private beaches or those near luxury resorts may charge an entrance fee.

  • Are there lifeguards on duty at Turkey's beaches?
    • While many popular beaches in Turkey have lifeguards on duty, it's always crucial to swim within designated areas and follow safety instructions.

  • What are the best months to visit Turkey's beaches?
    • The best months to visit Turkey's beaches are from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.

  • How can you stay safe at Turkey's beaches?
    • Always adhere to safety instructions, swim within designated areas, and never swim alone. Also, keep an eye on your belongings and make sure to hydrate and use sun protection.

  • Are there designated areas for pets at Turkey's beaches?
    • Some beaches in Turkey might have designated areas for pets, but it's recommended to check with the specific beach beforehand.