Top 10 beach holidays in Turkey

1. Kaputaş Beach

Kaputaş Beach is situated 20 kilometers from Kaş in the Mediterranean province of Antalya and seven kilometers from Kalkan, at a point where an extremely narrow valley towered by steep cliffs and forests joins the sea shore in a cove of the same name. The long flight of steps down from the road means there are no facilities on the beach, so take water and a parasol if you’re planning to stay a while. It’s a popular beach with locals, which gives it a very different feel to many of Turkey’s more accessible stretches of coastline. 




2. Dalyan İztuzu Beach

Turtles and tourism coexist on the protected 4.5-kilometer-long sands of İztuzu beach in the southwestern province of Muğla. Tracks emerging from the sea from where turtles have dragged themselves ashore to lay their eggs are visible on the sand in June and July, and the marshes behind the beach are often alive with other wildlife too. Construction is prohibited on the beach so as not to disturb the local caretta carettas, or loggerhead sea turtles.



3. Patara Beach

The 18-kilometer-long Patara Beach is the longest in the region, known as the Turkish Riviera. The beach has soft sand and a shallow sea. The beach is off-limits after sunset to allow for the nocturnal life of the local sea turtles. If you are lucky, you can witness a simultaneous sunset and moonrise from the top of a dune. It is absolutely magical.



4. Phaselis Beach

Located between Kemer and Tekirova in Antalya, ancient Phaselis will certainly tempt you with its superb swimming opportunities. The ruins of Phaselis flank three small bays, providing opportunities to contemplate antique monuments while lying on the beach. The natural beauty of the clear sea will certainly enchant you.



5. Çeşme Altınkum Beach 

The golden-colored sand from which the beach takes its name is located in a relatively hard-to-find spot at the southernmost tip of the peninsula in the Aegean province of İzmir. Because this beach faces the open sea, the water is a refreshing few degrees cooler than elsewhere on the peninsula. So if you want to run away from the sweltering weather of the city, it is a perfect destination.



6. Aquarium Bay

There’s an enticing area between Bitez and Gümbet in Muğla called Aquarium Bay, which is primarily visited by day boats from the nearby harbors. This area used to attract a lot of fish but the continual arrival and departure of boat traffic has scared most of them off. The water is a crystal clear aquamarine and glorious for swimming in. If you are lucky, you can catch the grape harvest in September.



7. Konyaaltı Beach

The newly developed waterfront in center-city Antalya breathes new life into a seaside resort for those who want to swim without leaving the city. It is a very pleasant place to swim, especially in the morning, when the beach is both empty and calm. There are dozens of options for those looking for entertainment and facilities.



8. Alaçatı Bay 

Sleepy and unspoiled, with low mountains hovering on the horizon, a tranquil turquoise sea and narrow cobbled streets lined with cozy outdoor cafés and restaurants, the charming port town of Alaçatı in İzmir offers an idyllic seaside break on the Turkish Aegean coast. This place is paradise for windsurfers; you can take lessons from a professional instructor at the surf schools of Alaçatı and then surrender yourself to the waves.



9. Ovabükü Beach

Ovabükü, 20 kilometers from Datça in Muğla, is a spot which can be called “paradise.” It is an ideal place to run away to from the city life and its people. Even though the beach is a stony one, it’s a very suitable destination for those looking for a quiet holiday with children. Immediately behind the beach, you can stay over in the Ovabükü guest houses. 



10. Akbük Bay

Nestled between the crystal clear waters, protected mountain forests and olive groves of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Akbük Bay in southwestern Aydın province is a wonderful place for a vacation. Recognized internationally with a Blue Flag, Akbük bay is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere. The bay boasts excellent white sands while its sea does not quickly deepen, no matter how far you swim. There are camping sites and guest houses in Akbük Bay for those who want to spend a night in this unique bay.