You in all probability already know that Istanbul is a large metropolis with a lot to see and do. What you may not notice is that it’s additionally residence to some improbable seashore spots to take pleasure in in the summertime months too; even I used to be stunned to be taught this. However, the very best seashores in Istanbul for swimming and sunbathing are scattered throughout town, so, you might want to have an thought of the place to move.
The primary time I visited Istanbul, I believed it was all sightseeing and meals, and I used to be completely up for each of these issues. Then, my husband advised we go to the seashore; I keep in mind observing him like he was loopy—seashores in Istanbul? However it seems he wasn’t dropping his thoughts in any case, and there are various stunning seashore spots to take pleasure in when you really feel like a change from sightseeing.
Selecting the very best Istanbul seashore for you is about pre-planning, like most issues on this metropolis. You gained’t discover swimming spots within the middle of Istanbul however enterprise only a small distance out, and also you’ll discover a very totally different vibe. Now, heading for a seashore day is one in all my favourite issues to do within the metropolis, and it’s a beautiful option to wind down after all of the sightseeing and craziness.
10 Greatest Seashores in Istanbul
If you wish to discover the very best seashores in Istanbul, you’ll want some prior information; these aren’t locations you’ll discover marketed in common vacationer data. However that’s the place I are available in! I’ve put collectively this listing of 10 improbable seashores in, and really near, Istanbul, providing you with all the data you might want to discover the very best spot on your day’s R&R. From social gathering seashores to nature and chill-out spots, we’ve bought a little bit of every little thing.
1. Caddebostan Plajı (Greatest Location)
Caddebostan Plajı is likely one of the greatest seashores near Istanbul; in actual fact, it’s the closest to the principle sights. Situated just some minutes away from downtown Kadiköy, you possibly can stroll alongside the coastal promenade or take a taxi. As soon as there, the waters are calm, and there are many services for an important day on the sand.
That is the primary seashore I ever went to in Istanbul, and I had a good time. It’s enjoyable to sit down on the sand and watch the ferries head out to the Princes Islands as you benefit from the solar. I feel that is additionally presumably the cleanest seashore in Istanbul, and if not, it actually rivals any others. It’s an important spot for households, however it could possibly get very busy through the weekends and faculty holidays.
There are many cafes and eating places across the seashore if you need some refreshments and showers and altering rooms which are free to make use of. There are a number of sun-loungers and parasols, however they’re taken shortly, so both get there early or just discover a free spot to put down your towel.
- Location: Caddebostan, Park İçi Yolu, 34728 Kadıköy/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: It’s a 20-30 minute stroll from central Kadiköy, or you possibly can take a taxi in about 5 minutes, relying upon visitors.
- Greatest For: Households, shut proximity to town.
- Facilities: Altering rooms, showers, eating places, and cafes shut by.
- Greatest Excursions: Earlier than or after you’ve loved your seashore time, how about a strolling tour of the Asian aspect? I’ve accomplished this tour earlier than you get to see a lot. Click on right here for extra particulars.
- The place to Eat: I significantly loved my meal at Artois Cadde. I had the tastiest pasta right here – in addition they do superb noodles, so make sure you strive these.
2. Anadolufeneri Plajı (Greatest for Historical past)
When you’re on the lookout for sandy seashores in Istanbul, Anadolufeneri is a good selection, however I particularly suggest it as a must-visit for anybody into historical past. Right here you’ll discover Anadolu Feneri Lighthouse constructed in 1856, and climbing up there’ll reward you with probably the most gorgeous views. This seashore can also be located subsequent to Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, which provides nice photograph alternatives.
However after all, we’re speaking about seashores in Istanbul. The seashore itself is a small cove; it’s tucked away from every little thing which provides it a very chilled-out vibe. I actually appreciated the standard fish eating places across the seashore, which made for a pleasant finish to a superbly chilled-out day.
There aren’t any services on the seashore so ensure you take every little thing you want, nonetheless, you should buy drinks and snacks from the close by outlets. It by no means will get notably crowded, which is a plus level, however you’ll in all probability solely spend a few hours right here earlier than desirous to discover the world across the seashore.
- Location: Anadolufeneri, Beykoz Cd., 34829 Beykoz/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: A ferry leaves Beşiktaş a number of occasions per day, and the journey takes round 1.5 hours.
- Greatest For: Historical past, views, leisure.
- Facilities: There are cafes shut by for refreshments, however no facilities on the seashore itself.
- The place to Eat: Captain’s Restaurant is near Anadolufeneri and serves probably the most scrumptious, contemporary seafood. The calamari right here was among the greatest I’ve had in Istanbul, and that’s saying one thing. You must also strive the grilled seabass and salad.
3. Babylon Seashore (Greatest for Ambiance)
There are some improbable personal seashores down within the Sariyer space of Istanbul and Babylon Seashore, Kilyos, is one in all my favorites. This can be a nice seashore for households, water-sports lovers, and anybody in search of an upbeat, summertime enjoyable really feel to their seashore days. I feel that is the very best seashore in Istanbul for swimming as a result of the waters are calm and there are lifeguards on responsibility through the summer season months.
I liked the vibe at this seashore, and there are such a lot of sporting actions you are able to do, together with volleyball and soccer. After all, you’ll in all probability simply need to sit back and benefit from the solar, and there are many sun-loungers and parasols to do exactly that. You pay an entrance price to go in, which is round 100 lira, after which pay further for any food and drinks you buy from the restaurant, or a number of road meals carts on the seashore itself.
In the summertime there are DJ events within the evenings. I went to an occasion in July, and it was like being on a castaway seashore with a tropical vibe. The drink costs had been additionally actually cheap, with a cocktail costing round $7.
- Location: Demirciköy Mevki Kilyos Yolu, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: You’ll be able to take a taxi from Taksim or Sultanahmet and attain Babylon Seashore in round half an hour, relying on visitors. Alternatively, you possibly can take the Metro to Haciosman after which a taxi the remainder of the best way. Click on right here for Metro particulars.
- Greatest For: Water sports activities, seashore events, music, environment, meals.
- Facilities: Solar-loungers and parasols, altering rooms, showers, lifeguards, and eating places on-site.
- The place to Eat: There are eating places and road meals carts contained in the seashore which you pay further for. The grilled fish from right here is scrumptious, however it’s also possible to discover many worldwide choices, resembling burgers and pizza.
4. True Blue Seashore (Greatest for Leisure)
True Blue Seashore is one other widespread seashore in Istanbul on the Asian aspect, round Half-hour away from central Kadiköy. I went to this seashore for my birthday and had a improbable time; it’s a very vibrant place, and as a non-public seashore membership, you have got every little thing you want for a dreamy day within the solar.
This seashore is widespread with teams of mates who need to take pleasure in themselves, and there’s music and normal merriment all day lengthy. Throughout the summer season months, there are sometimes seashore events and DJ performances at evening. Along with the seashore itself, there’s additionally a big swimming pool and a top-class restaurant serving scrumptious Mediterranean meals.
The sundown from right here is really one thing else, with nothing however sea and ferries within the distance. It’s not probably the most enjoyable place as there’s a lot happening, however when you’re after a vibrant and enjoyable day, I extremely suggest heading right here. Understand that through the peak summer season months of July and August, it’s a good suggestion to get there as early as you possibly can to bag the very best spot.
- Location: Fenerbahçe, Atlıhan Sk. No:30, 34726 Kadıköy/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: The quantity FB1 bus runs from Kadiköy to Fenerbahçe Park often all through the day, and the seashore is simply a few minutes stroll away from the bus cease. Click on right here for bus data.
- Greatest For: Events, leisure, services, music.
- Facilities: Solar-loungers and parasols, altering services, bathrooms, showers, lifeguards, and eating places.
- The place to Eat: Khalkedon Fenerbahçe is an upmarket place for a meal after a day on the seashore. The vary of meze right here is mind-blowing, and the grilled meat is so scrumptious.
5. Ormanli Plajı (Greatest for Getting Away from the Metropolis)
About one hour away from the principle hustle and bustles of town you’ll discover the most effective seashores close to Istanbul: Ormanli Plajı. The drive to this seashore is nearly nearly as good because the precise seashore itself, with winding roads shaded by timber; it’s tough to think about that you just’re so near such a large metropolis. I ought to say from the beginning that it is a pebbly seashore, however the water is deliciously clear and calm.
Many individuals select to wild camp round this seashore because it’s so naturally stunning, nevertheless it’s additionally excellent for a laid-back seashore day. You’ll must take towels with you as there aren’t any sun-loungers, however there are showers and altering services simply off the seashore. You’ll discover markets and cafes right here for any refreshments you could want all through the day.
Throughout the summer season weekends and faculty holidays, this seashore can get fairly crowded because it’s a low-cost choice for individuals residing in Istanbul. Getting there early ought to tackle that subject, or just keep away from the weekend altogether.
- Location: Ormanlı, 34540 Çatalca/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: There are Metro hyperlinks, however they go the great distance round and take too lengthy; it’s a a lot better thought to rent a automotive or get a taxi. The journey will take simply over an hour.
- Greatest For: Households, nature, getting away from town, tenting.
- Facilities: There are altering rooms and showers however no different facilities at this seashore.
- The place to Eat: Son Fasıl Restaurant is a couple of minutes away from the seashore and serves scrumptious grilled meat and salads. The outside seating space is ideal for watching the sundown whilst you eat.
6. Uzunya Seashore (Greatest for Households)
Demircikoy is positioned round an hour from the middle of Istanbul, and it’s residence to the very best seashore in Istanbul for households. Uzunya Seashore is sandy and quiet, the water is shallow, and there’s loads of house to roam. There aren’t an enormous quantity of services, however I feel that’s what provides it its appeal in some ways; it has an genuine, construct sandcastles and splash the ocean sort of vibe.
There are climbing trails across the space and a few nice eating places, together with Uzunya Seashore Restaurant which is known for its extraordinarily contemporary seafood dishes. When you get to the seashore early sufficient, you could possibly discover a sun-lounger and parasol, which prolong onto the sand and the grassed space, however there’s loads of house for towels when you don’t.
I feel this is likely one of the greatest seashores in Istanbul for pure magnificence and getting away from all of it.
- Location: Demirci, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: Driving or taking a taxi might be the best option to get to this seashore, which ought to take round half an hour, relying on visitors. Alternatively, you would take the Metro so far as Haciosman after which get a taxi for the remainder of the best way. Click on right here for Metro particulars.
- Greatest For: Households, chilling out, nature.
- Facilities: Just a few sun-loungers and parasols can be found when you get there early sufficient. There’s a restaurant simply off the seashore itself.
- The place to Eat: Uzunya Seashore Restaurant is the closest spot to the seashore and provides snacks all day lengthy.
7. Kisirkaya Plaji (Greatest for Picture Alternatives)
Kisirkaya Seashore might be probably the most stunning seashore in Istanbul; in actual fact, for me, it’s. When you like to take images to refill your Instagram reel, that is the place to go. It’s bought that wild vibe about it, however the sand is so gentle; spending time right here is only a pleasure. This is likely one of the Black Sea seashores in Istanbul, and whereas it could possibly get a bit of windy round this spot, whipping up some waves, it solely provides to the sweetness.
I ought to level out that these waves will be fairly harmful once in a while, so ensure you take note of lifeguard flags telling you to not swim or go previous a sure level. There are a number of services at this seashore, together with altering rooms and showers, however you gained’t discover solar loungers or seashore bars; once more, it simply provides to the appeal.
I spent a day at this seashore, and whereas I didn’t go within the water, I actually loved simply sitting and letting the wind blow away the busyness of Istanbul.
- Location: Kısırkaya, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: Self-drive or a taxi is one of the simplest ways to get right here. The journey will take round 40 minutes, visitors relying. Nevertheless, you possibly can reduce down on among the highway time by taking the Metro to Haciosman after which getting a taxi for the remaining 20 minutes. Click on right here for Metro particulars.
- Greatest For: Nature, leisure, images.
- Facilities: There are lifeguards on responsibility through the summer season months and a few altering services and showers.
- The place to Eat: I had a scrumptious Turkish breakfast at Panorama Cafe, and the view actually makes the meals right here. I can think about the sundown throughout a night dinner can be fairly epic too.
8. Burç Seashore (Greatest for Water Sports activities)
Burç Seashore is likely one of the greatest personal seashores in Istanbul for anybody who loves water sports activities, and it’s usually full of guests through the summer season months. The vibe at this seashore is upbeat and vibrant, so whereas it’s in all probability not someplace to go to get away from all of it, it’s positively someplace to take pleasure in some summer season enjoyable.
You’ll be able to strive your hand at windsurfing, volleyball, kiteboarding, crusing, and even browsing, because of the massive waves that always frequent this seashore. Regardless of that, the gentle sand and shallow waters are very inviting; simply ensure you take note of lifeguard directions concerning the waves on any given day.
This is likely one of the greatest seashores in Istanbul for a scholar vibe because it belongs to the Boğaziçi College, and as such, you’ll see crowds of college students on the weekends. It positively provides to the enjoyable environment across the seashore, nevertheless it’s greatest to reach early if you need a great place.
- Location: Gümüşdere, Sarıtepe Kampüsü, 34470 Sarıyer/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: You’ll be able to drive from the middle of Istanbul or take a taxi in round 40 minutes, however this relies on visitors. Alternatively, the Metro will take you so far as Haciosman, and you may take a taxi from there. Click on right here for Metro data.
- Greatest For: Water sports activities, actions, enjoyable environment.
- Facilities: Lifeguards, sun-loungers, parasols, seashore bars, eating places, altering rooms, and showers.
- The place to Eat: The seashore bar itself provides snacks all day lengthy which are surprisingly good. I had a rooster baguette, and it was contemporary and attractive. In addition they promote all types of drinks, together with alcoholic drinks.
9. Photo voltaic Seashore (Greatest for Events)
Photo voltaic Seashore is the image you have got in your thoughts when you consider loopy seashore events and summer season enjoyable. If that’s what you’re on the lookout for, you’ll discover it day-after-day between Could and September. This seashore can also be very giant so that you’re by no means going to battle for house, and it’s full of further issues to do, resembling a well being membership, spa, and aromatherapy middle.
As the most effective seashores round Istanbul for social gathering individuals, it’s also possible to strive totally different water sports activities right here, or you possibly can wait till the solar goes down and the DJ begins spinning the decks. The social gathering right here goes on till the early hours after which begins once more when the solar comes up.
There are a number of lengthy rows of sun-loungers and parasols lining the seashore, so if you wish to calm down, you completely can, however when you’re all concerning the music and enjoyable, head again towards the bar space and the swimming pool. Whereas the social gathering aspect of it’d put some individuals off, I didn’t discover it overwhelming, and I had an important day right here.
- Location: Kumköy, Kilyos Cd. No:32 D:34, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: Driving or taking a taxi will get you to this seashore in about 45 minutes, visitors relying. Nevertheless, you possibly can take the Metro to Haciosman, and through the summer season, there’s a shuttle bus that runs to the seashore from exterior the Ziraat Financial institution. Click on right here for Metro particulars.
- Greatest For: Seashore and pool events, DJs, music, water sports activities.
- Facilities: There are sun-loungers and parasols, altering services, showers, seashore bars, and a restaurant. You’ll additionally discover wellness services at this seashore.
- The place to Eat: You probably have a yearning for Italian meals, which I usually do, then head to Brio Italian Restaurant near Photo voltaic Seashore. I extremely suggest you strive the blended pizza right here.
10. Golden Seashore (Greatest for {Couples})
There aren’t many locations you possibly can go in Istanbul to essentially get away from all of it; it’s simply such a busy place that it’s tough to flee the hustle and bustle. More often than not you gained’t need to, however when you’re touring as a pair and also you need someplace that provides a calming and romantic vibe, it must be Golden Seashore. It’s the very best seashore for {couples} in Istanbul as a result of it’s surrounded by fashionable boutique motels, the sunsets are superb, and you may sit back in a beachside cabana.
The ocean right here is shallow and clear and the sand golden, with loads of sun-loungers and parasols on provide. There’s additionally a beachside restaurant and bar for all of your refreshment wants. Whereas it is a widespread seashore, it’s fairly giant and sweeping, so it’s by no means crowded, and it’s simple to take in the seashore vibe.
I feel that is the very best seashore for a honeymoon in Istanbul; who wouldn’t need to sit back in a seashore cabana and be waited available and foot? There are additionally some nice bars and eating places shut by, providing you with every little thing you want for a romantic time along with your particular somebody.
- Location: Rumelifeneri Mahallesi, İskele Cd. No:6, 34450 Sarıyer/İstanbul
- How you can Get There: Relying on visitors, you possibly can drive or take a taxi in about 40 minutes, nonetheless, the Metro to Haciosman will prevent some highway time. You’ll be able to then take a taxi for the remaining 20 minutes. Click on right here for Metro particulars.
- Greatest For: Mushy sand, leisure, seashore cabanas, {couples}.
- Facilities: There are sun-loungers and parasols on the seashore, in addition to altering rooms and showers. It’s also possible to lease a cabana.
- The place to Eat: Fener Cafe Restaurant is a good all-rounder restaurant, providing native delicacies and worldwide decisions. I went for his or her seafood pasta and it was so flavorsome.
Seashores in Istanbul: FAQs
Now you already know the very best seashores in Istanbul, you may nonetheless have a number of lingering questions; it’s fairly seemingly—seashores and Istanbul aren’t two stuff you’d naturally put collectively. So, let me reply your lingering queries.
Many individuals contemplate the very best seashore in Istanbul to be Caddebostan Plajı, merely due to its shut proximity to town itself. You’ll be able to simply enterprise over to Kadiköy for the day and stroll round to the seashore, earlier than returning a number of hours later. Nevertheless, among the seashores down in Sariyer are additionally improbable choices.
Photo voltaic Seashore and True Blue Seashore are two personal seashores which are identified to be very vibrant and excellent for seashore events. You’ll discover a enjoyable vibe it doesn’t matter what the time of day, and occasions that run late into the night.
Uzunya Seashore is a good selection for households, because of the calm waters and services on web site. This seashore can also be set in a quieter space, so there aren’t any busy roads shut by to disrupt the seaside vibe.
Golden Seashore is an efficient choice for {couples} because of the romantic vibe and superb sunsets. There are some nice eating places round this seashore too, which offer the very best ambiance for a particular meal for 2.
Whereas there are common ferry hyperlinks to the Princes Islands, among the greatest seashores are away from the principle transport hyperlinks. Nevertheless, they’re really gorgeous. If you would like one thing a bit of simpler to seek out that also falls into the ‘off monitor’ class, Ormanli Plajı provides you with that feeling of being away from town.
Istanbul’s climate will be changeable it doesn’t matter what the month, however between Could and September you’ll discover the very best of the climate. July and August are the most popular months, however it could possibly rain at any time. Regardless of that, downpours do are usually fairly short-lived.
There are a number of public seashores in Istanbul, together with over in Kadiköy, however the Sariyer space is the place you’ll discover the cleanest sand and greatest seashore vibes. Many of those seashores are personal seashores and infrequently have charges to enter, however they supply all of the services you want for an important day on the sand.
Uzunya Seashore is as near Mediterranean-style situations as you’re more likely to get on this a part of the nation. The ocean right here is obvious and, when you’re fortunate, you may see the odd dolphin.
Sure, the designated seashore areas in Istanbul are protected for swimming and the most effective methods to chill down in the summertime warmth. Some seashores are a bit of windier than others which makes for waves, however total, Istanbul’s seashores are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
The personal seashore areas round Sariyer are patrolled by lifeguards, which makes them protected for swimming and water sports activities.
It’s extremely unlikely that you just’ll see a shark in Istanbul. Whereas there are some species of shark within the deeper waters, they’re not more likely to come near shore and assault people.
The closest seashore to Istanbul is Caddesbostan Plajı, which is simply across the coastal path from Kadiköy. You’ll be able to stroll in round 20-Half-hour, or you possibly can take the bus or a taxi.
In Conclusion
I gained’t blame you when you initially thought Istanbul was on no account a seashore vacation spot, however now you already know all the very best seashores in Istanbul, I hope you’ve modified your thoughts. Sightseeing in Istanbul is at all times a deal with; I’ve been so many occasions, nevertheless it by no means will get outdated or boring. Having the choice to sit back out within the arms of Mom Nature on a good looking seashore simply provides one other dimension of enjoyable.
Whether or not you select to move to a non-public, sheltered seashore for some complete peace and quiet or go for a fun-filled public seashore with music and events, there’s one thing for everybody. The shoreline round Istanbul is breathtakingly stunning with rugged cliffs and blue waters; it might be a disgrace to not spend a day there lapping all of it up.
