Turkey has many allures, but it is no secret that the hundreds of beaches that cover its 7000- kilometre coastline are some of the most popular things to do.
Many of the most beautiful Turkish landscapes can be spotted along its shores, and there is loads of local culture to experience right on the sand.
So, if you’re thinking about jetting off to the Aegean Sea, you’re probably curious about where to find the best beaches in Turkey. The truth is, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Turkish beach that doesn’t hit the spot, but we’ve still done some groundwork for you and selected our personal favourites. From family hotspots to off the beaten track games, these sandy highlights will have you booking tickets in no time.
Vacation in Alanya
History of Alanya
Alanya overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by a coast of great beauty and purity on three sides, which made it a peninsula geographically.
Turkish historical sources say that Alanya was inhabited by the Romans as its first inhabitant, then the Byzantines, the Seljuks, and finally the Ottomans, until today it has become one of the most preferred places for foreigners, especially Europeans, to live and reside there thanks to its strategic geographical location.
Weather in Alanya
Alanya’s climate is considered temperate, with hot summers, but moderate, and in winter it is warm and rainy.
Where is Alanya located?
It is one of the towns of the tourist city of Antalya in southern Turkey. Alanya is the capital of recreational tourism not only in Antalya but in all of Turkey, 132 km away from the city of Antalya.
Map of Alanya, Turkey:
http://www.maplandia.com/turkey/antalya/alanya/
Alanya markets
Alanium Mall: It is a small 3-story mall that provides the possibility to shop for essential needs.
Time Center: It is larger than the Alanium Mall, and is located on two floors. It has stores selling clothes, perfumes, and accessories, along with a supermarket and fast-food restaurants.
Mega Mall: It is a huge commercial market located on the road between the cities of Alanya and Antalya, and it has everything that families need from local and international brands to electrical and electronic household appliances.
Hospitals and health in Alanya, Antalya
There are state hospitals in the region, and a good number of private hospitals such as (Medical Park – Alanya Life) and health centers that provide high-quality treatment services and within professional medical cadres because the region is famous for medical tourism that is visited by Arabs and foreigners.
Recomended link for food in Alanya:
http://alanyainstyle.com/what-where-eat-alanya/
Cleopatra beach
Cleopatra is the most famous beach on Turkish Riviera. It owes its name to the last hellenistic Queen of Egypt. According to legends, Antony brought as a gift to his beloved Cleopatra the Mediterranean pearl-the luxurious city of Alanya.
Every time she went from Egypt for camping, the Queen stopped here to swim in the mirror-clear lagoon and soak up the magnificent sandy carpet. Since then, the beach of Cleopatra irresistibly attracts those who expect a royal vacation.
Portakal Beach
Portakal Beach is a km-long sandy public beach with clear blue waters and a pebbly sea bottom, just 10 minutes’ drive east of Alanya’s city centre. It’s less crowded than some of Alanya’s more popular beaches, which means you can peacefully enjoy a seascape with the Taurus mountain as its backdrop.
Adrenaline junkies enjoy a wide range of water sports, including jet skiing and windsurfing. Cafes, restaurants and standard beach facilities are available, and you can rent sun loungers (or freely enjoy them as a guest at nearby beach clubs).
Even during the off-season months of October and November, the seawater remains pleasantly warm for a swim. The entrance to the sea can be rocky, so put on your sea shoes before wading into the water.
Location: Cumhuriyet, Ahmet Tokuş Blv., 07425 Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
Damlatas Beach
Damlatas Beach is within a 10-minute walk from the beautiful Damlatas Caves. What’s unique about this beach is that it’s the only wheelchair-friendly beach in Alanya. There are plenty of sun loungers, showers and easy access to the sea for the disabled. You can also find volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, an open-air fitness centre, and a huge children’s’ playground.
Besides swimming in the sea, you can dive in the bay, snorkel along the coastline, or enjoy paragliding and see the dramatic coastline from above.
You can also simply take a stroll through the green parks with fountains along the beach or cool off in Damlatas Caves, where you can see unique stalactites and stalagmites for around 7.50 lira.
Location: Saray, Güzelyalı Cd., 07400 Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
Vacation in Antalya
Antalya’s biggest positive is its beautiful location on the Mediterranean. The views over the sea and the mountains down the coast are phenomenal. If you’re in Antalya and you’re on vacation for 3 -7 days that’s probably all you need. The Old town is charming and has lots of touristy stores and restaurants. Make no mistake, Antalya is a touristy beach town* (even if the closest beaches are actually a few kilometers out of town).
If you come here do what most tourists do: stay in an all-inclusive down the coast, enjoy beach activities and the views, and come into town for a day of sightseeing and a nice meal looking out over the sea. If you stick to that you’ll probably be happy in Antalya.
Restaurants in Antalya:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g297962-Antalya_Turkish_Mediterranean_Coast.html
Vacation in Kusadasi
Kusadasi, which means “bird island” in Turkish, is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water of the Aegean sea broad sandy beaches, bright sun and large marina with a capacity for 600 boats. A glorious ancient city stands beside it, Ephesus with millions of visitors from tours each year.
The town is only 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir. Numerous holiday villages and hotels line its shores and hundreds of restaurants serves food from all around the world and, of course, Turkish Cuisine which is one of the largest cuisines of the world. There are also many hostels, discos, bars, cafeterias, pubs and “Turkish Nights”; all those to cater holiday-makers.
Kusadasi has retained a certain earthiness to it and inexpensive meals and pensions can still be found in town. Many shops do a brisk trade with passengers from hundreds of cruise ships that dock for a day or two, allowing enough time for a trip to Ephesus and a shopping expedition.