As a rule, when planning a beach vacation in Turkey, tourists go to the well-known resorts of Antalya, Alanya, Kemer, Bodrum and others. The capital of the state of Istanbul is not considered in this capacity. However, if you find yourself in this huge metropolis on a hot summer day, then keep in mind that there are as many as 89 beaches where you can soak up the sun and swim. Of course, due to the fact that many different ships constantly run in the coastal waters of Istanbul, the water here will not be so clean and transparent. Therefore, if you plan solely on the coast, then for this purpose it is worth choosing a different region. Today, we offer a detailed look at the beaches of Istanbul: how to get to them and which ones are worth a visit.
Black Sea beaches
Istanbul's beaches on the Black Sea are located in the suburbs on the European coast, namely in the Saryyer district. On the way here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent panoramas of the Bosphorus, ancient mansions dating back to the time of the Ottoman Empire, and impressive bridges across the strait.
In this region, you can highlight the Uzunya Beach Club, where perhaps the cleanest beach of Istanbul is located. Its territory is equipped with everything necessary for recreation equipment. Here you can not only sunbathe and enjoy a lot of fun, but also play backgammon or billiards, have a picnic and taste the delicious dishes offered at the local fish restaurant.
Nearby is another famous Istanbul beach - Burch Beach Club. There are a number of attractions for people who love outdoor activities. So, on the beach you can ride a catamaran, a banana, a parachute, as well as play soccer or volleyball. Every year, Burch Beach Club hosts sporting events and concerts.
How to get to Istanbul Black Sea beaches
It is best to go to the Black Sea beaches in the vicinity of Istanbul by car. By public transport it will be convenient to get only to the coast in the town of Quillos. For this purpose, you need to use the buses from Taksim (25T), Besiktas (40B) and Kabatasha (25E) with a change in Sariyer. You need to get out at the Killos Merkez stop, from which the nearest beach is only 200-300 meters away.
The beaches of Istanbul on the Sea of Marmara
Istanbul's beaches on the Sea of Marmara are located in the urban areas of Jadebostan and Fenerbahçe. Here the sea is not so deep, and the water is much warmer than in other parts of the city. The local beaches offer magnificent views of the Princes' Islands and a string of ships preparing to sail through the Bosphorus.
There are several free municipal beaches up to a kilometer in length in Jadebostan. They are fully equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. You can get to them by means of a light rail (to the Eminenyu berths). Then you should take a ferry to Kadikoy. Then you need to use the bus number 4, 16, ER1, 222 or 16D. You can go already at the ifte Havuzlar stop or drive a little further.
It is worth mentioning another famous Istanbul beach, located on the Asian coast, Tru Blue Beach Bar. It is paid and located on the picturesque coast of Fenerbahçe Bay. The beach is open every day from nine in the morning until two in the morning and is designed for only 55 people. Thus, here you will avoid the crowds and bustle that usually reigns on municipal beaches. There is a restaurant, bar, pool in Tru Blue Beach Bar. Also in the evening, musicians regularly perform here.
Bosphorus Coast
There are not many beaches here, but some of them deserve attention. One of them is Senela Beach Club, located on the shores of Tarabi Bay, directly in the place where the Black Sea passes into the Bosphorus. This Istanbul beach has everything you need for an excellent holiday and is famous for its restaurant, from the terrace of which there is a magnificent view of the sea and the strait.
Princes islands
The Princes' Islands have long been one of the favorite vacation spots for the inhabitants of Istanbul. Their characteristic feature is the cleanest air, because there are no plants and factories, and vehicles are represented only by bicycles and horse-drawn carts.
One of the most popular beaches of the Prince Islands is Yoryuk Ali. It is designed for one and a half thousand people and is located on the largest island of the archipelago - Buyukada. This beach is also known for its recreational and sports activities.
On the island of Heybeliada (the second largest in the archipelago), you can highlight the Green Beach Club at the Mill Cape. He gained great fame due to the fact that Kemal Atatürk himself, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, often spent time here. Also on the island there is another excellent beach - Ada Beach Club, located in the bay of Cham Limany.
You can get from the European part of Istanbul to the Prince Islands by ferry or "sea bus", which depart from the pier located near the terminus of the light rail. On the ferry to the islands you will sail for about an hour and a half. "Sea buses" are moving slightly faster.