With thousands of kilometres of coastline on the Aegean and Mediterranean, Turkey has a beach for every taste — from lively resort strands to coves you reach by boat. Many hold Blue Flag status for clean water and good facilities. Here are ten of the best.

1. Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon, Fethiye

Calm, shallow turquoise water in a protected lagoon, with paragliders landing on the beach. Great for families.

2. Kaputaş, between Kaş and Kalkan

A small cove at the bottom of a gorge with intensely blue water. Reach it down a flight of steps from the coast road.

3. Patara, near Kalkan

One of the longest sandy beaches in Turkey, backed by dunes and ancient ruins. Loggerhead turtles nest here, so it closes at night in season.

4. İztuzu (Turtle) Beach, Dalyan

A sand spit between the river and the sea, reached by river boat, and another protected turtle nesting site.

5. Çıralı, near Kemer

A quiet, pebbly beach backed by orange groves, close to the ruins of Olympos.

6. Cleopatra Beach, Alanya

Fine golden sand with views of Alanya Castle, right next to the town centre.

7. Konyaaltı and Lara, Antalya

Two long city beaches either side of Antalya: pebbles and mountain views at Konyaaltı, sand and big resorts at Lara.

8. Butterfly Valley, Fethiye

A secluded beach at the foot of a steep valley, reachable mainly by boat from Ölüdeniz.

9. Bitez, Bodrum

A sheltered bay with calm water, popular with families and windsurfers.

10. Altınkum and Ilıca, Çeşme

Clear, cool Aegean water and pale sand on the Çeşme peninsula, near İzmir.

Beach safety

Learn the beach flag system (a red flag means no swimming), watch for currents where there’s no lifeguard, and always supervise children. More in our safety guide.