The Best Beaches In Türkiye To Kick Back & Unwind

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved there for love 12 years ago and is now a specialist Turkey travel planner.

Here are some of the best beaches in Turkey. These Turkish beaches are perfect for kicking back and unwinding.

If you’re looking for stunning, sun-drenched beaches this summer, Türkiye is undoubtedly a country you should consider.

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 Türkiye beaches that are quieter and more secluded than some big-name beaches in Turkey.

Of course, the southern Turkish coast is blessed with an awe-inspiring coastline stretch, lapped by the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. 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.

Dalaman Region Beaches

Akyaka Beach – Marmaris Area

Around 20 minutes from Marmaris, you’ll find the small seaside villa of Akyaka, which is a definite must-visit whenever you’re in the area. You’ll find lots of traditional restaurants here, along with craft markets. The amazingly clear and cold Azmak River flows through here, and you can take a boat trip or sit and eat a seafood meal along its banks. However, the beach itself is a winner.

It’s always quite windy in Akyaka, which helps to cool things down on the hottest days. The sea is shallow for a long way out, so you can walk or paddle far before it gets deep. There are sunbeds and parasols to rent, but if you eat or drink at one of the beach restaurants, you can get your sunbed for free.

The sunsets here are fantastic, and it’s a really chilled-out vibe, whether day or night. However, during July and August, beware of plentiful mosquitos along the river itself – plenty of bug spray is needed!

Incekum – Marmaris Area

Around 20 minutes away from Marmaris, you’ll find the stunning Incekum Beach. You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to get in, and from there, you board a tractor-trailer, which transports you down through the country lanes to the beach. The sea here is impossibly clear; it literally looks like bathwater, and the sand is clear.

You can rent sunbeds and cabanas, and a cafe is on site for refreshments. There is no music here so that you can chill out to your heart’s content. The beach closes at 7 pm, so just before that time, you’ll be instructed to board the tractor back to the central car park; don’t miss it as it’s a pretty long walk otherwise!

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 is one of the best beaches in Dalaman.

This beach is wide, sandy, and backed by stunningly beautiful mountains, and ideal for chilling out for the day. It’s also a very family-friendly beach, and several beach cafes and restaurants run along the length.

The plus point about Icmeler Beach, especially compared to neighboring Marmaris, one of the busiest coastal cities in Turkey, is that you won’t be hassled or bothered. If you want a drink or something to eat, wave and ask a server. There is minimal fuss here. There are also shows, watersports, and unlimited ice cream to be had! This is one of the best beaches in Türkiye for families.

Iztuzu (Turtle Beach) – Dalyan

You will find countless day trips that head 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 and huge 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!

The sea doesn’t lap the beach; however, it is lapped by a freshwater stream that makes its way in via a massive spit of land, which juts out. 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 around the area.

You can’t visit the beach in the evening because of the local turtles, and you’re not allowed to use umbrellas either. This is a conservation zone, so be careful and pay attention to the beach signs.

Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz (Kumburnu Plaji) – Fethiye

You will have seen the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz on most websites and magazines, imposing from the air and 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 back 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.

Butterfly Valley – Fethiye

Butterfly Valley gets its name from the countless different types of butterflies that head to the area yearly. This is a nature reserve and, therefore, protected, so you should be careful about leaving litter and how you conduct yourself within the area. 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 inaccessibility makes it even more special and helps 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; however, there aren’t any restaurants or bars around it, so expect just the odd cafe. Ideal for chilling out!

Calis Beach – Fethiye

Calis Beach is a narrow yet long golden sand beach located in Fethiye, opposite the massive marina with its expensive-looking yachts. The sunsets here are truly epic, evident by how busy it gets along the walkway and restaurants just as the sun is about to go down!

The length of this beach means it rarely gets that busy, although you will need to pay for a sunbed and parasol if you don’t want to lay your towel on the sand. The sea here can get a little wavy from time to time, so it’s advisable to watch small children at all times, but overall, it’s a fun spot to spend a few hours, and plenty of bars and restaurants are running behind the beach.

Kabak Beach – Fethiye

Kabak Beach sits between Fethiye and Oludeniz on the ancient Lycian Way. It is a stunning beach that sits in a bay, surrounded by tall, green mountains. With the impossible blue of the sea, it’s a beautiful contrast.

Kabak doubles up as a campsite, and there is a small cafe and restaurant on-site; however, you won’t find too much in the way of entertainment here, so it’s best to plan ahead and take all the necessities you’ll need. The vibe here is about chilling in nature, and with the relatively calm sea, you’ll be able to find total R&R. The only downside is the sheer number of mosquitos thanks to the trees – make sure you pack some spray!

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Izmir Region Beaches

Pamucak Beach – Kusadasi

Pamucak Beach is around 20 minutes from Kusadasi and the closest beach to Selcuk, where you’ll find the stunning Ephesus ruins. It’s also a fantastic beach for families, so if you are visiting Ephesus and want to find a great beach to chill out together, this would be a superb choice.

There are camping facilities, sun loungers, parasols, and a small cafe on-site, although it’s not a particularly crowded or loud place. The sea is exceptionally clear, with golden sand and calm waters ideal for swimming. This is another beach with amazing sunsets, so it’s worth hanging around until the sun goes down.

Antalya Region Beaches

Is Antalya Worth Visiting - Panoramic idyllic view of the sea coast in Antalya. Taurus mountains in the background and the blue Bay of the Mediterranean sea — Antalya

Patara Beach – Gelemi

The entire Antalya area is one of Türkiye’s most picturesque, home to some of the best beach towns in Turkey, and the summer here lasts a little longer compared to the neighboring Dalaman region.

Patara is a stunningly beautiful beach, easily one of the most incredible beaches in Antalya. The plus point is that it’s 11 miles long, so you will not struggle to find a secluded area. The beach is also very wide and sandy, and there isn’t much in the way of development around it, which gives you 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 of sun, sea, and sand.

The nearest town is Gelemi, which is around 10 minutes by car or bus, so you will feel like you’re on a castaway beach here.

Cleopatra Beach – Alanya

First, Alanya is a resort in Antalya, so don’t mix the two! 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 Turkey beaches without mentioning this one!

There is history to this beach, hence the name; it is said that Cleopatra and Anthony frequented the beach and that the sand was brought over from the desert. 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 waterspouts and parties going on around the beach, 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.

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 and relaxation. You can even stay in a wooden treehouse!

Mermerli Beach – Kaleci

It’s straightforward to forget that you’re right in the heart of Antalya city when you visit this beach, which is straight down the sheer cliff face from the castle in the Kaleci district. Follow the path down to the beach and enjoy the crystal clear waters, separated from the marina and sheltered from strong winds.

The sea here is calm and clear, and although there are a few rocks towards the far end of each side, it’s a relatively safe beach for families to enjoy. While it’s not the biggest beach in Antalya, it’s definitely a charming spot to enjoy the sun. Because of its charmed position, you’re never far from restaurants, shops, and entertainment.

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.

Kaputas Beach is a regular stop for gulet cruise boats, but it’s never really that busy, so it’s an excellent place for a chilled-out beach day. However, you can typically find it far busier during the peak season. Remember that you need to walk down some steep steps to get to the beach itself, so it’s not the best for children or those with walking problems.

Konyaalti Beach – Konyaalti

Konyaalti is Antalya city’s largest and longest beach, stretching for 13km. 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 sand is golden and fine, and the sea is extremely clear and calm, ideal for swimming and family time in the sun.

Just a stone’s throw away from the beach, you’ll find lots of bars and restaurants to enjoy; however, the beach is far enough away from the road that you feel rested and relaxed during your time. There is a stretch of grass and a long walkway that runs alongside the beach, ideal for chilling out during the evening and watching the sunset.

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