Deep blue seas, impressive landscape and countless beaches:this is how you describe a holiday on the Aegean and Mediterranean coast of Turkey in a nutshell. This list of five beautiful Turkish beaches will help beach lovers on their way to the best places on the coast. All beaches have the 'Blue Flag' mark and are known for the snow white sand with crystal clear sea water. Located in a beautiful landscape with many archaeological sites in the vicinity, these are the 'must-visits' beaches of Turkey.
Çıralı – Antalya
Çıralı, where nature and history go hand in hand, is a 3 kilometer long beach on the coast of the ancient city of Olympos. The beach with fine soft sand is protected breeding grounds for sea turtles that build their nests and lay eggs here. There are therefore only a limited number of accommodations for rent in the area. The beach of Çıralı offers the ultimate beach holiday atmosphere thanks to the picturesque bungalows surrounded by citrus and pomegranate trees, the many colored hammocks and the lanterns that light up in the evening. The name Çıralı means "fire" or "light" referring to the mountain Yanartas, also called Chimaera. Natural gas in the mountain creates flames that rise from the opening of the rocks. The 'Eternal Fire of Chimaera' is a special spectacle that is definitely worth a visit.
Kabak – Uzunyurt/Muğla
The village of Faralya is located 8 kilometers south of Fethiye on a slope covered with a Turkish pine forest ( Pinus brutia). The Kabak Cove is located at 2 kilometers walking distance and is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy nature in peace and quiet. The Kabak Cove is located along the long-distance 'Lycian Way' hiking trail at the point where the green pine forest and the clear blue sea meet. The deep bay is surrounded on three sides by dense forests and flows into the beach, which is about 200 meters long. Inland, the Aladere stream provides waterfalls and natural (swimming) ponds. The special geological location and composition of the area is a feast for the eyes.
İztuzu – Dalyan/Muğla
In summer, not only bathers can be found on the beaches of İztuzu:sea turtles nest here like to lay in the sand to lay their eggs. That is why this beautiful beach is a protected nature reserve. A narrow stream splits the beach in two and connects an inland lake to the sea. Here you can take a dip in the waves, sunbathe on the white sand and then cool off in the fresh waters of the lake. The opportunity to swim in both fresh and salt water is unique. On one side of the strip there are beach bars of İztuzu Beach and on the other side the facilities of Dalyanağzı Beach are waiting for you. İztuzu Beach is accessible by road from Dalyan. Here you can also take the boat and sail to Dalyanağzı Beach. The ancient city of Kaunos, a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is nearby. A day at the beach and sniffing culture is therefore easy to combine.
Patara – Kalkan/Antalya
Patara Beach, Turkey's second longest sandy beach, has a length of 14 kilometers and is between 280 meters and 1.5 kilometers wide. It is one of the most important nesting sites in Turkey for sea turtles and falls under a special environmental protection zone where no buildings are allowed on the beach. At both ends of the beach there are pavilions with facilities such as showers and changing rooms, where you can go for a tasty snack and a cold drink. Patara Beach is 17 kilometers from Kalkan, 43 kilometers from Kaş and 73 kilometers from Fethiye. Before reaching the beach, drive through the beautiful historic town of Patara. Between May 15 and September 15, beachgoers and sea turtles share the sands of Patara Beach. Bathing guests are allowed between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM. Then the sea turtles get the beach to themselves to nestle in the sand and lay their eggs in peace.
Akvaryum – Bozcaada/Çanakkale
The Akvaryum (Aquarium) Cove on the south coast of the Aegean island of Bozcaada (Tenedos) is a small beach located on a deep blue sea and surrounded by spectacular scenery. The bay is known for the crystal clear water where you can see the fish swimming past you. It is therefore a 'must-go' for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The Akvaryum Cove can be reached by bicycle, on foot or by minibus service from the center of the island. Thanks to the regular ferry services, there is a good connection between Bozcaada and the mainland. The world-famous old town of Troy and the memorial sites of the Battle of Gallipoli are within easy reach, making Bozcaada an ideal holiday destination for beach lovers who like to soak up some culture.
