The Best Beaches and Shores to Swim in Istanbul

What do you do to escape the noise and stress of the city when you feel like you're stuck in concrete piles? Here are the beaches with clear waters and peaceful atmospheres, hidden right in the middle of Istanbul! Yes, you heard right! You can also swim in Istanbul and even have a very enjoyable time.

In this article, we have compiled the best of Istanbul's coasts and beaches for you. If you want to swim near the city both for weekend getaways and during your summer holidays, this guide is for you. If you are ready, let's set out to discover the places to swim in Istanbul, in other words, the hidden paradises of Istanbul!

Places to Swim on the European Side

Wouldn't you like to relax a little in the cool waters of the sea in the busy life of Istanbul? The European Side hosts many beautiful beaches for those who want to get away from the crowds of the city and be in touch with nature. Here are some of the beaches on the European Side of Istanbul and the best places to swim:

Kilyos Burc Beach

Kilyos, one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul, attracts attention with its wide sandy beach, clean sea and surrounding natural beauty. An ideal option for both families and young people. It is located on the Black Sea coast on the northern coast of Istanbul. The beach has a 2-kilometer long sandy beach and offers many services such as water sports, beach sports, umbrellas and sun loungers.

• Fee: 380 TL for the week & 440 TL for the weekend
• Location: Gümüşdere, Sarıtepe Campus, 34470, Sarıyer / İSTANBUL.

Solar Beach

The beach, known as "Solar Beach" in Istanbul, is located in Kilyos, Sarıyer district. This beach, which is one of the most preferred among Kilyos beaches, is generally preferred by young people and attracts attention with its lively atmosphere and various activities. It allows you to have a pleasant day with its proximity to Istanbul, natural beauty and opportunities it offers.

• Fee: Weekdays: 250 TL per person. Weekends: 300 TL per person
• Location: Solar Beach, Kumköy Mahallesi Kilya Caddesi No:32-34, Kilyos, Sarıyer

Florya Sun Beach

Florya Güneş Beach and Florya Menekşe Beach are easily accessible thanks to their proximity to the city center. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, do various water sports or eat delicious meals at beach restaurants.

• Fee: General Admission: 60 TL. Student: 30 TL
• Location: General Admission: 60 TL. Student: 30 TL

Yeşilköy Çiroz Public Beach

It is an ideal option for those looking for a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere. Çiroz Beach stands out with its clean sea and natural beauty. The beach is open 24 hours and free. The beach also has facilities such as showers, changing cabins and buffets.

• Fee: Free.
• Location: Yeşilköy, Yeşilköy İstanbul Cd., 34149 Bakırköy/İstanbul

Sariyer Altinkum Beach

Sarıyer Altınkum Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul and draws attention with the fact that it offers a special area especially for women. Offering a peaceful atmosphere with its unique view of the Bosphorus and golden sands, the beach stands out with its many different features.

• Fee: 800 TL on weekdays, 900 TL on weekends, children between 0-6 years old are free, children over 6 years old are subject to adult fee.
• Location: Büyükdere, 34453 Sarıyer/Istanbul

Places to Swim on the Anatolian Side

The Anatolian Side is a region that stands out with its natural beauties, frequently preferred by both local and foreign visitors of Istanbul. It is home to beautiful beaches for those who want to cool off and have a pleasant time during the summer months.
Anatolian Side beaches generally offer a calmer and more natural atmosphere. It is an ideal option for those who want to get away from the stress of city life. Districts such as Caddebostan, Bostancı , Suadiuye and Beykoz stand out with their clean seas and wide beaches.

Caddebostan Beach 1

Caddebostan Beach is a popular coastline on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul, attracting great attention from both local and foreign tourists, especially during the summer months. This beach, which stands out with its proximity to the city center, ease of transportation and the opportunities it offers, has become the symbol of Istanbul.

• Fee: General entrance fee is 60 TL. 30 TL for students. Free use is granted to disabled people and their companions, people over 60 years of age and families of martyrs/veterans.

• Location: Caddebostan, Park İçi Yolu, 34728 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Caddebostan Beach 2

Another public beach that is ideal for those living around Kadıköy on the Anatolian Side is Caddebostan 2 Beach. Those living around Istanbul can choose Caddebostan Beach 2 as another option, as it may be crowded, especially when they want to swim for a day.

• Fee: General entrance fee is 60 TL. 30 TL for students. Free use is granted to disabled people and their companions, people over 60 years of age and families of martyrs/veterans.
• Location: Caddebostan, 34728 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Bostanci Public Beach

With its long coastline and various facilities, Bostancı is home to one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul. Bostancı Beach is one of the most popular and lively beaches in Istanbul. It is an ideal option for both relaxing and socializing. It is one of the places you must see when you come to Istanbul.

• Fee: Free
• Location: Bostancı Mh, Çetin Emeç Blv. No:131, 34744, 34744 Kadıköy/İstanbul

Suadiye Beach

Suadiye Beach, on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul, offers a calmer and more peaceful atmosphere than neighboring beaches such as Caddebostan and Bostancı. Suadiye has witnessed many important events from past to present.
In Suadiye, which started to become popular in the 1920s, the beach was put into service in 1929. At that time, the beach was a holiday destination preferred by Istanbul's elite. Many villas and summer houses were built around the beach, making Suadiye one of the favorite settlements in Istanbul.

• Fee: Free. To use sun loungers and umbrellas, you need to pay 18 TL each.
• Location: Istanbul, Kadıköy, Suadiye Mah.

Beykoz Küçüksu Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul is Küçüksu Beach. It serves the people of Istanbul with its unique view. This beach, located in the center of Istanbul with a Bosphorus view, has a capacity of up to 300 people and is 300 meters long in total. You can rent sun loungers and umbrellas while enjoying the sea at Küçüksu Beach.

• Fee : Entrance to Küçüksu beach is free. However, you can pay between 120 TL and 260 TL for your purchases from the buffet and for renting sun loungers and umbrellas.
• Location: Küçüksu / Beykoz

Places to Swim in the Islands Region

You can experience both historical texture and unique nature together in the Princes' Islands, which is the first choice of those who want to get away from the stress of the city. The islands are one of the most popular getaway spots in Istanbul with their historical texture, natural beauties and calm atmosphere. In this article, we have compiled for you the most beautiful bays and beaches you can visit in terms of the sea in the Islands. You can rent a sun lounger, ride a pedalo or just relax by sunbathing. There are also many opportunities to discover the historical and cultural riches of the islands.

Büyükada Yörükali Beach

We can say that Yörükali Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches where you can get away from the busyness of big cities and have a pleasant time while enjoying the sea. The facilities on the beach also offer reservations for your special day events such as weddings, engagements and birthdays. The beach offers service facilities such as shower cabins, sun loungers and umbrellas. Yörükali Beach is a unique beach option that you can choose for a daily holiday from Istanbul.

• Fee: Children aged 0-5 are free. Entrance fee on weekdays and Saturdays: 500TL. Entrance fee on Sundays and holidays: 700 TL
• Location: Yörükali Mevkii Nizam Mah. Yörük Ali Facilities Büyükada / Istanbul

Buyukada Princess Bay

Princess Bay, one of the most popular beaches of Büyükada, fascinates those who see it with its crystal clear sea. There is one facility in the bay. This property offers services such as sun loungers and umbrellas. In addition, showers, toilets and changing cabins are also available in the bay.
One of the preferred spots for swimming in Büyükada, which is an ideal place for short and long holidays, is Princess Bay Beach. The beach you will reach by climbing the Aşıklar road is close to Yörükali Beach.

• Fee: 120 TL on weekdays and 150 TL on weekends. Children between the ages of 0 - 7 are free of charge, and those between the ages of 7 - 12 receive a 50% discount.
• Location: Kamelya Sokak No:14 Büyükada, 34970

Heybeliada Island Beach Club

Offering a unique experience for holidaymakers going to Heybeliada, Ada Beach Club beach will be one of the best choices to enjoy the sea. It offers a pleasant experience with its clean air and nature in Çam Limani Bay, surrounded by the unique pine forests of Heybeliada. Ada Beach Club also provides services such as weddings, events and restaurants.

• Fee: 500 TL on weekdays and weekends.
• Location: Çamlık locality, Heybeliada

Burgazada Kalpazankaya Beach

Burgazada Kalpazankaya Beach stands out as a beach located in the most beautiful part of the island. The bay, which is relatively free of waves, maintains its cleanliness by being stony. Kalpazankaya Beach, which stands out with its clean and clear sea, is extremely suitable for swimming and sunbathing to your heart's content. You can reach the bay, which also has a pier, cafe and restaurant, in 40 minutes from Burgazada center.

• Fee: Entrance is free. There is a charge of 300 TL per person for sun loungers and umbrellas.
• Location: Burgazada, Istanbul

Kınalıada Kumluk Beach

Kumluk Beach, which is one of the places we highly recommend you to go to if you go to Kınalıada, is also among the most popular beaches on the island. All the needs you may need on the beach, such as sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, toilets and changing rooms, are met. Additionally, there is also a restaurant that Kınalıada guests can benefit from. Visitors are charged a fee for entrance.
Since Kumlu Beach is shallow and clean, it is a very suitable beach for families and new swimmers. Since it has a stony structure, we recommend that visitors bring sea shoes with them.

• Fee : 200 TL on weekdays, 300 TL on weekends
• Location: Kınalıada, 34977 Adalar/İstanbul

Places to Swim in Şile Region

Şile is a district that stands out with its proximity to Istanbul and natural beauty. In Şile, which attracts great attention especially in the summer months, there is the opportunity to swim both close to the city center and in quieter bays. Şile beaches offer a peaceful holiday experience to its visitors with its long sandy beaches, clean sea and natural beauty. In this article, we have compiled for you the most popular beaches where you can swim in Şile and the services offered at these beaches.

Ağlayankaya Beach

One of the two blue flag beaches in Istanbul is Ağlayankaya Beach in Şile. To reach this beach, which has been in service for more than 20 years, just follow the Balibey signs. There are services you will need at the beach, such as toilets, sun loungers, umbrellas and showers, and they are included in the fee.

• Fee: Entrance fee is 400 TL on weekdays and 500 TL on weekends. Entry is free for children 0 – 12 years old.
• Location: Balibey Mah. Ağlayankaya Cad. Ağlayankaya Beach No:17

Ayazma Beach

Şile has a sandy beach of approximately 10 km. Şile has 3 sandy beaches. The first of these is Şile Public Beach (Ayazma Beach), which is a wide and sandy beach located at the entrance of Şile. Ayazma Beach, which has been in service since 1996 and is the most preferred in Şile, attracts attention with the service provided by Rüya Beach, its volleyball court and hammocks. It becomes the focal point of people thanks to its natural beauties and clear sea water.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Center, Şile/Istanbul

Uzunkum Beach

One of the blue flag beaches is Uzunkum Beach. The beach, which offers its visitors a pleasant holiday with its fine sand, warm and clean sea, is approximately 1 km long. You can reach the beach via Ağlayankaya Street when you head right from the center of Şile. Uuzunkum Beach has both a free public beach and a paid Aqua Beach Club. You can choose either one according to your wishes and needs.

• Fee: To enter Aqua Beach Club, you must pay 700 TL on weekdays and 800 TL on weekends. No fee is charged until age 10.
• Location: Balibey Mah., Ağlayankaya Cad., Uzunkum Plajı No:2, 34980 Şile/İstanbul

Agva Kilimli Bay

If you want to get away from the tiring life of Istanbul, rest your mind and have a peaceful and unique holiday in nature, Kilimli Bay is just for you. Ağva is known for the beautiful bays it offers to its visitors, forests where you can see every shade of green, and clear waters. Thanks to the forested areas around it, the bay offers the opportunity to enrich your holiday with different activities such as camping, nature walks and trekking.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Bucaklı, 34980 Şile/Istanbul

Sahilköy Beach

Sahilköy Beach hosts many visitors every year with its deep blue sea, quiet and peaceful nature away from the city. The beach, which is 500 meters long and 15 meters wide, is located in Domalı, Şile. The beach, which is an ideal resting point for those who are overwhelmed by the stress and noise of the city, offers an experience in touch with nature. Sun loungers, umbrellas etc. on the beach. There are no services like this. However, you must prepare your own food needs when you arrive.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Sahilköy, 34980 Şile/Istanbul

Popular Beaches Around Istanbul

There are many beaches around Istanbul that stand out with their historical and natural beauty. You can sunbathe, swim in the sea, do various water sports or just relax and have a pleasant time on these beaches. In this article, we have prepared a detailed guide for those who want to have an unforgettable holiday experience on the beaches close to Istanbul.

Silivri Selimpaşa Beach

Selimpaşa Beach is a free beach located in Silivri district of Istanbul. This beach, located in Silivri district, offers its visitors a wonderful sea experience. With its quiet and peaceful beach, Selimpaşa Beach will be a great option especially for daily getaways.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Selimpaşa, Halaskargazi Cd., 34590 Silivri/Istanbul

Kumburgaz Public Beach

A little known beach just outside of Istanbul: Kumburgaz Beach. You can have a pleasant time at this beach in Büyükçekmece and enjoy the clear sea. Thanks to the cafes lined up along the beach, you don't need to spend time on necessities such as cooking. You can grab your coffee and drink it while sunbathing by the sea. The beach, which is approximately 8 kilometers long, is 50 km away from the center of Istanbul.
Kumburgaz is actually impressive not only with its long and beautiful beaches, but also with its cute cafes along the coastline. True, historical monuments have unfortunately worn out over time, but this does not reduce the charm of the region. Kumburgaz, with its lush natural habitats, is ideal for a quiet getaway.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Kumburgaz Mh, Kum Sk. No:2, 34530 Büyükçekmece/İstanbul

Çatalca Ormanlı Beach

If you prefer a quiet and wide area to swim in the sea, Ormanlı Beach will be just for you. This beach, located between the Black Sea and the forests, has an extremely pleasant and peaceful atmosphere. Since it can get wavy on windy days, the beach may be closed on some days. There are almost no settlements on the coast, but there are a few small, albeit makeshift, facilities. Entrance is free, but sunbeds and shower facilities can be provided at some facilities for an extra fee.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Ormanlı, 34540 Çatalca/İstanbul

Tekirdağ Marmara Ereğlisi Beach

This beach, also known as Dallas Beach, located in Marmara Ereğli, is also known for being the cleanest beach. Entrance to the beach run by Beledeiye is free. Fees must be paid for sun loungers and umbrellas. You can easily meet your food needs thanks to the cafes inside. The beach, which is suitable for families as it is shallow, is 39 km away from the city.

• Fee: Entrance is free.
• Location: Dereağzı, Tekirdağ İstanbul Yolu, 59740 Marmara Ereğlisi/Marmaraereğlisi/Tekirdağ

Kilyos Suma Beach

Suma Beach, located in the Kilyos town of Sarıyer district of Istanbul, is one of the many beaches in the town. However, it stands out with its length reaching 300 meters, DJ performances and parties. Entrance to the beach is paid. The beach is adorned with sand from beginning to end and provides services such as showers, toilets, sun loungers and umbrellas. The sun terrace, picnic area, relaxation areas, hammocks and entertainment areas are not forgotten. Even parking service has been considered. Before you go, let us tell you that you may find the prices high.

• Fee: 380 TL on weekdays & 420 TL on weekends
• Location: Kumköy Mah. Tatlisu Cad. No:4 Sariyer/Istanbul