Blog

Top Coastal Cities to Visit in Turkey

Top Coastal Cities to Visit in Turkey

Top Coastal Cities to Visit in Turkey

Charming coastal cities offer a winning mix for a peaceful escape, with mild sea breezes and lovely landscapes. And they entice travelers from all over the world, from the magnificent Mediterranean coastline to adorable tiny villages throughout Turkey. We have the ideal seaside spots for you, whether you want to relax on a white-sand beach or learn about the local history and culture.

Turkey is blessed with three coastlines: the Black Sea to the north, the Aegean Sea facing Greece and its numerous islands to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. Now let's take a look at some of these lovely coastal towns.

Istanbul

Surrounded by water on three sides, Istanbul is a wonder of a coastal city. It is not exactly your classic coastal getaway. But if you want to indulge in the city's culture and enjoy the coast, it is a beautiful mix of the two.

You can spend your days on the beaches of Istanbul. The city is bordered by the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea. Especially along the Black Sea, you will find many sandy beaches. 

Or, if you want to experience the history and culture, you can visit the must-see attractions and museums in the historical peninsula. In addition to Istanbul's most prominent attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, there are also lots of off-the-beaten-path activities, such as searching for antiques in fashionable Bomonti or attending an opera in Kadıköy, which we dubbed one of the coolest districts in the world. There are lots to do in Istanbul, from enjoying the lost wonders of Anatolian food to having a luxurious treatment inside a historic hammam.

Antalya

Antalya, the biggest city on the Mediterranean coast, is a lovely ancient town built on a hilltop overlooking the gorgeous bay. In the biggest city along the Mediterranean coast, there is an impressive selection of activities offered to both residents and foreign and Turkish visitors. These include tours over rocky mountain roads and narrow creeks, white-water rafting, getting muddy on quad bikes, and trekking along the Lycian Way trail, which begins near Antalya and continues over 300 miles to Fethiye.

In addition, from the beautiful port, wooden boats - typically with a 'pirate' theme– sail to quiet coves and bays and organize diving tours to shipwrecks.

Izmir

From feasting with the locals to traveling back in time at ancient monuments, or just lounging on the beach, there are a lot of things to do in this beautiful coastal city. Just like in Istanbul, you can experience a good mix of culture and the seaside in Izmir. With almost 8,000 years of ancient history seen in the archaeological site and monument digs, Izmir not only has many intriguing cultural heritage landmarks, but also a pleasant seaside climate, outdoor possibilities, and a unique local culinary.

Izmir is now seen as a more tranquil alternative to Istanbul. Its palm-lined promenade and streets create an atmosphere that is a cross between Los Angeles and a Western European metropolis. Towns outside of Izmir, such as Urla and Alaçatı, have become popular holiday destinations for individuals looking to get away from the rush and bustle of Istanbul city life.

During the summer months, the population of Izmir province grows as visitors from various areas of Turkey go to popular resorts such as the Çeşme peninsula, Urla, Foça, and Seferihisar (to mention a few).

Muğla

Muğla is both the name of a city on Turkey’s southwestern coast as well as a province that comprises a large area along the Aegean coast. Apart from tourist summer hot spots such as Bodrum, Datça, and Fethiye, the province also has plenty of natural wonders and archaeological sites.

Bodrum is the most popular coastal vacation route in Turkey. It is possible to spend a relaxing or exciting vacation in the region, known for its pristine bays, luxurious hotels, and vibrant nightlife.

Datça, a peninsula similar to Bodrum but less popular due to its tricky location, draws attention with its pristine bays and wonderful weather.

Fethiye is also one of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey. Fethiye includes Ölüdeniz, which is known for its turquoise and aquamarine colors. The location, which is a tourist hotspot, gained its name from its impossibly calm sea, even while a storm is raging. Ölüdeniz is also a great site to go paragliding in Turkey.