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1. Kusadasi
2. Altinkum
3. Best Beaches In Antalya, Turkey

Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

Turkey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, ranking well within the top 10 globally. Part of the reason for that is the rich history, culture, and great food – not to mention the allure of the best beaches in Turkey. Despite all Turkey has to offer and the millions of tourists who visit each year, you may still be unfamiliar or apprehensive about taking a vacation in the nation that lies in both Europe and Asia. We hope to both educate and encourage you to take a trip and experience what so many others have by answering some of the most common questions people ask about Turkey.

Is It Safe?

Turkey has a relatively low crime rate and effective police force that makes violent crime rare. The most common crime in western Turkey against tourists is pickpocketing but in isolated instances. Travelers who keep an eye on their belongings shouldn’t have any trouble if they practice the common sense they would at home or anywhere else in the world. Walking and driving at most any hour, even late into the evening is safe if common sense is used. Hotels and hostels generally have good security as well as long as you make use of the lockers or room safe for your most valuable items.

Do Turks Like Foreigners?

Yes! Turks are very friendly and curious to meet others from around the world. You’ll be surprised at how open and inviting the locals will be both in and around the resort towns. Keep in mind a few local customs however when visiting someone’s home – take off your shoes at the door and the rest should be fine, have a great time!

What About Religion?

Turkey is a Muslim, but secular nation. There is a strong European influence in the western part of the country which is very evident by the style and behavior of its residents. Bikinis and other swimsuits are common and you won’t find much inhibition around. The parties and clubs are also very lively, there are no alcohol restrictions, and most larger hotels will even serve pork if requested.

Is Turkey Expensive?

It can be depending on how you travel. Turkey can also be a budget destination, particularly if you’re headed to some of the beaches discussed on this site and compare hotel room prices. Vacation package deals can be a great way to reduce costs, so can renting out a summer home, even for a few weeks. You can shop at local grocery stores and each much of the food from street vendors to also reduce costs. You have a wide range of budgets you can live on in Turkey.

We hope this has helped clear up some of your most pressing questions but if not, feel free to contact us.

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Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

The Mugla province of Turkey is a very popular spot for wonderful beaches and Datca is no exception. It, like so many of the other best beaches in Turkey sits in this southwestern corner along the Turkish riviera. Datca is one of the famous stops along Turkey’s “Blue Cruise” and the tour has taught and brought many tourists to its beaches. One of the most striking things about Datca are the small inlets you can find up and down the coast. It’s almost like having your own lagoon all to yourself. These inlets are surrounded by larger bay areas where the boat tours and much of the water sports take place. The open seas of Datca make it ideal for jet skiing and boating of all kinds.

Datca has pebble beaches and a climate very similar to that found in Alanya. While Datca is popular with international tourists it is a primary vacation destination for many Turks who own summer homes there. The villages around Datca are a great place to rent out a house for a few weeks so you can really get a feel for the local culture.

The pace of life in these parts is a slow one and each of the communities are very tight knit. People are very friendly, as is common in Turkey, and you can easily make friends and enjoy an authentic Turkish dinner after getting to know a few people. Be sure to bring a pen and paper handy so you too can jot down all of the Mediterranean recipes to take back home with you. A great way to get to the beach from here is to rent a scooter or bicycle down. The roads are a bit bumpy down to the beach so if you feel uncomfortable give a try with the local bus or “dolmus” as they are know in Turkey.

Datca is one big photo opportunity, as the towns and beaches are lined with very famous windmills the area has become known for. Strolling around these areas is very inexpensive and Datca is an excellent spot on the Turkish riviera to vacation if you’re on a budget. You can live and eat like a local while lounging on the beaches that have seen the likes of the Phoneticians, ancient Greeks, and Roman Empire to name just a few.

Datca, in addition to its wonderful beaches, has some of the best hiking you can find anywhere along the Turkish Riviera. A great deal of effort by the locals and government has gone into conservation and establishing safe zones for animals. There are well developed trails for hiking, biking, and jogging. A good way to start your morning is to hop right out and go for a jog along the shore. Bring some swim shoes to protect your feet from the pebbles and then make your way back to recharge on a Turkish breakfast of toast, feta cheese, tomatoes, olives, and of course, very dark black tea.

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Located in the heart of the Turkish riviera, Kusadasi is in the middle of just about everything there is to love about the Aegean coast. Kusadasi is close to a number of other great resort towns like Bodrum and right next door to some of the most popular historical sites in the world like Ephesus. One of the things that makes Kusadasi so great is the fact that it’s a big beach town with a small time feel. You’ll be close enough to the big party centers like Bodrum nearby, while having a great night dancing in Kusadasi, then stretching your legs walking around ruins from the Roman Empire. One of the best ways to be introduced to Kusadasi is to arrive by bus along the winding cliffs overlooking the beach. If at all possible you should time your arrival at sundown to see one of the most spectacular sunsets on the water you can find.

Kusadasi also happens to be a major port on the cruise line path, dropping of thousands of people for day trips in and around the resort town. You can also book a trip directly from the city and visit many of the fairly close by beautiful beaches of Brela, Croatia or the island of Crete. There is plenty to keep you busy in Kusadasi like the restaurants overlooking the clear blue and green sea waters where you can eat fresh fish and try Turkish beer (Efes Pilsner).

When booking a hotel in Kusadasi, don’t always go for the more expensive big names. They’ll usually have bigger rooms and more occupancy during the high season but tend to be located close to the beach. That’s great if you don’t want to walk an extra minute or two to get to a great sunbathing spot, but they also will rob you of a great view. Many of the smaller and locally owned hotels and hostels are up higher in the surrounding cliffs, have traditional Turkish breakfasts, and are less expensive. You’ll typically also find most of the major accommodations and some extras, like free wi-fi, that you would at larger establishments. Turkey is such and the variety in Kusadasi so plentiful that if you don’t like a particular place, you can often re-book on the spot just by walking into a nearby place.

Getting in and around locally in Kusadasi is also very easy, once you figure out the local bus system. Called “dolmus” (literally meaning “filled”), you hop on, pass your money up to the driver and make your way to the next stop. You’ll want to print out a small map or grab one from the hotel first, since the stops aren’t always the same and only the first and last stop are written on the front of the bus. Also, like the name suggests, these buses can become quite crowded but don’t worry – they are absolutely safe. Just keep you eye on your bags and pockets as you would when traveling anywhere to deter any pickpockets.

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Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

Kemer is a resort town in the Antalya province close to many of the Antalya’s equally beautiful beaches. While Kemer is one of the best beaches in Turkey and popular with local tourists, it still has a quiet, relaxing feel. The beaches of Kemer aren’t typically overcrowded outside of the month of August where the southwest corner of Turkey is usually very active with visitors from all over the world. What makes Kemer so unique is that it has a lot of variety to offer and is geographically distinct compared to even some of the closer beaches nearby. Kemer is a gorgeous blend of beach, mountains, and pine forests with a number of inlets to sunbathe and relax on.

You can also find a mix of sand and pebble beaches around Kemer to pick and choose from based on your personal preference. There are however more stone than sand beaches but with so many picturesque places to choose from it’s not likely to change how you feel about Kemer. Many of the forest trees in come up close to the shores of the beach, providing natural place for shade during the hottest parts of the day. The tree branches also tend to hang low in an umbrella shape creating a nice atmosphere of privacy and your own little piece of paradise in Kemer.

Most people who travel to Kemer are from western Europe and Russia, the most common bookings being package vacation deals. Kemer has a large concentration of the hotels in the Antalya area so many people end up staying there. The resorts are luxurious and every effort is made to provide everything in an all-inclusive price. You can also try booking your accommodations separately and often will find many summer homes for rent by locals and foreigners who own property in Kemer.

The stores and shops as well as a few of the bigger restaurants in Kemer, in addition to the Turkish Lira (TL), also accept Euros. That saves tourists a bit of money from having to convert any of their bills and it helps the local merchants as well. The Euro is a much more stable currency and shop owners encourage the use of the Euro by keeping prices lower than their equivalent in TL. This practice of course varies but is one you should keep in mind if you’re traveling from or through Europe before heading to Kemer or many of the other best beaches in Turkey.

To learn about the rich ancient history of this very old town you can book a relatively inexpensive trip to some of the nearby historical sites. Places like the ancient Greek city of Olympos are not to be missed. They are well preserved and the historical sites around Kemer tend to be less frequented than other more famous places in Turkey like Ephesus. Trips can be made by local bus in less than an hour and cost hardly anything. Entry into most of the ancient cities is also free.

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Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

Probably the most famous beaches in Turkey are in Bodrum, along Turkey’s western Aegean coast. In fact, it is estimated that the population of Bodrum increases nearly four-fold during the summer months. Bodrum is where the Turkish movie stars and elite from all over Europe vacation when in coming to Turkey. It is also a famous stop along for The Blue Voyage, a very well traveled boating and tour route to around the surrounding beaches. It is an excellent place to snorkel, hike, and visit historical sites that are close by like Ephesus and the natural wonders of Pamukkale.

Bodrum is an expensive place during the summer months and is in the same Mugla prominence as Oludeniz. What Bodrum offers beyond that of most beaches and resort areas in Turkey is nightlife. Bodrum is certainly the place you want to be in if you like to party and go out late at night at some of the fanciest nightclubs in the world. It’s a pretty posh affair so you’ll need to dress to impress to get into most clubs. For the highest class places guys, you’ll also need a date or some ladies to go in with. It’s hard to go stag and also be prepared to pay a cover charge at most places.

During the calmer daylight hours you can hop a spot on one of the sand beaches of Bodrum, which seem to stretch out for miles. We strongly recommend you get to the beach early to find a good spot and also be sure to make note of the tie schedule as well. You don’t want to end up too close to the water only to have to move at midday where there might not be very many good spots left.

The waters around Bodrum are relatively shallow making them warm and ideal for cooling off from the hot sun without a chill. You’ll be also to see the reflection of the bright turquoise and green stones beneath the surface of the water as well since the waters sparkle in many shades of blue. Aside from some light sailboat traffic, the waters are fairly calm and quiet. If you want to go jet skiing or partake in other water sports you’ll have to make your way toward the ends of the beaches or better yet book a tour out to a more isolated spot.

No trip to Bodrum would be complete however without a short jaunt to Kusadasi, which also has beautiful beaches. From there you should visit Ephesus, the ancient Greek and later Roman city. The ruins are very well preserved and walking around is free of admission. You don’t need a tour guide, although they are available, since signs along the path are very informative. It is also believed to be the location of the house where the Virgin Mary died. You can visit it and also drink from the holy waters running from the taps outside.

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Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

This rather small town on the Black Sea coast of Turkey is missed by most tourists looking for the best beaches in Turkey. That is really a shame however as the Black Sea region has it’s own unique beaches, culture, and cuisine that you won’t find in other parts of Turkey or the rest of the world for that matter. Most people don’t know too much about the Black Sea coast, which has a very small window for relatively warm weather. For those who enjoy laying out and getting some sun, outside of the July-August time frame it’s often difficult to get a significant amount of heat. Otherwise between the months of April and October you’ll experience some of the finest spring and fall weather you can get in Turkey.

The cliffs overlooking Sinop are a wonderful place to enjoy a meal of fresh fish. Caught every morning, most restaurants will let you pick out the freshest catch possible while overlooking the calm waters of the Black Sea off Sinop’s shore. This landscape in this part of Turkey is reminiscent of Seattle or Vancouver, with its tall evergreen trees and sharp cliffs. Camping grounds are plentiful around Sinop if you want to take a different jaunt after some time at the beach. The area is safe and you can wander around and most people with camping experience should get along fine. There are also showers and other services setup for campers as well.

The design of Sinop is also unique as it’s said the fisherman used leftover paint for their boats to color their houses. The hotels and hostels in the area likewise have a keen eye for detail and unique design. Colorful and bright with a small-town feel, staying in Sinop for a few days makes you feel like a local and the residents will treat you that way. Now is the best time to go to Sinop before is grows to a major tourist destination. You’ll get a feel that you wouldn’t be able to if the town were full or crowds and the hotels and hostels overbooked every night.

Swimming in the Black Sea water is usually too cold for comfort, even during the summer months. It’s really the kind of place to lounge and explore by the water. A boat ride from Sinop to Istanbul and back hugging the coast is also a wonderful way to spend some time while you’re on the northern coast of Turkey.

You should also check out the Sinop Fortress constructed in the 7th century by the Greeks, and from there you can make your way to the Balatar Church, a Byzantine Church converted from a Roman temple. Finally, we recommend making your way to the city of Trabzon by bus. This northern coastal city has a strong influence and minority population of the Laz people, who have been living in the region since before the Ottoman Empire.

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Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

Antalya is one of Turkey’s most popular cities and where most people coming in to stay at some of Turkey’s Mediterranean beaches tend to fly in to. It’s a rather large city and home to a number of beautiful beaches that are easily accessible using Antalya’s well-developed tram system. Getting around town is very inexpensive and it opens up a number of hotels and beaches that would be difficult to get to on foot otherwise. When coming in to any of Turkey’s riviera beaches like Alanya for example, you’ll save money by taking a European connection flight directly into Antalya. You can plan to spend a few days or even an entire vacation in Antalya, which is a within a few hours by bus to some of the other best beaches in Turkey.

The beaches of Antalya are typically fine pebbles rather than sand, which is common for many Mediterranean beaches in the region like Crete, Greece. While stepping on the warn stones, heated by the sun, takes some getting used to, it makes for a less messy affair when you get out of the water and head back to your spot on the beach. The location of the beach in Antalya also keeps you in close contact with the rest of the city, both new and old.

The historical district of Antalya is a wonderful downtown area to do some sightseeing, shopping, and eating as well. Called the “Kaleici” (interior of the castle) this area is on the crossroads of the beaches, hotels, and many of the resorts you may be staying in. The area has been restored and you can see a Roman clock tower still standing near the square, more than 1,000 years after it was built. There are ruins and evidence of many civilizations in Antalya, including dating back to the Lycians. In the main square, during the summer months, there are usually live shows going on that you can enjoy as you stroll around. Music, open-air plays, and other demonstrations of Turkish culture are frequent and easily visible from many of the cafes and restaurants lining Kaleici.

Back to the waters off the shores of Antalya, they are great for all kinds of water sports. Jet skiing, paragliding, and motorboat rentals are all available and can be easy booked from the numerous shops along the coastline. There are also day sailing trips and tours that will take you around some of the more isolated beaches around Antalya that are only accessible by boat. You’ll be able to take a relaxing dip in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean, lay on the deserted beaches, or go snorkeling around the docked boat.

• Read more about the best beaches in Antalya.

Since the weather is especially hot in August, we recommend planning your trips to Antalya in the much more comfortable month of September. You’ll be arriving just in time for the 18-day long Antalya Festival featuring music, cuisine, and a little something for everyone. In fact, there is plenty to do almost year round in Antalya, whose beaches are warm from April through October.

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1. Best Beaches In Antalya, Turkey

Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey

Along Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast is the beautiful resort town of Alanya. Once a local secret (the first hotel was just built in 1958), it’s not hit the mainstream and one of the most popular beaches in all of the Mediterranean. The stone beaches are downright hot during the busy summer months of June, July, and August, but the deeper waters of the Mediterranean Sea are the perfect way to cool off while you work on that golden brown tan. There is a huge European population living in Alanya and many more (over 20,000) who visit every year. It is a very eclectic and multi-cultural place to plan a vacation and meet others from other parts of the world.

Alanya’s prime location, close to Antalya, many historical sites, and a quick trip to inner Anatolia and a day’s bus ride from Cappadocia, it’s one of the best places to base a summer vacation out of. Flights in and out of Antalya from many parts in Europe are quite frequent and it’s also easily accessible by cruise and ferry boat from the North Cypriot city of Girne.

One place not to be missed when in Alanya is a tour of the cliffs on the edge of the peninsula which the beaches rest on. There you can go hiking and explore some of the old walls that were set up by ancient civilizations to protect what was an important point along major shipping and trading lanes. This entire area, easily visible from the beaches and a short walk from most points in Alanya, is safe and very accessible to tourists. There are also a few jogging and hiking trails for those of you who like to stay active while on vacation.

Alanya has a similar climate to the other Turkish riviera beach town of Oludeniz. It is hot during the summer months, about 34 degrees Centigrade which corresponds to roughly 93 Fahrenheit. Alanya and the beaches around it also tend to be more humid during the day, but due to its southerly location, stays warm for more of the year. For beach weather in Alanya, the months between late-April-May and October are usually the best times to visit. During the winter months it does get a bit chilly, but you can still explore all of the nearby historical sites without any of the crowds.

The beaches of Alanya themselves need little advertisement outside of beautiful pictures – they really don’t need many words to make the case for this extraordinary area. Do make sure to visit some of the Byzantine ruins just outside of the beach areas. Tours are cheap and can be done in a few hours. Most hotels will coordinate them for you and shuttles take off and come back throughout the day. The Kizil Kule or Red Castle, built in 1226 is the most popular tourist destination for those visiting Alanya. It was built during the reign of the Seljuk Turks, it is the best preserved ancient building in all of the Antalya province.

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This peninsula located in the southwest corner of Turkey’s Aegean Sea coast is visually extraordinary in a region where such a feat is difficult to accomplish. The shape of the beach in the Mugla province is very distinct, jutting out into the light blue waters and alluring countless tourists with its white sand beaches. Although Oludeniz is certainly one of the most popular beaches in Turkey, its unique shape limits and distributes the crowds well. It is because of this you can visit the beach, even during the high season, and not feel completely overcrowded. Besides, with its warm, shallow waters, great restaurants, and fine sands you’ll be in the best of moods regardless.

The Turkish government also prevents much of the development around the beaches of Oludeniz, which surround a lagoon. It keeps the skyline looking natural and clear of overcrowding due to the common hotel high rises you often see around popular beaches. It also happens to be one of the best places to snorkel and go diving in the Aegean Sea and is well known the the diversity of marine life below the surface of it waters. That’s rather ironic for a “Oludeniz” which translated roughly means “dead beach”. There are many tour operators along the coast and you can find a number of reputable shops that will take you out to the best diving and snorkeling areas. Your best bet is to head out early in the morning when there are less crowds and the fish seem to be more active. You’ll see much more usually at this hour than going out during the peak hours of the day.

The temperatures around Oludeniz, while hot, aren’t blistering like a few of the Turkish beaches further south or along the Mediterranean. Temperatures average about 33 or 34 degrees Celcius (90-95F) during the hottest months of July and August although there is a cool breeze that tends to come down from the hills and off the water. The best weather in Oludeniz is certainly during September however and also happens to be the time when most people have headed back to work. Visiting Oludeniz during late September is quite a different experience than you’ll find in August. If you can plan you leave for that time, we would highly recommend it.

Oludeniz is also a great beach for paragliding due to the incredible views created by the foothills of the rolling mountains close to the beach and visibility from the air. Oludeniz is an official “blue flag” beach which means it meets a variety of environmental standards. It is important for the local and Turkish economies, so much so that great lengths have been taken to secure and maintain Oludeniz’s blug flag status.

• For more information check out our articles on what to do in Oludeniz and where to go in Oludeniz.

Very close to Fethiye in the south, if the beaches of Oludeniz are too packed when you arrive for your tastes, you can hop a local bus and make your way to the beaches there. It’s also a beautiful area and a bit more spread out during more height of the tourism season along Turkey’s riviera.

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Copyright @2012 Best Beaches In Turkey