Istanbul amazes with its beauty and grandeur. There are plenty of interesting historical sites and colorful bazaars here. Also, keep in mind that Istanbul is a massive port city, bordered by the Bosphorus Strait and washed by the Black and Marmara Seas. If you visit Istanbul between June and September, you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing at nearby beaches.
Holiday season in Istanbul
The weather conditions in Istanbul have some differences compared to the climate on the southern coast of Turkey. The resort season here is shorter as the city is located farther north. It starts in late May and ends in late September.
The beaches in Istanbul open in June, when the water in the Marmara and Black Seas is warmed up to +20°C, and the air - up to +25°C;
During July and August, the weather is hot, and there is almost no precipitation. The air temperature reaches +33…35°C;
In September, the "velvet season" begins, with slightly cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings. However, the sea is still warm, and swimming is quite comfortable.
Beaches on the Black Sea in Istanbul
On the Black Sea coast, the beaches are located in the Sariyer district, on the European side of Istanbul. Most beaches are in the area of the village of Kilyos, about 30 kilometres from the city. Here, you can find comfortable complexes with their own campsites and restaurants.
Important! Be careful, you can swim here only in specially designated areas. The Black Sea in this region can have dangerous underwater currents, so it is important to stay within the designated boundaries.
Uzunya Beach Club
A tranquil beach in a secluded bay, making it suitable for families with children. Uzunya Beach is very clean and well-maintained, with good infrastructure and organized leisure activities. It offers an upscale experience for visitors, and there is a notable seafood restaurant on-site.
The entrance fee is 40 TRY on weekdays, and 60 TRY on Saturdays and Sundays.
Burch Beach Club
A spacious beach for young people and active tourists, accommodating up to 2,000 visitors. Here, you can find many water attractions, catamaran rentals, and beach sports fields. Burch Beach has also become popular among surfers.
Entrance fee is 40 TRY on weekdays, 70 TRY on Saturdays and Sundays.
Million Beach Club
One of the most popular beaches on the Black Sea coast. Million Beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, a beach bar, and other entertainment options. In addition, the convenient entry into the sea and clean white sand make it an excellent place for children's play. On weekends, there are many visitors, so it's advisable to plan your visit on weekdays.
The entrance fee is 45 TRY on weekdays, and 65 TRY on Saturdays and Sundays.
Solar Beach Club
Currently, it is the largest beach in the region, with an area of 60,000 square meters. The beach attracts hundreds of visitors daily, thanks to its splendid infrastructure and the presence of a children's center. Solar Beach has several open bars and restaurants, with unobtrusive music playing. The staff is friendly and attentive.
The entrance fee is 40 TRY on weekdays, and 60 TRY on Saturdays and Sundays.
Killos Beach
An open public beach that is always crowded with visitors. Therefore, this stretch of coastline can be quite noisy, so if you prefer a tranquil atmosphere, it's better to choose another place. The beach offers a rental service where you can rent an umbrella for 5 TRY and a sunbed for 10 TRY.
Shile and Agave
If you are willing to spend more time on a trip, head to Shile or Agva. These places offer beautiful spots for relaxation, picturesque cliffs, and secluded bays. These resort villages are located 1.5-2 hours away from Istanbul. However, the beaches there are clean and spacious, with a coastline stretching over 70 kilometers.
Coast of the Sea of Marmara in Istanbul
For a holiday on the Sea of Marmara, we recommend beaches in the areas of Florya, Fenerbahce and Jaddebostan. These places are most suitable for swimming because the sea is relatively shallow, and the water is slightly warmer than in other regions. Moreover, they offer a magnificent panorama of the Princes' Islands and the Bosphorus.
Floria
Gunesh Beach - the most popular beach in the area, located in the European part of Istanbul. It is the closest beach to residential neighborhoods, so it is always crowded, especially on weekends.
What you need to know:
Beach. It is sandy and quite clean, with a length of no more than 800 meters. It can accommodate up to 1,500 visitors.
Infrastructure. Despite its small size, the beach provides facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, a storage room, and showers.
Fee. Gunes Beach is a paid beach, and the adult entrance fee is 20 TRY. Children under seven years old can visit the beach for free.
How to get there. From the New Mosque in Eminonu, you can take bus BN2 to Florya Beach. If you prefer the metro, get off at the Sirkedji station and then take the Florya station. The entire journey takes about half an hour.
Near the beach, you'll find the famous Florya Aquarium, one of Istanbul's most vibrant attractions. It is a must-visit place for families with children, but even adults will find it highly interesting. The aquarium showcases over 1,500 species of marine animals and plants.
Fenerbahce
The most famous beach is Tru Blue Beach Bar. It has an entrance fee as it is a complete complex with a pool, an open bar, and a restaurant. True Blue Beach Bar can only accommodate 55 visitors.
What you need to know:
Opening hours – from 09:00 to 20:00;
Sea. The bottom is flat, and the entrance to the water is smooth, so the beach is ideal for relaxing with kids;
Entertainment In the evening, the complex host's entertainment events and concerts.
Caddebostan
In this area, the coastline is long, about a kilometre, and quite wide. Therefore, there are two large public beaches with free admission, which are always crowded. If you prefer a more secluded experience, there is also a private paid beach with a pool, a bar, and live music.
Infrastructure.
The beaches in Caddebostan offer equipment rental services, umbrellas, sunbeds, and changing facilities.
How to get there. To get to the beach, from the pier in the Eminonu area, take the ferry to Kadikoy, from where there are buses number 4, 16, 16D, 222, ER1. They will bring you to the desired beach.
The beaches of Istanbul on the Bosphorus
Even the famous Bosphorus can please with equipped beaches:
Rumeli;
Gyumushdere;
Kysyrkaya.
However, the most famous beach is Senelya Beach Club, located in Tarabya Bay. It offers excellent facilities and water attractions.
Princes' Islands
These are unique relaxation spots near Istanbul, with numerous beaches and excellent infrastructure. The most popular ones include:
Yörük Ali, Büyükada Island – can accommodate up to 1,500 tourists. It offers water activities, cafes, and even bungalows for those who want to stay for a few days.
Green Beach Club, Heybeliada Island - located near Mill Cape, equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, and has a beach bar.
Ada Beach Club, Heybeliada Island - located in Cham Limanı Bay, it also boasts good infrastructure.
Calpazancaya, Burgazada Island - a small but cozy beach. There is a popular restaurant of the same name nearby, which is highly sought after by visitors.
How to get there
Ferries and "sea buses" operate to the Princes' Islands from the Kabataş pier on the European side of Istanbul. The travel time ranges from one to one and a half hours.
If you are planning a trip to Istanbul in the summer, don't hesitate to visit the nearby beaches. There, you can relax away from the bustling city and breathe in the fresh sea air.
