The Most Beautiful Beaches In Turkey

A favorite of the bohemian crowd, Kabak’s natural beauty draws crowds who appreciate the serenity of simplicity. You won’t find a lot of amenities, so either bring your own tent or book a room at one of the available bungalow hotels nearby.

Surrounded by up to 350 meters of steep rocks, the Kelebekler Vadisi (butterfly valley) gets its name from the more than 80 species of butterflies that call this natural haven their home. The Butterfly Valley Establishment is the only provider of accommodation and services in this wildlife protection zone where the sea is so clear you can see to the bottom.

About an hour drive outside of Antalya, Çıralı is worlds apart from the tourist-laden city center. Here, budget friendly pensions, down-to-earth eateries, and a beautiful natural beach strewn with straw umbrellas is like heaven on earth. At the end of the beach, you can also wander around Olympos, the remains of the ancient city of the Lycia.

With its 18 kilometers of beach, Patara is another natural beauty in the Antalya region that is extremely worthy of exploring. Its soft sand and shallow sea is also a favorite among the Caretta Caretta sea turtles who come here to lay their eggs. Explore the remains of the ancient empire of Lycia, eat at the restaurants where local ingredients are king, and book your room at one of the the pensions run by local families.

After walking down a flight of stairs from the main road, you’ll be inspired by the azure waters and golden sand of Kaputaş. This beach is largely untouched (except for sunbeds and umbrellas that are laid out in the summer) so make sure to bring your own food and drink.

Quite the hidden beach in the Datça district, Ovabükü is a down-to-earth affair where the green peaks, the dark blue sea, and the long stretch of golden sand all come together harmoniously. You’ll find a few pensions and eateries run by locals who call the area “cennet koyu” (heavenly bay).