The 12 Best Beaches in Türkiye in 2023 [Black Sea & Mediterranean Sea]

With coasts on both the Black and Mediterranean Seas, Türkiye’s unique landscape is able to offer visitors diverse and memorable beach experiences that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for from a vacation. Whether you’re seeking out a romantic coastal ambiance or you prefer something more fun and family-friendly, there’s a beach on this list to suit your needs. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the 12 best beaches in Türkiye.

Map of the 12 Best Beaches in Türkiye

The 6 Best Beaches on Türkiye’s Black Sea

1. Atakum Beach

Atakum Beach’s long sandy shore makes it a pretty idyllic place to spend a day on the Black Sea. Just off the sand is a buzzing promenade full of eateries and shops you can peruse when you need a break from the water. Virtually the entire shore is lined with a bike path, so if you’d prefer to avoid arriving by car, you can rent a bicycle for your beach day.

The beach also has numerous recreational grounds for activities like soccer and beach volleyball. The water near the shore is shallow and gentle, though the current can get a bit stronger around the pier.

Atakum is a popular picnic beach, too. Though there isn’t much natural shade near the water, there are numerous benches and ground areas with tree covering if you need a break from the sun a bit further away from the water.

2. Burç Beach

Burç Beach has a mix of everything, so it’s a great versatile choice if you’re not sure exactly what you want from a beach getaway.

This part of the coast has a busy beach club you can rent an umbrella from for the day. That will also give you access to the private changing areas, and it guarantees you won’t have to fight for a spot on the sand if crowd levels are high.

The club has a restaurant as well, but you don’t need to rent an umbrella to eat there. In the mornings and during the week, the beach tends to be pretty calm and quiet, so you can definitely relax and unwind. However, if you’re more of an adventurer, you can also rent the equipment to try out kitesurfing or even traditional surfing on days when the waves are stronger.

3. Kalkın Plajı

Depending on when you visit Kalkın Plajı, you might be in for a calm day with gentle water or a surfer’s paradise. When there’s wind in the area, this part of Türkiye’s Black Sea coast is prone to strong waves. If you stay near the shore, this shouldn’t affect you too much, but it can make swimming a bit more tiring.

On the other hand, on nice days when there’s little more than a gentle breeze, the current feels virtually non-existent. You’ll want to make sure you pay attention to the weather so you know what to expect. The beach doesn’t usually get very crowded and is often frequented by locals, so you’ll be able to have a more authentic experience.

Bottom Line:

Since it’s a hidden gem when it comes to tourism, the beach is also spotlessly clean, and the water is clear, no matter when you visit.

4. Mugada Sahili

Known for its dark tan sand that almost looks red, Mugada Sahili is a stretch of paradise that often flies under the radar of tourists. The beach has some amenities nearby, like a restaurant you can get refreshments at, but there are also long expanses where there’s just sand and water as far as the eye can see.

The weather will affect your ability to go in the water, though. If it rains heavily within 24 hours of your visit, the sand will be muddy, as is expected, but the sea itself will also be murky and choppy. At those times, swim carefully, or stick to the shore.

If you want to avoid rainy days as much as possible, try to plan a trip in May, June, or September. Those tend to be the driest warm-weather months in this part of the country.

5. Uluburun Beach

Uluburun is a small and secluded beach where you can enjoy privacy and natural beauty. The beach is backed by cliffs, so you’ll need to go up some stairs for a better view of the horizon, meaning it’s not the most accessible for people with mobility concerns. However, this also guarantees privacy since it’s naturally hidden from view.

Just because this is a natural beach doesn’t mean you have to forgo some amenities, though. There’s an on-site shower you can use to rinse off after a day of splashing around in the water and lying on the sand. You can also rent a sunbed if you want a little more luxury while lounging on the shore.

You don’t even have to worry about remembering to bring a picnic basket with you since there are food options within walking distance.

6. Yeniköy Plajı

Yeniköy Plajı is one of Türkiye’s pebbly beaches that doesn’t have much sand. If you plan on visiting, make sure you have water shoes and a thick beach towel to lay out for extra comfort.

What really sets this beach apart from others is the view. It offers a dramatic vista of the horizon, which is particularly breathtaking at sunset and sunrise. The beach is family-friendly in that it’s relatively calm without any parties or loud noises that might cause sensory overload in children.

However, the waves here can be strong, and the water can get deep suddenly. So, if you have small children or inexperienced swimmers, make sure they stick close to the shore. There are lifeguards on duty during the day, though, for a little extra security. The beach has on-site facilities like restrooms, but remember that they close in the evening.

The 6 Best Beaches on Türkiye’s Mediterranean Sea

1. Camel Beach

Camel Beach might be the only shore in Türkiye where you can actually take a short camel ride. However, as surprising as it might be, that isn’t the area’s biggest draw. Most people who come to Camel Beach rave about the water. 

It’s clear and clean, so you can easily see where you’re going, which is perfect for families or people who aren’t avid swimmers. There is a cost to visit the beach, but only adults are charged, and that money can be used as a credit for the on-site food options, which further shows how family-friendly it is.

The beach is divided into multiple sections, each with corresponding sunbeds and eateries, so you can choose whichever one best suits your needs. However, they all have their relaxing and quiet ambiance in common. If you travel with your pets, the beach is even dog-friendly.

2. Hidayet Koyu Plajı

Compared to some of Türkiye’s large coastal stretches, Hidayet Koyu Plajı is a pretty small beach. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in personality.

The beach is rocky, which sets it apart from other sandy stretches. You don’t have to worry about any jagged shards, though, since most of the pebbles are shiny and smooth from erosion, but you might want to bring a pair of waterproof shoes with you.

The beach doesn’t usually get very busy, which allows the area’s marine life to thrive. You can see fish swimming around under the surface and even try out snorkeling for a closer look. This beach is on resort property, though. If you’re a hotel guest, you get automatic access. Otherwise, you’ll need to get a day pass before you are allowed down by the water.

3. Kadriye Beach

Though Kadriye Beach is near multiple waterfront resorts, this is a publicly-accessible beach. So you don’t have to be a guest at a nearby hotel to go for a swim here. This stretch of coastline is mostly made up of sand, but there are pebbly areas as well, so if you plan on going for a walk, make sure to bring shoes.

Many tourists tend to stick to the areas near the hotel access points, so all it takes is a short stroll to get to the sections more frequented by locals. That’s a great option if you want to meet new people and have a more lively day, especially on weekends during the summer.

The shore is well-maintained and clean, and the sandy areas are cushion-soft if you want to lay a towel out while you relax and get some sun.

4. Kaputaş Beach

Though it might be small, it’s hard to find a more picturesque beach than Kaputaş. The shore is split between pebbly and sandy sections, which adds an interesting and rustic look to the coast. The beach is also bookended by bluffs which create a dramatic vista, especially around dusk and dawn.

However, because of those cliffs that come right up to the water, the beach itself is pretty narrow, so it doesn’t take many people for it to feel crowded. Until recently, Kaputaş was a hidden treasure, but it’s seen a small boom in popularity.

To make sure you have the best time without feeling like you’re fighting for a spot on shore or bumping into people in the water, try to visit in the morning. If it does start to get busy while you’re there, you can always take a nature hike to admire the view.

5. Kemer Beach

If you’re looking for a place to sit back, relax, and have a quintessential beach experience, Kemer Beach is the place to go. This crescent-shaped stretch of Türkiye’s coast has a sort of Caribbean quality to it that visitors love. That’s in large part due to the soft white sand that covers the shore and leads down to the water.

This beach is a tourist hotspot, though, so many of the sunbeds and umbrellas that are available for rent are filled quickly. You also might have some trouble finding a place to put your towel if you don’t arrive early. Despite the crowds, the water stays clear and bright blue without much sand being kicked up.

Hot Tip:

The waters here are also calm and shallow, which is perfect for kids or inexperienced swimmers who want to enjoy some time on the coast.

6. Side Beach

Side Beach’s elevation is slightly lower than the surrounding area, so it’s offered a little natural seclusion by being out of view.

That does mean accessing the sand here involves going down a few stairs, though, which can be a problem for people with mobility concerns. Luckily, many access points are in front of hotels and are accessible with a reservation or day passes. If you have any problems, you can just go to guest services for help.

There are also publicly accessible areas as well where you can lay out a towel and enjoy the water. Since it’s a highly-trafficked tourist spot, anything you might need, like food or a changing area, is just a short walk away. Many of the amenities are seasonal, though, so sunbeds and umbrellas may not be available if you visit between October and March.

Final Thoughts

Though often underrated, Türkiye clearly has plenty of beaches worth visiting. From shorelines that are almost Caribbean in quality to one-of-a-kind natural spots that you won’t find anywhere else, there’s plenty to love about the country’s coastline. We hope that this list has helped you figure out what beach should top your list on your Turkish getaway.