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If you are looking for a beautiful vacation, you should consider checking out the beaches of Turkey. When people think about Turkey, they usually think about Istanbul, Ankara, and a tremendous amount of history that dates back to the Roman and Greek Empires with Olympos.
Even though there is a lot of history to explore in a country that straddles Europe and Asia, it is also one of the best locations if you are looking for beach holidays you will never forget.There are plenty of beautiful locations to explore in this unique country.
If you are planning on spending time in the Turkish Riviera, where should you go for your beach holiday? From Kemer to Cirali and from the Butterfly Valley to Alanya, there is a lot to see.
1. The Bodrum Peninsula
If you are looking for one of the best areas to party, you should definitely check out Bodrum. Not only is it one of the prettiest areas along the Turkish Riviera, it’s also a great place to enjoy some amazing Turkish food.
There are tourists who come to this area from all over the world, so you will certainly feel like you are in the middle of a cultural melting pot. Because of all the tourist dollars flowing into the area, it has modernized very quickly. Even though it can be a bit expensive, it is also very chic.
If you are looking for something a bit different to do in the area, you may want to sign up for a boat tour. It is one of the best ways to check out some of the hidden gems in the area. Then, you can sunbathe on the beach, go for a swim in the water, and gaze out into the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
When the sun goes down, you can check out some of the bars and clubs. It has some of the best nightlife in all of Turkey, so you may want to add this to your list if you are looking for a beautiful place to explore during your vacation.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists, you may want to check out some of the smaller beach towns in the area. For example, Bitez and Ortakent have some beautiful beaches. They are not that far away from Bodrum, but they are significantly less crowded. They are a bit more expensive because of how exclusive they are.
You may also want to check out Gumusluk, which is a popular beach with a low-key feel. It is an absolutely gorgeous area of the Turkish Coast, so even if you do not want to stay in this area, you may still want to visit it for the day.
There is an airport you can fly into if you want to visit Bodrum. There is also a ferry that connects Bodrum to the nearby Greek island of Kos. This is easily one of the most popular destinations for people looking for a beach vacation in Turkey.
2. Dalyan
This is a popular beach destination that is not necessarily situated on the coast but it is just a bit upriver from the main sea area. There are lots of bars and restaurants in the area, and it provides you with a nice laid-back feel for your vacation.
You can relax on the riverside beach, but you may want to check out some of the ancient remains and rock tombs in the area. If you are willing to leave the coastline, you will eventually reach Lake Koycegiz, which is known for its mud baths. It might not sound appealing at first, but it is a great way to relax during your beach vacation!
One of the most popular beaches is Iztuzu. You can only get there by taking a water taxi. It is a protective beach because it is a nesting area for sea turtles. It is also home to some amazing views.
This is an area that does not necessarily have the expanse of coastline of some of the other cities on the list, but once you get there, you will quickly realize why it is so popular among people looking for a coastal vacation.
3. Izmir
If you are looking for a big city you can enjoy during your beach vacation, then you will probably want to check out Izmir. You can fly right into this city because it has a major airport, and there is a ton to do in the area. It has an expansive coastline, so there is plenty of space to spread out. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
You can spend a lot of time sunbathing on the beach, trying some water sports, and going fishing. You might want to go stand-up paddleboarding, you can fly a kite in the area, and you can set up shop with a few beach chairs.
When you have had your fill of the sand, you can go into town and enjoy a nice urban vibe. There are lots of historic attractions to check out, such as Ephesus, Selcuk, and Pergamum. There are also some amazing resorts in the area, including Foca and Cesme, where you can get a massage or a bite to eat.
It is a bit more expensive than some of the other beach towns because of how large the city is. You should pay attention to the architecture when you walk around town. A significant chunk of the city was destroyed by a fire about a century ago, so there are plenty of newer, more modern buildings as well as ancient architecture. There is something for everyone in Izmir.
4. The Bozcaada Island
If you are looking for a way to get away from all of the tourists, then you may want to check out the island of Bozcaada, also called Tenedos Island. It is one of the numerous North Aegean Islands, but it belongs to Turkey, not Greece.
There are a lot of retired couples, young professionals, and hipsters looking for a weekend getaway who travel to the island. You will see a lot of cute cafes, colorful woodwork, and Bougainvillea during your vacation.
One of the major highlights of visiting this beach island is the vineyards. There are lots of vineyards that have set up shop on the island, so you may want to try a wine tour or tasting during your visit.
The wine here tastes like nothing else you have ever tried before, so consider poking around a bit. There are a few ways you can get to this island. In the middle of the summer, you can take a passenger ferry from Canakkale, but it doesn’t run during the quieter months of the year. You can also take the car ferry from Geyikli.
5. Kusadasi
Without a doubt, one of the most popular places for a beach holiday in Turkey is called Kusadasi. This is a large, expensive port city. It is very similar to Izmir, but it is much more of a vacation town instead of a major financial center.
There are lots of resorts, beautiful beaches, and plenty of sunshine. Furthermore, you are not that far away from Ephesus, so if you are looking for a bit of history on your beach vacation, you certainly have access to it.
The waterfront is definitely the highlight of this area. There is plenty of space to spread out, there is always something fun going on, and you will never have to look hard to find something delicious to eat. If you decide to go into the city, you can explore the shopping bazaar in the middle of town, you can gaze at old city walls, and you can explore some narrow city streets.
If you are looking for something truly beautiful, you may want to check out Dilek National Park. It is in the southern area of the city, and you might want to sign up for a tour. The most popular beaches to relax in include Ladies Beach and Long Beach. They can get a bit crowded, so if you want to have a place for the day, you will need to show up early.
If you are looking for another area to explore, you may want to take a ferry to Samos Island. It is a popular Greek island, and there is a lot of history to explore. There are also some amazing shops and restaurants to explore on the island. This area is approximately 90 minutes from the Izmir airport, but it is relatively easy to get to because it is a popular destination.
6. Alacati
There are some people who are looking for a boutique destination on vacation. One option is Alacati, which is known for its beautiful bed and breakfast destinations, its flowery streets, and its large harbor. It is significantly quieter than many of the other beach destinations, so it is the perfect place to relax. There are some small little cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy the scenery and get a bite to eat. There are also a lot of popular beaches in the area.
If you are interested in exploring a bit, you may want to check out the Greek island of Chios, which is just on the other side of the water. This area is approximately one hour from the Izmir airport, and it is the perfect place if you are looking for something a bit quieter during your vacation.
7. Ayvalik and Assos
You may want to visit Ayvalik and Assos during your visit as well. Ayvalik is a harbor town that is known for its agriculture and fishing. If you are looking for the best food in the area, this is definitely where you will want to go.
The olive oil is unlike anything else, their fresh produce is amazing, and the recipes the locals can cook are exceptional. You will also see a lot of people here taking a day trip from Lesvos, a Greek island that is not that far away. There are lots of sandy beaches to enjoy, and there is an amazing Byzantine old town in the area with some interesting history not far from the pebble beach.
If you head north from Ayvalik, you will eventually reach Assos. It is a small, seaside village. You may feel like you have set foot in Greece, as there are some brightly-painted fishing boats and some ancient stone buildings.
The waterfront is beautiful, and there are lots of historic buildings to explore in the area. You can also relax on the beaches here, get a bite to eat, or enjoy a drink. This area is approximately two hours by car from the Izmir airport.
8. Canakkale
One of the most popular places you may want to visit during your beach holiday is called Canakkale. This is a beach town that is known for its World War 1 history and its ties to the Ottoman Empire. It was the location of a battle that lasted for an entire year.
It guards the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, so it was a major strategic location. It was responsible for protecting Istanbul and the Black Sea, but today, it is a major tourist destination with its turquoise coast and white sand.
If you head to the south of the main town, you will also visit the ancient ruins of Troy. There is an Ancient Troy wooden horse near the harbor, so you will probably want to stop and take a picture. To get to this area, you can fly into the small airport or you can take a four-hour drive from Istanbul or Izmir. Once you are here, you can relax on the sandy beaches and allow the water to melt your stress away.
9. Akyaka
If you want a quiet beach vacation, then you may want to check out Akyaka. It is a bit smaller than some of the other beaches, but it still has a lot to offer. The traditional wooden architecture is absolutely beautiful, the food is delicious, and the surrounding countryside makes for some beautiful pictures.
There are plenty of hiking trails in the area, and the blue water juxtaposes beautifully with the green, rolling mountains in the background. It is not nearly as popular among foreign tourists, but it is a popular destination among the locals. The dark sand is also a unique feature of the beach. It is the perfect retreat if you are looking for a way to escape the hot summer heat. The water is absolutely refreshing.
10. Bozburun and Datca
If you head south from Akyaka a bit, you will eventually reach two peninsulas. One is called Datca and the other is Bozburun. This is a great place to go sailing. It is a bit windier than some of the other places, but that means it is perfect for those who like to get out on a boat. It is not as popular as some of the other beach towns on this list, but it is the perfect place to relax.
It is not nearly as developed as some of the other big cities mentioned above. If you gaze across the sea, you should be able to see the Greek island of Symi. You can reach this area in about 90 minutes if you fly into Bodrum airport. The roads are a bit slow and windy in this area, so it may take you a bit longer if you get stuck behind another car.
11. Gocek
Another popular beach town you may want to explore is called Gocek. It doesn’t necessarily have a lot of casinos or high-rise buildings, but it is a small harbor with a lot of towering yachts sitting just off the coast. Therefore, there are some people who call this the Monaco of Turkey.
There are lots of restaurants and shops to explore, so you should have access to plenty of entertainment. The actual beach itself is relatively small, but you should not have a lot of trouble getting a place to relax because there is so much to do in the area.
It can get busy in this area on Saturday because that is when a lot of the charter boats change over. If you want to get to this town, it is approximately 30 minutes from the Dalaman airport. There are also plenty of luxury wellness and spa centers in town if you are looking for a way to unwind.
12. Icmeler in the Marmaris Region
One of the most popular beach regions in Turkey is called Marmaris. There are lots of places to visit in this area, and you may want to start with Icmeler. It has been a popular tourist destination for a long time, and you may want to sign up to take a tour of the beach if you really want to explore everything. In the backdrop, you will see some giant Green Mountains.
A contrast beautifully with the blue sky above and the blue water below. There are lots of activities in the area, and you can do everything from hiking in the mountains to relaxing on the beach.
When the sun goes down, the nightlife gets going. There is plenty to do in town at night, so if you are looking for a place to party, this might be the place for you. There are lots of delicious restaurants and cafes in town as well, so you may want to explore during the day to see if there are any specials going on.
You can also take a day trip to Rhodes if you are looking for a bit of history during your vacation. There are plenty of tour companies in the area because this has always been such a popular tourist destination.
13. Turunc in the Marmaris Region
If you keep driving past Icmeler, you will eventually reach Turunc, another popular destination in the Marmaris area. It is not nearly as busy as Icmeler, but it is no less beautiful. The village is small, the white sand is still soft, and it is one of the best locations for young couples and people traveling with families who might be looking for something that isn’t quite as loud.
There are still plenty of bars and restaurants in this area, so you will have your fill of delicious food and refreshing beverages. If you want to check out in the busier areas, there are water taxis available that make the transfer easy. This is an absolutely picturesque destination for your beach vacation, so you may want to consider exploring during your visit to Turkey.
14. Fethiye
It is impressive that Fethiye manager has to be a very large working city and also an ideal place to relax. The town itself doesn’t have a sandy beach where you can chill out, but Calis is only a few kilometers from the center and town. You can get to the beach either via a water taxi or a bus. There is a lot to do in the center of town.
There are lots of amazing boats, plenty of people shopping on the streets, and lots of locations where you can get some street food. Then, you can take all of it out to the beach with you, where you can relax for the day. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations, so you should expect it to be busy with sun loungers, particularly during popular Turkey holidays.
Enjoy a Beach Vacation in Turkey
Clearly, there are a lot of beautiful places to explore in Turkey. There are lots of boat trips to various beachfront destinations, you can explore an ancient city or two, and there are holidaymakers who can help you plan.
Regardless of whether you explore the coves and caves of Cappadocia or the white sandy beaches of the Blue Lagoon, it is easy to see why this is the perfect beach holiday destination. The Mediterranean Coast is the perfect place for family holidays, so consider checking out a private beach or two in the area!
