Turkey is a country with a rich history, cultural heritage and breathtaking beaches. Among the many attractions that this country has to offer, its beaches stand out as some of the most beautiful. Families looking for a relaxing holiday destination will not be disappointed with the selection of the best family-friendly beaches Turkey has to offer. In the past two years, we have been road-tripping and exploring the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts twice a year. So in this blog post, I have picked our 5 favourite family-friendly beaches in Turkey, including two hidden gems.
About Turkey’s coastline
The coastline of Turkey boasts over 8,000 kilometres of beaches and crystal-clear waters. This coastline is divided into four regions: the Aegean, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, and the Sea of Marmara. Here, I will focus on the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
The Aegean Coast
The Aegean Coast is located on the western side of Turkey and is characterised by its clear waters, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. The region is home to popular beach towns, including Bodrum, Kuşadası, and Çeşme, all the way to Marmaris.
The Mediterranean Coast
The Mediterranean Coast is located on the southern side of Turkey and is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and turquoise waters. The region is home to many popular holiday destinations, including Antalya, Alanya, and Fethiye. Visitors can explore many ancient sites, scuba diving, or take boat tours of the region’s stunning coastline.
I’ve included in this post, beaches that were clean, relatively quiet with shallow waters and with different features which I hope suits different needs.
Always be cautious about the sun when spending time at the beach. Wear protective clothing and a hat, apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
1. Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan, Best for learning about turtle conservation.
Located near Dalyan, Iztuzu Beach is a natural wonder with golden sand and clear blue waters. The beach is part of a protected area and is surrounded by unspoilt nature.
The beach is equipped with essential facilities such as a restaurant, washrooms, changing rooms, and showers.
Visitors must follow strict regulations to protect the nesting grounds of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). A designated area is reserved for the turtles, and you can rent umbrellas and loungers in a small section of the beach. Alternatively, you can bring your own equipment.
The shallow waters and gentle waves make it ideal for families with young children. My son was about nine when we visited, and even though he ventured further than I liked, the sea level was still below his waist.
Iztuzu Beach is also perfect if you want to explore the surrounding area, which includes boat tours on the Dalyan River, ancient ruins sightseeing and mud baths.
Opposite the car park, you can find “THE KAPTAN JUNE SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION FOUNDATION“. It is a small centre but nonetheless very interesting. A volunteer gave us a tour and explained to us the different stages of rehabilitation of sea turtles.
We learned a lot about the vulnerability of these magnificent marine reptiles as well as the many dangers they face and their conservation. Interestingly, the water used in the tanks at the centre is directly pumped from the sea at Iztuzu Beach.
2. The Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz, Best for the littlest ones and water sports.
Ölüdeniz is a highly popular beach resort near Fethiye. The town is famous for its turquoise waters, paragliding and boat trips to nearby coves and islands. The beach itself is a long strip of tiny white pebbles.
The town also has a range of restaurants, cafes and shops, making it easy to keep the whole family entertained. I will be focusing on Kumburnu Beach here.
Kumburnu Beach is known for its shallow and calm waters, making it a popular destination for families with young children. A paying car park is available, providing easy access to the beach.
From there, visitors can walk to the end of the beach, opposite the “Loogoon cafe”, where you will find very shallow waters which are ideal for the little ones. This area is highly praised by families, hence women typically wear more modest clothing. And I advise arriving early to secure a spot.
Also, one of the most remarkable features of Kumburnu Beach is its stunning lagoon. The water is exceptionally clear (the clearest I’ve seen in Turkey so far) with different hues of blue and turquoise. This is the ideal place for snorkelling.
You can also participate in water sports such as kayaking, which is available on the lagoon side. Although the prices may be outdated, I have included a photo of a list of activities available for reference.
The beach is equipped with loungers that can be rented in pairs, along with umbrellas. Alternatively, you can bring your equipment. Several cafes are available if you get hungry or thirsty, although they can be quite expensive. You are welcome to bring your food and drinks to the beach, too. The beach has an incredibly pleasant boho vibe.
For your convenience, Kumburnu Beach offers all necessary facilities, including showers, washrooms, and changing rooms.
3. Patara Beach, Gelemiş, Best for sand castles and sightseeing.
Located in the Antalya region, near Kalkan, Patara Beach is the longest beach in Turkey, spanning over 18 kilometres. The beach is a protected area for endangered loggerhead sea turtles and is a well-known destination for families. Additionally, you can explore the ancient ruins of Patara, which date back to the Lycian period.
There is an entrance fee to enter the national park unless you have a Museum Pass, which includes access to the beach and ancient sites. The car park is a bit of a walk from the beach, but you can purchase souvenirs like hats, towels, and sandcastle buckets from the stalls located at the entrance. A pleasant path leads to the beach, weaving through the dunes and flora.
This beach is famous for its soft sand and dunes, which make it the perfect location for children to build sandcastles. A few years ago, some individuals were arrested for stealing truckloads of Patara sand to sell for house-building purposes.
The beach also serves as a nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles, so designated areas for turtles are in place, and a small area for loungers is available for hire, just like Iztuzu Beach. As the longest beach in Turkey, you could bring your beach equipment and easily find a secluded stretch of beach to yourself.
The beach is open to the sea, making it wavier than other beaches that we’re covering in this post, but this makes it an excellent destination for bodyboarding. My children loved it and even asked us to go back.
For those feeling peckish, there is a cafe available, and basic facilities such as washrooms, showers, and changing rooms are also available at the beach.
4. Akyaka Beach, Akyaka, Best for relaxing
Akyaka Beach is located on the Aegean coast and only 30 30-minute drive from Marmaris. The beach is an ideal destination for families with its shallow waters, soft sand and laid-back atmosphere. It is a quieter and cheaper alternative to Marmaris and is known for its traditional Turkish architecture, which adds to its charm.
The town is a hidden gem that provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s a really lovely town where we always stop if we pass by. During a weekend visit, the beach was quiet, and only a handful of loungers were occupied. Our kids loved playing in the shallow water, while the welcoming breeze kept us cool.
Akyaka is also famous for being a kitesurfing centre, thanks to its windy climate. There are other activities available, like kayaking, river boating and day trip boat excursions to local coves and beaches.
The beach is lined with several restaurants and cafes. And adjacent is a forest that houses bungalows, including a small prayer room. A pleasant walk between the sea and the forest leads visitors through souvenir stalls. The rocky shores are fitted with wooden ledges where you can dive or fish. At the viewpoint, visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the turquoise water and make their way up to the higher ground where the city campsite is located.
One of the highlights of our visit was the “balik ekmek”, a delicious Turkish fish sandwich that is a must-try for seafood lovers. Several accommodation options are available near the beach, we stayed in a two-bedroom flat that was only a minute’s walk from the beach, which was highly practical.
5. Akçagerme Beach, Kaş, Best for snorkelling
If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach in Turkey, Akçagerme Beach in Kaş is a must-visit destination. This stunning pebble beach boasts crystal-clear and remarkably calm waters.
One of the unique features of Akçagerme Beach is its connection to the local community. The beach is a popular destination for locals. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and create unforgettable memories with your family.
The beach is also surrounded by stunning natural scenery, with lush green hills providing a picturesque backdrop. The water is very calm and clear, and beautiful turquoise.
The marine fauna at Akçagerme Beach is undoubtedly its highlight. Kaş is renowned for scuba diving, offering a wide array of marine life with many species coming from warmer waters. A snorkelling mask was the best item we bought for beach holidays, as the kids are eager to explore the sea floor.
Akçagerme Beach boasts the best variety of colourful fish we’ve seen so far in Turkey, providing a fascinating underwater world. In fact, my husband and the kids were so captivated that they spent most of their time with their heads underwater, admiring the incredible marine life.
Akçagerme Beach also has decent facilities, with showers, changing rooms, and washrooms available for visitors. Sun loungers with umbrellas and cabanas are available for rent, and there is a cafe and a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink at affordable prices. There also is a campsite just across the road.
For families interested in exploring the surrounding area, there are attractions and other beaches nearby that are worth a visit. The amphitheatre of Antiphellos, which dates back to the Lycian period, is just a short distance away and offers beautiful views over the sea and the nearby Greek island Kastellorizo. The Kaş Marina is also a popular destination, with several restaurants and shops to explore.
Turkey has a wealth of family-friendly beaches to offer, from the natural wonder of Iztuzu Beach to the bustling resort town of Ölüdeniz. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-packed trip, Turkey has something for everyone. So why not pack your bags and head to one of these five family-friendly beaches for your next holiday? Which Turkey beach would you add to this list?
