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Posts Tagged ‘Istanbul Beaches’

Many people who visit Istanbul do so for a city break. Few come for the beaches, yet the city resides on a beautiful stretch of coastline offering mile upon mile of golden sands. To the south of Istanbul city, intermixed with a plethora of marinas and rocky shoreline, there are some beaches bordering the inland Sea of Marmara, which is enclosed by land except for a broad channel to its southwest that flows out into the Aegean Sea. Some beaches are private, being accessible only to hotels, Istanbul beaches elsewhere along the Sea of Marmara are public and accessible to all.

For the more adventurous there are beaches to be found along the wide Bosphorus that separates European Turkey from Asian Turkey. Wilder more secluded beaches are found along the Black Sea coast a few kms north of Istanbul.

All in all then, the Turkish capital is an ideal vacation getaway for those who wish to make a trip to Istanbul a dual city-beach affair.

Sea of Marmara Beaches

Close into Ataturk Airport in the southwestern quadrant of Istanbul you’ll find the beaches of Florya and Atakoy. If you’re simply looking to grab a few hours in the sun and listen to the waves crash onto the shore, then either of these beaches are worth a visit. Further out west along the Marmara coastline you’ll reach Tekirdag. It is a half-hour drive on the E84 coast road, but is worth the effort if you fancy spending a day on the beach, yet want to remain close to Istanbul city.

Bosphorus Beaches

The Bosphorus is more a sea than a river, so as you might expect along a sea coast, you’ll find beaches. One of the best ways to discover the beaches along the Bosphorus is to take a ferry ride from Bogaz Hatti. Choose a local ferry that stops at a good variety of places along the European and Asian shore. If you can find one than heads to the village of Rumeli Kavagi you’ll reach a couple of exquisite beaches. These being more off the beaten path, you’ll find them thinly populated, mainly with locals, even in the height of the summer.

Black Sea Beaches

Kilyos Beach, some 23kms north of Istanbul city centre on the Black Sea coast, is a local favourite among Istanbul residents. Its curving bay of golden sand is backed by some excellent restaurants and cafes, where you can grab a bite to eat and watch the waves crash onto the sands below. Other beaches worth considering include Sile and Agva. Sile especially is noted with affection by Istanbul’s sunseekers!