Best Bays and Beaches in Turkey

Turkey is home to some of the best beaches and bays in the world. Turkey has a wide selection of stunning beaches perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The area stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the south coast to the Aegean Sea on the west. If you’re interested in a secluded beach or a vibrant resort town, this guide to the best beaches in Turkey can help! While some beaches are easily reached, others are secluded and accessed only by boat. From the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to the picturesque bays of the Aegean, read on to discover some of the best beaches in Turkey.

Iztuzu Beach or Turtle Beach

Located on the Turkey coast by Marmaris, Iztuzu Beach is one of Turkey’s most breathtaking and best beaches. Also known as Turtle Beach, Iztuzu Beach is a nesting ground for the endangered loggerhead turtles. The beauty and added turtle curiosity make the beach popular for nature lovers.

• This long and narrow beach boasts soft golden sands, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green mountains in the background. Iztuzu Beach is a hidden gem with its unique and untouched scenery, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
• However, to preserve the natural habitat of the loggerhead turtles, Iztuzu Beach is only open to visitors from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Despite its limited opening hours, visiting Iztuzu Beach is worth the trip. Swim, sunbathe, and explore the surrounding areas, all while taking in the spectacular scenery of this amazing beach.

Kleopatra Beach

Kleopatra Beach is one of the most famous and best beaches in Turkey. Legend has it that this beach was gifted to Kleopatra by Mark Antony as a token of his love. It’s located just south of Antalya.

• This beautiful stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water has lush greenery and stunning views of the Taurus Mountains.
• With its calm waters and many water sports options, Kleopatra Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or relaxing in the shade.
• The beach is easily accessible and offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Pack your camera to capture the stunning scenery and make unforgettable memories at Kleopatra Beach.

Oludeniz Beach | Best Beaches in Turkey

Oludeniz Beach is a paradise for beachgoers on the Turkish coast south of Gocek. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea are the perfect backdrop to the serene atmosphere. The calm waters also make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.

• The highlight of Oludeniz Beach is the stunning Blue Lagoon, a naturally sheltered bay with a sandbank and shallow water. It is surrounded by hills and pine forests, offering a serene and peaceful ambiance. The Blue Lagoon is perfect for water sports such as parasailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing.
• Besides water activities, visitors can also stroll along the beach and admire the picturesque scenery.
• Otherwise, you can hike along the Babadag mountain for an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding area.
• For those seeking a bit of excitement, the town of Oludeniz offers a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
• Overall, Oludeniz Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the southern coast of Turkey. Its beauty, tranquility, and range of activities will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

Top Bays to Visit in Turkey

Turkey’s stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect destination for yachting. Here are some of the best bays in Turkey that are perfect for yachts:

1. Göcek Bay – Located in the Gulf of Fethiye, Göcek Bay is a popular spot for yachts. With numerous coves and small islands to explore, this bay offers plenty of secluded anchorages for a peaceful yachting experience.
2. Kekova Bay – Located on the Lycian coast, Kekova Bay is a popular spot for yachts. This bay boasts stunning scenery, including the ruins of the ancient city of Simena.
3. Gökova Bay – Located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, Gökova Bay is a popular spot for yachts. With its clear waters and beautiful scenery, this bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
4. Hisarönü Bay – Located in the Gulf of Fethiye, Hisarönü Bay is a popular spot for yachts. This bay is perfect for yachting beginners with its calm waters and sheltered anchorages.
5. Blue Lagoon – Located near Oludeniz Beach, the Blue Lagoon is a popular spot for yachts. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery, this bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Turkey’s stunning coastline and clear waters make it a perfect destination for yachting. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner, there are plenty of bays and anchorages to explore.

Patara Beach

Patara Beach should be at the top of your list if you enjoy beaches with stunning scenery and historical significance. It stretches for over 18 kilometers, making it one of Turkey’s longest stretches of uninterrupted sand.

• Patara Beach is unique because it’s also the location of the ancient city of Patara, one of the most important cities in the Lycian League during the Roman era. It was here that St. Nicholas, the inspiration behind Santa Claus, was born.
• Patara Beach is a great spot for families with young children as the shallow waters are ideal for swimming and playing in. It’s also a great spot for birdwatching as a lagoon nearby lets you see rare bird species.
• While you’re at Patara Beach, stroll around Patara’s ancient ruins. You’ll see the remnants of a Roman amphitheater, an ancient agora, and a beautifully preserved triumphal arch.
• Patara Beach is an ideal spot to add to your Turkey itinerary with its clear waters, soft sands, and history.
• Pack plenty of sunscreens, water, and a camera, as you’ll want to capture the beauty of this stunning location.

Kaputas Beach

If you desire a hidden gem tucked away in a scenic cove, then Kaputas Beach should be on your list. This small and secluded beach is located between Kalkan and Kas.

• Kaputas Beach stands out with its stunning crystal clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind while soaking up the sun. You must walk down steep steps to reach the beach, but the views are worth it.
• Additionally, Kaputas Beach offers a range of water sports activities, such as jet skiing and parasailing. Additionally, some great hiking trails are nearby to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

Olympos Beach | Best Beaches in Turkey

Located in the Olympos National Park, Olympos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Turkey. Its picturesque setting, clear turquoise waters, and towering mountains in the backdrop make it a must-visit destination for beach lovers.

• The beach is secluded, nestled in a valley, surrounded by a forest, and accessible by boat or a long walk through a path flanked by the ruins of ancient Olympos city. The beach is pebbly, but the crystal clear waters make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
• The highlight of Olympos Beach is its stunning landscape. At the end of the beach is a towering rock formation known as the Chimera Flames, a natural gas fire that has been burning for centuries. The sight is truly unique and worth visiting.
• While at the beach, you can explore the ruins of the ancient city, which date back to the second century BC. You can visit the ancient bathhouses, temples, and other historical sites and glimpse the region’s rich cultural heritage.
• In the evening, you can enjoy a bonfire on the beach or relax in one of the many cafes and bars that line the coast. The ambiance is cozy and laid back, and you can unwind after a long day of sun and sand.
• Olympos Beach is truly a gem and a must-visit for anyone traveling to Turkey. Its natural beauty, ancient ruins, and serene ambiance make it a perfect destination for a unique and memorable experience.

Turkey’s long and beautiful coast features incredible natural beauty ready to be discovered. Contact us and see why a Turkish yacht charter is perhaps the ultimate way to see the best beaches in Turkey.