Beaches near Istanbul

The Turkish capital is home to dozens of historic landmarks and appealing districts that will quickly fill up a week or more of a trip to Istanbul. While exploring the city and enjoying its unique culture are crucial to the experience, it would be a shame to waste the magnificent Mediterranean climate by spending the entire time inside. A day at the beach might be just what the doctor ordered after spending an entire day at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum or Topkapi Palace.  

There are miles upon miles of Black Sea beaches along with beach resorts on the Marmara Sea, and many of these are within a 30-minute drive of central Istanbul. Public transportation is rarely useful for reaching these places, but determined travelers will have an easy time, reaching a soft stretch of golden beach if they wish. If you're saddled with your luggage, you’ll be able to leave the bags back in Istanbul with a secure Bounce luggage storage facility. 

Our picks for the best beaches in Istanbul and beyond

Situated between the Black Sea coast to the north, the Bosphorus Straits to the East, and the Marmara Sea to the south, Istanbul is surrounded by miles upon miles of waterfront. While much of it is too craggy or stony for swimming, there are dozens of world-class beaches near Istanbul that can be reached with a short drive. 

The main swimming spots were traditionally situated closer to the city center, but the economic and industrial boom of Istanbul has pushed these spaces to more remote locations. True Blue Beach was a local favorite, but it has since been permanently closed. But you'll still have plenty of beach options to choose from around Istanbul that showcase the natural beauty of the wild terrain while creating more intimate spaces for relaxation. 

Turkish beaches will either be free or charge a small tag fee. If you’re at a beach club, you can rent a şemsiye (umbrella) and şezlong (plastic lounge chair) for less than $10 per day, but some of the more exclusive clubs will charge more. Public beaches will have fewer amenities like showers or changing areas and can get quite crowded but they are completely free. It's important to note that Turkey is a predominantly Islamic country, so it is considered courteous to cover up when possible. 

Caddebostan Beach

The sandy shores on the Asian side of Istanbul are perfect for swimming, beach volleyball, and even beach parties, especially in hotspots like Caddebostan. The best part of Caddebostan is its proximity to central Istanbul. It's a larger beach with three main areas each providing a different vibe. The more remote areas on the periphery offer shockingly tranquil scenery, given the urban location. There are areas with soft sand and snack bars perfect for families.

You'll be able to rent kayaks or paddle boards to navigate the calmer waters of the Marmara here. While you're in the area, checking out the vibrant Kadıköy District is a must. Finding a place to store the bags can certainly help you explore the many boutiques and amazing Kadiköy Market after you take a dip at the beach. 

Solar Beach

Solar is situated in the bustling Kilyos district where several beach clubs attract well-heeled travelers to the acres of rugged stony shoreline. One of Kilyos’ best sandy beaches, Solar provides wonderful swimming conditions and well-groomed areas for beach volleyball. While there may be better countries where you'd want to learn how to surf, there is a surf shack offering lessons and rentals. There’s also a swimming pool onsite if the Black Sea waters are too cold or choppy for you. There are a few beaches along the shoreline in Kilyos, so you may want to leave the bags in Istanbul with Bounce before heading out on a day trip!

Uzunya Beach

Another beach in Kilyos, Uzunya benefits from its location in a secluded cove to provide comfortable and safe swimming conditions. It's a cozy beach, but luckily the crowds are usually manageable, making it perfect for families and anyone else who likes to spread out.

Even with the stony terrain of the surrounding cove, the beach boasts beautiful gold sand. There's a restaurant located on the beach, and the picturesque surroundings make it a popular Instagram spot, so don't mind the would-be influencers crowding all the best selfie spots. This little corner of the Black Sea frequently hosts dolphins, so keep a lookout towards the mouth of the inlet. Heading up the Bosphorus toward Uzunya Beach? Leave your bags with Bounce on either side of the city by using Bounce’s extensive network of locations.

Princes' Islands

Princes’ Islands (or Adalar) are common Istanbul weekend trip destinations for international travelers as they provide a pleasant Mediterranean climate along with some historical and cultural appeal. The archipelago’s four main islands are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinalıada, all of which have a few sandy beach areas breaking up their otherwise rocky shorelines. 

Many of the coastal villages have docks and platforms for swimmers along with private beach clubs for luxury travelers. The towns are entirely pedestrianized, meaning there are no cars, giving the Princes' Islands an added novelty for exploring the many boutiques and rustic seafood restaurants.

If you have an open day, a visit to this corner of Turkey will add a new element to your trip to Istanbul. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and you’ll enjoy superb views of the city as you motor through the Sea of Marmara. Before you head to the ferry, you can lighten the load by dropping excess items off with Bounce. You’ll be able to store any size item and your reservation will be for 24 hours in case you decide to spend the night.

Burc Beach

Situated about an hour north of Istanbul on the Black Sea, this perfectly sandy beach is a popular destination for locals. It’s a wide swathe of land that’s dotted with clusters of beach clubs and seaside cafés. During the peak travel season (June to August), you’ll have to contend with scores of European tourists, but it’s generally very comfortable and easy to reach from Istanbul. Expect all the standard amenities of a public beach, including washrooms and showers. 

Büyükçekmece Beach

A proper Istanbul beach (it’s actually located within city limits), the European side’s Büyükçekmece Beach features over a dozen miles of sandy areas and pleasant waters of the Marmara Sea. It's a popular holiday destination for Turkish locals, so don't be surprised by the crowds of travelers staying at the vacation rentals across from the beach.

Along with your standard public beach amenities, you'll have a long and winding walking path perfect for strolls along with many fine seafood restaurants and traditional Turkish tea gardens. While you're there, you should definitely check out the historic Sultan Suleiman Bridge which dates back to the 16th century. Bounce has plenty of luggage storage facilities on the European side of Istanbul, and you can use the mobile app’s intuitive search function to find the most convenient location for hitting Büyükçekmece Beach.

Çilingoz Nature Park

One of the best hiking destinations near Istanbul, Çilingoz has a wonderful stretch of pebble beaches amidst the otherwise rough coastline along the Black Sea. If you’re an outdoorsy traveler, taking a break in the icy waters is the perfect way to cool off in the at-times oppressive Turkish sun. There are bungalows available for camping if you want to rough it, and you’ll have almost 50 acres of magnificent coastline, cave networks, waterfalls, and oak forests to explore.

Campers and outdoorsy travelers prefer Bounce because of the expanded size capacities for extra gear. Bounce is perfect for a day at the beach or even a trek through a major park like Çilingoz!

When you make the trip to Turkey, all the best beaches near Istanbul are just waiting for you. And regardless of where you're traveling, hitting the beach can require some planning. If you're stuck with your luggage or other belongings, storing them somewhere safe can take the stress out of planning a beach day in a new country. 

Bounce’s luggage storage locations are well placed near travel hotspots and come with a variety of useful features like online booking and a handy mobile app. Knowing your valuables are safe and dry can go a long way in helping you enjoy your day on the water.