Turkey's Top 10 Most Beautiful and Free Beaches

The summer season is fast approaching when the trio of sun, sand, and sea starts getting mentioned together. We’ve compiled a list of beaches where you can enjoy the crystal-clear blue waters and nature in unison. Before setting your travel itinerary, make sure to check out this list of beaches.

Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan 

Located near the town of Dalyan in Muğla, this beach stretches about 5 km long. Known globally as a nesting site for Caretta carettas, Iztuzu Beach boasts warm waters and golden sands worth seeing. You can reach the beach by your car or by boats from Dalyan Pier. The boat trip offers a chance to navigate through a labyrinth-like delta and witness breathtaking views. The beach uniquely features both fresh and salt water. The point where you disembark the boat has fresh water, while the other side extends into the vast Mediterranean. The first thing that catches your eye when you arrive at the beach are the irregularly placed cages, which are nesting sites for turtles. The young, unseen during the day, quietly wait for the night. If you're lucky, you might see a playful one burst out of its nest and dash madly towards the sea. Iztuzu also has a rehabilitation center for injured and juvenile caretta carettas, which you can visit. Its shallow waters are ideal for non-swimmers, including children, and entry to the beach is free. If you venture a bit away from the sun loungers and umbrellas, you can find perfect spots where you can only hear the sound of the waves.

Dolungaz Beach, Karaburun 

This hidden cove is located in Karaburun, Izmir. With its turquoise waters, it mesmerizes everyone who visits. The area to sunbathe and sit isn’t very spacious, so it's advisable to arrive early to secure a spot against this beautiful view. There is also a camping option at the cove. Entry to the beach is free; you can bring your own umbrella and camping chair. However, if you wish to stay overnight, you can do so in your own tent for a small fee. To reach the beach, you descend through rocky terrain. The view of the beach, facing Lesbos, and the moment you dive into the turquoise waters, make you forget all fatigue.

Bodrum Beach, Karaburun 

Another choice in Karaburun is Bodrum Beach, located in one of Izmir's most beautiful coves. This beach is covered with pebbles, featuring pristine and deep blue waters, making it one of the most popular beaches in the area. The municipality offers free loungers and umbrellas, though finding a spot can be challenging, so bringing your own chair and umbrella is recommended. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the beachfront, allowing you to satisfy your food and drink needs or you could have a small picnic.

Ayazma Beach, Bozcaada

 If you’ve decided to meet the sea in the ice-blue waters of the Aegean, Ayazma Beach is just for you. Located in Çanakkale, it is by far the most popular beach on the island during the summer. With its ice-cold waters and wide golden sand, Ayazma Beach is frequently talked about. Entry is free, and you can rent umbrellas and loungers from local businesses to enjoy the stunning views. You can also bring your own food and spend a fantastic day under your umbrella against the wonderful scenery.

Konyaaltı Beach, Antalya

 Situated to the west of Antalya city center and a holder of the Blue Flag, Konyaaltı Beach stretches about 7 km. One of the first places that come to mind when you think of summer in Turkey, it has a mixture of sand and pebble formations. With its deep blue sea and nature encompassing every shade of green, it is a must-visit beach. Welcoming thousands of local and international tourists each year, entry to Konyaaltı Beach is free. It gets very crowded during the summer months, so it’s best to go early to get a prime spot to enjoy nature.

Lara Beach, Antalya 

Another option in Antalya is Lara Beach. Lara means "sand" in the Hittite language, which is why this beach is renowned for its spectacular sandy shore. Lara Beach boasts the longest sandy beach in Turkey. It is a favorite among those who seek a calm and peaceful holiday. With its smooth and golden sand, alongside its azure sea and natural surroundings, this beach ensures a wonderful day out. Just behind the beach lies a small pine forest. When the summer heat becomes overwhelming, the gentle breeze from the forest provides a refreshing respite. If you are interested in picnicking or camping, you can use the facilities and the beach provided by the municipality free of charge.

Ölüdeniz Beach, Fethiye

You can easily reach Ölüdeniz by your own vehicle or by minibuses departing from the town center. Along the way, you are first greeted by paragliders, then you reach Belcekız and Ölüdeniz beaches. The turquoise and wavy Belcekız beach leads to the enchanting calm of Ölüdeniz Beach, one of the must-see beaches in Turkey. With its warm water and views of Babadağ, Ölüdeniz is not only one of Turkey’s but also one of the world's most pristine and beautiful beaches. This approximately 3 km long beach is a natural wonder where you can see the most beautiful shades of green and blue. Entrance is free, and you can bring your own umbrella to enjoy the natural beauty.

Çalış Beach, Fethiye

 Imagine a beach that stretches for kilometers, with crystal clear blue waters and the sun setting over Fethiye Bay in the evening... Çalış Beach hosts a variety of hotels and restaurants with different concepts, making it a great place to enjoy both nature and entertainment. This beach is also one of the rare locations where endangered loggerhead turtles lay their eggs. At Çalış Beach, you can enjoy the deep blue sea all day and try water sports after sunbathing. The meeting of the sea and the setting sun in Fethiye Bay takes away all the fatigue of the day. Entrance to Çalış Beach is free, and it is worth visiting just to watch the sunset.

Torba Beach, Bodrum

In Bodrum, one of the most popular tourist destinations during the summer, there is Torba Beach, close to the forest, where you can see many shades of green and blue. It offers a calm, serene alternative to the crowded beaches of Bodrum. Although the beach is exposed to the shore breeze, the light breeze that picks up in the evening makes it possible to cool down. On windless days, the water is exceptionally clear and clean. The beach and sea floor are completely sandy, making it very comfortable for families with children. Torba Beach has warm waters and offers free entry. Along the beach, you can meet your needs at small businesses operated by Bodrum Municipality at affordable prices, and you can also rent umbrellas and sun loungers if you wish.

Ortakent Beach, Bodrum

Ortakent Beach, one of Bodrum's Blue Flag beaches, is located in a quaint town that has preserved its old village character, accessed through narrow paths winding through greenery. You can swim in a sea as clear as an aquarium, surrounded by the sweet scents of mandarin orchards. The beach and sea floor are fine sand. The water temperature is refreshing during the hot summer days, suitable for those who are not strong swimmers and for families with children. The entrance is free, and its cleanliness is highlighted by the Blue Flag award it has received since 2010.

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