begüm When summer arrives in Istanbul, the thought of “going for a swim to cool off” quickly comes to mind. With the city’s crowds, traffic and noise, escaping to the blue feels refreshing. Fortunately, living in Istanbul doesn’t mean missing out on the joy of the sea. You can hop in your car or take public transport and reach spotless beaches in just a couple of hours at most. In summer 2026, there are plenty of great options for both day trips and weekend getaways. So, let’s begin – here are the most enjoyable seaside routes near Istanbul where you can cool down this summer.
List of Beaches Near Istanbul
- 1Nakibey Beach, Büyükada
- 2Sedef Island
- 3Değirmenburnu Beach, Heybeliada
- 4Kınalıada Kumluk Beach
- 5Madam Marta Bay, Burgazada
- 6Kilyos Public Beach, Sarıyer
- 7Ayazma Beach, Şile
- 8Ağlayan Kayalar, Şile
- 9Kerpe Burnu, Kocaeli
- 10Sardala Bay, Kocaeli
- 11Cebeci Beach, Kocaeli
- 12Karasu Beach, Sakarya
- 13Semizkum Beach, Silivri
- 14Erikli Beach, Edirne
- 15İğneada Beach, Kırklareli
Map of Beaches Near Istanbul
Click to download the Map of Beaches Near Istanbul!
Beaches Near Istanbul
Nakibey Beach, Büyükada
One of the best-known family beaches on Büyükada, Nakibey is ideal for families with children thanks to its clean, shallow sea. There are free shuttle boats from other islands, or you can walk for 20 minutes or take a minibus for 5 minutes. As the beach gets busier around midday, the amount of seaweed can increase slightly. Facilities include showers, toilets, sunbeds, and food and drink options, with prices around the island average. If you stay overnight, there’s no extra beach fee the next day.
2026 entrance fee: Weekdays & Saturday – 700 TL, Sundays & public holidays – 900 TL.
Sedef Island
Part of Büyükada, Sedef Island is close to Heybeliada and Kınalıada. You can reach the island’s beach via private passenger boats from Kartal. Elio Sedef is the most popular beach here, offering showers, toilets, sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, a waterslide, and more. The entrance fee also includes one complimentary cocktail.
2026 entrance fee: Weekdays & weekends – 1,500 TL (includes shuttle from Kartal, sunbed, umbrella, towel, and 1 cocktail).
Değirmenburnu Beach, Heybeliada
Değirmenburnu is one of the quieter spots on Heybeliada, making it great for families. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and changing cabins. The beach is well-kept, and the sea is clean and calm.
2026 entrance fee: Weekdays – 600 TL, weekends & public holidays – 650 TL.
Kumluk Beach, Kınalıada
Now known as Mia Beach, Kumluk is one of Kınalıada’s most enjoyable stops. Despite its pebbly shore, its shallow, crystal-clear waters make it popular with families. You can get there by a free boat from the pier or a short 12-minute walk. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, tables and chairs, showers, toilets, and changing cabins. There’s also a café-restaurant for snacks or drinks.
2026 entrance fee: Weekdays – 500 TL, weekends – 600 TL. Children aged 0–7 enter free. Price includes boat service.
Madam Marta Bay, Burgazada
One of Burgazada’s most famous bays, Madam Marta is reached by a pleasant 20-minute walk from the pier. Part of the bay is public, while the rest is privately operated. The water is nice but sometimes has more seaweed. On the way, you’ll find a couple of small cafés. Sunbeds and umbrellas usually cost 400–500 TL. The shore is rocky, so water shoes are a good idea. Prices are generally reasonable compared to other islands.
Kilyos Public Beach, Sarıyer
One of the most popular Black Sea beaches near Istanbul, Kilyos is especially great for families thanks to its fresh air and wide sandy shore. Facilities include showers, changing cabins, toilets, and lifeguards. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas from nearby businesses, but entrance is completely free. The sea is usually clean with gentle waves. It can get crowded in summer, so arriving early is a good idea.
Ayazma Beach, Şile
Ayazma is one of Şile’s most popular beaches, with a wide sandy shore and clean waters. Lifeguards ensure safety, and there are showers, changing cabins, sunbeds, and umbrellas available. Entrance is completely free. Located about 20 km from Şile town centre, it’s an easy summer escape from Istanbul. Go early on sunny days to avoid crowds.
Weeping Rocks, Şile
A natural beauty spot in Şile, Weeping Rocks offers a free public beach. The sea is a bit wavy but very clean and refreshing. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy the sea in a natural, uncrowded setting.
Kerpe Cape, Kocaeli
If you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet place to swim, Old Kerpe Cape is perfect. It’s not very well known, so it’s usually empty. The shore is rocky, so bring water shoes. Entrance is free. Follow the “Eski Kerpe Burnu” signs when driving, then leave your car at the dirt road and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the bay. Remember, protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility—please take your rubbish with you.
Sardala Bay, Kocaeli
A hidden gem in Kandıra, Sardala Bay is free to enter and popular with campers. Unfortunately, the area is a bit neglected, so it’s important to be careful with waste. The sea is beautiful and clean, making it worth the trip for nature lovers looking for a quiet escape.
Cebeci Beach, Kocaeli
With sandy shores and shallow, clean waters, Cebeci is a family favourite. Entrance is free, but you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for around 100 TL per day. There’s also paid parking available for the same price.
Karasu Beach, Sakarya
One of Sakarya’s most popular beaches, Karasu is completely free and has a wide sandy area, perfect for families. The sea is usually shallow but can have some waves, so watch children closely. There are also paid beach clubs nearby for different options.
Semizkum Beach, Silivri
About 7 km from Silivri town centre, Semizkum is known for its peaceful atmosphere and wide sandy shore. Located along the Marmara coast, it’s especially suitable for families. Weekdays are quieter, but weekends can be busier. While its popularity has slightly declined in recent years, nearby beaches are still worth exploring.
Erikli Beach, Edirne
At Erikli Beach, the public area is free and spacious, with showers, changing cabins, and toilets available. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for extra comfort. Local cafés and restaurants offer tasty options to complement your day by the sea.
İğneada Beach, Kırklareli
Located in Kırklareli, İğneada offers a free public section with plenty of space. There are showers, changing cabins, and toilets, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a more comfortable experience. A great choice for those seeking a natural and quiet setting.
That brings us to the end of our summer guide. See you in the next one!
Click for places to swim in Cunda!
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