Turkey stretches from Europe to the Middle East, making it a culturally diverse tourist destination. In fact, Turkey was a main travel attraction in 2018 and is continuing to be so in 2019. The beaches of Turkey include gorgeous views of the Mediterranean as well as other interesting destinations. This list details the best beach holiday destinations in Turkey for 2019.
1. Antalya
Described as paradise on earth, this traditional beach-side is a Turkish gem. You can enjoy the Turkish Riviera or the Mediterranean as well as enjoying nightlife and plenty of shopping opportunities. This classic area has various waterfalls, caves and archeological cities to explore. The suburbs of Antalya include malls, movie theaters and an array of areas for shopping.
If you plan a family trip, there is Aqua Land, which includes plenty of fun on the water including rafting the Koprulu River. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Ottoman cuisine at one of many traditional restaurants. You can also check out Cirali, which is a beach that homes nesting sea turtles.
With all that Antalya has to offer, it truly is an amazing spot for a beach holiday and much more.
2. Bodrum
Home to various luxurious resorts, Bodrum is a renowned holiday peninsula known for its climate and natural beauty.
The history lovers will enjoy examining the ruins of the Mausoleum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exploring the shopping on market day. There is also the castle of St. Peter to explore. The peninsula is home of many Ottoman-era cisterns and olive groves and has been a famous Turkish vacation spot for many years.
If you’re looking to relax, Bodrum offers spas, restaurants and a number of gorgeous beaches. There are also clubs if you enjoy the nightlife. The only downside is that the Bodrum Peninsula has become a very popular tourist destination, so if you don’t like crowds you may want to visit on the off-season.
3. Patara
Home to Turkey’s longest beach, Patara Beach is 18 kilometers of white sand beach and home to nesting sea turtles. The dunes surrounding the beach are perfect for climbing and running down and the shallow surf is great for body surfing.
This simple and rustic area is also home to Lycian ruins including an amphitheater and a basilica for exploring after you’ve spent hours on the beach. Patara is surrounded by pomegranate, walnut, olive and fig trees, and the village center is home to small and rustic restaurants and bars.
4. Alanya
This Medieval town on the southwest coast of Turkey is home to the most popular beach on the western side, Kleopatra Beach. Here you can enjoy watersports, deep waters and a promenade of restaurants and bars near the beach.
The Roman history of Alanya involves pirates and includes gorgeous architecture to explore including a castle. While there are plenty of historic areas to visit, there is also a stunning view of the Taurus Mountains and boat trips around the rock.
With pleasant restaurants and shopping included, this truly makes Alanya one of the best holiday areas in Turkey.
5. Kermer
The lush green surroundings of the Taurus Mountains hide the gem of Cirali Beach. The gorgeous blue waters of this beach are great for swimming and sunbathing. With plenty of blue flag, pebble stone beaches there are various opportunities for watersports and swimming.
Kermer is on the Gulf of Antalya and has been an important part of Turkey’s tourism industry for decades. For good reason: the great restaurants, shopping, marina and Eco Park are some of the greatest tourist sites around.
There are also various bars and clubs for those who love the nightlife. Kermer is sure to have something for everyone.
6. Cesme
A coastal town and administrative center of the district, Cesme is on the tip of a peninsula on the western side of Turkey. A popular holiday resort for its beaches, metropolitan area and Cesme Castle, Cesme is a wonderful place to enjoy a holiday.
The white sand beaches and warm, healing waters make the beaches of Cesme some of the best in Turkey. After a day on the coast of the Mediterranean, you can enjoy exploring Cesme Castle and dining at one of the local restaurants. If nightlife is your scene, Cesme is home to many bars and clubs to pass the warm evenings.
7. Side
Located on a beautiful, low peninsula pointing into the Mediterranean, the golden sand of Side (pronounced See-day) shows the turquoise sea and ancient ruins. The history, antiquity and nature of this area make it one of Turkey’s best vacation destinations.
Featuring ancient Greek-Roman temples and cottages, Side offers amazing views for history lovers. The breathtaking Roman theater still hosts concerts and the area is full of restaurants, clubs and shopping.
If you are looking for an adventure you can take a walk to the temples of Apollo and Athena at the tip of the peninsula. With so much gorgeous scenery and rich history, Side will not disappoint as your holiday destination.
8. Oludeniz
There is a reason that Oludeniz has been the poster child of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism for decades. The Blue Lagoon is one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches for its crystal blue waters and golden sand beaches.
The spectacular environment of the area includes a nature reserve as well as shops, bars and restaurants to meet all your holiday wants and needs.
Swim in the gorgeous waters of Oludeniz sits where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, and the warm waters are perfect for swimming and the white sand is great for sunbathing. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try scuba diving off the coast!
9. Dalyan
A quaint city next to a calm river and backed with cliffs that house the rock-cut tombs of ancient Kaunos, Dalyan is only a short boat ride to Iztuzu Beach. The nesting sea turtles of this beach are a fascinating attraction for various tourists and the wonderful views along the river will leave you wanting to explore all day long.
The rich history of this area is breathtaking. The tombs of the ancient Kaunos is most definitely a sight to behold. When you are done exploring the area and relaxing at the beach, the small city has plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to enjoy in the evening.
10. Kusadasi
With plenty of restaurants to choose from and soft sand beaches with shallow waters for wading, Kusadasi has so much to offer the eager tourist.
An ancient port city, Kusadasi is the best combination of sea and shopping. The adventurous tourist will surely want to explore the ancient Grand Bazaar marketplace for hours of fun.
Summary
With Turkey becoming a top holiday destination for so many tourists, you should not miss the opportunity to check out one of these amazing beachfront destinations in the country.