The Top 10 Cleanest Beaches in Turkey

The moments I spent on Turkey's cleanest beaches still warm my heart. The moments I lost myself in the turquoise waters of Kaputaş, marveled at the tranquility of the turtles in İztuzu. In this article, I want to tell you about Turkey's 10 most beautiful beaches, with their sparkling waters and the embracing spirit of nature. Each one is a natural wonder, with golden sands, rocky coves, or the peaceful scent of pine trees. I experienced the tranquility of the evening at Çıralı and was swept away by the energy of the sea at Ölüdeniz. These beaches are not just vacation spots; they are places that touch my soul and where I collect memories. Now it's your turn. Choose a beach and start enjoying the taste of freedom with the salty scent of the sea.

Turkey's Cleanest Beaches with Sparkling Seas: Top 10

1. Kargı Beach, Bodrum Ortakent 
2. Hisarönü Cove, Datça
3. Ovabükü Beach, Datça
4. İztuzu Beach, Dalyan
5. Çıralı Beach, Kemer
6. Patara Beach, Kaş
7. Kaputaş Beach, Kaş
8. Sarımsaklı Beach, Ayvalık
9. Ilıca Beach, Çeşme
10. Ölüdeniz, Fethiye

Kargı Beach, Bodrum Ortakent

Kargı Beach is located in the Ortakent area of Bodrum, in a quiet yet easily accessible cove. With its Blue Flag waters, it ranks among Turkey’s cleanest beaches. Visitors are captivated by the crystal-clear sea and peaceful sandy shore. The gentle waves lapping at the sand and the salty breeze caressing your face make it an ideal spot for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Entry to Kargı Beach is free, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers. Some local businesses may charge a small fee for sunbed and umbrella rental, but bringing your own towel and spreading out on the sand is equally enjoyable. Several cafes and restaurants nearby offer a variety of options, from fresh seafood to refreshing drinks. Kargı Beach shines during the summer months. From June to late September, the water is warm and the beach is lively. July and August are perfect for those wanting to feel Bodrum’s energy, while late May or early October is ideal for a quieter getaway. Water sports enthusiasts will also enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the calm cove. The shallow, gentle sea is especially convenient for families with children, allowing the little ones to swim safely while adults soak up the sun on the sand.

Hisarönü Bay, Marmaris-Datça

Hisarönü Bay is located along a slightly winding road between Marmaris and Datça. With its turquoise waters and fine reddish sand, it’s a captivating natural beauty. Swimming here is not just about cooling off—it’s about being alone with nature, taking a deep breath, and truly relaxing. The water is shallow and clean, making it safe for families with children. The clarity is so impressive that sometimes you feel as if you’re swimming in an aquarium. The bay is surrounded by pine trees and adorned with colorful bougainvillea, with fresh, low-humidity air that feels like a natural wellness retreat. This makes it especially valuable for visitors with asthma or heart conditions. Entrance to the beach is free. You can bring your own umbrella and towel or rent them at local facilities for a reasonable fee. There are also a few small businesses along the shore where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or light snack while taking in the view. Many hidden coves nearby can be explored by boat, offering an even closer experience of the area’s serene connection with the sea.

Ovabükü Beach, Datça, Muğla

One of Datça’s most beautiful features is its hidden coves, untouched by crowds and preserving their natural charm. Ovabükü Beach is exactly such a place. Quiet and peaceful, it refreshes your mind while the clear waters soothe your body. Located a bit away from Datça town center, Ovabükü Beach offers a calm and serene atmosphere. The water is deep blue, crystal clear, and shallow enough that you can see your feet while swimming, making it safe for families with children. The sand mixed with pebbles provides a natural texture, perfect for those who enjoy walking barefoot on the ground. In addition to swimming, there are many activities to enjoy here. You can take a short nature walk in the morning or join local boat tours to explore other coves along Datça’s coastline. The best time to visit is during the spring, when nature is waking up, or in autumn, when the summer crowds have dispersed. Summer brings a livelier atmosphere, though it’s still peaceful compared to the town center. Small local pensions, cafes, and restaurants surround the beach. Fresh fish, olive oil dishes, and icy lemonade complement a day by the sea. Entry to Ovabükü Beach is free, and local establishments offer sunbeds and umbrella rentals.

İztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Muğla

İztuzu Beach, located in Dalyan within the Ortaca district of Muğla, is one of the most special beaches not only in Turkey but in the world. With its golden sand, nature-surrounded location, and pristine waters, it is a true natural wonder. İztuzu Beach uniquely combines the salty waters of the Mediterranean on one side with the freshwater of the Dalyan River on the other. This rare meeting makes it a one-of-a-kind natural spot. It is also a nesting ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles. To protect these charming guests, the beach closes daily at 8:00 PM and reopens at 8:00 AM. This ensures the preservation of nature and allows visitors to enjoy the peace of being part of it. Thanks to its long shoreline, the beach remains peaceful even on busy days. The water is shallow and clean, making it especially suitable for families with children. The wide sandy area ensures everyone can find their own space. Visitors often remark, “This place is so calming,” and it truly is. Facilities include changing cabins, toilets, sunbed and umbrella rentals, and showers. There is also a parking area for those arriving by car. Alternatively, you can reach the beach via a short and scenic boat ride from Dalyan, which also provides an opportunity to observe the Caretta Caretta turtles in their natural habitat.

Çıralı Beach, Kemer, Antalya

Çıralı Beach is a quiet, peaceful coastal spot where you can escape the crowds of Antalya and enjoy nature. Stretching approximately 3.5 kilometers, it offers a wide beach with fine pebbles and crystal-clear waters. Initially, you may feel the pebbles underfoot, but as you move further, the soft sand reveals itself, highlighting the beach’s unique character. Çıralı is not only admired for its clean sea but also for its rich natural habitat. Every summer, endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs. For this reason, certain areas have restricted access and lighting is controlled during nesting hours. Beyond swimming, Çıralı offers plenty of ways to connect with nature. Morning walks along the shore, bicycle rides on the lush nearby trails, or short hikes to natural wonders like the Yanartaş (Burning Rock) add a touch of adventure to your holiday. The tranquil atmosphere also inspires yoga or meditation sessions. Entry to Çıralı Beach is free, but note that there are no commercial facilities directly on the shore.

Patara Beach, Kaş, Antalya

Patara Beach, located in Kaş, Antalya, is one of the longest beaches in the world. Stretching over 12 kilometers, its fine golden sands, historic surroundings, and untouched nature offer a soulful experience. The beach is also a protected nesting site for endangered Caretta Caretta turtles, and it closes at night to ensure the safety of their nests. Patara Beach is accessed via Gelemiş Village and passes by the Patara Ancient City. Walking here is a unique blend of history and nature. Entrance to the ancient city is ticketed, but if you have a ticket, no additional fee is required to access the beach. Only a portion of the beach is managed by Kaş Municipality, offering sunbeds and umbrellas. The rest remains natural, allowing visitors to freely spread their towels and find their own spot. With no pebbles on most of the beach, walking barefoot and entering the water is a pleasure. The water is mostly warm and shallow, making it safe for families with children. However, the open-sea exposure can bring waves, which makes it appealing for windsurfing enthusiasts. Don’t miss the sunset it’s a magical spectacle. The red tones reflected on the sand create a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Kaputaş Beach, Kaş, Antalya

Kaputaş Beach, located in the Kaş district of Antalya, is like a hidden corner of nature and stands out as one of Turkey’s cleanest and most impressive beaches. Its unique turquoise waters come alive thanks to the reflection of the nearly white pebbles that cover the shore. The secret behind these clear and cool waters lies in the spring water flowing from the mountains and mixing underground with the sea, keeping the water fresh and crisp. In the early morning, Kaputaş Beach is peaceful and calm. The sea deepens quickly, and gentle waves invite you to swim. Here, you can feel far from crowds and completely immersed in nature. Kaputaş has earned recognition not only in Turkey but also in Europe, making it to The Guardian’s list of “Europe’s Top 40 Beaches.” Nestled in a canyon opening to the sea, this small yet enchanting beach dazzles with its white pebbles and surrounding natural beauty. Managed carefully by Kaş Municipality, the beach offers umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, and refreshments are available at the cafe. Facilities such as showers, toilets, and changing cabins are free. While a small fee is charged for umbrellas and sunbeds, the quality of service and cleanliness make it worth every penny.

Sarımsaklı Beach, Ayvalık, Balıkesir

Sarımsaklı Beach, located in the Küçükköy neighborhood of Ayvalık, just a few kilometers from the town center, is one of Turkey’s longest beaches. With approximately 7 kilometers of fine sand and clear waters, Sarımsaklı is known as one of the most beautiful and clean beaches of the Aegean. During summer, the sea is pleasantly warm, while in spring and autumn, the water is slightly cool, offering a refreshing touch for those who prefer milder temperatures. The shallow and calm waters make it especially suitable for families with children or anyone sensitive to hot water. One of Sarımsaklı’s advantages is the variety of public and private areas along its long shoreline. Even in the free areas, visitors can rent umbrellas and sunbeds for comfort, and enjoy the food and beverage options provided by local facilities. This allows a relaxed experience away from crowded beaches.Thanks to its natural beauty and cleanliness, Sarımsaklı is a favorite among both local and international visitors. Additionally, it is one of the rare Aegean beaches where swimming is possible outside the high season, with enjoyable conditions extending until November.

Ilıca Beach, Çeşme, İzmir

Ilıca Beach, located in Çeşme, İzmir, is famous for its cool Aegean breezes, pristine waters, and shallow sea. Its name comes from the natural thermal springs emerging from the sea bed, making it not only a summer vacation destination but also a spot for those seeking the healing properties of thermal waters. The beach stretches over three kilometers, with golden sand and shallow waters, making it especially safe and enjoyable for families with children, the elderly, and inexperienced swimmers. The sea is crystal clear, offering a calming swimming experience throughout the day. What makes Ilıca Beach truly special are the hot water springs in the sea. These springs are said to provide relief for rheumatic conditions and certain women’s health issues. Therefore, Ilıca is ideal not only for leisure but also for those seeking nature-based wellness. This Blue Flag beach meets international standards for water quality and hygiene. It also offers exemplary accessibility for people with disabilities, including ramps, beach access vehicles, walking paths, and accessible restrooms, creating an equal and comfortable holiday experience for all. Showers, toilets, and changing cabins are provided by municipality-supported facilities. Entrance requires a fee, and sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent.

Ölüdeniz, Fethiye

Ölüdeniz Beach is one of the most famous and popular coastal spots in Fethiye. Its turquoise, calm waters, natural lagoon, and Blue Flag status make it one of the cleanest beaches in Turkey. Due to its pebbly shoreline, wearing water shoes is recommended. For those who prefer sand, Kumburnu Beach, located right next to Ölüdeniz, is a suitable alternative. Ölüdeniz Beach is public and free to access, with only a rental fee for sunbeds and umbrellas if desired. Kumburnu Beach, on the other hand, charges an entrance fee. Its shallow and calm waters make it especially safe for families with children and non-swimmers. Ölüdeniz is not just about sun and sea. The area offers a variety of water and air sports, including paragliding, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Paragliding from Babadağ, which rises just behind the beach, offers an unforgettable experience for those who want to see the region from above. Nearby, you’ll also find restaurants and cafes that cover essential needs. Before going on holiday, knowing which beaches are free and which charge an entrance fee can make planning easier. For a detailed list, you can also check our guide on Free and Paid Beaches in Turkey.