With coastlines along the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, the Turkish people have a wide range of options when it comes to beautiful beaches. Some, such as those near Marmaris, are a hit with foreign visitors and are equipped with all the facilities a tourist could ask for.
There are also lots of less developed beaches, such as those situated in the Datca Peninsula, while others, such as those on the Gokceada and Bozcaada islands, are a favourite for Turks but are slowly becoming popular with foreign holiday-makers. These areas offer laid back alternatives to the mass-tourism resorts, with many fine places to stay including characterful holiday cottages by the sea and traditional Turkish hotels. Tempted yet? Get started with a list of some of our favourite beaches in Turkey.
1. Iztuzu Beach
Also known as Turtle Beach, Iztuzu is one of the nesting sites of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean, and special rules are enforced to protect this turtle species. Board the local bus at Gulpinar Road, Dalyan, for a thrilling ride and then take a walk via the nature reserve to far coves. Iztuzu is a favorite destination for snorkellers, yogis, and dippers, with its vast space. The loggerhead turtle hatches in June and July, so you can't fix sun umbrellas in the sand.
2. Patara Beach
With its huge sand dunes, this impressive, 18km-long beach is one of the best in Turkey. Due to the length of this sandy beach, you can secure a quiet spot even in the peak of summer. Loungers and sun shades are available for renting and there's a hotel for when you get hungry. As it's a vital nesting site for sea turtles, parts of Patara Beach are off limits depending on the season. The beach is always closed at dusk, with camping prohibited.
3. Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach is found near Kas, and is famous for its transparent water and velvety sands. The beach starts from a deep gorge, so you will have to take a little walk to reach the water. It is worth it, however. Moreover, this position makes the beach exposed to high waves during windy weather. While visiting Kaputas Beach, don't forget to explore a small fantastic cave. Just ask the locals to take you there and they'll do so in a small traditional boat.
4. Oludeniz Beach
Most people go to Oludeniz because of its beach. While the long strip of shore on the edge of the village is unoccupied, the famous lagoon beach is conserved as a national park (known as Oludeniz Tabiat Park) which you pay to get in. Both the lagoon and public beach get overcrowded during summer but it's still a beautiful place to spend a few hours in, especially with the hills soaring above you. There are showers, toilet cafes and you can rent loungers and sun shades.
5. Butterfly Valley
Located on the foot of Babadag Mountain, Butterfly Valley is a bohemian, laid back beach, where walks and swimming are undisturbed by chaotic water sports. It's a less touristy site and boasts facilities with a calm, artsy feel. Spend a day swimming, hiking at a waterfall or swinging in the hammock near the cool tea house. Enjoy the meals and drinks in the Rock Bar and enjoy some music in the camp fires.
There are also lots of less developed beaches, such as those situated in the Datca Peninsula, while others, such as those on the Gokceada and Bozcaada islands, are a favourite for Turks but are slowly becoming popular with foreign holiday-makers. These areas offer laid back alternatives to the mass-tourism resorts, with many fine places to stay including characterful holiday cottages by the sea and traditional Turkish hotels. Tempted yet? Get started with a list of some of our favourite beaches in Turkey.
1. Iztuzu Beach
Also known as Turtle Beach, Iztuzu is one of the nesting sites of loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean, and special rules are enforced to protect this turtle species. Board the local bus at Gulpinar Road, Dalyan, for a thrilling ride and then take a walk via the nature reserve to far coves. Iztuzu is a favorite destination for snorkellers, yogis, and dippers, with its vast space. The loggerhead turtle hatches in June and July, so you can't fix sun umbrellas in the sand.
2. Patara Beach
With its huge sand dunes, this impressive, 18km-long beach is one of the best in Turkey. Due to the length of this sandy beach, you can secure a quiet spot even in the peak of summer. Loungers and sun shades are available for renting and there's a hotel for when you get hungry. As it's a vital nesting site for sea turtles, parts of Patara Beach are off limits depending on the season. The beach is always closed at dusk, with camping prohibited.
3. Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach is found near Kas, and is famous for its transparent water and velvety sands. The beach starts from a deep gorge, so you will have to take a little walk to reach the water. It is worth it, however. Moreover, this position makes the beach exposed to high waves during windy weather. While visiting Kaputas Beach, don't forget to explore a small fantastic cave. Just ask the locals to take you there and they'll do so in a small traditional boat.
4. Oludeniz Beach
Most people go to Oludeniz because of its beach. While the long strip of shore on the edge of the village is unoccupied, the famous lagoon beach is conserved as a national park (known as Oludeniz Tabiat Park) which you pay to get in. Both the lagoon and public beach get overcrowded during summer but it's still a beautiful place to spend a few hours in, especially with the hills soaring above you. There are showers, toilet cafes and you can rent loungers and sun shades.
5. Butterfly Valley
Located on the foot of Babadag Mountain, Butterfly Valley is a bohemian, laid back beach, where walks and swimming are undisturbed by chaotic water sports. It's a less touristy site and boasts facilities with a calm, artsy feel. Spend a day swimming, hiking at a waterfall or swinging in the hammock near the cool tea house. Enjoy the meals and drinks in the Rock Bar and enjoy some music in the camp fires.