Top beaches in Dalaman

Top up your tan in the sunrays of Dalaman’s most loved gem! Paddling in the lustrous sea or lounging under thatched parasols, don’t miss this horseshoe-shaped beach. Secluded among mountains, Sarsala Koyu Bay is nothing short of majestic and, despite the tranquil ambience, on arrival you get a genuinely 'wow' moment. Adventure seekers can book sailing and jet ski excursions. After a sun-kissed day at the lagoon, Sarsala Guzde restaurant can be found nearby, with delicious and good value main courses, from chicken skewers to seafood specialities.

This rugged-wave coastline of vast, brown sands is embedded on the eastern shoreline of Dalaman. The coast experiences strong winds, creating ideal conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Relax in peace on a beach swing overlooking its cerulean ocean, then watch the sky undergo a captivating transformation, guiding your mind into a state of perfect peace and tranquillity as the sun sets. (Did we perhaps overdo it a bit there?..)

Ah, the Blue Lagoon in Olu Deniz - There is no doubt it's in the premier league of beaches in Turkey. Few others can compete! Featuring a white stretch of sand merging into the turquoise ocean, its promising waters are so clear you can count all the seashells on the sandy bed. The 12km paradise separates the sandbar from the main channel, creating a shallow lagoon of warm, waveless bliss.

Cleopatra made her reputation in Turkey when she met Mark Anthony, and this beach stands in her name for good reason. With all the staples of Eden - a gin-clear ocean overlapping pale pink sands, dotted with olive-green mangroves - the island used to be a secret meeting place for Queen Cleopatra and Marcus Antony. Both were so impressed with the serene landscapes and tranquil setting, they continuously visited the island, where Mark Antony’s passion for Cleopatra seduced him to import rare sands from northern Africa, meaning the sands here are like nowhere else in the world.

Also known as Turtle Beach, Iztuzu is a top-tier destination for nature and wildlife lovers, as the site is a nesting home for loggerhead turtles. The sandbank stretches 5.2 km with many-hued crystalline waters, idyllic for beach bums as well as the cheloniidae (turtles) themselves. You can reach this scenic coast by jumping onboard the dolmus bus or taking a beautiful boat trip from Dalyan.

Calis beach in Fethiye has a Bohemian vibe. It ranks high in the Aegean coast and this tiny bay is surrounded by high mountains and high-end resorts - offering an ideal setting for a relaxed day in the soothing sun, away from the bustling activity of Fethiye town.