Turkey Beaches
Turkey has a long coastline with clear blue Mediterranean waters and numerous sunny, sandy beaches. This is one of the reasons why Turkey beaches are such an attractive holiday destination for northern Europeans and many other people.
From the serene Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz to the rugged charm of Çıralı, these top 10 Turkey beaches offer unforgettable landscapes, vibrant marine life, world-class leisure and an assured pleasant vacation. Whether you crave water sports in Konyaaltı, turtle-spotting at Iztuzu, or secluded coves at Kaputaş, our curated guide highlights the must-visit shores for your next seaside escape.
Lara Beach
Lara Beach is one of Antalya’s most popular Mediterranean destinations, situated just 12 kilometres east of the city centre. This stunning 12-kilometre stretch of golden sandy beach offers crystal-clear turquoise waters and a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Named after the nearby ancient city, Lara Beach attracts thousands of visitors annually seeking sun, sea, and relaxation. This Turkey beach is lined with upscale resorts, water sports facilities, and beachfront restaurants, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and adventure seekers. With its pristine coastline backed by pine forests and Mediterranean landscapes, Lara Beach provides an unforgettable Turkish holiday experience.
- Pristine Golden Sands & Clear Waters
- Excellent Tourist Infrastructure
- Close Proximity to Antalya
Altinkum Beach
Altinkum Beach, located in the resort town of Didim on Turkey’s Aegean coast, is famous for its soft golden sands and gently shelving, shallow waters. The name “Altinkum” literally means “golden sand,” and the beach more than lives up to this promise. Its calm, clear sea makes it especially popular with families and less confident swimmers. A lively promenade runs behind the beach, lined with cafes, bars, and shops that stay vibrant well into the evening. Combining relaxed seaside charm with easy access to local attractions and boat trips, Altinkum Turkey Beach offers a classic, affordable Turkish beach holiday.
- Good Value & Accessibility – Generally more affordable than some major resorts while still offering plenty of amenities and excursion options.
- Shallow, Calm Waters – Ideal for families with children and beginner swimmers thanks to its gently sloping seabed and typically mild waves.
- Lively Promenade & Nightlife – Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops create a fun, social atmosphere day and night.
Ilica Beach
Ilica Beach, near Çeşme on Turkey’s Aegean coast, is renowned for its brilliant white sand and striking turquoise water. Geothermal springs warm sections of the shallow sea, creating a naturally heated, almost thermal pool effect close to shore. The long, wide bay is framed by low dunes and a relaxed resort atmosphere, appealing to both families and couples. Consistent breezes and open water also make it a favourite spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers. With its mix of natural beauty, soft sand, and spa-like warm waters, Ilica Beach is one of the Aegean’s most distinctive coastal escapes.
- Warm, Shallow Thermal Waters – Geothermal springs gently heat the sea near the shore, ideal for long, comfortable swims.
- Fine White Sand & Turquoise Sea – Soft underfoot and visually stunning, perfect for sunbathing and photos.
- Great for Water Sports – Reliable wind conditions and open bay make it popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Icemeler
Içmeler Beach, located just a few kilometers from Marmaris on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, is a picturesque bay framed by pine-covered hills and calm, clear waters. The gently curving beach combines soft sand and fine shingle, creating a comfortable shoreline for sunbathing and swimming. Its sheltered position makes the sea typically smooth and inviting, ideal for families and relaxed swimmers. A well-maintained promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops runs along the beachfront, giving the area a friendly, village-like feel. Blending scenic mountain views with a laid-back resort atmosphere, Içmeler Beach offers a tranquil alternative to busier nearby hubs.3
- Relaxed Yet Well-Serviced – Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and facilities without the intense crowds of larger resorts.
- Calm, Sheltered Waters – The bay’s protected setting usually ensures gentle waves and a clear, swimmable sea.
- Scenic Surroundings – Pine-clad hills and a curved bay create a beautiful, postcard-worthy landscape.
Ölüdeniz Beach & Blue Lagoon
Ölüdeniz Beach and the famed Blue Lagoon, near Fethiye on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, are often considered among the country’s most iconic seaside landscapes. The main Belcekız Beach opens onto a wide bay of deep-blue water backed by towering forested mountains, creating a dramatic natural amphitheatre. Just around the bend lies the sheltered Blue Lagoon, a protected nature reserve where calm, clear, almost glass-like waters invite gentle swimming and paddleboarding. The area is also a world-class paragliding destination, with colourful canopies drifting down from Babadağ Mountain. The Blue Lagoon makes this the best-known of Turkey Beaches.
- Paragliding & Activities
- World-Famous Scenic Beauty
- Calm Blue Lagoon Waters
Patara Beach
Patara Beach, on Turkey’s Lycian Coast near the ancient city of Patara, is one of the country’s longest and most unspoiled stretches of sand. This wide, golden beach runs for around 18 kilometres, backed by rolling dunes and untouched natural scenery rather than dense resort development. As part of a protected national park and sea turtle nesting area, Patara has a distinctly wild, tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can easily combine a day at the beach with exploring the impressive nearby ruins of the ancient Lycian capital. For those seeking space, serenity, and a more natural coastal experience, Patara Beach is hard to beat and is one of the most popular Turkey beaches.
- Historic Nearby Ruins – Ancient Patara’s amphitheatre, streets, and monuments sit just inland, perfect for combining culture and beach time..
- Vast, Uncrowded Beach – Huge expanse of soft golden sand offers plenty of space, even in high season.
- Protected Natural Environment – Limited development preserves wildlife, dunes, and a peaceful, wild character.
Kaputaş Beach
Kaputaş Beach, located between Kaş and Kalkan on Turkey’s Lycian Coast, is a small but spectacular cove famed for its vivid turquoise water and dramatic setting. Tucked beneath steep, rocky cliffs where a narrow gorge meets the sea, it feels hidden and intimate despite its growing fame. Visitors reach the shore via a long flight of steps from the roadside, rewarded with a striking mix of golden sand and fine pebbles. The water here shifts from bright aquamarine to deep blue just a few strokes from shore. Compact, scenic, and intensely photogenic, Kaputaş Beach is a must-see stop on any coastal road trip.
- Iconic Road-Trip Stop – Easy to visit from Kaş or Kalkan, perfect for a swim break or short beach visit along the coastal drive.
- Stunning Cliffside Scenery – Enclosed by towering rock walls, the cove offers a dramatic, postcard-ready backdrop.
- Striking Turquoise Water – Exceptionally clear, vividly colored sea ideal for swimming and photography.
Iztuzu Beach
Iztuzu Beach, near Dalyan on Turkey’s southwestern coast, is a long, narrow sandbar separating the Dalyan River delta from the Mediterranean Sea. Stretching for several kilometres, this soft, golden-sand beach is a protected nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, giving the area a uniquely peaceful and carefully managed atmosphere. Strict building regulations and limited facilities preserve its unspoiled character. For travellers seeking a quieter, nature-focused beach experience with ecological significance, Iztuzu Beach is an exceptional choice.
- Peaceful, Low-Impact Tourism – Limited development and regulated access keep crowds modest and maintain a tranquil ambiance.
- Protected Turtle Nesting Area – Important breeding ground for loggerhead turtles.
- Unspoiled Natural Scenery – Long, gently shelving sandy beach framed by pine forests, wetlands, and mountains.
Çıralı Beach
Çıralı Beach, on Turkey’s Lycian Coast near the ruins of ancient Olympos, is a long, pebbly stretch framed by citrus groves, pine-covered hills, and a calm, clear sea. As part of a protected area and sea turtle nesting ground, it has remained largely free of large-scale resort development, preserving a laid-back, village atmosphere. Nearby, visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins of Olympos and the eternal flames of Yanartaş. With its mix of nature, history, and serenity, Çıralı Beach is ideal for slow, peaceful escapes.
- Protected Turtle Habitat – Careful conservation and limited lighting preserve a tranquil environment and natural beauty.
- Unspoiled, Low-Key Atmosphere – Minimal development and small guesthouses create a quiet, authentic village feel.
- Natural & Historical Setting – Close to Olympos ruins and Yanartaş (Chimera), combining beach time with exploration.
Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı Beach, stretching along the western edge of Antalya, is a long, wide sweep of pebbles and shingle backed by mountains and a neatly landscaped waterfront park. The beach offers clear, deep blue water and impressive views of the Beydağları range dropping dramatically into the sea. A well-developed promenade runs parallel to the shore, lined with cafes, restaurants, parks, and cycling paths that stay lively day and night. Easily accessible from the city center by tram or bus, it functions as Antalya’s main urban beach.
- Mountain-Backed Sea Views – Spectacular panoramas of the Taurus Mountains meeting the Mediterranean, perfect for sunsets and photos.
- Easy Urban Access – Very close to Antalya’s center, with public transport, parking, and abundant nearby services.
- Great Facilities & Promenade – Showers, changing cabins, cafes, parks, bike paths, and beach clubs along a modern seafront.