home Property Turkey Blog Shore thing: our pick of Istanbul's best seaside areas

Shore thing: our pick of Istanbul's best seaside areas

By: Cameron Deggin

There are many options for the best seaside areas of Istanbul. From the Bosphorus Strait, where ferries compete for space with freighters and fishing boats, to the sheltered harbour of the Golden Horn, Istanbul is a city of sea views. Additionally, heading into the Marmara and Black Sea, delight in fantastic sea views and, in some cases, excellent beaches.

No matter where you visit, expect glittering expanses of water and all the accompanying romance: the salty smell, the crying seagulls and the balik ekmek vendors. Below, we've listed our favourite seaside areas and beaches where you can find the sand between your toes.

Nice to know: For typical beach resorts, head from the city centre to either the black sea part in the North or the Southern Sea facing the Marmara Sea. These places get popular from May to September and offer water sports, private beach clubs, and excellent swimming spots. However, many places facing the Bosphorus strait are ideal for sea views and waterfront atmospheres, and some luxury hotels feature swimming pools.

Istanbul

 

13 Gorgeous Seaside Areas of Istanbul

 

1: Buyukcekmece for Excellent Facilities

Buyukcekmece was once the seaside destination of choice for day-tripping city dwellers. Today, this waterfront location boasts a sandy shore that wins great reviews. With excellent connections around Istanbul, Buyukcekmece is a sought-after location for lifestyle buyers—especially commuting professionals with families—and investors.

Regeneration has given rise to several modern developments with lifestyle facilities that attract Istanbul families seeking green space and fresh air outside the central city. The appeal of waking up daily to waves lapping the Marmara shore is endless. Bikes are allowed only on the seaside paths, so enjoy a long stroll on Buyukcekmece Beach.

 

2: Caddebostan Coast in Kadikoy

Once shunned by investors in favour of Istanbul's European side, Kadikoy has finally become its own. On Istanbul’s Anatolian side, Kadikoy is undergoing a resurgence. The streets are full of prosperous, stylish young people who visit the area's lively cafes, galleries, bars, shops, and restaurants. Some say Caddebostan Plajı is the best in Istanbul. Caddeboston Beach gets crowded, though, from June to September, given the location near the hub of Asian Istanbul.

Historical sites and cultural institutions flood with tourists, and investing in property is on almost every investor's to-do list. This is partly due to gentrification spreading through the city and partly because of the new financial centre. The Ataşehir Financial Centre houses large banks and financial institutions, a multi-billion-dollar development attracting billions more investment and wealth.

Kadikoy

 

3: Atakoy for the Marina

Developed in the 50s and 60s to become the first satellite suburb, Atakoy has become a prosperous, middle-class neighbourhood with an upmarket city marina that offers port, maintenance, and repair services. No longer considered a far-off suburb, Atakoy has excellent transport links, malls, cultural centres, a conservatory, and other leisure facilities. It has several green zones and quiet residential streets, making it a desirable rental location for professionals seeking Istanbul seafront property as an alternative to the busy central city.

 

4: Zeytinburnu for Seaside Homes

Zeytinburnu, on the Marmara Sea on Istanbul's European side, is a traditionally working-class neighbourhood once the home of leather works. The days of heavy industry are over for Zeytinburnu, and the leather manufacturing has moved to Tuzla. As with many former industrial areas, warehouses make way for new developments as regeneration transforms the area.

The seafront is smartening up, with cafes opening along the promenade. This makes this Istanbul seaside district promising for investment and sought-after for families seeking a coastal home with easy access to central Istanbul. Infrastructure in and around Zeytinburnu has improved immeasurably, and transport links now make it possible for commuters to travel, increasing the area's popularity and pushing property prices up.

 

5: Kilyos on Hot Summer Days

Also called Kumkoy, this district sits in the prestigious Sariyer district on the Black Sea coast. The population is just under 4000 people, making it a nice, discreet area of Turkey’s biggest city. Well known as a seaside resort, many people flock to Uzunya Beach since Kilyos is just 20 minutes away on ferry rides. Golden Beach is another popular choice for beach volleyball, but youngsters who want the party atmosphere head to Solar Beach.

Burc Beach wins many fans, and Babylon is a private beach, while Dalia Beach is more relaxing. Also known for the 14th-century Genoese castle restored by Ottoman sultan Mahmud II, Kilyos does a good job remaining a well-kept secret of locals and hardly features on mainstream travel routes. Such is the popularity; summer weekends see many families arriving from other areas for beach activities.

 

6: Agva and Sile for beautiful coasts

Agva belongs to Istanbul’s Sile district but deserves a mention. With a population of roughly 2,500, it is pleasant enough to keep low-key vibes. With a history of Greek residents, the name means between the rivers, referring to the Goksu and Yesilcay rivers. The beautiful landscapes give way to a 2.5-kilometre stretch of sand that attracts locals from other areas during summer, hence swelling the population. Additionally, they enjoy boat tours of the Goksu River. As the northernmost point, the one downside is the strong currents that aren’t ideal for young children learning to swim. Within Sile, Kumbaba beach also earns fame.

 

7: Buyukada Island - Part of the Princes Islands

You can't beat an island for romantic getaways and the cleanest beaches. Once a place for disgraced royalty, Buyukada, the largest of the prince's islands in the sea of Marmara, consists of two central neighbourhoods that boast of impressive Ottoman architecture in houses of leafy streets, especially on Çankaya Caddesi. The most famous, well-preserved Ottoman mansions are Con Pasa Köşkü, Yelkencizade Köşkü, Hacopolo Köşkü, Fabiato Köşkü and Mizzi Köşkü.

To learn more about the impressive homes, the author John Freely researched them extensively for his book on the Princes' Islands, or you can visit the Museum. Reached by ferry terminals from European Eminonu and Kabatas, as well as Asian Kadikoy and Bostanci, most people visit because only wealthy people can afford to buy a home.

The main attraction is the Greek Orthodox monastery of Hagios Georgios Koudonas. But if you get tired after all that sightseeing, head to Yörük Ali Plajı for a couple of hours. Other places include Nakibey, Eskibag, and Asaf Bey. Buyukada used to earn fame because public transportation and cars were banned, but these days, horse-driven carriages have been replaced by electric shuttle buses. Otherwise, head to Heybeliada, the second most oversized island for Ada Beach.

 

8: Beykoz for Prestigious Living

Here is the thing with swimming and public beaches in Beykoz. There are plenty, but only a few open each year because currents are just too strong in others. Typically, ones that open are Riva Elmasburnu, Riva Beach, and Riva Fisheries. Poyrazkoy Beach, with soft sand, opens, but it is relatively small.

Other than that, for a seaside area with prestigious status, historic sites, and lots of cultural living, Beykoz could be right up your street. In Ottoman times, the forested area behind the coast was a hunting retreat for Ottoman sultans, and these days, the area carries just the same status in the housing market in developments like Acarkent and Beykoz Konaklar. Also, enjoy the seaside restaurants serving fresh fish.

 

9: Arnavutkoy and Bebek for Coastal Scenery

Technically, they are not seaside since they sit on the Bosphorus coast, but they are still worth mentioning, even if you want a day trip. You won't find any sandy beaches here, but you will find boutique hotels, seaside fish restaurants, old Ottoman mansions, and a reputation for finesse. During the summer heat, locals flock to enjoy seaside vibes, and couples enjoy romantic meals and strolls along the coastal promenade.

It is the perfect spot for watching boats while sipping ice-cold beer. It seems like a world away from the massive city vibes and is ideal for summer fun with relaxing twists and a spot of cultural heritage. Bebek is more upmarket, and you will see rows of expensive cars, while Arnavutkoy has more down-to-earth vibes. Both are still worth it for waterfront atmospheres.

Arnavutkoy

 

10: Üsküdar Coast Walkway

This hot spot earns fame for the coastal promenade. While you won't get long sandy beaches, the vibes of the Üsküdar coastal path offer a true insight into local life. Fishermen line the pier, watching for their catch, while cafes fill up with locals taking a break from their daily errands. There are marvellous views and water taxis that run to Maidens Tower, right in the heart of the Bosphorus, now a restaurant. This is an escape from mass tourism to see the heart of a coastal city in action.

 

11: Gurpinar

Just a short journey from Istanbul’s loudly beating heart, green, peaceful Gurpinar, a district better known as Beylikduzu, is a pure escape from the bustling city. This pretty seaside town was once the destination for city dwellers wanting a weekend escape. With its lovely harbour, green spaces, and quiet streets, it’s not hard to see why it became a popular holiday spot, with a population that triples in size from its usual 30,000 during warmer months.

A massive draw for visitors and potential residents is, of course, the seaside. Gurpinar’s coastal area is seven kilometres long, and on weekends, visitors and residents can see boats, fish, swim, picnic on the shoreline, or eat at one of the many restaurants that line the waterfront. The road along the coastline is also popular with cyclists and walkers.

 

12: Ortakoy Waterfront

To do as the locals do, hang out on Ortakoy waterfront. This neighbourhood, which belongs to the Besiktas district, earns fame for the mosque standing on the pier. Once a small village and home to Greeks, Jews and Armenians, these days, many people flock ever since, the trend for independent travel came about. Locals love to hang out for the Bosphorus views, sip tea, and buy waffles and jacket potatoes from street stall stands. During the day, you can also explore attractions, while nighttime is all about expensive nightclubs.

Ortakoy

 

13: Moda in Kadikoy

Heading back over to the Asian side, the Moda district has earned fame as a great place to hang out by the sea. If you like walking, there is a trail from Caddeboston in Kadikoy, along the coastline to Moda, that passes picnic areas. Otherwise, the iconic red tram runs here from central Kadikoy. Often called Kadikoy Moda Coast Park, Time Out once called it one of the 50 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Also, home to the 1927 Süreyya Opera House, historic mansions line the streets. Moda gets crowded at weekends when locals come to enjoy the fantastic views.

 

From Istanbul to Yalova for Fun Atmospheres

If you are still looking for that seaside atmosphere but find the city centre too crowded and busy, hop on a ferry and head across the Sea of Marmara to Yalova. Because of its lush greenery, Yalova is well-suited for nature lovers. Boasting affordable property prices, Yalova is increasing in popularity with Istanbul locals who seek less populated destinations and somewhere to buy a summer holiday home.

With places like Akraba Beach Club hosting family-friendly environments and affordable days out, the area is a hit with families with kids. Known for the historic Yuruyen Kiosk, used by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of Türkiye, Yalova is about getting in touch with green nature and soaking up the seaside vibes. (More about Yalova.)

 

About Us

We Are Property Turkey, and our in-depth knowledge of this historic city enables us to help house hunters worldwide find their ideal home. Whether you are looking for the closest beach destination, blue water, or golden sand and beaches for swimming, call us today and chat with an agent. Alternatively, see our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale in all seaside areas of Istanbul.

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