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Move over Greece and Italy—the best beaches in Turkey are the premier way to soak up the Mediterranean sun and play in the sea’s iconic glimmering waters. OK, those other European hotspots are the still the way to go if you want, like, spanakopita or cacio e pepe. But make no mistake: The best beaches in Europe include these gorgeous Turkish stretches of sand. What’s more, many of these coastal slices of heaven are less known among international travelers, which means you’ll get many opportunities while pursuing these beaches to chat up locals, try Turkey’s flavorful cuisine, and experience the nation’s warm hospitality first-hand.
The best time to visit Turkey is spring time, before all the global summer crowds arrive. But of course, there’s no getting around the rest of the tourists if you’re seeking prime beach-going days in June, July, and August. Here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Turkey: from tranquil sandy stretches only accessible by boat to family-friendly hideouts with all the amenities required to soak up the sun beside sprawling cities. Dolmus (minibus) services connect many local towns, while other beaches are easily accessible by car. Also on this list are recommendations for where to stay nearby, featuring some of the best hotels in Turkey, some chic and new, others stately and classic.
A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK. This article has been updated since its original publish date.
Ölüdeniz Beach
Ölüdeniz is one of the prettiest areas in Turkey. As a result, it’s one of the most popular spots among tourists and locals. However, thanks to the considerable size of the beach, there’s always a quiet spot for you to claim for the day. There’s a small fee to enter the eponymous national park, but it’s well worth the excursion. Arrive early to secure a prime position on the pine-scented shore and snorkel into the depths of the vivid Blue Lagoon.
Where to stay: Return to nature while feeling DJ-spun house beats and the sun on your skin at Yazz Collective, Turkey's sleekest beach club resort to open for some time. It’s just a 40-minute drive from Ölüdeniz Beach, and offers a prime window into another side of the area: The buzzy streets and nightlife of Fethiye and the superyachts of Göcek are within easy reach by boat transfer and car.
Lake Salda
Of all Turkey’s stretches of fine powder and turquoise water, Lake Salda is one of the most underrated spots in all the land. It’s an expansive crater lake, about 640 feet deep, with varying shades of glittering blue, fringed by white-sand beaches that blend into sweet-scented pine forests. If you like what you see, you’ll likely enjoy exploring the Turkish Lakes Region, which includes nearby Lakes Acıgöl, Karataş, and Yarışlı.
Where to stay: Nearby accommodation options are basic but charming: Check into a local family-run pansiyon for an extended stay near the supposedly healing waters of Lake Salda (admittedly, even just a quick dip into that beautiful blue will leave you emotionally healed). If they’re all booked up, try for a room at the Hotel Lago Di Salda with all the amenities like swimming pools, a bar, and a sauna, plus a staff that can arrange anything you might need.
Patara Beach, Antalya
At about 11 miles long, Patara Beach is one of the lengthiest sandy stretches in Turkey. Areas near transport hubs and car parking spots are a little crowded, but head further down, and you’ll find a peaceful spot to lay your towel, even in the height of summer. Some areas are off-limits as sea turtles shuffle on to lay nests. Pay attention to the signs and watch your step.
Where to stay: About 25 minutes away by car, find the small municipality of Kalkan and one of its boutique resorts, Lures Hotel & Beach Club. Located right on the water, it’s a perfect spot for those days where you’d really rather not get in a car. Instead, you can dive right into the Mediterranean from the edge of its sunbed-filled beach club.
Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz
Butterfly Valley is a sandy belt set among dramatic cliff faces accessed by boat. Time stands still here, and long afternoons are spent soaking up the sun between the azure Mediterranean and abundant land, where over 100 species of butterflies flutter among wildflowers and fruit-filled trees. No permanent construction is allowed, so food and drinks are served from low-key huts and bungalows. However, come prepared with snacks and water, and be sure to leave only footprints.
Where to stay: Over in the neighborhood of Faralya (a.k.a. Uzunyurt), a mere 12-minute drive away, sits the aptly-named Nautical Hotel, nestled amidst the verdure of the area’s sea-facing slopes. With deluxe rooms, villas, and entire houses, you’ll have everything you need here, including unlimited beach towels (an amenity we all take for granted—and will find useful, given the property’s proximity to the water).
Şile
You wouldn’t expect some of the best beaches in Turkey to be within such easy reach of Istanbul. However, just over an hour from the heart of the city, you’ll find Şile, a Black Sea haven known for its beautiful beaches. Şile is a municipality made up of more than 60 neighborhoods, with many popular holiday home spots belonging to Istanbulites eager to escape the bicontinental chaos on weekends. The season is shorter here than in the Aegean, but trips between June and September offer guaranteed sunshine. Şile Central Beach is an excellent spot for a few hours before lunching over panoramic views in a nearby restaurant.
Where to stay: Given Şile’s one-hour proximity to the Turkish capital, you’d do well to book one of the best hotels in Istanbul, like The Peninsula Istanbul, which just opened and earned a spot on our Hot List in 2024; or the ever-so-glamorous Çırağan Palace Kempinski, which was on our Gold List in the same year.
Kleopatra Beach, Antalya
The backdrop of high-rise hotels may not be the most tranquil setting, but Kleopatra Beach is one of Antalya’s most popular beaches for good reason. This Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby city, even on a summer’s evening, before heading to one of the restaurants along the promenade. It’s an excellent option for families with easy access to amenities and water sports facilities.
Where to stay: For three-step access to Kleopatra Beach, check into the all-inclusive Floria Beach Hotel. It’s got its own stretch of private beach and an outdoor swimming pool that looks out onto the coast. And its location next to the city’s main thoroughfare make sightseeing on dry land a breeze.
İztuzu Beach, Dalyan
Due to the loggerhead sea turtles that thrive here, İztuzu Beach has had protected status since 1988. Sunbathing in nesting zones is prohibited, as is the use of sun loungers and parasols, and access to the beach is banned between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. It’s popular among tourists staying in nearby Dalyan, plus day trippers from Marmaris.
Where to stay: Given the area’s protected status, there’s not much in the way of lodging right near the beach. Instead, book a room in one of the hotels in the town of Dalyan; family-run Crescent Hasirci Hotel is just 8 minutes away from İztuzu by car and gives off charming bed-and-breakfast vibes.
Akyarlar, Bodrum
Despite the “Bodrum boom” in recent years that has resulted in some of the best beach resorts in Europe, Akyarlar’s off-the-beaten-track position along this glitzy stretch of Turkish coastline makes it ideal for lazy beach days. The water’s crystal-clear and shallow, perfect for families with energetic little ones. Set up for a day of sun worshipping with a prime view of Kos before popping into the local markets a short walk inland.
Where to stay: To spend the night near Akyarlar, your best bet is the lovely Radisson Collection Hotel, Bodrum. That said, the wider area is now home to some of the most spectacular hotels in all of Turkey: Included on the list of the best hotels in Bodrum are the brand-new Maxx Royal Bodrum; the now-classic Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum; and the see-and-be-seen scene of The Bodrum EDITION.
