Turkey’s Coastal Culture

By. Justin Mays

What should you expect when you are searching for property for sale in Fethiye or Kalkan villas for sale and need a swimming break and cooling sea breeze? Or even an urban escape while hunting for property for sale Istanbul city center? With its glittering turquoise waters and beautiful seaside towns Turkey is an unbeatable beach destination. Surrounded by the Mediterranean, Aegean, Black and Marmara Seas there is lots of natural beauty to be discovered and an incredible array of diverse experiences to be had. Sun worshipers, water sports lovers, or people who just enjoy being seaside can all find a special coastal destination to fit their style. 

Beach Clubs come in every possible form from a basic pay per sunbed plan to an indulgent day out for a luxury fee. Beach clubs are especially popular in holiday resorts like Cesme, Antalya, Marmaris and Bodrum where you can find all day dance parties that go into the evening or ultra-serene spots. Many top hotels offer day passes with meal vouchers on their properties where you may even run into celebrities that frequent the Turkish riviera. There is a perfect retreat for everyone from places that offer restaurants, music, spas, kids clubs, water sports and other entertainment activities to the alternative, more peaceful options.

Boat Trips are a classic way to experience some of Turkey’s most popular secluded coves, islands and beaches. Most summer mornings day trippers line up to board a traditional Turkish boat for a day in coastal city promenades like Fethiye during the summertime. Offering a BBQ lunch and a day out where all you need to do is bring your swimming gear and sunscreen to cruise along the Turquoise coast or Bosphorus. Due to the rich sailing and yachting culture in Turkey you also have a plethora of options to create your own itinerary and hire a private boat for the day or longer. 

Island hopping is not as common as in Croatia or Greece but from Istanbul the Prince’s Islands are a short ferry ride away and offer up craggy beaches popular with day trippers. Some beaches are full service and ask for a day fee. Often the western part of the islands is wilder and less crowded where you need to bring what you need for the day. Public beaches-With over 8000 km of coastline there are plenty of free stunning beaches to explore. 

Staying active with watersports and trekking-Turkey has become a destination for wind surfing, kite surfing and even scuba diving certifications. One of the most famous walking trails in the world is the over 500 km long Lycian Way located along the Southwestern Mediterranean where you will be able to hike, camp and swim your way through a fascinating cultural route.  There are also world class opportunities for sailing and sea kayaking. 

Family Beaches Turkey is very family-friendly and kids are well served. Kids clubs and restaurants catering to families are plentiful.  For Muslims seeking halal friendly resorts and beaches with separate facilities, more spots have opened up, especially in the past 15 years, mainly around Antalya. 

Turkey undoubtedly offers one of the world’s great coastlines. Your most difficult task will be choosing which coastal experience is right for you.