⛱️ Where to go to the sea in Istanbul: 17 beaches with prices and hours

Summer in Istanbul is hot. The nearest city beaches are about half an hour from the center on the Marmaray, so there are places to swim. We've rounded up 17 beaches on the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea that are open for the 2026 season.

İBB (İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi) city beaches are cheaper than private clubs. Entry to Florya Güneş and Caddebostan 1 costs 300 TL, or 200 TL for students (as of 09/2026, current BELTUR rates). For that price you get sand, a lounger, an umbrella, and a shower.

Below we break down where to swim for free, where to pay for comfort, and how to get to each spot. We check prices, rates, and opening hours against official sources.

How to choose a beach in Istanbul

💡 In short:

İBB city beaches (Florya Güneş, Caddebostan 1): 300 TL, 200 TL for students (as of 09/2026, operator rates).
Free options on the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara: Yeşilköy and Küçüksu.
Private Black Sea clubs (Burç Beach, Solar Beach, Uzunya Beach) offer sports and comfort for a fee.
Longer trips: Şile, Ağva, and the Princes' Islands.
Beach access and facilities: 09/2026, verified on the official BELTUR website.

Istanbul sits on two seas. To the south is the Sea of Marmara, to the north the Black Sea. Within the city itself there are few developed beaches, but around it there are dozens of clubs for every budget.

İBB city beaches are run by the municipality, so entry is cheap and lifeguards are on duty. Private clubs on the Black Sea charge more but offer pools, sports, and restaurants. Wild beaches near Şile and on the Princes' Islands are free.

The table below will help you pick a first option for your trip.

Beach	Shore	Entry (09/2026)	Who it's for
Florya Güneş	Sea of Marmara	300 TL, 200 TL for students	city break with family
Caddebostan 1	Sea of Marmara	300 TL, 200 TL for students	families with kids
Yeşilköy	Sea of Marmara	free	budget travelers
Burç Beach	Black Sea	paid, depends on the day of the week	young people and athletes
Uzunya Beach	Black Sea	paid, package rate	comfort seekers
Yörük Ali	Sea of Marmara, Princes' Islands	paid	families with kids

İBB prices were checked on 15.09.2026 in the BELTUR seasonal price list (as of 09/2026). Private club rates change every season, so confirm them on site before you go.

1. Florya

Florya lies on the European side of the city, along the Sea of Marmara. The sandy stretch runs for almost a kilometer and is open year-round.

Sunset over the Sea of Marmara from the Florya waterfront

The facilities cover the basics: parking, loungers, umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, and toilets. Lifeguards are on duty. Entry is paid, with rates set by the operator BELTUR.

How to get there: take the Marmaray to Florya station, then walk.
Cost: paid entry, check the price with the operator BELTUR.
Who it's for: anyone who wants the sea close to the city.
Not for: anyone looking for quiet and uncrowded spots.
The catch: it gets crowded here on summer weekends.

2. Florya Güneş

Florya Güneş is right nearby, in the same Florya district. It's one of the main İBB city beaches, and in summer it's open every day from 08:00 to 19:00 (as of 09/2026, official beach rates).

Entry costs 300 TL, or 200 TL for students, and an umbrella and lounger are included in the price (as of 09/2026, Florya Güneş prices). The facilities are built for high volume: dozens of changing rooms, shower stalls, lockers, and toilets. If you're coming with kids, arrive at opening time.

Bags are checked at the entrance, and you'll be asked to leave your own food in a locker. Smokers drop cigarette butts in the sand, so this isn't a place you'd call clean. In the morning the water is clear, but by 11:00 the crowd builds up and it gets harder to find a spot near the water.

Getting there: opposite Florya railway station, easiest by Marmaray.
Cost: 300 TL, students 200 TL, umbrella and lounger included (as of 09/2026, BELTUR data).
Who it's for: for a budget beach day within the city.
Not for: those expecting upscale service.
The catch: in windy weather, waves wash seaweed onto the shore.

3. Yeşilköy

Yeşilköy lies in an Istanbul suburb and is one of the free beaches. You can get here by bus, car, or commuter train, with signs pointing the way from the stop.

The curved shoreline is packed almost to capacity in summer. The sand here is pinkish-yellow and soft, but umbrellas and loungers cost extra. You can save money by sitting in the shade of the trees.

For entertainment, they offer banana boat rides, inflatable mattresses, and boats. People also ride bikes and walk around the area. On weekends locals come out, so weekdays are calmer, when you can easily find a spot on the sand.

Getting there: take the Marmaray to Yeşilköy station, then follow the signs.
Cost: free entry, umbrellas and loungers cost extra.
Who it's for: those who want to save on admission.
Not for: those who dislike weekend crowds.
The catch: in season, the shore is almost completely full.

4. Caddebostan

Blue shark on Kaddebostan Beach with flags

Caddebostan is on the Asian side, in the Kadıköy district. It is a complex of three İBB beaches: one paid and two free. The most comfortable option, Caddebostan 1, operates with full service.

Entry to Caddebostan 1 costs 300 TL, students 200 TL, umbrella and lounger included (as of 09/2026, Caddebostan 1 rates). The water near the shore is shallow for dozens of meters, so there are many families with children here, and you can easily wade in with a little one.

Nearby runs Bagdat Caddesi with its shops, so swimming is easy to combine with shopping. On some days there are a lot of jellyfish in the water, which not everyone likes. The views of the Sea of Marmara from here are wide open.

Getting there: take the Marmaray to the nearest station or the metrobus.
Cost: Caddebostan 1 costs 300 TL, students 200 TL (as of 09/2026, entry cost per BELTUR).
Who it's for: families with children and shopping lovers.
Not for: those seeking solitude.
The catch: on some days there are a lot of jellyfish in the water.

5. Küçüksu

Küçüksu occupies a short stretch of the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, between the Anatolian Fortress and the Sultan Mehmed Bridge. The area is small, but in summer it is always crowded.

Not long ago the beach was closed due to water pollution. The environmental situation has now improved, and swimming is allowed again. One part of the shore is a platform with loungers and umbrellas, the other is covered with sand.

Entry is free, and you don't need to pay extra to swim. Keep in mind the steep drop into the water and strong underwater currents: lifeguards advise not swimming far out if you are a weak swimmer. Many people combine swimming with visiting the Küçüksu Kasrı palace and the fortress.

Getting there: from the European side by bus 14R, from the Asian side by buses from Üsküdar pier.
Cost: free entry.
Who it's for: those who want free swimming near the sights.
Not for: those who swim poorly.
The catch: steep drop into the water and strong currents.

6. Riva

Inner courtyard of Riva Fortress with the Turkish flag

Riva is located on the Black Sea coast, in a picturesque village. People come here for solitude, away from noise and crowds. The ruins of the old Riva castle are visible in the surrounding area.

The shore is covered with a thick layer of golden sand, and there are changing rooms and umbrellas. The coastline is cut with small coves, and the Riva stream flows into the sea. Cafes and restaurants line its banks.

Budget motels and guesthouses operate here, where you can stay for two or three nights and not rush home. Besides swimming, visitors fish from rented boats. The catch of salmon and carp can be cooked on a grill.

Getting there: by car or bus from the Asian side of Istanbul.
Cost: free entry, loungers and umbrellas cost extra.
Who it's for: those looking for a quiet getaway and fishing.
Not for: those who want clubs and parties.
The catch: the trip from the center takes over an hour.

7. Yörük Ali

Yörük Ali is on the Princes' Islands, on the island of Büyükada. You get there by ferry from Istanbul, and free shuttle boats run from the pier to the shore.

The beach sits on a shallow bay with a sandy bottom. The water is shallow and warm, and there is almost no wind, so it works well for children and for people who can't swim. Entry is paid, and it costs more on weekends than on weekdays.

There are enough loungers and changing rooms, and toilets, a bar, and a cafe are available. Kids ride the water slides. People usually come here for a single day: in the evening, boats take visitors back to the ferry, and the last departure time is announced in English and Turkish.

How to get there: by ferry from Istanbul to Büyükada, then by free shuttle boat from the pier.
Cost: paid entry, weekend rate is higher than the weekday rate.
Who it's for: families with children.
Not for: people who aren't willing to take the ferry.
The catch: it takes longer to get here than to a city beach.

8. Burç Beach

Kilyos sandy beach on the Black Sea with hotels

Burç Beach is in Kilyos, on the European shore of the Black Sea. The beach belongs to Boğaziçi Üniversitesi, so entry is by ticket. It is cheaper on weekdays than on weekends.

The sandy strip is about two kilometers long and has changing cabins, showers, umbrellas, and loungers. There are shade canopies on the grounds. The beach club sells a seasonal pass at a discount for its members.

There is more to do here than at the city beaches: windsurfing, volleyball, soccer, water skiing, and catamaran and yacht rides. If you want an active vacation, this is the best option on the Black Sea. Restaurants and cafes line the shore, and they hold discos in the evening.

How to get there: by bus from Sarıyer to Kilyos, then walk to the shore.
Cost: paid entry, the rate depends on the day of the week; a seasonal pass is available.
Who it's for: young people and sports lovers.
Not for: people who want quiet.
The catch: crowded and noisy on weekends.

9. Elio Sedef

Elio Sedef operates on Sedef Adası, the smallest of the Princes' Islands. For several decades now, the island has belonged to a private owner who planted pines here and keeps it clean.

You can get there by ferry to Büyükada, then transfer to another ferry to Sedef Adası. There are no high-rise buildings on the island: construction is restricted here.

Elio Sedef is a beach club with a sandy shore, loungers, and umbrellas. The sea near the shore is shallow and warms up well. The air is filled with the scent of pine, and it feels easy to breathe here.

Water skiing and snorkeling are offered as activities. The club's restaurant serves fish and seafood, and the bar has a wide selection of drinks. You can return by ferry or by VIP shuttle from the club.

How to get there: by ferry to Büyükada, then transfer to a ferry to Sedef Adası.
Cost: paid entry, check the rate with the club.
Who it's for: people who value quiet and pine-scented air.
Not for: people looking for city infrastructure.
The catch: the trip involves two ferry transfers.

10. Ada Sedef

Ada Sedef occupies the second corner of Sedef Adası. A yacht leaves from the Büyükada pier every morning, and IDO ferries depart from the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. Getting there is usually not a problem.

Service is interrupted only in a strong storm, so check the sea forecast before visiting. Ada Sedef operates as a beach club with a sandy shore and clean water.

There is a fee for swimming, loungers, and facilities, and it is higher on weekends. You can get around the island by phaeton or bicycle, and motor vehicles are not welcome here. The sandy strip is densely lined with loungers and umbrellas, and the swimming area is protected by a breakwater, so there are no strong waves.

How to get there: by ferry to Büyükada and yacht to Sedef Adası, or by IDO ferries from the Asian shore.
Cost: paid entry, more expensive on weekends.
Who it's for: people who want to swim without waves.
Not for: people who don't handle boat trips well.
The catch: in a storm, connections to the island are suspended.

11. Uzunya Beach

Uzunya Beach is in Kilyos, about an hour's drive from Istanbul. A scheduled bus leaves the city in the morning, so you can arrive by opening time.

The wide sandy strip belongs to a beach club and is bordered by a neat green lawn. The club offers comfortable paid recreation: straw umbrellas, comfortable loungers, shower cabins, and toilets.

The ticket includes use of the facilities, entry, and the bus ride. The rental point has gear for diving, surfing, and water skiing. Kids enjoy banana boat rides. Prices change every season, so check them with the club.

How to get there: by scheduled bus from Istanbul to Kilyos.
Cost: paid entry, check the rate including transport with the club.
Who it's for: people who want an all-inclusive day out.
Not for: people looking for budget swimming.
The catch: far from the center and paid.

12. Solar Beach

Solar Beach has operated since the early 2000s and is considered one of the symbols of modern Istanbul. The club's grounds are large, and the beach strip stretches for about a kilometer.

The club is especially popular on weekends, when it hosts festivals, parties, and concerts against the backdrop of Black Sea scenery. Restaurants, cafes, a kids' club, and concert venues are all available, so you'll find something to do all day.

On nine sun terraces, you can sunbathe in a calm setting. Activities include jet skiing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, tubing, beach volleyball, and soccer. Guests also have access to a gym, a beauty salon, and a pet club.

How to get there: by bus to Kilyos, then follow the club's signs.
Cost: paid entry, the rate depends on the day of the week.
Who it's for: people who want music, sports, and bars.
Not for: people looking for a quiet shore.
The catch: noisy on weekends because of events.

13. Şile and Ağva

Mouth of the Yeşilçay River in Ağva among the hills

Şile is a fishing town on the Black Sea, about an hour's drive from Istanbul. A small harbor is separated from the waves by an artificial spit, and the beach line is long and fits a lot of people without feeling crowded.

There are no nightclubs or bars here, so partygoers find Şile boring. On the other hand, the shore has both paid, well-equipped sections and wild areas with no facilities. Şile's landmarks are a working lighthouse and an old fortress.

Ağva lies further east, on the Black Sea coast, between two rivers. The town looks similar to Şile: no crowds, and life moves at a relaxed pace. The beach here has clean sand, and you can take a short catamaran trip along one of the rivers.

Shade canopies are set up along the banks, turtles warm themselves on the rocks, and exotic birds fly over the water. Here you can get away from city noise and crowds. Take a walk through the streets and the square of Ağva, decorated with lawns and flower beds.

How to get there: by bus from Istanbul, the trip takes about an hour.
Cost: entry to wild sections is free, paid for equipped sections.
Who it's for: people who want nature without clubs.
Not for: party lovers.
The catch: facilities are simpler than at city beaches.

14. Poyrazköy

Poyrazköy is located north of central Istanbul, right at the point where the Bosphorus opens into the Black Sea. The name translates as "northeast wind," but the beach spreads out in a bay sheltered from the wind.

Yachts and motorboats have made this a favorite mooring spot, and plenty of visitors come for the day. By land, you can get here through the Beykoz neighborhood on public transport, and there is also a water route by boat.

The natural palette combines golden sand, aquamarine sea, and emerald greenery. The infrastructure is well developed: changing rooms, showers, toilets, and plenty of umbrellas and loungers. There are playgrounds and a rental point for surfing and diving gear, and the small restaurants serve fresh seafood.

How to get there: by bus to Beykoz, then by taxi or on foot to the shore.
Cost: entry is free, rentals and loungers are paid.
Who it's for: those who want greenery, sea, and yachts.
Not for: those who don't like wind.
The catch: public transport runs infrequently.

15. Dalia Beach Club

Dalia Beach Club has operated since the early 2000s in a cozy bay between Kilyos and Demirciköy, on the European side of the strait. The organizers set out to create a Mediterranean corner on the Black Sea.

A horseshoe-shaped strip of sand surrounds a bay with hills and rocks. The distance from Istanbul is short, so there are plenty of visitors in season. Stylish loungers under umbrellas line the curve of the shore, and emerald lawns offer space to relax on the grass.

The entertainment program includes canoeing, catamaran rides, and boating. Trails for short hikes wind through the forests around the bay, and there is a beach volleyball court and bike paths. Several snack bars and a restaurant with a Mediterranean menu offer fish dishes, and the parking lot holds up to a thousand cars.

How to get there: by car along the highway toward Kilyos and Demirciköy.
Cost: entry is paid, the rate depends on the season.
Who it's for: those who want nature and activity.
Not for: those counting on free entry.
The catch: few free loungers on weekends.

16. Suma Beach

Suma Beach lies next to Burç Beach on the Black Sea coast. This private beach with an easy entry into the water is popular with a younger crowd and is considered one of the best in the city's surroundings.

On weekends, they host bonfire parties with music and singing. Entry is paid, and it is cheaper on weekdays than on weekends and holidays. The shoreline is well set up for relaxing.

Suma is popular with surfers: beginners can take their first lessons at the local school under instructor guidance. Even if you have never stood on a board, a lesson with an instructor will work for you. The cafe and restaurant offer lunches, and guests praise the internet connection. You can get there and back by shuttle from Taksim Square.

How to get there: by the club's shuttle from Taksim Square.
Cost: entry is paid, weekday and weekend rates differ.
Who it's for: young people and surfers.
Not for: those who want a quiet family vacation.
The catch: crowded and loud music on weekends.

17. Avşa and Marmara

The islands of Avşa and Marmara Adası lie in the Sea of Marmara and belong to Balıkesir Province, not Istanbul. The pace here is calm. Istanbul residents have long favored Avşa, where dachas and summer homes stand.

On Avşa, organized and informal beaches sit side by side, but even the wilder spots have a gentle entry into the sea. Prices at local hotels are moderate, and there is almost no constant bustle. Guests looking for fun may find it boring here.

Marmara Adası is considered the quietest place in this selection. It does not position itself as a resort, so tourists are a rarity here. You can get there by fast ferry from the Yenikapı and Bostancı piers, but it runs fairly infrequently.

How to get there: by fast ferry from the Yenikapı and Bostancı piers.
Cost: beach entry is free.
Who it's for: those who want peace and quiet.
Not for: those looking for fun and activity.
The catch: ferry service to the islands is infrequent.

Istanbul beaches on the map

Beaches of Istanbul

Places on the map

1Florya Sandy strip nearly a kilometer long along the Sea of Marmara
2Florya Güneş İBB city beach, 300 TL, umbrella and sunbed included
3Yeşilköy Free entry, pinkish-yellow sand
4Caddebostan Complex of three İBB beaches, shallow water near the shore
5Küçüksu Asian shore of the Bosphorus, free entry, steep descent into the water
6Riva Black Sea village, golden sand, fishing
7Burç Beach Kilyos, the university's beach, windsurfing and volleyball
8Uzunya Beach Kilyos, ticket includes entry and bus transfer
9Solar Beach Kilyos, festivals and parties, nine sun terraces
10Şile Fishing town on the Black Sea, lighthouse and fortress
11Ağva Town between two rivers, clean sand
12Poyrazköy Bay at the Bosphorus's outlet to the Black Sea, yacht mooring
13Suma Beach Near Burç Beach, surf school, bonfire parties
14Avşa Island in the Sea of Marmara, summer houses and quiet holidays
15Marmara Adası The quietest island beach of Istanbul, few tourists

All the beaches in this selection are marked on the map above. Open it to gauge the distance from your hotel to the shore and plan a driving route.

The Marmaray line connects the European and Asian parts of the city, so city beaches are easy to reach by train. To the Black Sea beaches, the bus takes longer, especially on summer weekends.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which Istanbul beach is closest to the center?

Florya Güneş on the European side is the closest. From Florya Marmaray station to the entrance is a few minutes on foot. Entry costs 300 TL, students 200 TL (as of 09/2026, BELTUR on city beaches). In summer, the beach is open daily from 08:00 to 19:00, and an umbrella and lounger are already included in the ticket.

Are there free beaches in Istanbul?

Yes. Entry is free at Yeşilköy on the Sea of Marmara and at Küçüksu on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. In both cases, you only pay for an umbrella and lounger. The wild stretches near Şile and Ağva are also free, as are the beaches on the islands of Avşa and Marmara Adası. In summer on weekends, there are many locals there.

Can you swim in the Bosphorus?

Swimming is allowed only in designated areas. Küçüksu on the Asian shore is suitable for this, but it has a steep entry into the water and strong currents. Lifeguards advise against swimming far out. Elsewhere, the Bosphorus is a shipping lane, and swimming there is dangerous. Pay attention to signs and lifeguard instructions.

How do you get to the Black Sea beaches?

To Kilyos, where Burç Beach, Solar Beach, and Uzunya Beach are located, a bus from Sarıyer takes about an hour. To Şile and Ağva, the bus from Istanbul also takes about an hour. A car is more convenient, especially on weekends when buses are full. Check the exact schedule with the carrier.

Do you need to reserve a lounger in advance?

On weekdays, there are usually enough spots without a reservation. On weekends at popular Black Sea clubs, free loungers run out by midday, so arrive at opening. İBB city beaches operate on a fixed rate, and a lounger is included in the ticket. On island beaches, it is better to check the club's terms in advance.

In short: what to book

Istanbul offers a rare chance to combine city and sea in one trip. You can reach the İBB city beaches on the Marmaray in half an hour, while the wild shores of Şile and Ağva require a longer bus ride.

If you are short on time, choose Florya Güneş or Caddebostan 1: entry is 300 TL, with infrastructure and lifeguards on site (as of 09/2026, BELTUR rates). If you want free access, pick Yeşilköy or Küçüksu. If you are willing to pay for comfort and sports, head to Kilyos, to Burç Beach or Solar Beach. If you need peace, choose Riva, Ağva, or the islands of Avşa and Marmara Adası.

Before your trip, check the sea forecast and ferry schedules. Istanbul is often hot in summer, so head to the water in the morning.

Beaches of Istanbul: where to swim by the Marmara and Black Sea