If you’re planning a Turkey beach holiday in the next few weeks or months, this guide narrows down where to go based on what actually matters on the ground: sand vs. pebbles, how easy the beach is to access, whether it gets packed in peak season, and any seasonal rules (especially where sea turtles nest).
I’ve road-tripped large parts of Turkey’s Aegean and Turquoise Coast and learned quickly that “best beach” depends on your travel style—families often want calm water and facilities, couples may prioritize sunsets and walkable promenades. Nature lovers usually need to factor in limited services and protected areas.
Below you’ll find beach-by-beach notes across the Marmaris/Dalaman area, Fethiye, Kuşadası/Selçuk, and Antalya Province so you can pick a base and book with fewer surprises.
I’ve visited many of these beaches on self-drive trips along the Aegean and Turquoise Coast, and I’m focusing here on the practical details that affect your day (crowds, access, and beach type), not just pretty photos.
| Beach | Area | Type | Best for | Access notes | Things to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akyaka Beach | Akyaka (near Marmaris) | Varies by section | Windy-day cooling, shallow entry | Easy town access | Mosquitos can be intense near the river in summer |
| İncekum | Marmaris region | Sandy | Clear water, quiet vibe | Often involves a tractor/shuttle transfer | Fees and closing time can change—check at the gate |
| İztuzu (Turtle Beach) | Dalyan | Sandy | Nature + beach day | Arrive by boat or road | Overnight restrictions in nesting season; respect roped-off nesting zones |
| Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz) | Fethiye | Mixed (varies by section) | Calmer water, families | Very easy access; can be busy | Peak-season crowds |
| Çalış Beach | Fethiye | Sand + shingle/pebbles | Sunsets, promenade dining | Very easy, long beachfront | Can be wavy—watch kids |
| Patara Beach | Antalya Province | Sandy | Space, long walks, dunes | Short drive from Gelemiş | Protected turtle nesting area |
| Kaputaş Beach | Between Kaş & Kalkan | Pebbly/small stones | Scenery, quick swim | Steep staircase; limited parking | Crowds spike in July–August |
| Konyaaltı Beach | Antalya city | Mostly fine pebbles | City beach day + facilities | Easy access; long seafront | Can be hectic mid-summer |
If you’re looking for stunning beaches in Türkiye, this guide will help you choose the right coast and base for your trip.
The coast of Turkey is packed with resorts that offer plenty of fun in the sun; you might also be pleased to hear that we know some quieter, more secluded beaches in Türkiye.
Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are blessed with an awe-inspiring stretch of coastline. To help you figure out the best beach in Türkiye for your holiday, let’s check out some of the numerous lovely beaches in Turkey, both busy and quiet; we’ll list the best beaches in Türkiye for couples, families, and more.
It all comes down to what you want from your holiday, but this list of the best beaches in Turkey will not disappoint you. Let’s go!
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Best Beaches Near Dalaman (Marmaris, Akyaka, Dalyan & Fethiye)
1. Akyaka Beach – Marmaris Area
2. Incekum – Marmaris Area
Entrance fees, sunbed prices, and even the tractor/shuttle setup can change year to year—so check the posted pricing and last-return time at the gate when you arrive.
3. Icmeler Beach – Marmaris Area
If you’re looking for a quiet and highly picturesque beach in Türkiye but don’t want to forgo the tourist fun accompanying it, Icmeler is the perfect blend — and it’s one of the best beaches in the Marmaris area.
This wide, sandy beach, backed by stunningly beautiful mountains, is ideal for chilling out for the day. It’s also a very family-friendly beach, with several cafés and restaurants running along its length.
The plus point about Icmeler Beach, especially compared to neighboring Marmaris, one of Turkey’s busiest coastal cities, is that you won’t be hassled or bothered. If you want a drink or something to eat, wave down a server and ask. There is minimal fuss here.
There are also shows and watersports in season, and plenty of places nearby to grab ice cream. This is one of the best beaches in Türkiye for families.
4. Iztuzu (Turtle Beach) – Dalyan
You will find countless day trips to Iztuzu, more commonly known as Turtle Beach, but it’s a good idea to head there on your own steam and enjoy a few hours chilling on this wide, sandy beach. The beach gets its name from the Caretta Caretta turtles, who use the beach as a nesting ground, although spotting one can be quite an elusive task!
This is the famous spot where the freshwater Dalyan River delta meets the Mediterranean—so you can swim in the sea here, with the river/delta right alongside the beach. This means the area is ideal for wildlife, so if you’re a nature lover, grab your binoculars and check out the impressive birds that flock here.
Beach access is restricted overnight during turtle nesting season (hours can vary by year), and umbrellas/sunbeds are not allowed in marked nesting-protection zones (but sunbeds/parasols are typically available in permitted areas).
Turtle rules and access hours are seasonal and may change; check the current signage at the entrance and stay behind any roped-off nesting areas.
5. Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz (Kumburnu Plajı) – Fethiye
You will have seen the Blue Lagoon Ölüdeniz on most websites and magazines, imposing from the air and from the land. You can paraglide or parasail here, and it’s a hotspot for sports. However, you’ll find no better spot if you want to chill out on the beach.
Blinding blue sea with white sand, this Turkish beach is very calm, so it’s ideal for families, and a spit of land runs out into the sea. The pine trees and the mountains behind the beach are totally Insta-worthy.
Once there, you’ll see why this is one of the best beaches near Fethiye – and, maybe, the most beautiful beach in Turkey! On the other hand, the town is quiet, so it’s more of a chilled-out vibe here than in some other resorts around the Dalaman area.
6. Butterfly Valley – Fethiye
Butterfly Valley gets its name from the butterfly species found there, with sightings most common in the warmer months.
This is a nature reserve and, therefore, protected, so you should be careful about leaving litter and how you conduct yourself within the region. However, the beach is simply beautiful, and if you love nature, then a few hours splashing around here will be just for you.
The only downside is that you have to hike or jump on a boat to get to Butterfly Valley, but its difficulty and inaccessibility make it even more special and help you get away from the crowds. This is a very popular ecotourism area, so nature lovers will also adore it. The beach is small yet wide, sandy, and relatively quiet. Facilities can be basic and seasonal, but there are typically a few simple food and drink options in/near the valley during the busier months—don’t rely on lots of choice. Ideal for chilling out!
7. Calis Beach – Fethiye
8. Kabak Beach – Fethiye
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9. Pamucak Beach – Kusadasi
Best Beaches In Antalya Province (Patara, Kaş/Kalkan & Alanya)
10. Patara Beach – Gelemi
The entire Antalya area is one of Türkiye’s most picturesque regions, home to some of the best beach towns in Turkey, and the summer here lasts a little longer than in the neighboring Dalaman region.
Patara is a stunningly beautiful beach, easily among the most incredible in Antalya. The plus point is that it’s around 18 km (about 11 miles) long, so you can usually find space—even in summer.
The beach is also very wide and sandy, and there isn’t much development around it so that you can have a chilled-out day.
The area is protected because the loggerhead turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach during nesting season, and to the back of the beach, you’ll find the ruins of the ancient city, which are certainly worth a wander around if you get bored with sun, sea, and sand.
The nearest village is Gelemiş (often called Patara), about 10 minutes by car, so you can still feel nicely removed from the crowds.
11. Cleopatra Beach – Alanya
First, Alanya is a resort in Antalya, so don’t mix it up with Antalya! Blinding white sands and the famous turquoise coast of Türkiye greet you here, and while it can become quite busy during the peak season between June and August, it’s well worth a visit. Here, you will find the famous Cleopatra Beach; we can’t talk about the best Turkish beaches without mentioning this one!
There’s a long-running local legend tied to the name “Cleopatra Beach” (including stories about Cleopatra and Mark Antony), but treat the origin story—especially the “sand brought from elsewhere” claim—as folklore rather than verified history. With the huge Taurus Mountains soaring in the background, the beach is large enough for everyone, at 2.5km.
These days, you will also find watersports and a lively atmosphere around the beach in peak season, which may take some of the shine off for some, but if you want action, you’ll undoubtedly find it here.
As a side note, the promenade is ideal for a romantic walk during sunset. All things considered, if you’re looking for fun and vibrant beach resorts in Türkiye, this is a fantastic option.
12. Cirali Beach – Kemer
Surrounded by the imposing Olympos Mountains, Kemer is home to Cirali Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand that sits in a blessed location. The main stretch of the beach is wide and sandy; however, there are some secluded coves you can explore, too.
The area is far less tourism-driven and more laid-back, with almost a hippie vibe. If you want to get away from it all, this is a great place to go, and while there are plenty of amenities within close reach, they’re all far more geared toward rest. You can even stay in a wooden treehouse!
13. Mermerli Beach – Kaleiçi
14. Kaputas Beach – Kalkan
Suppose you want to see true jaw-dropping nature and landscapes, head to Kaputas Beach in Kalkan, one of the best beaches in Antalya. To get to the beach, you need to drive around the edge of a mountain, which is as nerve-wracking as it is incredible, and you’ll undoubtedly grab some amazing snaps as a result. The bay sits at the bottom of a steep drop, which plunges towards the impossible blue of the sea.
Kaputaş Beach is a regular stop for gulet cruise boats, but it can get very busy in peak season—especially because parking is limited—so go early for a calmer beach day.
You reach the beach via a long, steep staircase (often cited at roughly 170–190 steps), so it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues.
15. Konyaalti Beach – Konyaalti
Konyaaltı is one of Antalya city’s main beaches; depending on how you measure the beach/coastline, you’ll see figures roughly in the 7–13 km range. That means you’ll never struggle to find a spot to lay your beach towel, even though it can get hectic during the peak summer months.
The beach is mostly fine pebbles (with some sandier sections), and the sea is often very clear—great for swimming and family time in the sun (conditions vary by day).
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Türkiye Beach Holiday FAQs
When is the best time to visit Turkey for a beach holiday?
For warm sea temperatures and the widest choice of tours and beach services, late June through early September is peak season. For fewer crowds with generally good beach weather on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, late May, June, September, and early October are often the sweet spot.
Are Turkey’s best beaches sandy or pebbly?
Both. Some headline beaches are sandy (for example, Patara). In contrast, many popular city and resort beaches are mixed sand-and-shingle or mostly pebbles (for example, the Konyaaltı is widely described as predominantly fine pebbles). Checking sand type matters if you’re traveling with kids, want easy walking, or plan to swim without water shoes.
Do I need water shoes for beaches in Turkey?
They’re useful on shingle/pebble beaches, especially anywhere the shoreline gets rocky once you enter the water (common on parts of the Turquoise Coast). If you’re sticking to wide sandy beaches, they’re optional.
Are sunbeds and umbrellas free at beaches in Turkey?
It depends. Many public beaches have paid sunbeds/parasols, and some beach cafés effectively include a lounger if you buy food or drinks. Prices and rules vary by town and season, so check the current setup when you arrive.
Can you visit İztuzu (Turtle Beach) in Dalyan in the evening?
During turtle nesting season, access is restricted overnight to protect nesting loggerhead turtles. The exact opening and closing hours may change, so rely on posted signage at the entrance and avoid any marked nesting zones.
Is Butterfly Valley easy to reach?
Not really. Access is typically by boat from Ölüdeniz/Fethiye or via a challenging hike, and services are often limited and seasonal. It’s best for travelers who are comfortable planning with water, snacks, and realistic timing.
Which beaches are best for families with calm water?
Look for sheltered bays and beaches known for shallow entry and calmer conditions (for example, the Blue Lagoon area in Ölüdeniz is commonly chosen by families). Always treat sea conditions as day-dependent and keep an eye on flags and local warnings.
Which beaches are most likely to be crowded in peak season?
Iconic and highly accessible beaches near major resorts can get very busy in July and August. Places like Kaputaş are especially prone to crowding because access and parking are limited, so arriving early makes a big difference.
Is it worth renting a car for Turkey’s beach regions?
If you want to string together quieter coves, reach trailheads, or avoid fixed tour schedules, a car helps—especially around Fethiye, Kaş/Kalkan, and parts of the Marmaris/Dalaman region. If you’re staying in one resort town and mainly want a single walkable beach, local minibuses and taxis may be enough.
Beach Holiday Wrap Up
As we conclude our journey through Turkey’s most beautiful beaches, we hope you’ve been inspired to explore this incredible country’s coastline. From the stunning Mediterranean Coast to the lesser-known Black Sea gems, Turkey’s beaches offer diverse experiences for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure in paragliding from the Babadağ Mountains or prefer a tranquil escape to a pebble beach surrounded by pine forests, Turkey has it all.
Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture, savoring traditional cuisine and mingling with friendly locals. With beach bars serving refreshing drinks and miles of coastline to explore, you’ll find your perfect beach spot in Turkey.
Keep an eye out for the crystal-clear waters that make swimming and snorkeling a joy, and if you visit during the summer season, you might even encounter the majestic sea turtles.