Top 10 beaches in Turkey

If you’re seeking tranquillity and serenity, then you cannot do any better than Kabak Beach. 25km from the resort Olu Deniz, lies the carefree and relaxed village of Kabak, and a short walk from there is the beach. Only accessible on foot down a steep trail, the beach has a few amenities, no watersports and no sun beds for hire; but that is the charm of this pebble and sand area. Secluded and quiet it’s the perfect place to unwind and offers a real chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby resort locations.

You may well be surprised to learn that right at the heart of vibrant Antalya lies a little jewel of a beach called Mermerli. Next to the old port, the beach is accessed through Mermerli restaurant via a flight of wooden stairs. You do have to pay a small fee, but that includes a sun lounger and parasol for each visitor and the restaurant will bring drinks and food to your chosen spot. Some stone and wooden terraces have been added, extending the size of the beach area, but it is still relatively small. We recommend that you arrive early or try to book to make sure you don’t miss out on this absolute gem.

Situated in a protected natural park at the point where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet, Blue Lagoon Bay and beach is probably the most famous strip of sand in Turkey, it is certainly the most photographed. The views are spectacular, with a wide curved sandy beach, lapped by deep blue seas and set against the backdrop of the Babadag mountains. The area is well served by excellent amenities and many bars and restaurants. Favourite pastimes include paragliding and paddle boarding whilst many families chose to spend their time just sitting and playing in the warm shallow waters.

Surrounded by pine forests and with the Taurus Mountains in the background, Icmeler Beach is a firm favourite amongst holidaymakers. Despite being part of the Icmeler resort and also close to the popular Marmaris area, this beach never feels overcrowded, possibly because nearly every part of its 6 km length is used to provide space for visitors. There are bars and restaurants all along its length with eager waiters only too willing to fetch your food and drinks. The beach is also a watersports heaven with parasailing, jet skiing and scuba diving opportunities a plenty. We cannot recommend Icmeler beach enough. Its spotless sands and warm, calm seas make it the perfect destination for relaxation or some water-based excitement.

If you want something a little bit different to the conventional day at the beach, then we suggest that you try the unspoilt delight that is Patara Beach. To reach the beach you have to walk through the ancient ruins of the Lycian city of Patara. There is a small charge to pay, but strolling by the ruins of temples, streets and archways with your beach bag in hand is an experience well worth the price. The beach does not disappoint either, its 18 km of limestone peaks and white dunes is the longest stretch of sand in Turkey and forms part of a national park. There is little tourist development in order to allow the wildlife to flourish, but there is a tiny café from which you can rent parasols and sunbeds. The beach is a protected breeding ground for loggerhead turtles and is off limits after sunset to provide them with undisturbed access.

Hidden away amongst the Taurus Mountains, lies the unspoilt delight of Cirali Beach. This sand and shingle, secluded gem is a joy for nature lovers, would be archaeologists as well as sun worshippers who want their own, secret piece of beach. At one end of are the ancient ruins of Olympos, whilst at the other is the natural phenomenon of the Chimaera flames, where fire spontaneously springs from the rocky ground. The space in between is a WWF conservation area, meaning it is largely undeveloped and is perfect for relaxing. And as Cirali isn’t well known, you will be guaranteed some peace and quiet.

Just off of the coastal road joining Kas to Kalkan lies Kaputas Beach, regarded by many as the most beautiful in Turkey. The beach itself sits at the mouth of the Kaputas canyon and is flanked by stunning, heavily forested cliffs. In order to reach the beach, you descend the cliff face via a set of 187 steps, which provides amazing views and photo opportunities. The descent is well worth the effort as you unwind in the shallow, turquoise sea and relax on one of the sunbeds for hire. There are modern facilities here and several beach cafes which serve delicious Turkish snacks as the area is a popular spot for the locals. So, make sure to carve out some time to explore this gem of a beach. Just be mindful not to indulge in too many treats, as there are 187 steps to climb on your way back up to the car park.

In the shadow of Alanya Castle’s walls lies one of the most popular beaches in Turkey, Kleopatra Beach. Amazingly, this 2.5 km strip of pristine sand is right in the centre of Alanya town and attracts some two million tourists every year; but don’t be concerned about these numbers as the infrastructure is more than capable of coping and part of the experience is being part of the crowds. The beach is spotlessly clean and safe with lifeguards on duty. You can even find places offering dedicated childcare if you wish. At the back is a tastefully designed walkway lined with numerous shops, bars and restaurants, making Kleopatra Beach an easy place to spend the whole day.

Situated in Fethiye, Butterfly Valley or Kelebekler Vadisi is a Bohemian, laidback part of Turkey, favoured by backpackers and people who enjoy connecting with nature. The whole ethos of the area is about leaving the stress of the modern world behind and living a simple, rewarding life. However, even if this way of life is not your cup of tea, don’t miss out on the stunning natural beauty of Butterfly Valley Named after the native 100-plus species of coloured insects found here, the beach is only accessible by boat or down a steep trail, which is not for the faint-hearted. But make the effort and you will be rewarded with a picture-perfect vista of white sand, turquoise sea all set against the Babadag Mountains.

Iztuzu Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is one of the main nesting areas for loggerhead turtles in Turkey. Its natural beauty has been well-preserved with minimal development taking place in order to respect the turtle’s protected status. With a freshwater river delta at one end and the Mediterranean Sea at the other. This 4.5-km long beach consists of fine, golden sands and is set against a backdrop of pine-covered hills. The seas are fantastic for swimming and snorkelling and, unusually for Turkey, there is a small swell generating waves suitable for surfing. If you want to explore more of this natural heaven, then boat trips will take you to a smaller, shaded beach across the river. If you plan to include a trip to Iztuzu Beach, just be aware that it closes at 8pm so that the turtles are not disturbed.