Insider guide: Turkey's best beaches

Published 17 August 2020

From the Bodrum Peninsula to the Gulf of Fethiye, this area of the Aegean Sea is dotted with so many coves and scenic bays you’ll be hard pressed to find a beach that doesn’t hit the spot. From hidden gems to hip strips of sand, the following sandy highlights are just waiting to be discovered from the luxurious haven of your Burgess charter yacht.

Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz

Owing to its starring role as Turkey’s pin-up beach, you’ve probably already seen pictures of the Blue Lagoon’s vibrant blue waters contrasting against its blinding white sands. The wide, sheltered bay is a protected natural park, with calm waters that attract families who swim off the long sandy spit. Inside the bay are a number of popular beach bars and restaurants. For the more active guests on board, the Babadag Mountains in the background also provide the perfect launch pad for paragliding.

Kabak Beach

Surrounded by pine forests and mountains, this deserted beach involves a steep half hour walk downhill, or, for the waterborne, via a tender from Half-Moon Bay. Close to the bohemian village of Kabak, south of Ölüdeniz, the beach is a combination of pebbles and white sand. There are a few shaded areas and a couple of beach bars, and if you are lucky, probably some loggerhead turtles to keep you company.

Kelebekler Vadisi (Butterfly Valley)

Remote and largely undeveloped, Kelebekler Vadisi is a back to nature experience. A hippy hot spot near Ölüdeniz, the beach is so called because of the hundreds of species of butterfly that make their home here every year. Access to the designated nature reserve is by water or a long hike, and because of this remoteness, it remains unspoiled – a picture perfect cove of turquoise water and white sand.

Olympos and Cirali Beach

Tucked away in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, the long bay that encompasses Olympos and Cirali Beach is so hard to reach it remains undeveloped save for a small handful of restaurants. At one end of the beach lie the epic ruins of Olympos, and at the other, the eternal flames of Chimaera. In between there are designated WWF protected conservation areas where endangered loggerhead turtles nest.

Patara Beach

The longest beach in all of Turkey at 11 miles, Patara Beach is named after the nearby Lycian city, Patara. The remains of the ruined temples here are the perfect backdrop to the picturesque stretch of sand lapped by warm, shallow waters. Part of a national park, the sand dunes are again another protected breeding ground for loggerhead turtles, and because of this there are no buildings aside from a small café. The beach is also closed to the public after sunset to protect the nesting turtles.

Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Sitting in the foothills of the medieval Alanya Castle, this is one of the hippest strips of sand along the Turquoise Coast. Named after Cleopatra, who is said to have fallen in love with the beautiful bay, the beach is lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.

Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan (Turtle Beach)

One of the most prominent nesting spots for loggerhead turtles in all of Turkey, Iztuzu Beach is another beautiful stretch of sand that benefits from being a protected nature reserve. Stretching for almost three miles, the soft, golden sands are surrounded by a freshwater river delta on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Like Patara Beach, Iztuzu is closed to the public after sunset to protect the nesting turtles.

Kaputaş Beach

The legendary bay of Kaputaş sits beneath two forested cliffs at the mouth of Kaputaş Canyon. Located just off the long, windy coastal road that runs between Kas and Kalkan, access is via 187 steep steps, or, for the lucky few, by water. Lapped by clear, shallow waters ideal for families and small children, the beach is popular during peak season but remains relatively uncrowded in late season.

Konyaalti

The glistening Mediterranean Sea laps the long stretch of sand that is Konyaalti Beach. Located just outside Antalya’s city centre, the popular beach attracts both well-heeled locals and visitors who come for the upmarket food court and vast choice of activities on offer.

Ortakent

For those looking for a relatively quiet beach with good facilities including watersports and beach bars, Ortakent is perfectly positioned just west of Bodrum. The stretch of dark golden sand is backed by whitewashed buildings with restaurants and tea gardens shaded beneath pine trees.

Yacht charterers can expect perfect weather in Turkey throughout a sundrenched summer season that runs through to mid October, with calm blue mornings, brisk afternoon breezes and balmy evenings.

Choose your yacht to explore Turkey

MEAMINA

Sophisticated styling and a host of entertainments, both on and off the water, make MEAMINA a top choice for families seeking fun and relaxation.

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EMOTION2

For the ultimate charter experience, EMOTION2 offers a plethora of watertoys for lazy days spent out at anchor.

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LIBERTY

Depending on the size of your charter party, LIBERTY’s versatile deck areas have plenty of lounging areas for both large social gatherings and smaller, more intimate occasions.

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LADY LENA

LADY LENA offers a stunning beach club at sea level with float-in tender dock. Perfect for soaking up the views.

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ORIENT STAR

The perfect combination of performance and luxury, ORIENT STAR offers the ideal platform for exploring many beaches.

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GO

Flexible accommodation for up to 10 guests is one of GO’s most practical features, making her a highly sought-after charter yacht.

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MORNING STAR

Beautifully styled with accommodation for 10, MORNING STAR offers plentiful entertainment options making her a great choice for family fun.

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QUEST R

Combining performance and luxury, QUEST R accommodates 12 guests. Relax on the sun deck after taking the tender to a secluded beach.

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SUN

With an eco-friendly design, striking looks and a host of amenities on board, SUN promises family fun this summer.

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AQUARIUS

With a PADI dive instructor on board, explore the underwater world as well as soaking up the luxury on deck.

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FX

10 guests can experience the very best of Turkey this summer on board the super stylish FX offering a jacuzzi on the sun deck and a chic interior.

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PANFELISS

A spacious main saloon and aft deck dining area are ideal for family and friends to spend time together. Combine that with a jacuzzi and a great crew and and PANFELISS is an excellent choice.

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To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.