Turkey has a massive coastline and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Black Sea, and Mediterranean Sea on three sides. So, no surprise here that this fabulous country is home to some of the most mesmerizing beaches in the world. They offer an idyllic environment to escape the buzzing world and unwind away from your mundane life. Whether you have a desire for swimming in the calm waters, enjoying watersports, or gorging on fresh local seafood, these exceptional beaches offer the perfect setting for a fun-filled family holiday. Let's look at some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey.
Patara Beach
Patara Beach is the longest beach in Turkey, spanning an area of 18 kilometers. It gets its name from the nearby ancient Lycian city of Patara and is part of a national park. You pass through the incredible ruins to reach the beach. The fascinating temple, street, and arches form the ideal backdrop for this gorgeous beach on the Mediterranean Sea. The unspoiled landscape of Patara Beach is covered with limestone peaks and rolling white dunes.
Kaputaş Beach
Kaputaş Beach is sandwiched between the harbor towns of Kaş and Kalkan on Turkey's Mediterranean Coast. Squeezed between towering cliffs and jagged rocks, this small bay offers a tranquil retreat from the busy city life. You can access the beach by descending the long, 200-step staircase from the coastal highway above or by riding the boat from either Kalkan or Kaş. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or savor lip-smacking seafood on this beach.
Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz Beach
The striking Blue Lagoon beach is on the southwestern Turkish coast boasting immense natural beauty. It is situated inside a protected national park, so you must pay a fee to enter it. It is separated from the main beach, by the magnificent Babadag mountains creating the perfect background. Back in the day, the Blue Lagoon was a favorite hangout of hippies and backpackers. But today, the beach has multiple hotels and luxurious accommodations that are great for the entire family. It has shallow waters and captivating marine life and you can indulge in watersports such as paddleboarding, snorkeling, and canoeing.
Çıralı Beach
Backed by the laidback village of Çıralı, this beach is surrounded by densely forested hills and citrus trees. It is one of the loveliest beaches in Turkey and is dotted with shacks, bars, restaurants, and sun loungers. With several diving sites, it is an ideal spot for scuba diving; you can contact local diving centers for more information. The beach is famous for loggerhead sea turtles, and WWF protects one part of the beach for their breeding and conservation.
Lara Beach
Lara Beach is one of the best beaches in Antalya, renowned for its white sand and turquoise blue water. It is a blue flag beach that the entire family can enjoy. It offers many watersports like paddleboarding, parasailing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The beach has many luxurious resorts along the shore and offers excellent accommodations with the top amenities. It is one of the most happening beaches in Turkey and incredibly popular among locals and tourists.
Cleopatra Beach
Cleopatra Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the Mediterranean resort town of Alanya. It is located on the rolling foothills of the medieval Alanya castle and boasts soft golden sands. It is believed Queen Cleopatra enjoyed swimming here, hence the name. There are plenty of resorts and hotels just a stone's throw away from the beach, and it is a favorite destination for families or a group of friends. Dining at the beachside eateries while feasting your eyes on the stunning views is one of the best things to do here.
Butterfly Beach
Located in the Fethiye province, Butterfly Valley Beach is a picturesque white sandy cove beach in Turkey flanked by steep rocks. It gets its name due to the thousands of species of butterflies that flutter around here. Several scenic hiking trails around the area lead to cascading waterfalls in the hills. This beach is quite secluded and is only accessible by boat, and you can also camp along the coast and enjoy a spectacular view of the night sky.
Kabak Beach
Imagine vast stretches of pristine sand, scattered pebbles, and deep blue Mediterranean waters bordered by verdant forests. This breathtaking Kabak Beach transfers you to a secluded world filled with calm and peace. The beach stretch has many bars and restaurants where you can relish local cuisines and drinks. Settle down on the loungers, enjoy a magical sunset, and soak in the spellbinding beauty of your surroundings.
Iclemer Beach
The famous resort town of Iclemer near Marmaris is a popular getaway for locals and tourists. It was formerly a humble fishing village but has seen staggering development over the years as a thriving tourist destination. It offers numerous watersports activities such as scuba diving, jet skiing, and parasailing. It consists of beach shacks, restaurants, and bars, that are good for grabbing a drink or enjoying a meal. If you want to take a break from the sun, sand, and sea, hike up to the nearby hills and enjoy the awe-inspiring beach views above.
Conclusion
While Turkey is renowned for its culture, history, and architecture, which are unmissable, its beaches are gorgeous too. So, apply for a Turkey visit visa and hit these marvelous beaches the next time you are vacationing in the country.
