18 Sandy Beaches In Turkey Everyone Will Love

Whenever my family comes over from the UK, we make a beeline for the beach. It’s no secret that we Brits cherish our moments in the sun, and Turkey’s coastline is a testament to that, with its mix of sandy and pebbly beaches.

From the Aegean Coast across to the Mediterranean Coast, Turkey boasts some of the most beautiful beaches along its extensive Turkish Riviera.

These shores are not only about sunbathing; they also offer crystal-clear waters perfect for scuba diving and exploring marine life, including loggerhead turtles. It’s a breathtaking showcase of Turkey’s natural beauty and a paradise for beach and nature lovers.

To say that Turkey is packed with blindingly beautiful beaches would be a significant understatement. When you check out the images, you’ll completely understand why! During high season, Türkiye sees millions of visitors heading its way purely for a spot of beach time.

The touristic part of the south coast of Turkey stretches from just above Izmir in the west to Antalya. That’s a lot of coastline and many, many beaches. Of course, there are beaches in Istanbul and the Black Sea Coast, too, but the south is undoubtedly where it’s at during summer.

From June to the end of September, rain is uncommon along the south coast, but short storms (especially in September) can happen. July and August are sweltering, and temperatures can hit 40 C during heatwaves.

That means jumping in the sea is the best way to cool down!

Everyone loves a beautiful beach, but most people prefer a beautifully sandy beach to a pebbly one. I like feeling my toes sink into the sand,  and my feet slip over stones as I walk! I’ve broken many a flip-flop on pebbly beaches …

So, sand is where it’s at for me and many others. This has taken some serious work, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to some of the best sandy beaches along that stunning south coast.

Türkiye could be a fantastic option if you’re keen to get away this summer (and let’s face it, who isn’t).

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I’ve missed some that many people will adore, but if I listed them all, we’d be here all day!

Best Sandy Beaches In The Dalaman Region

1. Icmeler Beach, Icmeler

Another beautiful beach in the Dalaman area is Icmeler Beach, located in Icmeler itself and just a 10-minute drive from Marmaris. The beach is wide and sandy, and the sea is clear. Some parts are a little deeper than others, but it’s mostly safe for children.

The beach is long and crescent-shaped, and some sections are reserved for restaurants and hotels. If you want to use those parts, you’ll need to either be a hotel resident or need to order food or drinks from the restaurant menu.

However, that’s no big deal, as everyone needs to stay hydrated in the scorching summer sun! There is a public part of the beach where you can just lay down your towel and do whatever you want, without having to buy a drink, but there is very little shade!

The plus point of choosing Icmeler beach for a day in the sun is the facilities and its easy reach. The entire resort focuses on the beach, and although there are small roads you can walk around and explore, life is undoubtedly beachside!

2. Bitez Beach, Bodrum Peninsula

Bodrum is a famous part of Turkey, famed for its high-quality hotels and expensive yachts in the harbor. Bodrum Town does have a small beach, but most of the best beaches are a short drive away around the peninsula. Bitez is one of them, and certainly one of the best choices.

Located just 6km from the town, this beach is a large arc and backs onto olive and citrus groves. The shallow waters here are so calm, so it’s great for families who want a relaxed day on the beach. It’s also a good spot for water sports. Cafés and restaurants surround the beach.

3. Blue Lagoon, Olu Deniz

The Blue Lagoon is a famous beach in Ölüdeniz; it’s one of the most commonly photographed in Türkiye. This is also the part of Turkey where the Mediterranean and the Aegean Seas meet, so it’s famous in other ways, too! The water is so blue it’s tough to believe, and the contrast between the white sand and the lush green of the soaring mountains makes for photography gold.

The water here is ideal for families as it’s pretty shallow, although there isn’t much shade. You’ll have to get there early if you want to bag yourself a parasol.

Look up, and you’ll see people paragliding from the Babadag Mountains like this; it’s one of Turkey’s top paragliding spots, and while it might only be for the brave, it’s fantastic to watch others do it.

4. Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan

Also known as ‘Turtle Beach,’ this quiet, large beach is at the end of the Dalyan River, so you can take a river boat to it and pass by the ancient Lycian rock ruins as you go. If you don’t fancy that, you can drive from the nearby village of Dalyan.

With about 4.5km of sand to choose from, you’re not going to find this space too crowded, even in the summer months.

The water is crystal clear, and it’s an excellent spot for families who want a chilled-out day on the sand. However, Turtle Beach derives its name from its being a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

There are umbrellas and cafés on site, though the area is highly touristic in terms of infrastructure. If you want to enjoy good food, it’s best to take a picnic and remember to take all of your litter with you.

5. Cleopatra Island (Sedir Island)

A day trip to Cleopatra Island is for you if you love a little history mixed in with your beach time and adore stunning scenes. This beach is accessible only by boat, and there’s an entrance fee (often around 300 TL per person).

Day trips are plentiful from anywhere in the Dalaman region, so we’re talking about places like Dalyan, Marmaris, Icmeler, Fethiye, or Olu Deniz. However, it is closest to Marmaris; it takes just 20 minutes by car to reach the boat, and then it’s another 20 minutes by boat. The scenery, though …

Once you arrive, you’ll instantly understand why it’s unique. The sand is blindingly white, and the sea is a translucent blue that words don’t describe. The other remarkable thing about this beach is that you’re not allowed to take any of the sand with you – it’s protected!

Legend says that Mark Anthony and Cleopatra regularly met on this island, locally known as Sedir Island, and that the sand was ordered from Egypt so Cleopatra would feel at home!

If you get bored with beach time (trust me, you won’t), then you can wander around the small island and check out the ruins of a small church and several huts. There is a walking path to follow, with signs in several languages tthat explainthe history of each section. However, remember to stick to the path, as the long grass may hide snakes, scorpions, tiny geckos, or the odd stray chicken!

There is a café and shop on site for refreshments, and you can use one of the sunbeds if you fancy a little shade throughout the day.

6. Akyarlar Beach, Bodrum

Just south of Bodrum, you’ll find this small beach, which is perfect for families who want a bit of extra space to enjoy a beach day. The water here can be slightly wavy,y but nothing too crazy; you need to keep an eye on very small children. The plus point is that the beacdropswn vergraduallyly before the water gets too deep.

You can rent parasols and sun loungers, and there is acaféé on site for refreshments. Thecaféé area around the beach is also beautiful, with lush, green surroundings ideal for walking.

7. Kabak Beach

Kabak Beach is your go-to for a serene escape on the Turkish coast. Tucked away in a secluded cove, it’s a perfect spot for those looking to unwind away from the crowds. Accessible by a scenic hiking trail through the nearby mountains or a short boat trip, Kabak offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquility.

The beach sits in a protected-feeling valley, which helps keep it more low-key than many nearby spots.

While there, enjoy the crystal-clear waters, relax on the soft golden sands, or explore the surrounding area’s hidden coves. For the adventurous, there are opportunities to paraglide from nearby mountains, offering breathtaking views of this unspoiled paradise.

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Best Sandy Beaches In The Izmir Region

8. 8. Pamucak Beach, near Selçuk (between Kuşadası and Selçuk)

This beach is so beautiful, but don’t expect any facilities; it’s just nature as intended. The sand is golden, and the sea is evident, making it ideal for swimming. Because of the lack of facilities, you can’t rent sun-loungers or parasols here, so remember to take everything you need with you: you can purchase cheap parasols from the shops in Kusadasi if you need some shade – definitely necessary in the hottest summer months.

The beach is near Selçuk (a short drive from both Selçuk and Kuşadası), and you can either drive or take a taxi.

Best Sandy Beaches In The Antalya Region

9. Kaputaş Beach, Kas

Antalya is known for its beautiful beaches, but arguably one of the best is Kaputas Beach, located between Kalkan and Kas. The only issue with this beach is that it’s not as easy to get to as others on the list. To reach Kaputaş Beach, you’ll need to drive along the coastal road, park up, and then walk down 187 steps to the beach. However, the views along the way are nothing short of breathtaking, making the effort worthwhile.

The sand is golden, the sea is blindingly blue, and the backdrop is pine forests and high mountains. It’s Insta-gold in so many ways. The sea can be rough and deepen quickly, so it’s not the easiest spot for little kids on windy days.

Some cafés and restaurants have arrived on the coast over the last few years, ready to serve you throughout your beach day.

You’re unlikely to run into too many crowds on this beach, but during Turkish public holidays, you may find that there are a few more visitors than otherwise. You could call this a semi-hidden gem!

10. Patara Beach, Kas

Patara Beach is located in Kas, in the Antalya region of Türkiye, and is one of the most famous beaches in the area. When you see it, you’ll understand why. It’s also huge, at about 18km long.

This is a beach you should take plenty of photos of, as the natural beauty is stunning. The huge rocks and dunes make for seriously impressive snaps, and the crystal clear waters here are incredible.

The beach is close to the ancient city, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee (around 650 TL / €15 in 2025–2026).

As a fun fact, legend also says that St Nicholas was born here – yes, actual Santa!

11. Konyaalti Beach, Antalya City

Konyaalti is an iconic beach, packed with visitors from around the world during the summer months. Located west of the central city, the beach is about 13km long and is mostly pebbles with some sand.

The water is super-clear and fantastic for swimming, water sports, and snorkeling.

The view of the high mountains in the distance is simply beautiful, and they’re often snow-capped towards the beginning and end of summer. The beach starts at the bottom of the Old Town and heads right over toward the mountains.

You’ll find various entertainment options on Konyaalti Beach, with regular concerts and attractions throughout the peak season. There are also many bars and restaurants along the beachfront.

12. Side Beach, Side

The ancient ruins of Side are a must-visit, but the beach is also something you should put on your visit list. The waters here are unbelievably precise, and the views, especially at sunset, will make you weep with joy.

Most of the beach is owned by different hotels and restaurants, so you can take advantage of parasols and refreshments from whichever bar/hotel you choose. You’ll also find water sports here, including windsurfing.

13. Cirali Beach, Taurus Mountains

Cirali Beach is a hidden gem that must be seen with your eyes, just one hour from Antalya by car. This sweeping beach is unspoiled by mass tourism and sits where the mountains meet the sea near Olympos.

Cirali Beach is the perfect place for bird spotters, but it’s also great for history buffs, as you’ll find the Olympos ruins at the far end of the beach. The water is clear, as you can imagine, and the shallows are perfect for children to splash and play without any worries.

This is a good option if you like your beaches chilled out and quiet. There aren’t any major restaurants or bars around here, just a few trim family-run options and a place where you can take your own picnic and enjoy it.

14. Kleopatra Beach, Alanya

Located in beautiful Alanya, Kleopatra Beach is reputed to be one of the Egyptian Queen’s favorite beaches, bought by Antony for her.

Mountains back the beach; if you look up, you’ll see the castle and the cable car leading up to it. The waters are crystal clear and the sands wide, ideal for children who want to build sandcastles! There are also plenty of restaurants and sun loungers/parasols during the summer.

If you love snorkeling, this is a great beach to head to, as the waters are full of colorful fish. As for sunsets – some of the best around!

15. Lara Beach, Lara

Lara is home to some of Turkey’s fanciest hotels, including ones shaped like the Titanic! Most hotels own designated sections of the beach reserved for residents only. However, a large stretch of sand is also open to the public.

The beach is large with golden sand and crystal-clear water. You’ll find restaurants and bars, water sports, parasols, and sun loungers along the waterside.

This is one of the most renowned beaches in the whole of Turkey, so it’s certainly somewhere you should go if you have the time.

16. Olympos Beach, Kemer

This long beach has more than enough space for everyone during the hottest summer months (it’s 4km long), and it’s a sand and pebble mix. The water is so clear and blue you won’t quite believe your eyes, but the best thing is the green forests that back onto the beach, offering the most beautiful views. Of course, this also provides shade and a wonderful scent in the air.

Olympos Beach never feels crowded, and it’s also a free beach to use, so take your towel, find your spot, and enjoy

17. Mermerli Beach, Kaleiçi 

Mermerli Beach, nestled beside Antalya’s historic Kaleiçi district, is a charming and popular destination for locals and tourists. Alike Although smaller than other Turkish beaches, Mermerli offers a unique experience with its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Accessed through a quaint garden from the old city, this beach provides a peaceful retreat with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the ancient city walls.

The clear waters and convenient facilities make it a family-friendly option. It’s a great spot to cool off after exploring the nearby city’s attractions. Plus, the beachside restaurant is renowned for its delicious dishes, making Mermerli a must-visit for a relaxed day by the sea.

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Best Sandy Beaches In The Aydin Region

18. Altinkum Beach, Altinkum

Altinkum is a party spot in Türkiye, butit also has one of the most stunning beaches. The waters here are like something you would imagine seeing in the Indian Ocean, and the beach is white sand, large, and windy.

This is a calm spot for families, as the waters are often quiet and gentle.

During the summer, there are plenty of amenities, sun loungers, and parasols. Beaches and restaurants line the beachfront, so you can quickly grab some refreshments. The nearby marina is also a great spot to visit after a few hours on the beach.

Wrap Up On The Most Popular Beaches In Türkiye

Exploring just a handful of Türkiye’s sandy shores barely scratches the surface of what this country’s coastline has to offer.

From the stunning Ölüdeniz Beach with its world-famous lagoon to the secluded paradise of Butterfly Valley Beach, each spot boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters that are simply a swimmer’s dream.

Plus, with numerous Blue Flag beaches, you’re guaranteed pristine conditions perfect for sunbathing or dipping.

And let’s not forget the vibrant beach clubs dotted along the Turquoise Coast, offering a lively scene for those looking to mix relaxation with entertainment. Beyond the beaches, the surrounding areas are steeped in rich history, waiting to be discovered. Trust me, Türkiye’s beaches are just the beginning!