When you’re done seeing the Grand Bazaar, it’s time to visit Istanbul’s gorgeous beaches.
Orient see West inIstanbul , where the Bosphorus Strait divides the city between two continents and connect the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara . While this unparalleled geography makes Bosphorus boat tours a popular tourist activity , few travelers realize this means that the metropolis — with its intoxicating blend of history and cultivation — is also surround by crystal vindicated waterways and sandy coastlines that rival the most sought - after beach towns in the Mediterranean .
Istanbul have red-hot in the summertime ; temperatures often rise to 85 degree or higher and nary a swarm in the sky . On a balmy solar day , you’re able to bet that the locals do n’t take tax shelter in the Hagia Sophia or the Grand Bazaar , but instead skip on a ferry or take the metro to one of the many beaches stipple throughout the megacity .
The best part about visit Istanbul in the warmer months is that you do n’t have to choose between taking in primal cultural sites or enjoying a faineant beach vacation . If you know where to go , you could get both for a fraction of what you ’d spendisland hop elsewhere in the Mediterranean . Here ’s a guide to enjoying a beach vacation in and around Istanbul .
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Chill out at Istanbul’s city beaches
Not ready to leave the city proper to enjoy Istanbul ’s beach ? The public beaches in the Kadıköy district ’s Suadiye and Caddebostan neighborhoods offer sandy coastlines look across the effervescent Sea of Marmara . This neighborhood is easily accessible by the Marmaray commuter train rails or ferry , but the vibration is completely dissimilar from what tourists might gestate after spending time in the Old City . The seaside neighborhood is satisfy with dark-green space and swimming smear ; it ’s not uncommon to see syndicate and friends post up with a folding table ’s worth of snacks and refreshment , enjoy the sparkling urine and slow step of life that exists on the Caddebostan Coast .
If you make up one’s mind to share in that lifestyle yourself , you could choose from three unlike beaches on the Caddebostan Coast , although Caddebostan Beach II is my pet option . The picturesque metropolis beach has incredible sunset eyeshot and plenty of beach loungers usable ( which are included in the approximately $ 1 entry fee — payable byIstanbulkart , the city ’s public transit qualifying ) .
Island hop in Adalar
Get away from the metropolis ’s sting and bustle by heading to the Princes ’ Islands — topically known as “ Adalar”—and you could step back in time in the effective agency potential . The string of four main islands off the coast of Kadıköy in the Sea of Marmara consists of Büyükada , Kınalıada , Burgazada , and Heybeliada , each of which is directly accessible by an hour - longsighted public ferrying that costs about $ 2 each elbow room . The islands are completely car - complimentary and propose a more retro - leaning , Bohemian experience compared to mainland Istanbul . Pack some sunscreen and a beach towel and snap up asimit(circular benni - crust bread)from a street seller before hop aboard the ferry from either Eminönü and Kabataş on Istanbul ’s European side , or Kadikoy on the Asiatic side .
The Adalar ferry block off at all four of the main island , with Büyükada being the busiest and most visit by local beach - goer . you could disembark here , continue to some of the littler islands , or pass the day island hopping . Keep in mind that the ferrying run every half - minute to an hour , so you ’ll require to keep a close eye on the time if you go for to see multiple island .
While all the islands are worth the trip-up , there ’s one beach that peculiarly stands out . Make your way to the far side of Burgazada Island to visit cliffside Kalpazankaya , a local - best-loved beach that seldom has more than twenty to thirty people enjoying the Lord’s Day and sea . The beach is public , but there ’s an onsite canteen with ice - cold beer and beach collation like fries or chips , changing rooms , and toilet available . The view are incredible here , too ; on one side , you get a persuasion of the Sea of Marmara , while the other offers a glance of the Istanbul sensible horizon . It ’s also a great spot to look for ocean glass .
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If cliffside sundown views and cold drink are your matter , Kalpazankaya Restaurant , located a few steps up from Kalpazankaya Beach , should be on your must - sojourn list . The outdoor eatery serves rakı ( Türkiye s national beverage ) and a miscellany of classic hot and cold Turkish meze alongside freshly catch Pisces — but it ’s really the unobstructed views of the Sunday setting along the Sea of Marmara that ’ll be worth writing home about .
Leave the city behind in Silivri
Looking to get out of the city for a few day ? Make like a local and spend the weekend in the seaside Silivri territorial dominion of Istanbul Province , which is packed with vacation homes and has a distinctbeach townfeel . you may well get at the coastal district by bus , or if you ’re lancinating for a route trip , it ’s only about an hour outside of key Istanbul . Silivri is also famous for its dairy , peculiarly its yogurt ( and even host an one-year Silivri Yogurt Festival ) so be indisputable to make time to explore the side street and sample distribution locally made yoghourt or trash ointment on the boardwalk .
As far as beaches go , the Silivri Plaji is a particularly undecomposed option — especially if you ’re looking for a beachfront that is recollective enough for a sunset amble or George Sand sportsman like beach volleyball game . Because Silivri is a chip further from the metropolis , the muscularity here is super relaxed compared with city beaches .
When you ’re athirst enough to leave the beach , Şömine Et Balık Restaurant Burak Beach SahneandSandal Beach Restaurant & Eğlenceare going to be your sound stake for sample fresh fish within walking distance of Silivri Plaji . It ’s also worth seek out street food vender for a taste of freshmidye dolma — mussels stuffed with spiced Elmer Leopold Rice .
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Tips and tricks for visiting the beach in Istanbul
Bring your own gear
Most beaches in Istanbul are public ( and therefore free of charge ) , but you ’ll be charged for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ons like a beach umbrella or lounge chair . If you want to avoid pay any extra fee , be after on bringing your own beach towel to lay on the George Sand . Some beach - goers also bring their own chairs and umbrella , but it ’s not as hard-nosed if you ’ll be commuting to the beach via public transit .
Prepare a picnic
giving beach tend to have concession stands or canteens , and while the Mary Leontyne Price are ordinarily pretty fair , you could also forego the markup entirely and bring your own food and drinking . Stop by a Migros on your path to the beach and load up on cold beer , çiğ köfte(a meze dish ) , andsimit , and you have yourself the everlasting Turkish seaside picnic .
Top up your Istanbulkart
Some public beaches in Caddebostan boot admission with an Istanbul ’s public transit authorise Istanbulkart , and you ’ll be expected to pay the way you would when boarding the metro — through a turnstile . You ’ll desire to make certain you have a few dollars on your transportation card at all time to avoid being curt . you could get an Istanbulkart for about $ 1.50 at any of the vending machine near metro or tram Michigan .
Wear what makes you comfortable
extraneous travelers sometimes wonder if dressing modestly is expect in Istanbul — but unless you ’re visiting a mosque or a historical site with religious grandness , you may outwear what makes you comfortable . This extends to the seaside as well ; Türkiye is a Muslim - majority state but it ’s also lay , which means it ’s not uncommon to see strand bikinis and Speedos on the beach .
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