Beaches in Türkiye

Türkiye is surrounded by sea on three sides, by the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west. In the northwest, there is also an important internal sea, the Sea of Marmara between the straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, both strategically important waterways that connect the Black Sea with the rest of the world.

The most famous of Türkiye’s Beaches and Resorts are to be found on the Mediterranean and Aegean Coasts.

The 1,600 km long Mediterranean Coastline of Türkiye is known as the Turkish Riviera or, simply, the Turquoise Coast. It is home to some of the best beaches and resorts in the world. The big resorts are bustling and lively in the high summer season and attract millions of visitors from all around the world. There are all-inclusive five-star resorts on the beaches at Lara and Kemer. There are smaller resorts which retain more of their original charm. Check out Kaş (famous for its diving and water sports).

The picturesque lagoon of Ölüdeniz, seem on many posters, is situated where the Med meets the Aegean, as are the smaller resorts of Dalyan and Fethiye

The Aegean Coast boasts some of Türkiye’s chicest resorts. The Bodrum and Marmaris peninsulas are where the trendy and well-heeled go to summer and to be seen. They are home to some of the best summer months nightlife. Around İzmir are some great resorts. Çeşme is one of the most touristic regions and boasts turquoise sea and golden sand on Blue Flag beaches. The town of Alaçatı is a delightful and typical Aegean town. A lovely beach lies a couple of kilometres to the south.

The Black Sea resorts are less well known but well worth considering in the summer months. And resorts on the Sea of Marmara which were traditionally the weekend playgrounds of those trying to get out of İstanbul are also developing into international destinations.

Türkiye’s Climate

Türkiye is a big country (larger than France and UK put together, or 2.5 times bigger than Italy) and is surrounded by sea on roughly 3 sides.

Türkiye’s western Mediterranean region enjoys a characteristically Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and moderately warm and rainy winters. “Summer” lasts nine months, but apart from midsummer, the coast is quite bearable. Sunshine is almost guaranteed for more than 300 days of the year and sea temperatures are more than bearable even in October and November. This goes to make the Turkish Mediterranean a great destination for winter sun. July and August can get very hot, reaching up to 40°. In Antalya, the region’s largest city, winter temperatures rarely dip below 15°C. The entire Mediterranean coast is protected from cold northerly winds by the Taurus Mountains.

The climate of the Aegean is superbly mild. Summers are hot but rarely exceed 35°C, even during July and August and there are often breezes that take the edge off the heat. Spring and autumn are sunny, with blue skies and daily temperatures averaging in the high teens. Winters are mild with occasional precipitation. For sunbathing and water sports as well as mountain sports, the region’s summer months cannot be beaten.

The Marmara Region to the northwest, with its former Ottoman capitals of Edirne, Bursa, and İstanbul, enjoys a moderate climate. Average temperatures in winter and summer are 4°C and 27°C, respectively. But expect frost and even snow December to March. Summer’s humid heat waves last for days, with temperatures of 35°C and higher, particularly in the crowded cities. Spring and autumn are typically mild but can change quickly.

The climate in the Black Sea area is wet and warm on summer the average is 23°C and on winter 7°C. The best times to enjoy its undiscovered baches are July and August.

Lively Resorts

When the sun goes down the fun doesn’t stop!

In the coastal resorts of the Mediterranean there’s plenty of nightlife to keep the whole family entertained after dark. From live music and cocktails with a sea view to late-night clubs and atmospheric opera (in an ancient theatre), there’s enough variety to keep everyone happy.

By day you can enjoy the sun, the sea and the beaches in Marmaris. But at night the fun doesn't stop. Marmaris is famous for its colourful and dynamic nightlife. In bar streets and discos music and fun goes on until the early hours. Special Boat Parties are another way in which you can have fun in the evenings!

The nightlife in Bodrum is famous and vibrant. You can enjoy lively nights and nightlife activities of Bodrum in its numerous bars, clubs, nightclubs, and shows. Great nightlife and entertainment in Bodrum take place on the mile long Bodrum Bar Street (Cumhuriyet Street), which is choc-a-bloc with the largest and most extravagant nightclubs Bodrum.