Top Sandy Beaches of Turkey

Oludeniz Blue Lagoon
Like many beaches in Turkey, the main stretch of Oludeniz is pebbled and rocky. However, if you continue westward by car or foot, or arrive by Blue Cruise Turkey, you will find that the world-famous Blue Lagoon is a pleasant and sandy stretch lined with reclining beach chairs and cheerful beachside cafes. Here you can lounge to your heart’s content and watch the paragliders high above until late in the afternoon.

Iztuzu Beach
Iztuzu Beach, located near Dalyan, Turkey, is also a main breeding ground for the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle, making it yet another quiet and development-free destination. Free from homes, shops, and hotels, this 4.5-kilometre stretch was once under serious threat of development with plans for a 1,800-bed hotel but has managed to maintain its current preservation thanks to the efforts of many international environmentalists. Iztuzu is a magnificent beach cradled by pine tree-clad mountains and the Dalyan river delta.

Side (East & West Beaches)
West of Antalya, the 5th most populous city in Turkey, Side is known for its stretches of sandy beach, one to the east and the other to the west of the old city. The safe and shallow west beach is most popular but both sides offer numerous watersport activities such as diving, parasailing, fishing, waterskiing, and boat tours.

Altinkum Beach
This lovely sandy beach on the Aegean Sea is appropriately named “Golden Sand” and features shallow water and a flat promenade perfect for leisurely strolling. Altinkum is clean and well looked after with plenty of amenities for hungry and thirsty tourists. About an hour drive from historical Ephesus, Altinkum provides the perfect retreat after days full of sightseeing. This is the perfect spot for watersports, fishing, and affordable boat trips.

Akyaka Beach
Akyaka Beach is well known for its unique wind patterns as the perfect conditions for kitesurfing. Experienced and beginners alike can be found surfing the shoreline, sprinkling the sky with the colourful arches of different sized kites. Swimming is also possible further down from the kiting, towards the small town of Akyaka, and it is even possible to walk from the beach to the town by foot, enjoy a cold beer or Turkish tea, and wade your way back to resume your kitesurfing lesson.

Alacati
Another ideal spot for kitesurfing and other wind sports, Alacati is known for its fine sandy beaches and mineral hot springs. This is an area with many hidden gems, quiet beaches that feature ample sunbeds and quiet seafront cafes. The small and pleasant town of Alacati can be easily reached from Izmir, only about a 1-hour drive away.

Patara Beach
The longest (18 kilometres) and one of the most well-preserved beaches in Turkey, Patara Beach is a major summertime home to mating sea turtles. Tourists can enjoy the unspoiled and natural beauty of Patara during the day but the beach is reserved at night for the turtles. Patara is the longest beach in Turkey and the soft sand and shallow water make it ideal for a day full of sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing walks along the sand. Although the Fethiye to Olympos gulet cruises do not stop at Patara, the gulets do sail by these sands and tourists can take in the surrounding natural beauty.

The best beaches in the Mediterranean are known to be in Turkey. Not only are these amongst the top beaches in Europe, but arguably the entire world, up there with Spain, Hawaii, Italy and all of the other top-notch beach destinations. Even some of the biggest yachts in the world visit here, attracted by the pristine bays, gorgeous waters and historic sites which are so abundant. Get ready for a beach holiday to remember, as Turkey’s coastline invites you to experience the time of your life.