The best beaches of Istanbul: your guide to sunlight, relaxation, and another Only for women

Istanbul is a captivating city that blends ancient history with modernity. While it's not primarily known as a beach destination, it boasts several wonderful beaches that offer a refreshing escape during the hot summer months.

Whether you're seeking peace and quiet, or water activities and entertainment, you'll find something to suit your preferences at these diverse beaches.

Important Notes Before You Go:

• Beach Season: The best time to visit Istanbul's beaches is during the summer months (June to September), when temperatures are ideal for swimming and relaxation.

• Entrance Fees: The prices mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on the season and the services provided. It's always a good idea to check prices and opening hours before your visit.

• Transportation: Access methods depend on the beach's location, but generally, most can be reached by public buses, Metrobus, or ferries.

Public and Mixed Beaches:

1. Kilyos Beach

• Area: Located in the Sarıyer district on the Black Sea coast north of Istanbul, in the European part.

• Features: It's one of the most famous and vibrant beaches, known for its clean waters and wide golden sands. It offers many water activities like surfing and jet-skiing. It includes several beach clubs, restaurants, and cafes.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees vary depending on the beach club you choose (usually ranging between 50-150 Turkish Lira). Beaches typically open from early morning until sunset during the summer season.

• How to Get There: Kilyos can be reached from various parts of Istanbul by public transport, such as taking buses from major metro or Metrobus stations.

2. Burç Beach

• Area: Also located in the Sarıyer district on the Black Sea coast, affiliated with Boğaziçi University.

• Features: Known for its lively and fun atmosphere, it's a favorite spot for university students. It offers excellent facilities for water sports like windsurfing and wakeboarding. It regularly hosts music events and DJ parties.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees vary, and are usually slightly higher due to the services and facilities available (sometimes up to 200 Turkish Lira). It's open during daylight hours in the summer season.

• How to Get There: You can reach it by taking buses towards Sarıyer, then local buses towards Gümüşdere.

3. Ayayorgi Beach

• Area: Located on Büyükada Island, the largest of the Princes' Islands.

• Features: Characterized by its clear turquoise waters and serene, charming atmosphere. It offers stunning panoramic views.

• Prices & Hours: There are usually no entrance fees for the beach itself, but some beach clubs may charge for using their facilities. The island itself is accessible all day.

• How to Get There: By taking a ferry from the European side (e.g., Kabataş or Eminönü) or the Asian side (e.g., Kadıköy or Bostancı) to Büyükada, then walking or taking an electric buggy on the island to reach the beach.

4. Florya Güneş Beach

• Area: Located in the Bakırköy district on the Marmara Sea coast, in the European part.

• Features: One of the popular public beaches frequently visited by locals. It boasts soft sands and calm waters, making it suitable for families and children. It provides basic facilities like sun loungers, umbrellas, and food stalls.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees are very reasonable (usually less than 50 Turkish Lira). It's open from early morning until sunset.

• How to Get There: Easily accessible by Metrobus (Florya station) or public buses passing through the area.

5. Florya Deniz Kulübü

• Area: Also located in the Bakırköy district near the public Florya Beach.

• Features: A private beach club offering more advanced facilities and services than the public beach. It includes restaurants, swimming pools, and sports fields. It's a good choice for those seeking a more luxurious experience.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees are higher than the public beach and vary by day and season. It's usually open from early morning until evening.

• How to Get There: Similar to Florya Güneş Beach, by Metrobus or public buses.

6. Solina Beach & Wellness

• Area: Located in the Sarıyer district on the Black Sea coast.

• Features: A luxurious beach club offering a comprehensive experience beyond just enjoying the beach. It includes a spa, fine dining restaurants, and sports facilities. It's known for its tranquil atmosphere and excellent services.

• Prices & Hours: Prices are relatively high given the nature of the venue and services provided (ranging from 200-400 Turkish Lira or more). It's open from early morning until evening.

• How to Get There: Access requires a private car or taxi due to its location.

7. Tarabya Beach

• Area: Located in the Sarıyer district on the Bosphorus Strait.

• Features: Although not a traditional swimming beach (due to Bosphorus traffic), it offers areas for sunbathing and relaxation with stunning views of the Strait. It's surrounded by elegant cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal place to spend time and enjoy the scenery.

• Prices & Hours: There are no entrance fees for the beach itself. Cafes and restaurants have their own prices and typically stay open until late evening.

• How to Get There: Accessible by public buses that run along the Bosphorus coast in Sarıyer.

8. Nakibey Beach

• Area: Located on Büyükada Island, Princes' Islands.

• Features: A popular private beach on Büyükada Island, offering good facilities for swimming and relaxation. It's known for its clean and calm waters, and is an excellent choice for families, with the beach management restricting single men to ensure family privacy.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees apply (usually between 50-100 Turkish Lira). It's open during daylight hours in the summer season.

• How to Get There: By taking a ferry to Büyükada, then walking or using electric buggies.

9. Caddebostan Beach (Caddebostan Plajı)

• Area: Located in the Kadıköy district on the Asian side of Istanbul, on the Marmara Sea.

• Features: One of the beautiful and clean beaches on the Asian side, stretching for about 1 km. It offers all services and facilities like umbrellas, chairs, and food stalls, in addition to its proximity to upscale restaurants and cafes on Bağdat Avenue. It's an excellent and suitable family destination for all ages.

• Prices & Hours: It's a public beach, there might be nominal fees for renting umbrellas and chairs. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Easily accessible by Metrobus (Bostancı station) or public buses passing through Bağdat Avenue.

10. Uzunya Beach (Uzunya Plajı)

• Area: Located within a small bay on the Black Sea, in the Sarıyer district.

• Features: Characterized by its complete tranquility and soft sands. It offers entertainment services like cafes and restaurants right on the beach, making it an ideal place to relax and get away from the city's hustle.

• Prices & Hours: There are usually entrance fees. Open during daylight hours in the summer season.

• How to Get There: It's preferable to reach it by private car or taxi due to its relatively remote location.

11. Solar Beach

• Area: Located north of Belgrade Forests, within the Kilyos area on the Black Sea coast, in the European part.

• Features: One of the largest and most famous beaches in Istanbul, known for its clear, calm waters and golden sands. It offers a wide range of services and facilities, hosts live music shows and parties, and has dedicated children's areas and playgrounds.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees vary depending on the day and events. It's open from early morning until evening.

• How to Get There: Accessible by buses heading to Kilyos.

12. Blue Beach

• Area: Located in the Zeytinburnu district on the Marmara Sea, in the European part.

• Features: A public beach where you can see boats and islands from Kalamış Marina. It's a suitable place for relaxation and strolling along the coast.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance is usually free. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Easily accessible by Metrobus or buses passing through the Zeytinburnu area.

13. Wattap Beach

• Area: Located on the Marmara Sea, about 55 km away from the city (near Demirci Köy area).

• Features: Very suitable for those seeking relaxation and sunbathing away from the noise. It offers privacy and stunning nature, and some sports activities can be practiced.

• Prices & Hours: There might be entrance fees. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Requires a private car or taxi due to its distance from the city center.

14. Non Stop Beach

• Area: Located in the Sarıyer district on the Black Sea coast.

• Features: Known for its youthful and entertainment-filled atmosphere, it hosts various events and parties.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees vary. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Accessible by buses heading to the Sarıyer area.

15. Babylon Beach

• Area: Located on Kilyos Bay, in the European part of Istanbul.

• Features: One of the most beautiful and charming beaches in Kilyos, characterized by its clean, enchanting waters and proximity to green areas. It offers many services, facilities, restaurants, gift shops, and swimming essentials.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees vary. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Similar to the general Kilyos beach, by buses heading to Kilyos.

16. Büyükçekmece Beach

• Area: Located in the Büyükçekmece district in the European part on the Marmara Sea, about 40 km from Istanbul city center.

• Features: Overlooks the Marmara Sea with a coastline stretching for several kilometers. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, surfing, and other water sports and fishing. It includes beach clubs, children's playgrounds, and water sports centers. Suitable for families and individuals.

• Prices & Hours: It's a public beach, there might be nominal fees for some facilities. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Accessible by public buses or Metrobus heading to Büyükçekmece.

17. Gürpınar Beach

• Area: Located in the Beylikdüzü district in the European part, on the Marmara Sea.

• Features: Offers a mix of sandy and pebbly areas, characterized by its clean waters and calm atmosphere. Next to it is a large park with children's play areas, BBQ spots, and several kiosks along the coast. Ideal for families and couples.

• Prices & Hours: It's a public beach, there might be nominal fees for some facilities. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Accessible by public buses from Metrobus stations in Beylikdüzü.

18. West Istanbul Marina Beach

• Area: Located within the West Istanbul Marina in the Beylikdüzü district.

• Features: Offers a modern and upscale environment with marina facilities. Often part of a larger complex that includes restaurants and cafes.

• Prices & Hours: There might be entrance fees or fees for using facilities.

• How to Get There: Preferable to reach by private car or taxi.

19. Beylikdüzü Beach

• Area: Located in the Beylikdüzü district on the Marmara Sea coast.

• Features: Considered one of the most beautiful beaches suitable for children and families in the area. It boasts a distinct view of the Marmara Sea.

• Prices & Hours: It's a public beach, there might be nominal fees. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Accessible by public buses from Metrobus stations in Beylikdüzü.

20. Odo Istanbul Coast (Odo Istanbul Beach)

• Area: Located in the Tuzla district on the Asian side.

• Features: Characterized by its gym, large restaurant, and pleasant coastal atmosphere. It attracts many visitors and offers an opportunity for surfing.

• Prices & Hours: There might be entrance fees. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Accessible by public buses heading to Tuzla.

21. Kilyos Coast

• Area: Located in the Kilyos area north of Istanbul, on the Black Sea.

• Features: Enjoys a charming location on the Black Sea with golden sands, green hills, and sparkling waters. It includes a selection of upscale restaurants and is an attractive destination for tourists and residents.

• Prices & Hours: Vary depending on the beach clubs.

• How to Get There: By buses heading to Kilyos.

Women-Only Beaches (Private Beaches for Families and Women Only):

Istanbul is particularly attentive to providing beaches specifically for women to ensure privacy and comfort, especially for those who wear headscarves. These beaches are characterized by having an all-female staff and fully equipped facilities.

1. Golden Beach (Altınkum Kadınlar Plajı)

• Area: Located in the Sarıyer district on the Bosphorus Strait, near the Third Bosphorus Bridge (Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge).

• Features: It's one of the beaches exclusively for women, particularly suitable for those who wear headscarves. It offers facilities such as changing rooms, showers, chairs, tables, and umbrellas. All beach staff and supervisors are female.

• Prices:

• Free entry for children under 7 years old.

• 10 Turkish Lira for children aged 7 to 10 years.

• Women and children over 11 years old are charged 30 Turkish Lira (prices may vary).

• Opening Hours: Daily, including Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and Eid.

• How to Get There: Can be reached by various public transport methods, or by ferries that arrive close by, disembarking at Rumeli Kavağı station.

2. Sarıyer Altınkum Beach (Sarıyer Altınkum Kadınlar Plajı)

• Area: Located on the Black Sea coast in the Sarıyer district.

• Features: One of the most famous women-only beaches in Istanbul. It offers high-quality services including changing rooms, showers, and beach umbrellas. Boys over the age of 8 are not permitted.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fee is approximately 60 Turkish Lira (may vary). Open from 6 AM to 6 PM.

• How to Get There: Accessible by buses heading to Sarıyer.

3. Florya Menekşe Beach for Women (Florya Menekşe Kadınlar Plajı)

• Area: Located in the Florya district, European part, on the Marmara Sea.

• Features: Originally a mixed beach, a large section of it (800 meters long with a capacity for 1500 umbrellas) has been designated as "women-only." It's known for its clean waters and charming views. It offers a quiet atmosphere with plenty of privacy.

• Prices & Hours: Entrance fees are usually nominal or free. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Easily accessible by Metrobus or public buses passing through the Florya area.

4. Poyrazköy Beach (Poyrazköy Kadınlar Plajı)

• Area: Located in the Beykoz district north of Istanbul, in the Asian part.

• Features: Highly popular among women due to its excellent location close to the city center with accessible transportation. It features clean waters, charming sands, and comprehensive services and diverse facilities.

• Prices & Hours: There might be entrance fees. Open during daylight hours.

• How to Get There: Accessible by public buses heading to Beykoz.