The warm season is here, and Turkey’s kaleidoscope of summer activities should definitely be on your list. Extend your borders and go off the beaten paths. Secret locations are carefully collected to show you another side of sunny paradise.
Turkey is a colorful mosaic of cultural heritage and nature. The most stunning hidden beaches are located along the Aegean Sea on the north and the Antalya Coast farther south on the Mediterranean. (Marmaris is traditionally the dividing line between the Med and the Aegean.)
Let’s go on a journey starting from the vibrant city of Antalya.
Antalya: Perfect starting point for your Turkish adventure
Antalya is a perfect start for your trip. The city, located on the Mediterranean coast, has an international airport. In the warm season, it’s easy to get there by both charter and regular flights.
You should definitely spend a couple of days here before further exploration. The city offers a variety of beach experiences, from the well-known Konyaaltı with its endless embankment and Lara Beach to secluded beaches along the Lycian Way.
Pro Tip: Besides the beaches, there are boat tours along the shore to see some locations from another side.
Where to stay in Antalya
You may find accommodation in Antalya to any budget. The top luxury all-inclusive hotels are located in Konyaaltı Beach. At the same time, upscale hotels with fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea may become a tourist trap as you’ll have everything around and no need to go exploring. Antalya luxury hotels are presented by top-notch brands like Rixos Downtown, Concorde and Swandor.
Antalya vacation tips include searching for budget-friendly options that can be found closer to the historical heart of Antalya as here you can book a charming room in the Old City area with a nice view over the roofs with seagulls flying by, observing the life of locals right from your balcony. You can easily find boutique hotels on Airbnb, or Agoda and Booking.
Travel Hack: Book your stay in advance, as booking sites offer numerous early bird discounts.
Where to eat in Antalya
Antalya is definitely a paradise for foodies. Don’t miss your chance to try traditional Turkish dishes here. Vahab is a top among Antalya restaurant recommendations, the choice of locals for premium Turkish meat. One more option in the same area: The Grill House.
The rooftop restaurants in the Old City with panoramic views of the coast would add another positive touch to your stay. Special highlights of the old-city vibe is the Seraser Fine Dining.
Bonus Tip: If you’re craving a unique experience, visit the park on the left side of the Old City, which houses a quaint open-air cafe with a traditional Turkish samovar and friendly fluffy Turkish cats.
Antalya Coast Beaches
The best way to explore Antalya’s hidden beaches is to go hiking along the shore. Hiking culture here is well-developed. The routes are safe, with super friendly people who you meet along the way, ancient Greek dolmens, mulberry trees and panoramic views behind every corner.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a more intimate and tranquil experience, rent a motorcycle instead of a car. This way you’ll see the mesmerizing nature in all its blossoms. Besides, parking for you also would be easier.
Here are some of the top hidden beaches along the Antalya Coast which are a must for your visit.
Phaselis Beach
Put a spot on the navigator and head to the ancient city of Phaselis. After seeing the ruins, head directly to the beach with crystal-clear waters and a scenic backdrop. There are no waves, and the area is perfect for a calm rest in the sun. Phaselis Beach consists of three separate bays, each with its own natural beauty.
Location: Tekirova, 07995 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Çıralı Beach
The spot is not just one of Antalya beaches off the beaten path, but a protected area for sea turtles. You’ll definitely have a relaxing day under the sun at the beach, surrounded by lush greenery. Cirali Beach is also known as a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.
Location: Çıralı Beach, Ulupınar, 07982 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Adrasan Beach
The location is one of the best beaches in Antalya, with a clean sandy shore surrounded by mountains. In high season there are calm waters and the main crowd of tourists never comes there. The clear, blue sea does not have strong waves, so you will be able to enjoy swimming in a calm sea. The beach is very clean, and the depth increases gradually.
This place is surrounded by a pine forest, and a wonderful aroma hovers in the air.
Location: Adrasan, 07350 Kumluca/Antalya, Turkey
Sazak Beach
It is not crowded with tourists like other beaches near Antalya unless they go on a boat cruise. The alternative is coastal hiking as there is a few kilometers walk needed. However, those who make the effort are rewarded with a very beautiful beach, surrounded by trees and mountains and free of all shops, vendors and tourists.
Location: Sazak Koyu, Mavikent, 07390 Kumluca/Antalya, Turkey
Finike Magrali Bay
This place is amazing. It’s one of the most picturesque, secluded beaches in Turkey, located down on the hill and surrounded by mountains. The bay is suitable for swimming from May to October. Do you really enjoy hidden coves in Turkey? Then this is the place. A special feature here is a natural cave on the left side where you can easily swim and go inside.
Location: Finike Mağralı Bay, Boldağ, 07740 Finike/Antalya, Turkey
Travel Hack: Most of the beaches are located down on the main road and may need some climbing. Think about this beforehand and wear comfortable shoes.
Aegean Sea hidden beaches
If you continue your adventure along the coast to the Aegean Sea, pass by famous Kaputas Beach and Patara Beach, beautiful, but overcrowded, stop at Fethiye at night, walk in the harbour and then head further, you’ll reach Marmaris, a border where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Aegean Sea with a unique coastal line.
The region around the town of Fethiye is particularly known for the most uncrowded beaches in Turkey. Here are some of the top hidden beaches along the Aegean Sea.
Kabak Bay
Kabak Bay is ideal for those looking for peace and natural beauty. The bright blue sea of the bay contrasts with the white strip of sand and pebbles. Additional colors are added by green pines and gray rocks. It’s a place of peace, serenity, and harmony. The place is definitely one of the most picturesque hidden beaches in Turkey.
Location: Faralya, 48300 Fethiye/Mugla, Turkey
Butterfly Valley Beach
The Butterfly Valley beach is popular, but still secluded. The area is located in the mouth of a natural canyon, surrounded by cliffs. So, be ready for a light hike. The isolated location has preserved its nature and fauna. Be ready to spend at least a few hours here as the place is worth it!
Location: Butterfly Valley, Faralya, 48300 Fethiye/Mugla, Turkey
Könül Beach
This is a quiet beach known for its tranquility. Access to the beach can be a bit challenging due to the slippery slope. The water at the beach is incredibly clear. Visitors are advised to bring coral slippers and a mask for snorkeling.
Also, don’t miss your chance to see Oludeniz and Kumburnu nearby. Even though these are not secluded beaches, they are the top destinations for all beach lovers.
Location: Könül Beach, Ölüdeniz, 48300 Fethiye/Mugla, Turkey
Soguk Su Koyu
This beautiful bay is located in a secluded area where warm sea meets cold springs, and Soguk Su means cold water in Turkish. The water is crystal clear and blue, and the beach is surrounded by mountains, providing fantastic views and privacy.
This beach is also a popular starting point for a hike to Kayakoy, the Ghost Town. The trail starts at the entrance to a local restaurant and is marked with red paint and arrows.
Location: Soguk Su Koyu, Akdeniz/Mersin, Turkey
Darbogaz Fethiye
Darbogaz beach is located in a very beautiful, cozy and probably the cleanest bay of Fethiye. It’s one of the top unique beaches in Antalya as the sea water there is unrealistically clean and blue. Around the beach there is a pine forest where you can hide in the heat.
Location: Darboğaz Fethiye, Kayaköy, 48300 Fethiye/Mugla, Turkey
Local Tip: Many of these best beaches near Fethiye are not marked by signs, so be sure to change your phone for navigation.
Takeaways
Along the entire coast of Antalya and the Aegean Sea, there is a huge number of beautiful beaches, many of which are hidden in coves and bays you can only get to by boat. We’ve included the most wonderful of them, which are located both near Antalya and in remote places closer to Marmaris.
If you risk going on a trip, rent a motorcycle for this, then you will get a great opportunity to get to remote and untouched destinations located along the Lycian Way Trail. Of course, you can also go hiking, but this will take much more time. As for the motorcycle trip, you can do it in literally two-to-three days, having seen the most beautiful places along your route.
You can stop in those places that you like or use our guide, as we tried to collect the most iconic top places that are easily accessible. Coastal Turkey is amazing, especially off the beaten paths.
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See more about Turkey here in Dispatches’ archives.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
