The Turkish Riviera: 12 Best Beaches and Coastal Towns in Turkey

Turkey's south-west coast is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean: pine-covered mountains plunge into turquoise water, ancient ruins sit above sandy beaches and fishing towns turn into lively harbours at night. Here are the best beaches and coastal towns, from the Aegean to Antalya.

The Turquoise Coast

1. Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon

A sheltered, shallow lagoon of brilliant blue water beside a long pebble-and-sand beach. The lagoon is a nature park with an entrance fee, and paragliders land on the beach after jumping from Babadağ.

2. Butterfly Valley

Reachable by boat from Ölüdeniz, this secluded beach sits at the mouth of a gorge with a waterfall. Day boats stop for a swim and a short walk.

3. Kaputaş Beach

A tiny cove of turquoise water at the foot of a gorge between Kaş and Kalkan – reached by a long flight of steps from the coast road. Go early; it fills up fast.

4. Patara Beach

One of the longest beaches in Turkey – around 18 km of sand dunes – backed by the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Patara. It's protected for nesting turtles and closes at night.

5. Kaş

The prettiest town on the coast, with a harbour, bougainvillea-covered lanes, rock-platform swimming spots and some of the best diving and kayaking in Turkey.

6. Kekova

Kayak or take a boat over the sunken ruins of an ancient city off Kekova Island, then climb to the castle above the village of Kaleköy (Simena).

7. İztuzu Beach, Dalyan

Take a river boat past Lycian rock tombs to this long beach between river and sea, a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles.

Antalya and the east

8. Antalya – Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı

Antalya combines a beautiful walled old town with the long pebble beach of Konyaaltı, backed by mountains. The Düden Waterfalls tumble straight into the sea.

9. Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

A long sandy beach below Alanya's castle peninsula, with clear water and all the facilities of a big resort.

The Aegean coast

10. Bodrum

Whitewashed houses, a Crusader castle and a busy marina. The peninsula's bays – from quiet Gümüşlük to upmarket Yalıkavak – each have their own character.

11. Çeşme and Alaçatı

West of Izmir, Çeşme has sandy beaches such as Ilıca, and Alaçatı's stone streets are full of boutique hotels and restaurants. The wind makes it a windsurfing capital.

12. Take a Blue Cruise

Spend several days on a traditional wooden gulet, sailing between quiet coves around Fethiye, Göcek or Bodrum, with swimming stops and meals on deck.

Beach tips

• Book ahead in July and August – the coast is very busy.
• Respect turtle beaches: don't dig holes or leave rubbish, and leave beaches that close at night.
• Walk the Lycian Way: the long-distance trail along this coast has easy sections between beaches.

For more of the country, see our guide to the most beautiful places in Turkey.