Posted on Tuesday, 24 June 2014

With beaches to rival any on the Mediterranean, Turkey is a paradise for those seeking an idyllic coastal getaway. But with so many beaches to choose from, where should you set down your beach mat and parasol this year? Not an easy question to answer: but here are our five favourite beaches for a Turkish beach holiday in 2014…

Iztuzu Beach, Dalyan

The turtles of Iztuzu Beach near Dalyan are highly protected – which means that the beach itself is very well looked after. The 5km beach scores well on all fronts – from the fine golden sand to the crystal clear water. It's cheap too: you can get to and from the beach using low-cost buses or boats. You can also protect yourself and your loved ones from the full heat of the sun by renting cane umbrellas for just 3 lira (under £1) - renting a sun lounger costs the same and can prevent your skin getting singed by the hot mid-afternoon sand. If you're lucky you may glimpse a turtle in the clear water – or at least see one these magnificent beasts' footprints in the sand.

Dalyan is around 13 hours by road from Istanbul.

Kaputas Beach, Kas

Sea doesn't get much bluer than the sea near Kaputas Beach – so if you're anywhere near Kas or Kaputas this is a must-see! You can catch a bus from either of those towns for around 10 lira, or drive there if you have your own vehicle or hire car. It's a stony but very beautiful beach – and certainly worth descending the many steps required to reach it from the road. Not a lot of facilities yet, but for many its simplicity is part of its charm. However, you should at least be able to find someone making delicious ‘gozleme' or Turkish pancakes.

Kas is around 13 hours by road from Istanbul.

Cleopatra Island, Marmaris, Turkey

While not just a beach, you don't visit Cleopatra Island for anything other than its beautiful sandy coast and its unbelievably clear blue water – aside perhaps from the fascinating nearby ruins.

The soft golden sand found here – and in few other places in the eastern Mediterranean – was purportedly brought from Egypt by Marcus Antonius for his honeymoon with Cleopatra. However, experts give a less romantic explanation: it's made of dissolved seashells. If you do visit, try and arrive early and leave before midday – it can get very busy indeed, especially in high season. Boat trips from near Marmaris to the island cost around 10 lira. Admission to the island costs the same. And don't try and remove any of the sand – the powers that be will get very upset!

Patara Beach

Patara Beach is around an hour and half from Olu Deniz by road - and is certainly worth the journey! Another favourite spot for Turkish turtles, access to Patara is restricted if you're a human in order to keep their habitat safe. But fear not, the length of this beach can only be described as epic (18km long and very wide!) – so you'll have no trouble finding a patch for yourself. Difficult to reach without a car, but a wonderful spot if you want to surround yourself in nature. Access to the stunning ruins near the beach costs 5 lira – a fee that must be paid anyway in order to get down onto the sand.

1.5 hours by road from Olu Deniz.

Blue Lagoon (Olu Deniz Beach)

The centrepiece of any visit to Olu Deniz is the bustling town's Blue Lagoon beach – and it's easy to see why. You can choose to visit the National Park area (for a fee), or head to one of the ‘free' private beaches owned by one of the bars or restaurants – although they prefer you to buy a drink! Both offer sparkling clear water with superb views of the nearby mountains. The pedalos are a great hit with younger visitors, while kayaking is fun for older fun seekers. Look up and you're likely to see scores of paragliders spiralling down from the top of Babadag Mountain high above: Dare you try it?

Olu Deniz is around 12 hours by road from Istanbul.

Whether you're planning to lie on the sand and have your toes nibbled by colourful fish, or whether you plan on trying a few adrenaline sports by the beach – make sure you have the best travel insurance for the job. Get a quote from startttravel.co.uk today!

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