Istanbul is more than the minarets and the land of cultural heritage. While people visit this European city to witness the traditional art and architectural beauty, beaches in Istanbul are a great attraction to be explored. It is the rich culture of Istanbul that has been the talk of the town, but what actually adds magnificence to its panorama is the sandy shores and cold sea breeze. Locked by three vast water bodies, the black sea, Bosphorus Strait, and Sea of Marmara, the long coastline of Istanbul has made it one of the best holiday destinations for every traveler.
Top 11 Istanbul Beaches For A Frolic Holiday
Beaches are fun to explore, no matter you are a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast. While the sand is soft and the water cold and pleasant, beaches are a complete holiday spot to spend the best vacation moments with family and friends. From sunbathing to some fun in the waves, here are the top picked beaches you can visit in Istanbul.
1. Buyukada Beach
As the name suggests, Buyukada is one of the largest Islands in Istanbul that is home to a magnificent Buyukada beach. There are those multihued Victorian huts that make the beach a happening spot for all your leisure days. Adding fun and thrill to your holiday mood there are adventures and water games available for the tourists to indulge in some fun. Listed as one of the best beaches in Istanbul, the Buyukada beach allows visitors to stroll around or ride a bicycle, swim in the sea, and every other fun you possibly could think of for the day.
Make sure you are planning a visit on the weekdays, if looking for some peaceful corner in the city, as this beach is almost crowded with locals during the weekends.
Location: Buyukada Island, Istanbul
Facilities:
- Restaurants and Cafés
- Victorian hut
- Benches
Timings: N/A
Famous For:
- Swimming
- Picnic
- Beach games
Entry Fees: 35 TL
2. Burc Beach
Istanbul’s best beaches can be fun and exciting, and when we talk about Burc beach, one thing you can't miss is the volleyball match. Now, this is among the most happening spots in the city where you can get the taste of real thrill and adventure. Stretching to an area of 1km with the soft sands and those vibrant umbrellas, Burc beach is a true beauty to explore and admire.
When we say the most happening places to visit in Istanbul, the beach offers adventures you can never miss.
Try your hands on kitesurfing or some Catamaran sailing. The beach is lined with some of the boutique cafes and restaurants where you can sit and relax while enjoying your delicious platter. This sandy beach has a 1400m sq sun terrace to relax and witness the serenity around.
Location: Gümüşdere, Sarıtepe Kampüsü, Sarıyer, İstanbul
Facilities:
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Sports accessories
- Restrooms
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Famous For:
- Catamaran Sails
- Surfing
- Kiteboarding
- Water adventures
Entry Fees:
- Weekdays 60 TL
- Weekends 95 TL per person
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3. Caddebostan Beach
From a family picnic to a day out with your pet or some quality time alone near the shore, Caddebostan beach is surely among the best public beaches in Istanbul. The vast shores and the perfect view of the Marmara Sea make it one serene spot where you can plan a day in leisure. Drenched with every captivating vista and the comfort you need, the Caddebostan beach is mostly crowded by tourists and locals on a family day.
Caddebostan beach has there section out of which two are open for all with no entry fee. Now, if you are looking for some free things to do in Istanbul, you can plan to visit any of the two parts of this Istanbul beach. Keeping a track of every comfort, the entire beach is well-equipped with facilities you need for an entire day.
Location: Caddebostan Sahil Yolu, Kadikoy, Istanbul
Facilities:
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Restrooms
- Deck Chair
- Showers
Timings: N/A
Famous For:
- Pet Friendly
- Family Picnic
- Beach games
- Water adventures
Entry Fees: 15 TL
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4. Golden Beach
You can plan a beach holiday in Istanbul at the Golden beach, where there are every amenity and facility you need to experience leisure. With the best beach hotels in Turkey and some of the finest restaurants and cafes, you can spend the best weekend on this one of the secluded Istanbul beaches. You can find resorts and hotel room suites and on-site bungalows for admiring the panorama while you spend a day at leisure. Camping around the beach can be fun and exciting with some stargazing or witnessing the sunset near the shore.
Overlooking the European black sea, the beach lies 15 km from Istanbul city as an ideal beach club. You can enjoy adventures like Rock climbing or beach volleyball and other adventures offered at the beach club.
Location: Rumeli Feneri Koyu Marmaracik/Istanbul
Facilities:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Changing Rooms
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm
Famous For:
- Beach Club
- Water Activities
- Adventure Sports
- Sail and Cruises
Entry Fees:
- Weekdays: 25TL
- Weekends: 35TL
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5. Uzunkum Beach
One of the best public beaches in Istanbul, Uzunkum is one of the best holiday destinations, where there are adventure and fun to experience. Located in the Sile district, the beach is home to the best adventure hub, the Aqua beach club. There are lounges and some of the best restaurants in Istanbul where you can enjoy a bite with family.
This dynamic beach is not just clean but is well-maintained for public use. You can get every facility here so that weekends can be really fun and exciting at Uzunkum to make it one of the best beaches in Istanbul. You can get showers, sunbeds, WC, and umbrellas lined along the beachside.
If you are not an adrenaline junky, you surely can spend the day strolling around or admiring the serenity of the dusk over the sea.
Location: Sile, Black sea coast
Facilities:
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Changing Room
- Umbrella
- Beach Deck
Timings: Open 24X7
Famous For:
- Aqua Beach Club
- Water games
- Beach Adventures
Entry Fees: N/A
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6. Babylon Kilyos
The Babylon Kilyos is among the top beaches in Istanbul that offers a perfect spot for some family fun. The sea along the soft sandy beach makes the entire atmosphere serene and peaceful to spend a day of your Istanbul holiday.
You can see the colorful boats and beach umbrellas, kiosks, and cafes along the seaside.
From volleyball to lazy beach day, Babylon Kilyos is an entertainment hub you can visit as a happening beach in Turkey. There is even live music and a DJ available, for some evenings that makes it the best attraction you can visit for exciting beach fun.
What makes Babylon, one of the best public beaches in Istanbul is the activities offered here. Apart from spending time with your family, the beach lawn is open to all pets so that one can enjoy a day with their furry friend.
Location: Kilyos Yolu Kum Koy Demirci Koy Mevkii Istanbul
Facilities:
- Restrooms
- Restaurants
- Sports Gear
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 AM to 8:00 AM
Famous For:
- Beach Games
- Water Adventures
- Pet friendly
Entry Fees:
- Weekdays: 25TL
- Weekends: 30 TL
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7. Nakibey Beach
Nakibey Beach in Istanbul is marked as one of the safest Istanbul beaches for visitors. The lively aura, the tranquil vibes, and the shallow water make it perfect to just spend a day and make your vacation too leisurely and memorable. Opened in the year 1984, the beach houses the best hotels, cafes, and restaurants, offering every comfort you need.
From getting that beach tan to experiencing the adrenaline rush, the Nakibey beach has something or other for every visitor planning to spend a day in this captivating public beach.
The food trucks and cafes offer fresh and delicious meals like burgers and fries while you can always order the best Turkish food at this Istanbul best beach.
Swimming can be enjoyed here, at NakiBey or, you can even get a night reserved at the best hotels in Istanbul.
Location: Büyükada-maden Mahallesi, Naki Bey Çıkmazı Adalar Istanbul
Facilities:
- Changing Rooms
- Washroom
- Restaurants
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 09:30 PM
Famous For:
- Food Trucks
- Swimming
- Beach Games
Entry Fees: 35 TL
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8. Solar Beach
Istanbul is often mistaken to be all about heritage history and art. The Solar beach offers visitors the most exciting holiday in this Turkish city, where you can plan a pool party or enjoy aromatherapy. Located in the Sariyer district, this is among the best private beaches in Istanbul that offers a complete holiday package with adventure, fun, and leisure. The sandy beach, stretching to an area of 1 km can accommodate more than 2000 people at a time, while the lined cafes and restaurants make it perfect to spend an evening with family.
While beach parties are common at the solar beach, you can find shops and gyms, a pet center, and every comfort you are looking at Solar b, one of the famous private beaches in Istanbul. Try activities like surfing, kiteboarding, and other adventurous things to do in Turkey that are offered here.
Location: Kumköy Mahallesi, Tatlısu Cd. No:4, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey
Facilities:
- Health club
- Beauty center
- Gym
- Gift Shops
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 09:30 PM
Famous For:
- Beach Games
- Pool parties
- Surfing Club
- Aromatherapy
Entry Fees:
- Weekdays: 25 TL
- Weekends: 40 TL
9. Elio Beach
Elio beach, located in Sedef Island is one of the most beautiful and luxuriating beaches in Istanbul. This oldest beach on the island is a perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation. The beach is always crowded and you will find people relaxing and enjoying the luxury.
Elio beach is a private beach that is famous for its restaurant and bar. Featuring classic and chic interiors, the Elio restaurant bar has every entertainment to keep you engaged. There is live music, a DJ, a vast seating area of 250 people, and a menu that includes everything delightful cuisine.
The surrounding of the area is just magnificent where you can relax for a while. Overlooking the blue waters of the beach and the greenery, Elio beach a favorite of every traveler.
Location: Sedef Island, Marmara Sea, Asian side, Istanbul
Facilities:
- Restaurants and Cafés
- Benches
- DJ and Music
Timings: 09:30 to 23:30
Famous For:
- Swimming
- Beach games
- Dining
Entry Fees:
- weekdays 100 TL
- weekends 120 TL
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10. Aqua Green Beach
Heybeliada Island is one of the largest Islands in Istanbul that houses some of the magnificent beaches for you to explore. The beauty of the island lies in those beaches that are open to the public and offer many activities to enjoy.
The Aqua green beach club is among the best private beach in Istanbul where you can experience thrill and adventure. The beach club is famous among the locals and travelers for its services. There are cafes serving the best food, beverage, and some fancy dishes from the foreign menu list.
Aqua beach club attracts many visitors on weekends specially to add some fun and thrill. While there are endless activities like beach games or water sports, one can also find services like showers and changing rooms.
You can easily get public Ferries from the Port of Bostanci, Eminoun, Besiktas, and Kadikoy to reach this Istanbul beach.
Location: Heybeliada island, the Marmara Sea, Asian side, Istanbul
Facilities:
- Changing Rooms
- Showers
- Cafes
- water park
Timings: 24x7
Famous For:
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Beach sports
- Water adventures
Entry Fees: Free
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11. Tirmata Beach
When it comes to adventure and fun, the Tirmata beach is one of the best beaches in Istanbul, Turkey for your holidays. Opened in the year 2009, the beach offers a luxuriating ambiance to visitors. There is 6 acre of grass area, a sunbed area of 2500 person and restaurants that can accommodate more than 400 people at a time. The beach restaurant serves you meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which means you can spend a whole day at this happening beach of Istanbul.
Talking about activities and adventure, this place is loved by families. From admiring its long scenic coast to indulging in activities that can boost your adrenaline rush, the place is a perfect getaway for every traveler. There is a kitesurfing school for those who want to brush up on their surfing skills.
Location: Kilyos, Black Sea coast of Istanbul, European side
Facilities:
- Terrace area
- Lawn Area
- Cafes
- Dine-in restaurants
Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
Famous For:
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Beach games
- Water adventures
- Leisure
Entry Fees:
70 TL per person on weekdays
95 TL per person on weekends
Istanbul Beaches can be the best attraction to spend a day admiring the tranquil waves and captivating shores. While some beaches will offer you every thrill and comfort you need, there are some hidden beaches you can explore by planning a holiday in this Turkish city. Be it your summer escape or just a weekend with family, beaches here are perfect for your every holiday mood. So, book your Istanbul flights and pack every beach accessory you need to make your holiday, the most exciting time of your life.
FAQs
There are some of the most scenic and Islands in Istanbul that you can explore for an enthralling holiday. The Princes' Islands and Burgazada Island are the best island attractions you can visit.
The top beaches that you can visit in Istanbul are:
- Solar Beach
- Uzunya Beach
- Burc Beach
- Nakibey Beach
Solar beach in Istanbul is famous for some pools and beach parties. There are beach clubs where tourists gather for beach fun.
The Uzunkum beach in Istanbul offers the top facilities like:
- Restaurants and Cafes
- Changing Room
- Umbrella
- Beach Deck
- Aqua Beach Club
Yes, there are pet-friendly beaches near Istanbul for pet families. The Caddebostan beach, Babylon Kilyos, and Solar beach allow pet entry.
The Burc Beach is an adventure and entertainment hub where you can enjoy activities like:
- Surfing
- Catamaran Sails
- Kiteboarding
- Water adventures
There are both public and private beaches for tourists to explore in Istanbul. If you are looking for some beaches with no entry fee, you can consider visiting Uzunkum Beach and Caddebostan beach.
The golden beach is open all days from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The entry fee for the same is:
- Weekdays: 25TL
- Weekends: 35TL