Istanbul is one of Turkey’s resort cities. Every year, tourists from all over the world come here. Some are drawn by the chance to touch the centuries-old history of this unique place, while others spend their vacation by the sea. That is why we will tell you about the best beaches in Istanbul.
Istanbul is located in the northwest of the country. It is mainly washed by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara. The short winter — only 21 days, and mild spring and autumn contribute to the influx of tourists at any time of the year.
The beaches of Istanbul are crowded, but you can always find a place where your rest will be peaceful and interesting. The most popular urban beaches are Kucuksu, Florya, Caddebostan, and Yesilkoy. Besides them, there are many other beaches, big and small, crowded and not so much, accessible to everyone or only to guests of certain hotels.
Florya
Stretching along the coastline of the Sea of Marmara, it is almost 850 meters long. It is notable for having everything for vacationers, but entrance here is paid. Visitors to the beach can use the car park, sun loungers, and umbrellas. There is an opportunity to take a shower on the beach. Additionally, the beach is equipped with changing rooms and toilets. Lifeguards monitor the safety of visitors.
Gunes
An 800-meter coastline located in the Florya district (the European part of the city), washed by the Sea of Marmara. According to reviews, Gunes, despite its fairly developed infrastructure, does not impress most tourists.
Acceptable conditions for rest are created here: there are 42 toilets, 48 shower cabins, 228 lockers, and 234 changing rooms. The cost of renting a sun lounger and umbrella is already included in the entrance fee. Those wishing to use the lockers must pay extra for this service.
In the two local cafes, they offer soft drinks and snacks. Usually, the contents of bags are checked at the entrance, and they suggest storing any food and drinks brought with you in the lockers. Everything is returned upon exit.
To get a portion of a peaceful rest and swim in the clean sea, it is worth coming here in the morning — people start arriving around 11 o’clock. If there is no wind, there are no waves — the water is clear. In windy weather, the waves stir up seaweed, making swimming difficult, and throw it onto the shore.
Every evening, the sea gifts are cleaned up, but besides seaweed, smoking visitors throw cigarette butts into the sand. Gunes is hard to call a fashionable beach, but it provides a budget rest.
Yesilkoy
A popular place for free rest is located in the suburb of Istanbul, accessible by bus, car, or train.
From the Yesilkoy stop, it is easy to walk following the signs. The curved coastline, stretching for 650 meters, is always almost full. Everyone is attracted by the opportunity to sunbathe for free on the soft pink-yellow sand after splashing in the blue waves.
You will have to pay for using umbrellas and sun loungers. If you want to save money, you can hide from the sun under the tree crowns. Tourists are offered water activities such as riding inflatable mattresses, bananas, and boats.
Biking and walking around are also common here. Usually, local residents come here on weekends, so it is worth visiting Yesilkoy on weekdays.
Caddebostan
A luxurious strip of beaches located in the Asian part of the city in the Kadikoy district stretches along the Sea of Marmara. Three local beaches — one paid and two free — accommodate a huge number of vacationers. The more affluent ones prefer the comfortable paid Caddebostan-1 beach.
There is everything necessary for a comfortable and interesting rest. Elegant sun loungers, large white umbrellas. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus, with dark mountains in the distance. The sea near the shore is shallow up to 30-40 meters, so the whole Caddebostan coast is favored by families with children.
People come here to refresh themselves after shopping on Bagdat Street, where there are many shops. It runs parallel to the sea and the highway. On certain days, there are many jellyfish in the sea, which not everyone likes. Overall, Caddebostan is rated 3.8 out of 5.
Kucuksu
The Asian shore of the Bosphorus is famous not only for the Anatolian Fortress and the famous Mehmet Bridge. Between them lies a small 300-meter stretch of Kucuksu coastline, accommodating 500 vacationers. Not long ago, this free beach was inaccessible to the public.
It was closed due to severe water pollution. Now the ecological situation has improved, and the beach is again filled with vacationers. Many come here to combine swimming with sightseeing at the Goksu Palace and the Anatolian Fortress.
One part of the beach is a platform with sun loungers and umbrellas, the other has a sandy cover. Despite the rather steep descent into the water and the presence of strong underwater currents, there are always many people here.
Lifeguards warn those who do not swim well not to go far into the sea. Getting to Kucuksu from Istanbul is not difficult. Bus 14R runs from the European shore, and buses No. 15 on 9 routes from the Uskudar pier run from the Asian part.
Riva
On the coast, in an extraordinarily picturesque corner, lies the resort village of Riva. A calm, quiet place attracts lovers of secluded rest, without large crowds, noise, and bustle. Here you can admire the ruins of the ancient castle of the same name and the charming surrounding landscapes.
The local shore is covered with a thick layer of golden sand. The wide, long beach strip is equipped with changing rooms and umbrellas. The mixed forest covering the mountain slopes ozonates the air. The coastline is indented with coves and islets, adding variety to the pastime. A local river, Riva, flows into the sea, along its banks are a number of cafes and restaurants.
There are quite budget motels and guesthouses where you can comfortably stay for 2-3 nights. Besides swimming and sunbathing, vacationers are fond of river fishing. They catch salmon and carp on rented boats, which they can then cook themselves on grills. The time spent here leaves deep impressions.
Yoruk Ali
For those who care about health and seek environmentally clean places to enjoy fresh air, we recommend a vacation on the Princes’ Islands. The archipelago, formed by nine small islands, is part of the Adalar district of Istanbul province.
The main transport delivering tourists by water is ferries and boats. A 20-kilometer journey to the blessed islands is already a great pastime. Picturesque nature, clean air, a peaceful atmosphere, and the absence of a large crowd set the scene for a serene rest.
The islands are famous for their large beaches and excellent infrastructure. One of the most popular coastal areas is Yoruk Ali, located on the island of Buyukada. Free boats take tourists, who dock from Istanbul, to the pier and back to the ferry.
The spacious sandy strip with a gentle cozy bay is an ideal safe place for children to swim: shallow, warm water, no wind. Non-swimmers will also be satisfied. Entrance here is paid.
There are no problems with sun loungers — there are plenty of them, as well as changing cabins. Several toilets, a bar, and a cafe contribute to a good rest. Children can have fun on the water slides. Usually, people come to Yoruk Ali for one day.
In the evening, tourists are taken back to the port by boats to the ferry or ship. The last trip time is regularly announced in English and Turkish. However, those who want to spend several days here can find accommodation practically on the beach.
Burc Beach
Among the elite sections of the Turkish Black Sea coast, Burc Beach has the status of a youth beach and is considered one of the best beach facilities. It belongs to Bogazici University, so entrance here is paid.
The sandy strip located in Kilyos is essentially a beach club, whose members get discounts. You can buy a season pass for the entire beach season. The area accommodates about 2,000 people.
Two kilometers of coastline covered with a thick layer of soft sand are well-equipped with the necessary infrastructure. Numerous changing cabins, showers, umbrellas, and sun loungers, and shaded canopies make the stay comfortable.
The entertainment industry is also at a high level, allowing you to do windsurfing, volleyball, football, and water skiing. Riding catamarans, bananas, boats, and yachts turns the sea space into a sports arena. There are several restaurants and cafes on the shore, and in the evening, discos are organized.
Elio Sedef
If you have already visited the most popular beaches near Istanbul, be sure to visit the remote island of Sedef. It is part of the Princes’ Islands and is the smallest (0.16 sq. km) of them. Since 1956, the island has been privately owned.
The owner, caring about the island’s ecology, has planted many pine trees on the island. High-rise building construction is prohibited here, and cleanliness is maintained everywhere. You get here by ferry to Buyukada Island and then transfer to another ferry to Sedef.
Elio-Sedef is a beach club where the rest will be comfortable and pleasant. An excellent sandy coastal area is furnished with sun loungers and umbrellas. The sea near the shore is shallow, the water warms up well, and it is comfortable to swim. The air, saturated with pine aroma, is easy to breathe.
The club organizers offer many water and land activities: water skiing, snorkeling, and more. The local restaurant prepares delicious and varied meals, and the bar offers a wide range of drinks. You can return by ordering a VIP shuttle from the club or by ferry.
Ada Sedef
On the Mother-of-Pearl Island (as Sedef Island is otherwise called) there is another lovely beach spot — Ada Sedef. From Istanbul, you need to get to Buyukada Island, and from its pier, a free yacht departs daily. Ferries from IDO depart from the Asian shore of the Bosphorus — there will be no problem with the trip.
The only reason for no connection is a severe storm. When planning a visit to Ada Sedef, it is worth checking the sea weather forecast. Ada Sedef is a beach club that owns the eponymous sandy beach. Picturesque beauty, clean ecology, and comfortable stay will be excellent bonuses to the trip.
You will have to pay for the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and use the infrastructure. You can take walks around the island by carriage or bike. Motor transport is not welcomed here, as on other islands.
The sandy strip is densely dotted with sun loungers and umbrellas. The swimming area is fenced off by a breakwater, so strong waves are excluded. The rental point offers surfing and diving equipment, and the restaurant and cafe provide tasty lunches. You can fish from the small pier. Those who want to engage in active rest can play beach volleyball or football — you won’t get bored.
Uzunya
A pleasant relaxation on an idyllic background awaits those who escape from the noisy metropolis to one of the best beaches in the Istanbul area — Uzunya. It is located an hour’s drive from the city, in Kilyos, where a regular bus departs at 8 am. The wide sandy strip belonging to the beach club is bordered by a neat green lawn.
The yellow-green land part harmonizes perfectly with the blue of the Black Sea, creating a cheerful picture. Everything here is aimed at creating conditions for a paid elite rest. The cost includes the use of infrastructure (umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, toilets), an entrance ticket, and a bus trip.
Under cozy straw umbrellas on luxurious sun loungers, you can relax well after swimming. Uzunya will appeal to lovers of both passive rest and active pastime. The rental point offers various types of equipment for water sports: diving, surfing, and water skiing. Children enjoy riding bananas.
Solar Beach
One of the symbols of modern Istanbul is a chic leisure spot for locals and tourists, opened in 2002. This grand beach club, Solar Beach, covers 60,000 sq. meters. It is especially popular on weekends when various mass events are organized here. Themed festivals, parties, and concerts take place against the background of Black Sea landscapes.
Excellent infrastructure facilities allow visitors to spend their time interestingly. There are restaurants, cafes, a children’s club, and concert venues. During the warm season, most guests of Solar Beach spend their time on the kilometer-long beach strip. It is very well-equipped: beautiful sun loungers, umbrellas, alcoves with soft pillows, bars, and a barbecue area.
On the nine sun terraces, you can sunbathe comfortably in a calm environment. A wide range of water activities and sports is offered here. You can do jet skiing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, tubing, beach volleyball, football, and more. Guests have access to a gym, beauty salon, and pet club.
Beaches in Sile and Agva
A serene rest after the urban hustle and bustle of the metropolis awaits you in the fishing town of Sile. Its small port is separated from the sea waves by an artificially made spit. The long beach line can accommodate a large number of beachgoers without crowding.
There are no nightclubs, bars, or restaurants here, so partygoers will find Sile uninteresting. But those who want to relax against the backdrop of stunning views will find plenty of space. On the coastline, you can find both a paid well-equipped section and a wild one without infrastructure. The paid sections are luxuriously arranged — soft sun loungers, large umbrellas, showers, and changing rooms. Local hotels are comfortable and hospitable. The sights of Sile are the functioning lighthouse and the old fortress.
Agva is a small town on the Black Sea coast, bordered on the sides by two rivers. Agva’s external color resembles Sile — there is no noisy tourist crowd, and life flows slowly and calmly. Those coming here to rest from the urban noise will be satisfied.
The sea beach will leave good impressions with its clean sand, beautiful sea, and the friendliness of the locals. Both rivers, one of which flows into the sea, add positivity. You can go on a journey on a catamaran along it.
Shady canopies are installed on the banks, and turtles have settled on the logs and stones. You can observe exotic birds. It is pleasant to walk along the clean streets and squares of Agva, decorated with lawns and flower beds. The trip to the province leaves the most favorable memories.
Poyrazkoy
Twenty-five kilometers from the center of Istanbul is the place where the Bosphorus merges with the Black Sea. It is here that the very charming Poyrazkoy coastline is located. The word translates as “northeast wind.” However, do not be afraid of this, as Poyrazkoy is spread out in a bay protected from the wind.
Yachts and motorboats, as well as numerous visitors, have chosen this spot. To get here by land, you need to reach the village of Beykoz by public transport and then to the beach section. There is also a water route on yachts and boats.
Tourists are attracted here by the play of natural colors: the gold of the sand, the aquamarine of the sea, and the emerald of the surrounding greenery are awe-inspiring. An important factor is the excellent design and equipment of the place. All conditions for a civilized rest have been created, and the infrastructure is well-developed.
There are changing rooms, showers, toilets, plenty of umbrellas and sun loungers. Playgrounds are equipped, a rental point for surfing, diving, and snorkeling gear is open. Restaurants serving dishes from fresh seafood are operating. In the evenings, lively dance evenings from different eras are organized.
Dalia Beach Club
In a cozy bay surrounded by hills and rocks, there is a unique corner of the Mediterranean on the Black Sea. This is the atmosphere the organizers of Dalia Beach Club (2002) aimed to create. The sandy strip in the shape of a horseshoe around the bay is located between Kilyos and Demircikoy in the European part of the strait.
Despite the 20 km distance from Istanbul, many people want to spend leisure time against the backdrop of beautiful nature. Dalia Beach has everything that can satisfy any demand of vacationers. Picturesque green zones, emerald lawns, beautiful infrastructure objects — everything looks magnificent. Stylish sun loungers under colorful umbrellas adorn the curved shore.
You can settle on the sand or on the green terrace. The extensive entertainment program offers various activities on land and water. For those who prefer a calm pastime, shaded pavilions for reading are provided. Those who prefer sunbathing in solitude can also find a secluded spot.
Canoeing, catamarans, and boats are practiced here. Trekking trails for short hikes are laid out in the forests surrounding the bay. A beach volleyball court is equipped, and there are bike paths. Several snack bars and a restaurant will not leave vacationers cold.
The restaurant with a Mediterranean menu serves a variety of fish delicacies and dishes from local products. Quality farm products are offered on special stands-showcases. The club has a parking lot (1,000 spaces) and a security service.
Suma Beach
A spacious sandy section of the Black Sea coast, located next to Burc Beach, is in high demand among the youth audience. The private Suma Beach is a place of fun beach entertainment with a convenient descent into the water. It is considered one of the best beaches on the Black Sea coast in the city’s vicinity.
On weekends, bonfire parties with music and songs are held here. The entrance is paid. The coastal strip is well-equipped for rest. Suma is a popular spot for surfers, both experienced and beginners.
The first surfing lessons can be taken at the local school under the guidance of professionals. There are no problems with food — the local cafe and restaurant offer delicious lunches. Vacationers are satisfied with the internet service and the hospitality of the owners. You can come to Suma and return by special transport from Taksim Square.
Beaches on the Islands of Avsa and Marmara
In the Sea of Marmara, there are two wonderful islands — Avsa and Marmara. The first has long been favored by Istanbul residents. It is here that dachas and summer residences are located. In Avsa, there are both urban and spontaneous beaches. However, even wild beaches here have a gentle entrance to the sea. Room rates in hotels on these islands are relatively inexpensive.
Avsa is ideal for a quiet, peaceful rest. Those who love constant fun and bustle should not come here — they might get bored. The island of Marmara can be called the calmest island spot in Istanbul. The island is not positioned as a resort, and tourists are rare here.
You can reach the islands by high-speed sea bus. It departs from the Yenikapi and Bostanci piers but runs quite rarely.
Anyone planning to spend their vacation in Istanbul should worry about choosing a hotel in advance. The impressions that tourists bring home depend on how correct the choice is. Some rent a room in a hotel located in Istanbul itself and go to the beach outside the city. Others prefer to stay in a hotel with its beach with comfortable conditions and well-organized entertainment.
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