Beaches · Istanbul · Turkey
The best beaches in and near Istanbul
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
The best-known beach is Kilyos (About 35 km north of Taksim). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in June–September.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 3
- Swimming season
- June–September
- Warmest sea
- 25°C (77°F)
The beaches
About 35 km north of Taksim · Summer beach-club day out
1.Kilyos
Sandy Black Sea beaches with beach clubs and sunbeds on the European side north of the city. The Black Sea has strong currents and rip tides, so swim only where lifeguards are on duty.
About 70 km north-east of the centre · Quieter Black Sea escape
2.Şile
Long sandy beaches around a Black Sea fishing town with a lighthouse and seafood restaurants, on the Asian side. Currents can be strong; heed flags.
About 25 km by ferry · Swimming on a car-free island day
3.Büyükada coves
Small pay beaches and coves around the largest of the Princes' Islands, reached by ferry and then bicycle or electric shuttle, with calm Sea of Marmara water.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C (48°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| March | 9°C (48°F) | 12°C (54°F) |
| April | 11°C (52°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| June | 21°C (70°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| September | 23°C (73°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| October | 19°C (66°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| November | 15°C (59°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| December | 12°C (54°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
Staying near the beach
Getting to the beaches
- Tram — The T1 tram runs from Kabataş via Karaköy, Eminönü, Sultanahmet and the Grand Bazaar (Beyazıt) to the western suburbs, linking almost every Old City sight.
- Metro — The M2 metro connects Taksim with Şişhane (for Galata and Istiklal) and crosses the Golden Horn Metro Bridge to Vezneciler and Yenikapı.
- Ferry — Public ferries link Eminönü, Karaköy, Kabataş and Beşiktaş with Kadıköy and Üsküdar on the Asian side, run up the Bosphorus and along the Golden Horn, and serve the Princes' Islands.
- Bus — City buses reach areas without rail, such as Balat, Fener and the upper Bosphorus villages, and accept Istanbulkart.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in June–September. The busiest of those is June, so book early.
Beach safety
Pickpocketing happens on crowded trams and around Istiklal Avenue and the bazaars. Common scams include the dropped shoe-brush trick, inflated bills at bars recommended by friendly strangers and taxis that avoid the meter. Traffic is fast; cross roads carefully. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Istanbul have beaches?
Yes: Kilyos, Şile and Büyükada coves.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Istanbul?
Usually June–September, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Istanbul?
Kilyos: Sandy Black Sea beaches with beach clubs and sunbeds on the European side north of the city. The Black Sea has strong currents and rip tides, so swim only where lifeguards are on duty.