The best beaches in Turkey, from Kaputaş to Belek

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From the road between Kalkan and Kaş, a long flight of steps leads down to Kaputaş, a small cove with water so turquoise it looks dyed. Above you the mountains rise, below you there is only rock, sand and sea. Much of Turkey's south coast is like this: mountains running straight into the water, with beaches squeezed in between.

Turkey is more than the resort towns around Antalya. West of the city lies the Lycian coast, with ancient ruins, long beaches and protected nature. East of the city lie Belek and Alanya, where the big hotels have their own beaches. We have split the coast into three, with the beaches worth the trip and who they suit.

Short answer: which beaches in Turkey are best?

Kaputaş is the most beautiful cove, and Patara is the longest and wildest sandy beach. Ölüdeniz is best for calm, shallow water, while Iztuzu near Dalyan is best for nature and turtles. East of Antalya, Cleopatra Beach in Alanya and the beaches of Belek are the easiest choices for a family beach holiday.

• Most beautiful cove: Kaputaş, between Kalkan and Kaş

• Longest sandy beach: Patara, Lycian coast

• Calmest water: the lagoon at Ölüdeniz

• Best for nature: Iztuzu, Dalyan

• Best for families: Cleopatra Beach, Alanya, and Belek

The Lycian coast: Kaputaş, Patara and Ölüdeniz

Kaputaş sits in a gorge by the coast road, and you reach it down a long staircase from the road. The beach is small and fills up by midday, so come early or late. The water is clear and gets deep quickly.

Patara is one of the longest sandy beaches in Turkey, with dunes behind it and the ruins of ancient Patara on the way down. The beach is protected because sea turtles nest here in summer, so there are few buildings and little shade. Bring water and a parasol.

Ölüdeniz near Fethiye is famous for its lagoon, a calm, shallow pool separated from the sea by a sand spit. Above the beach, paragliders drift down from Babadağ mountain. The lagoon is protected and charges an entrance fee, but the water is among the calmest on the whole coast.

Dalyan and Çıralı: turtles and ruins

Iztuzu is a long sandy beach where the Dalyan river meets the sea. It is a nesting site for sea turtles and closes at night during nesting season. The best way to get there is by boat from Dalyan, past the Lycian rock tombs.

Çıralı is a quiet village with a long beach of sand and pebbles and the ruins of Olympos at one end. Turtles nest here too. In the evening you can walk up to Yanartaş, where small flames burn out of the mountainside. There are few big hotels, mostly small guesthouses.

Antalya, Belek and Alanya: city beaches and big resorts

Konyaaltı is Antalya's city beach, long and pebbly, with the Taurus Mountains right behind it. It has a promenade, cafés and a cycle path, and suits you if you want to combine swimming with city life. Lara Beach east of the city is sandy.

Belek has long sandy beaches and almost nothing but large resorts, many with golf and all inclusive. It is easy and comfortable, especially with children, but there is little to explore beyond the hotel. In Alanya, Cleopatra Beach is the famous one, with pale sand and the castle on the hill above town. Read our Turkey guide.

Maxx Royal Belek: luxury with golf and beach

Maxx Royal Belek sits right on the sand in Belek, with cabanas along the water, a golf course and many restaurants. Everything is included, and at a high level. It is expensive and not very Turkish in style, but suits you if you want everything in one place and nothing to think about.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort

Rixos Premium Belek: for the family

Rixos Premium Belek has its own beach, large pools and access to The Land of Legends theme park. That makes it one of the most popular choices for families with children in Belek. Expect plenty of guests in high season.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Rixos Premium Belek

Granada Luxury Beach: a beach west of Alanya

Granada Luxury Beach sits on the coast west of Alanya, with its own beach, several pools and all inclusive. It is a cheaper alternative to the big resorts in Belek, and you are a short drive from Alanya and Cleopatra Beach.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Granada Luxury Beach

When to go

• May, June, September and October: warm enough to swim, without the peak heat and crowds.

• July and August: hottest and busiest. The sea is warmest in August and September.

• Turtle season: from May to September sea turtles nest on Patara, Iztuzu and Çıralı. Keep clear of marked nests and do not stay on the beach at night.

• Car hire: the Lycian coast road is winding, but it is the best way to see the beaches.

Frequently asked questions about Turkey's beaches

What is the best beach in Turkey?

Kaputaş is the most beautiful cove, and Patara is the longest sandy beach. For calm, shallow water, the lagoon at Ölüdeniz is best.

Where in Turkey is best for beaches?

The Lycian coast between Fethiye and Antalya has the most beautiful beaches. Belek and Alanya east of Antalya are best for an easy beach holiday with a hotel on the sand.

Are Turkey's beaches sandy or pebbly?

Both. Patara, Iztuzu, Belek and Cleopatra Beach are sandy, while Konyaaltı and many coves on the Lycian coast are pebbly.

Can you see sea turtles in Turkey?

Yes, sea turtles nest on beaches such as Patara, Iztuzu and Çıralı in summer. The beaches are protected, and some close at night.

Do you have to pay to swim at Ölüdeniz?

The lagoon at Ölüdeniz is protected and charges an entrance fee. The open beach next to it is free.

Read next

• Turkey travel guide

• The best beaches in Greece

• The best beaches in Spain

• The best beaches in Europe