Here are Turkey’s top 10 beaches, with nearest big town (in parentheses). Some even rate the coveted Blue Flag for cleanliness.
Important note: most Turkish beaches do not have lifeguards, but some do occasionally have dangerous riptide and undertow conditions. Swim at your own risk, don’t swim alone, and make some plan for what to do if disaster strikes.
Turkey’s 10 Best Beaches
1. Patara (Fethiye)
50 meters/yards wide and 20 km (12.5 miles) long, Patara Beach 75 km (47 miles) south of Fethiye is Turkey’s finest. Accommodations—and shade—are limited, though. (Big photo).
2. Ölüdeniz (Fethiye)
Ölüdeniz Beach is very fine, with good hotels, restaurants and bars, but because it’s Turkey’s most famous, it can get crowded. (Big photos).
6. İztuzu (Dalyan)
Iztuzu Beach in Dalyan is a good beach, with or w/o logger-head turtles. The town, 8 km (5 miles) NW of Dalaman Airport, the river, cliff tombs and Caunos ruins are a nice bonus.
7. Bodrum Peninsula
Beaches in the towns in Bodrum Peninsula are not great, but good smaller ones abound: Ortakent Yalısı (coarse sand & pebble), Turgutreis (surfy), and gem-like Gümüşlük (map).
10. Sarıgerme (Dalaman)
Sarıgerme is very near busy Dalaman Airport, this well-kept beach is somewhat undiscovered, quieter, great for families and those interested mostly in beach time.
Honorable Mention
Çalış (Fethiye)
Long beach near the city cradling yacht-happy Fethiye Bay, good but somehow un-charming, and famous Ölüdeniz is just 10 km (6 miles) away over the hills.
Blue Flag Beaches
The Blue Flag beach hygiene system has been adopted by some Turkish beaches. You should know about it to protect your health.
—by Tom Brosnahan