One of the many attractions of the Turkish Riviera is its beaches. Its famed clear blue waters, twinkling beneath the sun as they lap at the shore, are a draw for thousands of holidaymakers every year.

The Antalya province boasts a record number of Turkey’s Blue Flag beaches. The coveted status was awarded to more than 200 beaches last year, as well as to five marinas and eight boats. No wonder, then, that Antalya’s beaches enjoys a reputation for being some of the best in the country.

What does Blue Flag status mean?

The Blue Flag is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet high standards of quality, safety and environmental care. Simply put, a Blue Flag beach is outstanding – clean, safe and environmentally responsible. The Blue Flag can be awarded to both public and private beaches and the status is reviewed each year.

Where are Antalya’s Blue Flag beaches?

There are so many Blue Flag beaches in Antalya it would be impossible to list them all. However, it’s safe to say that wherever you are staying or living in Antalya province, there’ll be a Blue Flag beach within easy reach. We’ve listed just a few you might like to visit.

Antalya city

Some of the most popular public beaches near the city of Antalya itself are on the Blue Flag list. Lara Beach, Konyaaltı, Memerli and Ekdağ are all wonderful places to visit, although you may well discover your own favourites. The stunning coastline and stretches of sand mean they are equally popular in the winter with expats and Turkish residents alike; there are still plenty of days when you can sit and enjoy the sun, or enjoy a stroll along the shore.

Alanya

As with most places on the Turkish Riviera, the Blue Flag can be found on numerous beaches. One of the most well-known has to be Kleopatra – it’s believed the Egyptian queen herself came here to bathe. With its soft white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s easy to imagine you’re in paradise.

Kalkan

Its many delights draw devoted visitors year after year and Kalkan’s public beach is another reason why so many return. It may not be the biggest around, but although close to the harbour its white pebbles mean the water remains clear. The beautiful surroundings and proximity to excellent restaurants and amenities make it perfect for an in-resort beach day.

Akçagerme

Lying just outside the marina at Kaş, Akçagerme is a popular choice for families when it comes to a beach day out. It’s a shingle beach with plenty of safe swimming and activities, including waterpark facilities, yet still retaining all the charm of the Turkish Mediterranean.

Kaputaş

Nestling on the shoreline between Kalkan and Kaş, Kaputaş offers smooth sand and breath-taking views. If you’re approaching by road, you’ll need to climb down nearly 200 steps – but we promise, even in an area with so much picturesque scenery, it’s absolutely worth the effort. It’s not the easiest beach to reach if you have a young family or mobility problems, but another option is to take a local boat trip – many include a swim stop at Kaputaş.

Patara

With its 12-kilometre stretch of golden sand, Patara is part of the national park and has genuine unspoiled beauty. As a nesting ground for loggerhead turtles – the second largest in the area – it enjoys protected status, which keeps it as natural as possible. The nearby ancient Lycian ruins means you can enjoy both culture and sunshine – Patara is truly a jewel in the Turkish Riviera’s crown.

Kemer

One of Turkey’s most stunning beaches, Phaselis is surrounded by pine trees and hides sunken ruins beneath its clear waters. Keen divers and snorkellers will enjoy exploring, while the nearby Roman ruins are also an attraction. As a more historical site, it is less obviously touristy than many beaches – and to many, is all the more delightful because of it.

Side

Trendy Side Beach is one of the closest to the centre of the town itself, which can be an important consideration for many people. Its sandy shores and proximity to the peninsula make it a popular choice if you don’t want to travel too far.

Thinking of buying

Are you considering investing in property in Antalya province? We’d love to help you through the process, whether it’s for full-time living, a personal holiday home, or as a holiday rental. You can see our current portfolio on our website, as well as check out our buyer’s guide, and we’re always happy to answer any queries you may have.