Best Beaches in Turkey 2025: Beautiful and Clean Locations

Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Cleopatra Beach is perhaps one of Turkey's most famous landmarks. According to an ancient legend, it was gifted to the Egyptian queen by Mark Antony, a renowned politician and military commander who was madly in love with her. The local scenery was said to rival Cleopatra's own beauty.

The beach is located near a large cape, home to a Seljuk fortress that has stood for over seven centuries. The most vibrant activity is found along the seaside promenade, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, attractions, and other entertainment venues. There are also plenty of exciting water activities. Legend has it that Mark Antony ordered sand to be brought here from the Nile itself to create the best conditions for his beloved. This picturesque coastline continues to attract tourists, with a large number of hotels available for them.

Amenities and Entertainment

• Sun loungers and umbrellas.
• Showers and changing cabins.
• A lively promenade with cafes and bars.
• Water attractions (jet ski and catamaran rentals), beach volleyball.
• A gentle slope into the water, soft sand, and plenty of nearby entertainment for children (trampolines, playgrounds).

Best time to visit: June to September, water temperature +26…+28°C, air temperature +30…+35°C. In spring and autumn (April–May, October) the water is +20…+24°C, and there are fewer tourists.

How to get there: Regular buses run from the center of Alanya (route No. 1). You can also use electric scooters available for city rental.

Belcekız Beach, Fethiye

Belcekız is the longest beach of the Ölüdeniz resort, located on the shore of the bay of the same name. According to an ancient legend, the bay is named after a girl who threw herself from a cliff here. She was waiting for her beloved sailor, who was swallowed by the nearby waters during a storm. The place where he perished was called Ölüdeniz, which translates to 'Dead Sea'.

The beach is covered with fine to medium pebbles, with some sandy areas to the east. Its shores gradually transition into the Blue Lagoon inlet and the beaches of the sand spit. The water is calm in the mornings, while at other times waves break the surface of the stunningly beautiful water. Since 2013, Belcekız Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag annually. This recognition from an international environmental foundation speaks volumes about the cleanliness, amenities, and high-class service of the location. Behind the beach, there are numerous cafes and restaurants catering to the many tourists.

Amenities and Entertainment

• Sun loungers, umbrellas, showers.
• Cafes, bars, and souvenir shops along the promenade.
• Paragliding, diving, SUP boards.
• Boat tours to islands and caves.

Best time to visit: May to October. July–August is hot (+35°C) and crowded. In April and November, you can enjoy a peaceful holiday with water temperatures of +20…+24°C.

How to get there: Dolmuş (minibuses) run from Fethiye bus station to Ölüdeniz.

Kaputaş Beach, Kalkan

Kaputaş Beach is a wonderful small bay protected by cliffs. Its name translates to 'Stone Gate'. It is located near the resort of Kalkan. The shore is sandy, turning to pebbles closer to the water. The beach is no more than 50 meters wide and 200 meters long, accommodating just a few rows of sun loungers, making it less crowded than other popular Turkish beaches.

This is one of the most beautiful spots on the Mediterranean coast. Apart from the beach itself, there are no land-based entertainments here – the cliffs leave no room for them. Therefore, the holiday is calm and measured, which is precisely why many people come here. Near the resort, there is a coral reef, amazing caves, and sunken ships – all diving enthusiasts will love it. 20 km from Kaputaş Beach lies the city of Kaş, where ancient ruins are preserved. You can also see stone Lycian tombs adorned with lion head sculptures.

Amenities and entertainment

• Access to the beach via stairs.
• Kiosks with drinks and ice cream.
• A couple dozen umbrellas and sun loungers.
• Snorkeling by the cliffs, panoramic photography.

Best time to visit: Peak season — July–August (water +27…+28°C). Fewer guests in May and September.

How to get there: Via the D400 highway (Kalkan–Kaş), parking by the road, then descend on foot.

Konyaaltı, Antalya

Antalya has two main beaches, and Konyaaltı is one of them. It starts in the western part of the city and stretches for 7 km. Fine pebbles, clean water, and care for visitors have earned it the "Blue Flag" award. The beach lies within the city limits, so civilization is always at hand.

The northern part of the beach is bordered by the Taurus Mountains, the southern part by the warm Mediterranean Sea. The area offers numerous amenities for visitors: changing cabins, showers, sun loungers, and more. The beach is also equipped with wooden walkways for easy movement in the heat and ramps. It is surrounded by a large number of parks, hotels, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. So, finding entertainment here is not difficult. During the season, tourists increase the district's population 3-4 times. Just two km from the beach lies the ancient city of Kaleiçi with plenty of attractions.

Amenities and entertainment

• Free sun loungers and umbrellas in designated zones, showers, toilets, changing rooms.
• Parks, bike paths, restaurants, bars.
• Water activities: banana boat, parasailing, kayaking, etc.
• Zones with outdoor sports courts.

Best time to visit: May–October (water +24…+28°C). July–August is crowded and hot.

How to get there: Buses KL08, KC71, etc., tram "AntRay" to "Müze" station, then on foot. E-scooters and e-bikes are also available throughout the city.

Patara, Fethiye

Patara is the longest beach on the Turkish coast. As legend has it, it was here that the famous Saint Nicholas, who performed many good deeds in the 3rd century AD, was born. A rare species of turtle loves the local sands – their laid eggs are often found here.

This is a rare spot in Turkey untouched by mass tourism. The beach strip stretches for 18 km with a width of up to 300 m. Not far from the beach is the village of Gelemiş, and the city of Fethiye is 70 km away. The sea is shallow, hence warm, making it popular for families with children. The white sand and crystal-clear water are protected by the state, so the beach is not built up with hotels. The local sand dunes make a special impression – these dunes resemble a desert, which doesn't quite fit in one's mind with the sea sprawling nearby. The lack of crowds and unusual nature create their own unforgettable atmosphere, definitely worth experiencing.

Amenities and entertainment

• A small beach cafe-bar, sunbed and umbrella rental.
• Walks through the dunes, photoshoots against the sands, viewing the ruins (amphitheater, Temple of Apollo).
• A daily visitor limit is in place (to protect the ecosystem), so it's better to arrive early.

Best time to visit: June–September (water +25…+28°C). Spring and autumn (April, October) are slightly cooler but still comfortable.

How to get there: From Fethiye or Kalkan to the village of Gelemiş (by dolmuş), then on foot or by taxi to the beach.

İçmeler, Marmaris

İçmeler is a spacious beach, mostly sandy with occasional small pebbles. Its clean, calm water, gentle seabed, and well-thought-out infrastructure make it one of the best on the resort. Locals believe the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas mix here. While there's no factual confirmation, the idea works well as a tourist attraction.

Not long ago, the town of İçmeler was part of Marmaris, but today they are two separate resorts. İçmeler Beach is calmer and more relaxing, attracting families with children. The town lies 8 km from Marmaris, surrounded by pine forests. Sunbeds line the shore, and a promenade with a bicycle path runs along it. Further back are cafes, souvenir shops, hotels, and other amenities. The public beach stretches for about half the coastline, with infrastructure occupying the other half. Entertainment is mainly organized by hotels, but there are also plenty of fun water activities.

Infrastructure and activities

• Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, changing cabins.
• Promenade with restaurants (specializing in fresh fish and seafood).
• Catamaran rental, water skiing, yacht tours.
• Gentle entry into the water, peaceful atmosphere.

Best time to visit: May–October (water +24…+27°C). In July–August up to +35°C.

How to get there: From Marmaris by dolmuş or taxi (or a ~1.5-hour walk along the coast).

Çıralı, Kemer

Çıralı is a small Turkish village on the Mediterranean coast, hidden from view by a mountainous pine forest. Hence the name of the area, which translates as "resinous" or "flammable." There's also the "burning mountain" Yanartaş nearby. The local beach is long and deserted, where large sea turtles lay their eggs.

The cozy green bay is far from the noise of Antalya and located in a national park, so you won't see high-rise hotels here. Because of this, it's not crowded even in season, which locals and all who love a quiet holiday appreciate. Mount Karaburun stands at the northern end of the beach, and Mount Musa Dağı at the southern end. Also in the southern part, you can find the path to the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos. Small hotels and restaurants remind you of civilization, but for modern conveniences, you need to travel 40 km to Kemer or twice as far to Antalya.

Infrastructure and activities

• Small guesthouses, campsites, cafes, and restaurants with local cuisine.
• Walks to the ruins of ancient Olympos.
• Eternal flames of the Chimaera (burning gas vents from underground).
• In 2024, new eco-trails for trekking and cycling routes were introduced in Çıralı.

Best time to visit: June–September (water +25…+27°C). May and October are also pleasant, but the water is cooler (+20…+23°C).

How to get there: From Kemer or Antalya — bus to the turnoff for Çıralı, then taxi or on foot.

Mermerli, Antalya

Mermerli is a beach within walking distance from the center of Antalya, the oldest in the city. In size, it is much smaller than many Turkish beaches. However, its location has made it no less popular and in demand. It is located behind the restaurant of the same name, through which you access it. Entry is paid, with sunbed and umbrella included in the price.

The shore is covered with sand, with occasional pebbles visible here and there. Some sunbeds are set on a platform over the water, through which you can see the beautiful rocky bottom. Snorkeling is common here. Drinks and food are brought from the restaurant, but you can also quench your thirst at a nearby rock – a spring flows there. Toilets and showers are available on the beach, but entertainment options are limited – there's simply no room left for them. The area is not lit, so people disperse by evening. The beach may be small, but it is quite cozy and beautiful.

Infrastructure and entertainment

• Paid beach (nominal fee).
• Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets included in the price.
• Mermerli restaurant serving seafood.
• Walks through Kaleiçi, proximity to museums, markets, and shops.

Best time to visit: May–September (water +24…+28°C). August can be too hot (+35°C).

How to get there: Take the 'Nostalji' or 'AntRay' tram to 'Kalekapısı', then walk.

İztuzu, Dalyan

İztuzu is a beautiful, well-maintained, and semi-deserted Turkish beach, a rare find. It is also called 'Turtle Beach' because sea turtles have come to love this place. Therefore, you cannot drive a car there, and water sports are absent – the state protects the animals and promotes their well-being.

İztuzu Beach is a 4 km long sand spit, beginning at the mouth of the Dalyan River. It is washed by fresh water on one side and the salty Aegean Sea on the other. About 10 meters of shallow water make it attractive for family holidays. The shore is clean, safety is monitored, but the infrastructure lacks the development for a 'Blue Flag'. This is easily explained by the care for the turtles; a special center for their study and protection has even been built here. Besides reptiles, the area is famous for its thermal springs, many of which have been used since ancient times. These are healing waters helpful for various ailments. A couple of kilometers from the beach lie the ruins of the ancient city of Kaunos.

Infrastructure and entertainment

• Minimal construction due to protected status: a few cafes, toilets, sunbeds (only in permitted zones).
• Boat tours on the Dalyan River, viewing ancient tombs and mud baths.
• Opportunity to observe turtles and enjoy the beauty of the nature reserve.
• Quiet, safe place with a gentle slope into the water.

Best time to visit: May–October, water +24…+27°C. Turtles are most active in July–August.

How to get there: From Dalyan by water taxi (20–30 minutes) or by minibus.

Şile, Istanbul

Şile is a small Turkish town 70 km from Istanbul. Its name translates from Ancient Greek as 'wild flower'. There are many beaches here, along with several attractions. The beach area lies on the Black Sea coast and stretches for 10 km.

Fine sand, a rocky seabed, and crystal-clear water create ideal conditions for a great vacation, which is why Şile's beaches are so popular among locals and visitors. If you try, you can find less crowded spots, but the public beaches are often packed. The ancient Ojaklı Fortress is a prominent landmark. Today, it has been restored for the delight of tourists. The Şile Lighthouse is the second-largest operational lighthouse in the world. It also houses a museum with artifacts from the maritime sphere.

Amenities and Activities

• Promenade with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
• Umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach.
• Fishing, picnics, visiting the lighthouse, walks along nearby coves.

Best Time to Visit: June–September (water +22…+24°C). In May or October, swimming is cooler, but there are fewer people.

How to Get There: Bus #139 from Üsküdar station. By car — D-020 highway.

Kabak, Ölüdeniz

Kabak Beach is perfect for anyone wanting to escape the city bustle and simply admire the stunning views and warm waters. A mountain trail nearly 2 km long leads to the cove. The area is clearly visible from the air – the light-colored pebbles and sand stand out against the backdrop of cliffs, pine trees, and the sea.

On the shore of this wild beach, the contrast isn't as visible, but there's plenty of tranquility and harmony. It's only 200 m long and no wider than 30 m. Mountains rise on the sides, and trees find their place in the center of the cove. Swimming with children is not recommended here – the walk is long, there's little civilization, the seabed is steep, and waves are frequent. Useful amenities on the beach include only a changing cabin and stands for shade canopies; there are a few cafes and a small shop. Although getting here is more challenging than visiting beaches in the city center – the atmosphere of the place, its untouched nature, and coziness are worth it.

Amenities and Activities

• A couple of cafes on the beach, campsites, eco-bungalows.
• Yoga classes, hiking on the Lycian Way, waterfalls in the vicinity.
• Still no major chain hotels — Kabak retains its 'bounty' atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit: May–September (water +24…+27°C). Nights are already cool in October.

How to Get There: From Fethiye — dolmuş to Faralya, then on foot via the trail or by jeep-taxi (the road is mountainous). 

Camel Beach, Pamukkale

Camel Beach is conveniently located in the beautiful Kargı Cove, in the southwestern part of the city. Camel riding is very popular here. This and the namesake restaurant gave the picturesque area its name. The ungulates can be considered a local attraction, though their characteristic smell and behavior may be inconvenient for some visitors.

The beach is covered with coarse, clean sand. Camel Beach often sees families with children – the water is clear, the entrance is gentle, and it's easy to keep an eye on the little ones. The area has everything for a great vacation, including hotels and restaurants. The cove stretches about 700 m, accommodating 10 rows of sunbeds with spacious gaps between them. The swimming area is limited; you can't swim out beyond the shallows. Pleasure boats are often anchored near the shore. The nearby Bağla Beach is sometimes considered part of this area. It features a rocky seabed and coarser sand. There are fewer amenities here, but the sunbeds are placed among pine trees, which provide shade.

Amenities and Activities

• A couple of small cafes serving traditional Turkish tea and gözleme.
• Sunbed and umbrella rentals, camel rides (in 2025, riding programs are more strictly regulated to avoid harming the animals).
• Evening bonfires and ethno-concerts are sometimes organized for guests of local campsites.

Best time to visit: May–September is the warm season (river water temperature +20…+24°C). In July–August, the air temperature can reach up to +35°C.

How to get there: From Denizli — take a minibus to Pamukkale, then a 10–15 minute drive or taxi to 'Camel Beach'.