Sea, sun, and paradise. Do you know what unites these three words? Beach holidays in Turkey! Numerous travelers head to Turkey just for the crystal-clear waters, warm winds, and scorching sun. We have compiled a selection of the best sandy beaches in the country and found out where Cleopatra herself vacationed and where Santa was born.
Cleopatra Beach (Alanya)
This is one of the most famous beaches in Turkey and the entire Mediterranean region. This place is perfect for lovers of ancient stories and romantic plots. According to legend, Mark Antony wanted to win Cleopatra’s heart so much that he gifted her an entire beach. Unique sand was ordered directly from Egypt so that the queen would feel at home. Today, thousands of tourists enjoy the generous gesture of the ancient Roman ruler by relaxing in one of the best corners of Turkey.
As soon as you see Cleopatra Beach, you’ll immediately understand why both the legendary queen and ordinary travelers fell in love with it. The dazzling white sand and crystal-clear water instantly make you forget about the hustle and bustle of the outside world. By the way, visitors must shower before leaving the beach. No, the authorities are not concerned about personal hygiene. The thing is that the sand is considered a national treasure and is under special state protection; therefore, taking it from the beach is simply prohibited.
Cleopatra Beach is also recognized internationally. It has been awarded the “Blue Flag” international certificate. Receiving such an award is no easy task, as the place must meet 33 criteria simultaneously! The “Blue Flag” guarantees a comfortable and safe environment for everyone.
By the way, the beach is perfect for family vacations. There are hardly any steep slopes and rocks, and the local climate helps people with respiratory diseases.
Access to the beach and shower cabins is completely free, but you’ll have to pay for using umbrellas and loungers. You can rest and grab a bite in the bars and cafes, and those who love active recreation can sign up for diving, rafting, or paragliding.
Altinkum Beach (Didim)
Altinkum is a great location for parties in Turkey. Don’t think you have to say goodbye to dreams of tranquility and peace. Here is one of the most picturesque beaches in Didim. By the way, it also received the “Blue Flag” certificate. Now you understand what a quality vacation it guarantees?
Altinkum Beach is a dream come true. Just imagine: white sand and calm water, warm sunshine, and a gentle breeze. The kilometer-long beach is not very popular among tourists, making it perfect for a family vacation in comfortable conditions.
Everyone can try their hand at diving, windsurfing, or water skiing. Keep in mind that you have to pay for umbrellas and loungers. You can have lunch or dinner at the cafes and bars along the shoreline.
Lara Beach (Lara)
If you are vacationing in Antalya, you simply must spend time at the most prestigious beach in the region. Here, travelers are greeted by 10 kilometers of pure pleasure under the warm Turkish sun. This is the third consecutive beach with the “Blue Flag” mark in our ranking, and its comfort and cleanliness need no further advertisement.
A significant part of the territory is divided among hotels, but there are municipal areas as well. You have to pay to stay in the special zone, while rest in the city zone is free. Lara Beach’s hallmark is its warm golden sand and sky-blue water where you can easily see your reflection.
Here, you can rent umbrellas and loungers and treat yourself to an unforgettable pedal boat ride. Check out the nearby establishments and choose the right spot to spend the evening in the glow of the setting sun.
Keep in mind that there are always many vacationers here. We recommend walking further, as the number of tourists decreases after the first 500 meters. The main reward goes to those who reach the end! Lara is great for family vacations, as gentle water entries minimize the risk of injury.
Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz)
This beach is a worthy competitor to locations in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The Blue Lagoon has its own “Blue Flag,” confirming that safety, cleanliness, and atmosphere here are excellent. Photos from this location are an enviable dream for any tourist.
The name of the beach speaks for itself: blue water, green mountains, and picturesque views await every tourist. The greenery of the mountain range and the white sand blend perfectly. By the way, the lagoon is located within a nature park, so reaching this genuine gem of untouched nature is for those who truly want it.
The Blue Lagoon is suitable for both a romantic trip and a family vacation. Children can swim safely in shallow water, while parents sunbathe under the scorching sun. We recommend arriving early if you want to rent an umbrella: shade on this beach is quite rare, and heatstroke during a vacation is probably not part of your plans.
You can admire the Blue Lagoon from above by paragliding or from the water by choosing a yacht or paddleboard. Head to one of Turkey’s most luxurious beaches and discover it from an unknown side.
Iztuzu Beach (Dalyan)
Iztuzu’s other name is Turtle Beach. If you are tired of noise, hustle, and crowds of tourists, this option is for you. Iztuzu is a small 4-kilometer bay that starts at a pine tree and ends at a river delta. The pristine nature of the beach is carefully protected: this is where the endangered Caretta caretta turtles nest.
You won’t find noisy party bars, high-end hotels, or restaurants here. Instead, travelers spend time in nature and explore the corners of the protected area. Swimming is allowed in designated areas. Keep in mind that from May 1 to October 31, the beach is closed from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. During this time, it is under the control of local turtles.
This place is ideal for a quiet family vacation on golden sand. Even in summer, Iztuzu is not crowded with tourists. We recommend coming here with a guide to learn more about the area’s history. By the way, an ancient port once stood here, and locals harvested salt and crabs. If you want to have a picnic by the sea, prepare your food in advance and remember to clean up.
Patara Beach (Gelemiş)
If there is never enough room on the beach, on the 18-kilometer stretch of Patara, everyone will find a place. This is the perfect spot for active recreation enthusiasts, beach relaxers, families, and history lovers. Patara is suitable for absolutely everyone.
Do you know what is special about this beach? Any construction is prohibited here, and the main focus is on the pristine beauty of nature. On the coast, you can only see ancient houses and small restaurants with a long history. What makes tourists come back year after year?
This is a classic beach whose tidal waves attract surfers from all over the world. Warm and shallow water is ideal for children and divers of any level. Spend 10 minutes walking to reach the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Patara and see old castles and basilicas (entry is paid). This natural paradise is equally liked by hiking enthusiasts and swimming fans.
We highly recommend relaxing among the blue waters, mountain peaks, and white dunes. By the way, according to legend, the Greek god Apollo and Saint Nicholas were born near Patara. Don’t miss the chance to prove to Santa that you deserve the best gift for Christmas and New Year!
Kaputaş Beach (Kaş)
This compact beach is located between the towns of Kaş and Kalkan. The state authorities recognized it as a nature reserve, and you can find Kaputaş in a bay between two cliffs. The length of the beach is 200 meters and its width is only 30, but this does not prevent it from being one of the leaders in the “Most Beautiful Beaches in Turkey” rankings.
Only true adventure lovers can reach here: first, you need to travel along the coastal road, find a parking spot for your car, and then descend 187 steps to the sea. The landscapes of the coastal road surprise even the most experienced travelers. Ready to make such a journey for true beauty?
If you descend, you’ll be rewarded with a rest on warm golden sand, dazzling bright sea, diving, or complete seclusion. Locals have opened several cafes and restaurants on the coast, and we recommend visiting a traditional Turkish pancake house.
Despite its fame and popularity, Kaputaş is never overcrowded with tourists. Everyone can easily find a place under the sun. Feel free to head to this nature reserve and look for that very staircase with 187 steps.
Çıralı Beach (Çıralı)
This beach has earned a deserved place in the list of the cleanest beaches in the world. It is located in the heart of the Taurus Mountains, and the place itself is distinguished by peace and tranquility. Here, everyone who is tired of all-inclusive vacations and city life can have a great rest. Mass tourism has not reached Çıralı Beach, so even the air with the aromas of the sea and pines seems healing.
There are no luxury hotels or Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, and umbrellas and loungers are rarely found on the shore. The secret is simple: this is a national reserve, and construction is virtually prohibited. Some sections with umbrellas and loungers belong to the few hotels and restaurants. Pebbles occasionally appear in the southern part of the beach, so we recommend preparing comfortable shoes if you end up there.
Don’t look for diving or windsurfing on the beach. It is so quiet and peaceful here that yoga enthusiasts come to the shore for practice and meditation. As an alternative, we suggest having a picnic on the shore, renting a boat, or going on an excursion to the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos.
By the way, have you heard of Mount Chimera? We recommend going there to see the burning flame right on its slopes (this is how the gas that comes to the surface ignites). Believe me, the chance to visit one of the most mysterious places on the planet does not come often.
Where to Visit from Antalya: 25 Most Interesting Places
