So you want to enjoy the sea and sun, but can’t exactly splurge on a houliday this summer, or take time off work. You might be surprised to find out that there are many beaches in Istanbul with beautiful, clean water and plenty of fun activities.

After spending a day at one of these beaches, you might reconsider spending the money, time and effort on heading down south, when you can have just as satisfying of a ‘staycation’ right here in the city.

BURC Beach
BURC Beach is one of the most famous beaches located along the Black Sea coast and belongs to Boğaziçi University. With its seemingly never-ending seashore, decorated with beach umbrellas, a beach bar and beach-goers partaking in water-sports of all kinds, BURC will make you feel miles and miles away from the city. We guarantee you won’t get bored here; between enjoying the sea, playing beach volleyball, relaxing over a quick bite and drink at one of the cafes or bar and joining one of the beach parties in the evening, you won’t realize how quickly the time has passed! And that’s not all; you can also try out catamarans, kite flying, surfing and windsurfing, kite-boarding and soccer. The Volkite Kiteboard School offers beginner and advanced classes, movement classes, wave-riding technique classes and kiteboard safari classes- it takes 10-15 hours to be able to comfortably control a kiteboard. BUMED (Boğaziçi University Alumni Association) members can take advantage of the free service that departs from the university’s southern campus every weekend; the service departs at 09.00 from the South Campus center and returns to campus from BURC beach at 18.00. Entrance is 15TL during the week, and 25TL on weekends for BUMED members; Boğaziçi University graduates and their guests pay 25TL during the week and 35TL on weekends. Boğaziçi students get in for free during the week and pay just 5TL on weekends. Those interested can also purchase a season pass.
(0212) 359 58 00
Gümüşdere, Kilyos   
Open everyday from 09.00-21.30.

Dalia Beach
Dalia Beach, another favorite, is located on the Demircikoy cove. This beach is for those who believe a day at the beach should be relaxing and tranquil. Though Dalia is spacious enough to guarantee a bit of privacy and green enough to delight even the most judgmental nature-lovers, you can still enjoy some physical activity if you so choose. There are areas designated for trekkers as well as paddleboats and canoes available for use; beachgoers can also partake in beach volleyball and surfing. The food and drink options have also been thought out with care and attention; the breakfast menu is prepared with regional products (the feta cheese comes from Ezine, while the honey comes from Fethiye). The fish menu is also the perfect way to end your day. The Dalia Beach Café provides enough options to satisfy any palate. Make sure to browse the stands selling regional-natural village products. Entrance is 25TL during the week and 30TL on weekends.
(0212) 0212 204 03 68
Demirciköy, Kilyos

Open everyday from 08-18.00.

Golden Beach
Golden Beach is located in Rumelishisari, where the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea meet. There are plenty of activities at Golden Beach including beach volleyball, paddle-boating, a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course and walking track. Camping Restaurant, Kır Kahvesi, Snack Bar and Beach Bar will keep you hydrated and nourished throughout the day; you can indulge in international dishes or opt for seafood, both are available. Sipping a cocktail as the sun sets is a must at the Beach Bar. Those who choose to spend the night can stay in one of the 26 bungalows or at a boutique hotel. The beach officially opens at 08.00, but does not close, perfect for those who enjoy late-night swims. Entrance is 15TL during the week and 30TL on weekends.
(0212) 325 55 83
Marmaracık Koyu, Rumelifeneri

Nonstop Beach
This beach lives up to its name: there is nonstop activity here! Water sports, beach volleyball, tennis, basketball, beach parties at night and concerts are just some of the activities you can enjoy while here. The beach has a restaurant, beach bar and terrace bar. Active types will enjoy Jetskiing, banana-boating, canoeing and paddleboating. 
(0212) 201 23 05
Kilyos Turban Yolu 4, Kilyos
Open everyday from 08.00-20.00.

Solar Beach
At over 30.000m2, Solar Beach is one of Turkey’s largest private beaches and open-air performance areas. With its expansive seashore, concert and performance stages and endless sports activities, Solar Beach keeps you busy from the minute you arrive till the minute you have to leave. The beach is 1km long, which means it can compete with the best beach clubs of Antalya or Izmir. The beach club also features a Beach Bar, Solar Bar, BBQ Corner, 6 extra bars and 4 extra eating areas used primarily during special performances, Kids Club for families with kids, enough chaise lounges and cushions for 3000 guests, 9 sunbathing terraces and of course showers and dressing rooms. The sporty types can partake in windsurfing, jet-skiing, banana-boating and inner-tubing. Entrance is 15TL during the week and 25TL on weekends.
0212) 201 10 12/ 26 12?
Turban Yolu Caddesi 4, Kilyos
Open everyday from 09.00-21.00.

Uzunya Beach Club
Uzunya used to be known only for its popularity among fisherman; however, in the last few years it has been renovated and word has traveled fast as its now frequently crowded during the summer. We have to mention that Uzunya is the most natural, or undisrupted, beach on this list. The beach umbrellas are made of wicker and you can lay out on either grass or sand. The fish restaurant offers fresh fish daily as well as seafood; the cafeteria has tost and izgara (grilled chicken, meatballs etc.) options. The entrance fee had not been released as of press time.
(0212) 204 07 33
Demirciköy, Kilyos
Open everyday from 08.00-00.00.

Wattabe
We had heard that Wattabe was Turkey’s first natural sports center. This venue is 55 kilometers from the city and built upon a huge estate located right on the river. Nature lovers will enjoy sprawling out on the grass or hiding out under the shade of one of the many trees. There are a handful of unique activities available at Wattabe; mountain biking, ATV-ing, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing and even paintball. What’s great about Wattabe is that you can take advantage of these activities or just lay out on the grass; all types of leisure are welcome. Those who wish to stay the night can set up a tent. The restaurant has grilled meats, salads, breakfast and fresh vegetable dishes in olive oil (zeytinyağlılar).
(0212) 850 80 82
Alkent 2000 Lakeside, Büyükçekmece
Open weekdays from 08.00 and weekends from 09.00 onward.

Poyrazköy
Poyrazköy is a typical fishing village, located on the Asian side, and also one of the closest settlements to the Black Sea. To get there, head past Beykoz; 4km after you’ve passed Beykoz, on the left-hand side, you’ll notice a sign for Poyrazköy-Anadolu Feneri (lighthouse). You’ll then continue through the forest on a narrow, windy road. Heading towards the Anatolian Lighthouse, on the left you’ll see the road sign indicating Poyrazköy, and you’ll head down towards the Bosphorus shore. You’ll turn left without turning into the village to get to the Poyrazköy beach. The beach, which is not very large, is surrounded by small and large facilities. You’ll find a dressing room, restaurant and cafes. Poyrazköy is protected from wind and strong water currents, and is thus ideal for casting anchor. The fine sand on the beach is ideal; chaise lounges and umbrellas can be rented if desired. There is also a separate section for women only at the end of the seashore.


Island Paradise
Visiting the islands is a great way to feel as though you’ve traveled far from the city, when really you’re only an hour away, if that! Because the islands are in the Sea of Marmara rather than the Black Sea, the water is much calmer, making swimming and watersports more feasible. Here we present a quick run-down of the most popular islands.

Büyükada
The largest and most popular of the islands is certainly Büyükada, which has a total of 4 beaches. Nakibey Beach, Kumsal Beach, Prenses Beach and Yörük Ali Beach are the 4 beaches available. Nakibey Beach and Kumsal Beach are close enough that they can be reached either by foot or by fayton (horse-drawn coach), as both are located in the Maden district. You can get to Prenses Beach by motorboat, foot or fayton. The island’s most famous beach, Yörük Ali, can be reached by motorboat, which is free of charge, as well. The beach has a restaurant and café-bar as well. For only 20TL you can rent a chaise lounge and umbrella as well as gain access to the dressing room and shower. Special yachts tend to cast anchor in the southern part of the island. The island also has many great restaurants and cafes.

Façyo Restaurant
(0216) 382 60 63
Gülistan Caddesi 26, Büyükada
Grilled zucchini 8 TL
Appetizers 6 TL

Heybeliada
The sea at Heybeliada, the second largest island, has unfortunately become very dirty over the years. Çam Limanı, the most spacious cove of all the islands, is where most boats and yachts cast anchor. Değirmen Burnu is the preferred destination on the island as it has the has the largest beach. The Heybeliada Su Sporları Kulubu (Heybeliada Watersports Club) has Olympic-sized facilities which allow water-sport enthusiasts to participate in a wide-variety of fun activities. There are a few good restaurants and cafes at Çam Limanı and Değirmenburnu.

Ada Restaurant
(0216) 351 94 38
Ayyıldız Caddesi 46, Heybeliada
Grilled calamari 15 TL
Chicken shish kebab 8 TL

Burgazada
Burgazada is the smallest of the islands. The beach is located in an area called Kalpazankaya; once you’ve arrived at the dock, turn left and continue on the path until you reach Kalpazankaya. The Sailing and Watersports Club at Burgazada is the first and thus most popular of all the islands. If head to the eastern part of the island, you’ll find a lighthouse; those who are in-the-know love to head here to watch the sun set in the evenings.
Kalpazankaya Restaurant
(0216) 381 15 04
Kalpazankaya Yolu 26, Burgazada
Shrimp in butter sauce 15 TL
Kebab 22 TL

Kınalıada
Kınalıada is the island closest to Istanbul. The beach, Ayazma Beach, is located in the back part of the island; the waters are quite clean. The Watersports Club has an Olympic-sized pool. It’s worth mentioning that the island could use a few more facilities.

Mimoza Restaurant
(0216) 381 52 67
Çarşı Caddesi 8, Kınalıada
Armenian pilaki (beans in olive oil) 6 TL
Ciğer (liver) in butter sauce 8 TL

How to get there
If you don’t have your own yacht or boat, the easiest way to get to the islands is by public transportation. Those who prefer to go by vapur (boat) should keep in mind how crowded they become on weekends, and plan ahead and depart early!

To get to the islands by:
Vapur (boat): Bostancı, Kadıköy, Sirkeci, Kartal, Kabataş
Motorboat: Bostancı, Kartal, Maltepe
Deniz otobus (sea bus): Bostancı, Kabataş
The boats stop at each island, starting with Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and finally Büyükada. Times vary during the week and weekends and based on season: check IDO (Istanbul Deniz Otobusleri) for the most reliable information.
İDO
(0212) 444 44 36
www.ido.com.tr