The 5 nicest beaches in Istanbul

Very similar to a cool Bodrum beach club, Elio is located on Istanbul’s Sedef Island, which is only accessible by a morning and evening ferry from Büyükada or Elio’s private boats (upon request). After spending the day swimming, grab some dinner and a sunset cocktail at the restaurant and bar.

About a 20-minute walk from the ferry port (follow Gönüllü Caddesi and then Köknar Sokak), this beautiful cove is named after Madame Marta, one of Turkey’s first ballerinas who lived on Burgaz island and was in love with the sea. Lovely in its seclusion, Madam Marta is also a great place to camp.

You’ll only have to drive 1,5 hours outside of Istanbul’s city centre to feel like you’re on summer vacation. Located on the Black Sea coast, Uzunya is a great beach club where locals like to have their Turkish breakfast by the sea (even in the colder season), swim and lie around lazily in the sun.

A very chill beach club run by the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Baykuş (Owl) Beach is in the seaside resort of Kilyos about an hour away by car. Baykuş has plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, a restaurant and a camping area.

About a two-hour drive from the city centre is Istanbul’s seaside district of Şile and the beautiful beach of the Akçakese village. The turquoise sea and a white sand beach are quite popular among locals, so if you’d rather avoid the crowds, try to go here on a weekday.