Top 15 Beaches and Swimming Spots in Istanbul

01.09.2025 - 16:04

In addition to its historical and cultural heritage, Istanbul stands out as a city with magnificent beaches where you can swim throughout the summer. For those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, cool off in summer, and enjoy natural beauty, Istanbul offers many different spots that are ideal for swimming. In this guide, you will find the 15 best places to swim in Istanbul, along with the characteristics of each beach, transport options, and other details. So, where to swim in Istanbul? What are the best beaches to swim in Istanbul? Let's explore together!

1. Kilyos (Kumköy) – The North's Most Popular Beach

Located in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul, Kilyos stands out for its long, wide beach on the Black Sea coast. Kilyos Public Beach, with its free entry, clean sea and spacious grounds, is particularly popular at weekends. Among the private beaches, Solar Beach and Uzunya Beach stand out; these areas offer visitors different experiences with both water sports and restaurant and bar options. Kilyos is an ideal spot for young people, families and water sports enthusiasts.

2. Şile – Natural Beauty and Clean Sea

Located on the Black Sea coast, Şile is renowned for its natural beauty and clean sea. Şile Beach, with its wide sandy shore and safe swimming areas, is particularly suitable for families. Other popular spots in Şile include Ağva and Akçakese beaches; these areas offer a more tranquil setting and appeal to visitors seeking an experience immersed in nature. Furthermore, Şile's seaside town atmosphere is complemented by small cafés and restaurants that enhance the seaside experience.

3. Büyükçekmece – The Tranquil Coast of the Marmara Sea

Büyükçekmece, located on the coast of the Marmara Sea, boasts a 15-kilometre-long coastline. Büyükçekmece Beach is surrounded by walking paths, restaurants and cafés; it also offers a relaxed environment for families and groups of friends. Yeşilköy Çiroz Beach stands out for its calm and safe swimming areas. Büyükçekmece's wide sandy beach is an ideal choice, especially in the summer months, for those seeking to escape the crowds of Istanbul.

4. Caddebostan Beach – The Favourite of the Anatolian Side

Located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, Caddebostan Beach is easily accessible from the city centre due to its proximity to Bağdat Street. With three separate beach areas, Caddebostan is preferred by both young people and families. Although it is particularly busy on weekends, it offers advantages in terms of sea cleanliness and social amenities. The beach is surrounded by walking paths, cafes, and restaurants, making it ideal for day trips.

5. Büyükada – The Most Popular Beaches of the Islands

Büyükada is the largest and most popular of the Princes' Islands. Yörükali Beach offers visitors a comfortable experience with its sunbathing areas, restaurants, and cafes. Halik Cove is perfect for those seeking a quieter environment and enhances the pleasure of swimming with its clear waters. Büyükada is easily accessible by ferry, which is a great advantage for those who want to escape the city and be alone with the sea.

6. Heybeliada – A Quiet and Peaceful Experience

Another gem of the Princes' Islands, Heybeliada stands out for its peaceful atmosphere. Aya Nikola Beach, with its clean sea and tranquil environment, is an ideal swimming spot for families and nature lovers. Combined with its walking trails and natural beauty, the island is a perfect choice for a day trip to the sea.

7. Burgazada – Hidden Paradise: Halik Cove

Burgazada is one of the islands that has preserved its natural beauty. Halik Cove offers visitors a hidden paradise with its clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you can both swim and sunbathe. The island is perfect for those seeking a day away from the crowds and is especially popular during the summer months.

8. Kınalıada – Popular with Noya Beach

Kınalıada is located among the Princes' Islands and is particularly known for Noya Beach. Located in Ayazma Bay, the beach offers visitors a pleasant experience with its swimming pool, restaurant and various social amenities. Kınalıada can be easily explored on foot thanks to the compact layout of the island and can be combined with enjoying the sea.

9. Solar Beach – Fun Atmosphere and Water Sports

Solar Beach stands out with its approximately 1-kilometre-long coastline in Kilyos. Live music, water sports, and various restaurants make this an ideal spot for both entertainment and enjoying the sea. It is particularly popular among young people and groups of friends.

Source: Solar Beach

10. Uzunya Beach – An Experience Immersed in Nature

Uzunya Beach is a beach in Kilyos that offers an environment immersed in nature. Its tranquil atmosphere makes it particularly popular with families. The beach has restaurants serving seafood and offers visitors a peaceful seaside experience thanks to its natural beauty.

Source: Time Out

11. Yeşilköy Çiroz Beach – Peaceful and Safe

Yeşilköy Çiroz Beach is located on the coast of the Sea of Marmara and is known for its tranquillity. With its safe swimming areas, child-friendly environment, and occasional live music events, it is a suitable beach for both families and young people.

Source: TripAdvisor

12. Florya Güneş Beach – Close to the City Centre

Florya Güneş Beach is located in the west of Istanbul and offers the great advantage of being close to the city centre. With its approximately 800-metre-long coastline, clean sea, and social amenities, it is ideal for day trips. It is particularly suitable for those seeking a short escape from their busy work schedule.

Source: Beach Searcher

13. Şile Ağva Beach – Natural Beauty and Clean Sea

Şile Ağva Beach stands out for its natural beauty and clean sea. Located where the Ağva River flows into the sea, the beach offers an experience of being at one with nature in its tranquil atmosphere. Nature walks, riverside activities and tranquillity are what set this area apart from other beaches.

Source: Şişli Belediyesi

14. Akçakese Beach – Natural Life and Clean Water

Akçakese Beach is known for its natural life and clean water. With its proximity to Çilingöz Natural Life Park, it is an excellent alternative for nature lovers and those who want to spend a day immersed in nature. It offers a quiet, peaceful beach experience surrounded by nature.

Source: NerdeNerede

15. Kadıköy Moda Beach – Seaside Pleasure in the City

Kadıköy Moda Beach is one of the rare areas where you can swim in the sea within the city. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with its small beaches and walking paths. It stands out as a practical and comfortable alternative, especially for those who want to be close to the city centre.

Source: Moda Deniz Kulubu