The Turkish Riviera is famous for its kilometres of sandy beaches - but the real magic lies in the bays that can only be reached via narrow paths, by boat or with a local tip. We present seven of these places, what makes them special and how to get there.
Kaputaş Beach - The turquoise blue classic
Kaputaş Beach is located between Kaş and Kalkan, nestled between steep cliffs. It can be reached via 187 steps that lead down from the D400 coastal road. The bay is only around 150 metres long, but the turquoise-coloured water and high cliffs make it one of the most photogenic beaches in Turkey. Tip: Come early in the morning, it fills up from 11am. There is hardly any shade, so bring a parasol.
Phaselis - Ancient city by the sea
Three bays in an ancient ruined city - that's Phaselis, around 50 kilometres west of Antalya. You can stroll between the 2000-year-old walls and jump into the water in between. The north, centre and south bays each have their own character; the south bay is the quietest. Entrance to the archaeological site included. Swimming shoes recommended as the beach is stony in places.
Suluada - The "Maldives of Turkey"
An uninhabited island south of Adrasan, accessible only by boat. Suluada has two bays with white sand and crystal-clear water - the nickname is no coincidence. Day trips from Adrasan or Çıralı cost between 30-50 euros including lunch on board. Best time: May to October. In the high season it can get crowded, then switch to weekdays.
Patara Beach - 18 kilometres of solitude
The longest sandy beach in Turkey and also a nesting site for Caretta Caretta turtles. Because Patara is protected as a national park, there are no hotels directly on the beach, hardly any sunbeds, but endless fine sand. Even in the high season, large sections to the west of the main access are almost deserted. Between May and October, the beach is closed after sunset to protect the turtles - an important reason why this place is still unspoilt.
Cleopatra Beach in Sedir Island
A small island in the Gulf of Gökova with a beach of exceptionally round, white sand. Legend has it that Marc Antony had the sand brought from Africa for Cleopatra. Geologically, it is coral sand, which only occurs here - so taking it home is strictly forbidden and controlled. Accessible by boat from Akyaka or Çamlı. The island also has ancient ruins of an amphitheatre.
Adrasan Bay - Family-friendly and quiet
Adrasan, around 80 kilometres southwest of Antalya, has retained its original character. The sheltered bay is ideal for families with children - shallow water, hardly any waves, small restaurants on the beach in the typical hut style. A good starting point for boat trips to even more hidden bays such as Ceneviz Bay, which can only be reached by boat.
Mavi Mağara (Blue Grotto) near Kaş
Strictly speaking, this is not a beach, but a cave that can only be reached by boat and in which the water glows an intense blue due to a light effect - similar to the Blue Grotto on Capri. Guided tours from Kaş combine the grotto with swimming stops in neighbouring bays. Best light conditions between 11 am and 2 pm.
The most beautiful places on the Turkish Riviera are rarely found in hotel brochures. If you are prepared to get up early, charter a boat or take a narrow mountain road, you will be rewarded with beaches where the water is still as clear as on the postcards from the 1970s.
