You know, when most people think of Turkey, they might picture bustling bazaars, aromatic kebabs, or ancient ruins (and rightly so!), but don’t sleep on the beach towns in Turkey. Turkey has access to 4 seas- the Mediterranean to the south, the Aegean to the west, the Sea of Marmara between the European and Asian land masses, and the Black Sea to the north. And along all these coasts, you can find plenty of gorgeous beach towns in Turkey, and in this article, we’ll show you the best of Turkey’s seaside splendor!
Helpful Resources For Discovering Beach Towns In Turkey
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Bodrum
We start off this list of the best beach towns in Turkey with Bodrum, Turkey’s hippest beach hangout. In between those whitewashed buildings, you’ve got the majestic Bodrum Castle keeping an eye out. And while you’re here, a trip to the ancient Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is basically mandatory (because who doesn’t love ticking a Wonder of the Ancient World off their list?). The city is also home to the underwater Archaeology Museum and of course, some of the most gorgeous beaches in Turkey.
Fethiye
Ever stumble upon a beach town that not only nails the sun-and-sand gig but throws in ancient rock tombs and a world-famous lagoon to boot? Welcome to Fethiye, home of the Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs, one of the best paragliding spts in Turkey, and of course, beaches.
Antalya
Antalya is the undisputed coastal king of Turkey, famous for blue flag beaches, ancient history, and waterfalls tumbling directly into the sea (I’m talking about Düden Waterfalls, one of the hottest attractions in the area). And if you’re in the mood for a stroll, the winding lanes of Kaleiçi are basically an outdoor museum. You can also indulge in a lot of other activities, like a pirate boat cruise or even a hot air balloon ride. Whatever you decide, Antalya is here to make sure you never have a dull moment.
Kuşadası
This list of the best beach towns in Turkey wouldn’t be complete without Kuşadası. Sandwiched between cerulean waters and buzzing boulevards, this town knows how to throw a beach party by day and light up the night, oh, and it has a sight like Ephesus (ancient Greek ruins) right in its backyard? So, while you’re working on that tan, remember you’re just a hop away from structures that have been around for more than a millennium. And for those itching for a bit more modern action, the town’s bustling marina and promenade don’t disappoint.
Çeşme
Tucked away on Turkey’s western tip, Çeşme offers one of the best scuba diving experiences in Turkey, plus some windmill-studded landscapes. It’s also one of the best places for windsurfing in Turkey and home to several local thermal springs (basically nature’s version of a jacuzzi). Oh, and let’s not forget the historic Çeşme Castle, which dates back to the 15th century.
Marmaris
Marmaris is like the Swiss Army knife of beach towns in Turkey. It has a bustling promenade, rich history, as shown with sites like the Marmaris Castle, and great sailing opportunities from one of the largest marinas in Turkey. Oh, and did I mention the Dalyan mud baths, perfect for those seeking a natural spa day with a twist, the jeep safaris, and nearby island explorations? Yup, Marmaris offers all that.
Side
Fancy a place where beach days come with a side of ancient ruins? Side’s got you. Now, this isn’t just another sunny spot to work on that tan; it’s where Apollo’s Temple casually photobombs your beach selfies. Thinking of catching a show? The ancient amphitheater is still open for business – well, sort of. And the Old Town? It’s like walking through a living history book, but with better food stalls. Side’s basically where the past and the present decided to hang out and catch some waves together. So, grab your hat, your history goggles, and maybe a floatie, because Side’s unique blend of sands and stories is one for the books.
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Alanya
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Just another beach town, right?” Wrong. And although Alanya is one of the best beach towns in Turkey, it has a lot more to offer, like the Alanya Castle, the mind-blowing Damlataş Cave, the nearby Sapadere Canyon… This isn’t the end, by the way, I just don’t want to make this list too long. But I should probably also mention the incredible chance to go paragliding over the sea, or take an underwater tour off Alanya’s coast.
Datça
Nestled comfortably between the Aegean and Mediterranean, Datca is known for its crystal-clear waters, sun-soaked beaches, ancient ruins (like the Knidos amphitheater), and interestingly, a lot of almonds (some of the world’s finest, if I may add).
Kaş
Kaş is the kind of place where cobblestone streets and bohemian vibes crash right into the Mediterranean with underwater allure; what I mean by this is that Kas is also home to the submerged Lycian city (Kekova), one of the world’s most incredible sunken attractions. And if you’re thinking, “What about some old-world charm?” don’t fret. The town is also home to an ancient amphitheater and several other old structures in the area.
Ayvalık
Welcome to Ayvalık, where the Aegean Sea gives its finest show. The town is home to numerous samples of old Greek architecture, island-studded horizons, and countless olive groves for days, and the culinary invention of the Ayvalık toast, one of the most delicious revelations of my journeys. Just off the town’s coast you’ll also find Cunda, a gorgeous island with its own maze of old stone houses and ancient tales, and Sarımsaklı Beach, one of Turkey’s most beautiful.
Göcek
Ever found a spot where yachts casually hobnob with the backdrop of lush mountains? Well, that’s the definition of Göcek. Nestled right in Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, this town is surrounded by towering mountains and has a very active marina. Very close to the town’s coast, you can find numerous islands, and this 12-island tour is an absolute must for everyone vacationing in Gocek. Oh, and for those with a diving spirit, the underwater caves off the coast of Gocek are another incredible experience waiting to happen.
Belek
If you like to laze on one of Turkey’s premium stretches of beach while also maybe (just maybe) getting a hole-in-one, Belek is the perfect place! It’s where the Mediterranean sun dances on golf greens and luxury resorts play footsie with pristine beaches. The town is also home to the Aspendos Theatre and a few other ancient Roman relics that have been around for millennia.
Kemer
If you’ve been dreaming of a place where pine forests gracefully waltz with the Mediterranean, Kemer is one place you will want to visit. Yes, like all other towns on this list, it has beaches, but there’s also Olympos – an ancient city hundreds of years old, and the mountain of Yanartaş (or the flaming rock) that has dozens of small fires that burn constantly from vents in the rocks on the side of the mountain.
Trabzon
Trabzon is actually one of Turkey’s largest cities, but we feel this list of the best beach towns in Turkey wouldn’t be complete without it. To describe the city in one sentence, I’d say emerald hills that spill into the Black Sea. And such a big city will, of course, have a rich history, and sites like the Sumela Monastery, precariously perched on a cliff, the Trabzon Castle, the Atatürk Pavilion, the Santa Maria Church, and the legendary Meydan, just to name a few.
And then there are nature sites, like Uzungöl’s mountain-fringed lake view, Boztepe Park, Cal Cave, the Zagnos Valley Park, Alitndere National Park, and a myriad of coastal adventures to choose from.
Sinop
Sinop is a coastal town in the Black Sea that boasts gorgeous beaches, tales of ancient civilizations, and many historical sites to show for it, like the Sinop Fortress Prison that gives Alcatraz a run for its money, the medieval Alaaddin Mosque and the Sinop Archaeological Museum. And let’s talk beaches – Hamsilos Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Black Sea.
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Didim
If you’re tired of the same ol’ beach towns in Turkey, let’s turn the spotlight to Didim, home to Altınkum Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey’s Aegean region, the Temple of Apollo, an ancient Greek temple, more than 2,000 years old, and the giant Medusa head Temple that overlooks the city. Yes, Didim might be small, but its history is evidently huge and stretches back even longer than its beautiful beaches. Lastly, if that’s not enough for you, there are also a lot of places to go for a Turkish bath or maybe even a day trip to the famous Pamukkale.
How did you like our list of the best beach towns in Turkey? Which one was your favorite? Which one would you like to visit first? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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