Beach Overview Map
The coast runs roughly 300 km from Antalya west to Fethiye, with the best beaches concentrated between Kaş and Fethiye. Here are the standouts:
Top Beaches
1. Kaputaş Beach
A small, stunning beach wedged between two steep cliffs, accessed by a long staircase. The turquoise water against the rock walls makes it one of the most photographed beaches in Turkey.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Kaş and Kalkan, off the D400 highway |
| Access | 190+ steps down from the road; parking at top |
| Facilities | Basic — small cafe in season, sunbed rental |
| Crowd level | Moderate–high in summer |
| Best for | Photography, swimming, dramatic scenery |
Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The beach is small and fills up by midday in summer.
2. Patara Beach
Turkey's longest uninterrupted sand beach — 18 km of wide, golden sand backed by dunes. Also a protected sea turtle nesting site, so it closes at sunset.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Patara village, between Kalkan and Fethiye |
| Access | Through Patara ruins (combined ticket) or via village road |
| Facilities | Sun loungers and small cafe at main entrance area |
| Crowd level | Low — the beach is enormous, so it never feels crowded |
| Best for | Long walks, swimming, nature, solitude |
Tip: Combine with a visit to the Patara ancient city ruins — the ticket often covers both. Bring your own shade/umbrella for the walk south.
3. Çıralı Beach
A laid-back, development-restricted beach backed by orange orchards and small pensions. Adjacent to the ancient Olympos ruins and near the Chimera (Yanartaş) eternal flames.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Antalya and Kaş |
| Access | Drive down from the D400 highway |
| Facilities | Beach restaurants, sunbed rental, small shops in village |
| Crowd level | Low–moderate |
| Best for | Quiet beach days, families, nature, sea turtle nesting |
4. Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon)
Turkey's most famous beach — a sheltered lagoon with impossibly blue water, backed by forested mountains. Also the landing spot for tandem paragliders from Babadağ mountain.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Fethiye |
| Access | Entrance fee for the Blue Lagoon beach area |
| Facilities | Full — restaurants, changing rooms, sunbed rental |
| Crowd level | High in summer |
| Best for | Swimming, iconic views, paragliding landing |
5. Konyaaltı Beach (Antalya City)
Antalya's main public beach — a long pebble beach with the dramatic Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Walking distance from the city center.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | West side of Antalya city |
| Access | Public, free; paid sunbed areas |
| Facilities | Full — cafes, restaurants, beach clubs, changing rooms |
| Crowd level | High in summer, especially weekends |
| Best for | City beach day, easy access, sunset views |
6. Butterfly Valley
A remote cove accessible only by boat from Ölüdeniz. Named for the tiger butterflies found in the valley behind the beach. Backpackers camp here; day-trippers come by boat.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Between Ölüdeniz and Faralya |
| Access | Boat from Ölüdeniz ($3–$6 return) |
| Facilities | Basic — small campsite bar |
| Crowd level | Low (boat access only) |
| Best for | Adventure, swimming, camping, solitude |
Honorable Mentions
- Lara Beach (Antalya) — Sandy beach east of the city center, resort-heavy
- Phaselis Beach — Ancient Lycian ruins with three small beaches; combine history and swimming
- Kabak Beach — Remote cove south of Ölüdeniz, reached by a steep 20-minute hike or boat
- Kleopatra Beach (Alanya) — Long sandy beach east of Antalya, more resort-oriented
Beach Tips
- Water shoes — Many beaches are pebble/stone, not sand. Water shoes make entry easier.
- Sun protection — The Turkish Mediterranean sun is intense. SPF 50, hat, and shade are essential.
- Sunbed costs — Typical range $3–$8 for two sunbeds and an umbrella at popular beaches.
- Sea temperature — Warm enough for comfortable swimming from May through October (22–28°C).
