With over 8000 km of coastline and over 300 blue flag beaches, Turkey makes the perfect spot for beach holidays
The country has some of the most beautiful pristine beaches in Europe, often with a backdrop of lush green forests and just a stone's throw from an archaeological treasure. Many secluded beaches can be enjoyed by relaxed boat trips available from the resorts.
The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Turkey; the Turkish Riviera also known popularly as the Turquoise Coast; are most famous for Oludeniz Beach near Fethiye, more commonly known as the Blue Lagoon. The extraordinarily beautiful mix of deep blue and bright green hues of the Blue Lagoon is the same reason that the whole of the Turkish seaside is sometimes known as the Turquoise Coast. Another must see for any summer traveler to Turkey is Patara Beach. Located in Antalya, the Patara is one of the Mediterranean's longest beaches at 18km. in length, and under protection by the Turkish government for nesting sea turtles. Curvy, sweeping sand dunes, surrounded by ancient ruins along with stiff coastal breezes for excellent wind surfing takes Patara Beach to the top of lists of World's Best Beaches for both natural beauty and great value.
The Turkish Rivieara
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The Turkish Riviera Antalya |
The Turkish Riviera city of Antalya set around a Roman harbour and old town is the main resort on the southern coast of Turkey; its long holiday season and warm waters can be enjoyed on the long stretches of beach just outside the town centre and there are too many activities available to mention, windsurfing, waterskiing and sailing to name a few.
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Fethiye Coastline
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Fethiye Coastline |
The most famous beach in Turkey has to be Olu Deniz (Dead Sea) near Fethiye, a serene lagoon beach with turquoise waters that graces the cover of so many holiday brochures. There is a small entry charge to use the lagoon beach, where only non-motorised sports are allowed. The main resort beach is free of entry charge, is the long stretch of shingle known as Belcegiz beach.
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Marmaris Peninsula
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The Marmaris Peninsula |
Marmaris Peninsula, a favourite with British tourists, is a lovely seafront of restaurants and cafes against a backdrop of pine-clad hills with beaches just out of town. A buzzing resort, if the beaches get too crowded there are hotel pools as an alternative and the town really comes to life after dark. It is possible to take a day trip to the Greek island Rhodes just a few hours away by boat.
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North Aegean Coast
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The North Aegean Coast |
Moving round the Turkish coast anti-clockwise the first resort worthy of mention is Cesme and Alacati which is popular for its fine sandy beaches, mineral springs and ideal wind conditions, making it a popular centre for kite-surfing, sailing and windsurfing. Some of the nearby beaches include the out of town Long Beach, a 6km stretch of sand or the sandy beach of Kustur 5kms to the north.
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Bodrum Peninsula
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The Bodrum Peninsula |
Bodrum with its whitewashed houses cascading in bright pink bougainvillea is well loved as one of Turkey's most trendy and sophisticated resorts with blend of history, proximity to a vast array of fantastic beaches, fishing villages and hip nightclubs. The views of the city are exceptionally striking against the stunning backdrop of the Castle of St Peter which stands formidably between the city's twin bays, making it a magnet for yachtsmen too.
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Kalkan Coastline
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Kalkan Coastline |
In recent years, Kalkan has become an in spot for upmarket couples seeking a taste of authentic Turkey. It is a pretty village of stone-built houses set on a hillside around the attractive harbour. Narrow lanes lead down to the seafront, packed with shops, sophisticated bars and restaurants, mostly serving traditional Turkish fare, with some excellent seafood and fish restaurants on the harbour-front.
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Black Sea Coast
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Black Sea Coast |
Turkey's Black Sea coast; secluded nature and unpolluted beaches, is beautiful, accessible but largely ignored. The landscape of Black Sea coast is a rich weave of greens, the air is mild and the sea flows milky white to deep turquoise and black under storm clouds. The all people are friendly, more outgoing than other Turkish people, enjoy life and want everyone else to do the same. The food is fresh, tasty and inexpensive.
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Plan Your Holiday
More Turkey Ideas
Sailing and Cruising
Turkey is surrounded by sea to three sides, lie back and watch the beautiful scenery.
Sailing and Cruising
Marinas in Turkey
Turkey offers spectacular coastlines, luxury hotels, modern marinas for sailing and cruising.
Marinas in Turkey
Blue Flag Beaches
Turkey's beautiful beaches have won 23 new blue flags, and have now reached a total of 258.
Blue Flag Beaches