Don’t Miss These Stunning Aegean Beaches Before Summer’s Over

04.09.2025 - 10:51

The Aegean Region is one of Turkey's most popular summer destinations, attracting both domestic and international tourists. With their deep blue sea, golden sandy beaches, olive tree-lined landscapes and vibrant summer life, Aegean beaches are ideal destinations for an unforgettable holiday. Want to enjoy the beauty of the Aegean Sea? Keep on reading to discover the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean you can enjoy this summer! You can find detailed information about the unique features of each beach, as well as transportation and activities. So, where are the best places to swim in Turkey? Where are the best beaches in the Aegean Sea? And what are the best beaches in Turkey? Let's explore the blue beauty of the Aegean Sea together!

1. Ölüdeniz Beach – Fethiye, Muğla

Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey's most famous and photographed beaches. Its turquoise sea, tranquil lagoon and surrounding lush greenery enchant visitors. Located within the boundaries of Ölüdeniz Nature Park, the beach is an ideal spot for both swimming and paragliding. Although it gets quite crowded during the summer season, its unique scenery and clean sea attract thousands of tourists every year.

Ölüdeniz is easily accessible from Fethiye city centre by minibus or taxi. Car rental is also a practical option for those wishing to explore the area. Swimming in the sea, enjoying the sun, watching Ölüdeniz from the sky with paragliding, and sampling the delights of Aegean cuisine at nearby restaurants will make your summer holiday unforgettable.

2. Ilıca Beach – Çeşme, İzmir

One of Çeşme's longest and most popular beaches, Ilıca Beach is particularly famous for its thermal waters. With its approximately 2-kilometre-long sandy shore and warm sea, it is an ideal destination for both families and water sports enthusiasts. As one of the Blue Flag beaches, Ilıca is also highly suitable for windsurfing.

It is possible to reach Çeşme from the Izmir city centre by bus or private vehicle. Minibuses provide easy access from Çeşme centre to Ilıca. At the beach, you can enjoy the thermal waters, go windsurfing, sunbathe, or cool off at the cafes along the shore. Additionally, the sunset view makes Ilıca Beach a romantic getaway spot.

3. Kabak Bay – Fethiye, Muğla

Kabak Bay is a peaceful beach for those seeking to escape city life. The limited availability of modern amenities such as electricity and internet appeals to those who wish to be at one with nature. Kabak Bay is a paradise for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy camping.

You can reach Kabak Bay from Fethiye by minibus or private vehicle. You can enjoy a pleasant journey accompanied by magnificent natural views along the way. Camping in the bay, exploring the surroundings with nature walks, swimming and sunbathing, and relaxing spiritually with activities such as yoga or meditation make Kabak Bay unique.

4. Belcekız Beach – Fethiye, Muğla

Belcekız Beach is located right next to Ölüdeniz and stands out for its tranquillity. Its deep and clear waters offer an ideal environment for swimming enthusiasts. The variety of restaurants and cafés around the beach increases both dining and relaxation options.

It is possible to walk to Belcekız Beach via the roads connecting Fethiye city centre to Ölüdeniz. At the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, join boat tours, and sample the delights of Aegean cuisine. Watching the sunset is one of the most enchanting moments at Belcekız Beach.

5. İztuzu Beach – Dalyan, Muğla

İztuzu Beach is notable for being a breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles. With its approximately 4.5-kilometre-long sandy shore and surrounding natural life, it is a unique destination for both sea and nature lovers. One side of the beach is surrounded by salt water, while the other is surrounded by fresh water, making it truly unique.

It is possible to reach İztuzu Beach from the centre of Dalyan by minibus or boat. Private vehicles can also be used, but the boat option is highly preferred for an eco-friendly approach. At the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, observe the turtles, and enjoy the sandy shore with long walks.

6. Ovabükü Beach – Datça, Muğla

One of the quietest beaches on the Datça peninsula, Ovabükü Beach is particularly suitable for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil holiday. Where green and blue meet, the beach stands out with its fine sand and clean sea. It also offers a very comfortable environment for families and groups of friends.

You can reach Ovabükü Beach from Datça city centre by minibus or taxi. Swimming, sunbathing, walking on the beach, and relaxing in the nearby cafés will turn your holiday into a peaceful experience. You can also participate in various water sports activities on the beach.

7. Sarımsaklı Beach – Ayvalık, Balıkesir

Sarımsaklı Beach is Ayvalık's longest and most well-known beach. It stands out for its golden sand, clean sea and Blue Flag status. Suitable for families and holidaymakers with children, the beach offers a lively atmosphere throughout the summer.

You can easily reach Sarımsaklı Beach from Ayvalık city centre by minibus or taxi. At the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, stroll along the sand, and sample the delights of Aegean cuisine. It also provides an excellent setting for water sports.

8. Akyaka Azmak Coast and Akyaka Beach – Ula, Muğla

Akyaka, the jewel of the Gökova Bay, has been gaining prominence in recent years for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Akyaka Beach is a safe option, especially for families with children, thanks to its shallow and cool waters. The Azmak River, located right next to the beach, offers a perfect opportunity to cool off in its ice-cold waters and take boat tours. The area, which is also a favourite among windsurfing and kiteboarding enthusiasts, hosts various events throughout the year.

Akyaka is approximately 30 minutes from Muğla city centre. Its location on the Marmaris-Fethiye road makes it very easy to reach. You can swim at the beach, take kiteboarding lessons, go on a boat tour on the Azmak River, and enjoy fresh seafood at the restaurants lining the coast.

9. Cleopatra Beach – Sedir Island, Marmaris, Muğla

Located on Sedir Island off the coast of Marmaris, Cleopatra Beach is known for its golden sands, which, according to legend, were gifted to Cleopatra. The fine sand, found nowhere else and rumoured to have been specially brought from Egypt, lends the beach a mystical air. With its clear, turquoise waters, it offers an experience where nature and history intertwine. The island is also a culturally rich destination, featuring ancient ruins and a theatre dating back to the Roman period.

You can reach Sedir Island in approximately 30 minutes by boat from Marmaris. In addition to swimming and sunbathing on the beach, you can explore the ancient ruins on the island and enjoy nature in a historical atmosphere. Controlled access to the island ensures that the natural structure is preserved and a clean environment is provided for visitors.

10. Akbük Bay – Milas, Muğla

Located within the borders of Milas, Akbük Bay is a haven for those seeking tranquillity, with its unspoilt nature and crystal-clear sea. The wide sandy beach stretching beneath the shade of pine trees and the green hills surrounding the bay transform Akbük into a natural wonder. Its quietness, peaceful atmosphere and clean sea make it an attractive beach for both campers and day trippers.

It is accessible by private vehicle from Bodrum or Milas. The journey is accompanied by the classic Aegean landscapes of olive groves and pine forests. At Akbük Bay, you can camp, enjoy the sea, take walks along the shore, and sample fresh seafood at the small local fishing restaurants.