⛱️ Which Turkish resort suits a sand holiday: a look at 11 places

Sand underfoot changes a vacation. On a pebble beach you look for a level spot, and kids ask for water shoes to get into the sea. On a sandy one everything is easier: you walk in barefoot, build castles, put your mat down anywhere.

Turkey covers this need completely. According to Blue Flag, in 2025 the country ranked third in the world by number of Blue Flag beaches: 577 beaches passed the water quality and infrastructure check.

Below are 11 resorts in Turkey where the shore is actually sandy. For each one you'll find the surface type, ease of water entry, the honest catch, and a link to nearby hotels.

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How to choose a resort by sand type

💡 In short:

There are three surface types: fine golden sand, dark volcanic sand, and a mix of sand and pebbles.
A gentle slope into the water works well for families with kids; a steep shore is more often chosen when there are strong waves.
Private sections at hotels are better maintained, but you can only access them as a guest.
The surface and beach infrastructure were checked on 09/14/2026 on the official tourism portal of Turkey.

Resort	Surface	Water entry	Who it suits
Belek	fine golden	gentle	couples, comfort lovers
Side	fine sand	gentle	families, relaxed vacation
Kemer	sand and pebbles	gentle	active groups
Patara	white sand	gentle	quiet and low prices
Dalyan and İztuzu	white sand	gentle	ecotourism, turtles
Kundu	soft sand, pebbles at the waterline	gentle	families with kids
Alanya	light sand with pebbles	steep in places	families, excursions
Keykubat	light sand	gentle	families with kids
Lara	dark volcanic	gentle	budget and nearby club scene
Ölüdeniz	sand with pebbles	gentle	families, wave-free lagoon
Kuşadası	fine yellow sand	gentle	first visit to Turkey

The table helps you filter out what you don't need before you even pick a hotel. If you want sand and a gentle entry, look at the top rows. If price and quiet matter more, scroll down to Patara and Lara.

1. Belek

Hotel pool and palm-lined walkway to the sea

Belek sits next to Antalya and has long been the face of the Turkish coast. The sandy strip runs along the first-line hotel complexes, and a significant part of the shore belongs to the hotels. Those private sections are the best maintained of all.

For you this means one thing: the closer the hotel is to the water, the fewer steps from your room to the lounger. The beach access points here are considered the cleanest, and the water near the shore is usually calm.

History lovers will be disappointed by Belek. There are no ancient monuments or old quarters here. The resort runs on a different script: quiet, sea, and long breakfasts on the terrace. People come here when they're tired of big-city noise and are willing to pay a little extra for order.

Sand type: fine golden.
Water entry: gentle.
Who it's for: couples and families who value hotel comfort.
Not for: those coming for excursions and architecture.
The catch: no ancient monuments nearby.

Hotels in Belek on Trip.com.

2. Side

Ancient ruins of Side with numbered markers

Side has kept its original look. You can stay at a local hotel: neat facades complement the shoreline panorama.

You choose your spot here based on preference. The western part is closer to civilization: shops, cafes, nightlife, and plenty of other vacationers around. The eastern part is quieter, and it's easier to find a free stretch by the water.

Sand type: fine, with occasional pebbles.
Water entry: gentle.
Who it's for: those who want to combine quiet and infrastructure.
The catch: the western part gets crowded.

Hotels in Side on Trip.com.

3. Kemer

Panorama of Kemer with mountains and a sea bay

Kemer is considered one of the most photogenic places in Turkey. The resort sits in a bay: the sea opens up on one side, and high cliffs close it in on the other.

The outward remoteness is deceptive. The infrastructure here is well developed: nightclubs, bars, and restaurants run until morning. That's why Kemer and its surroundings suit active people who don't like sitting in their room. The best hotels are on the first line right by the sea.

One more detail for your food itinerary: try the local lamb and seafood dishes.

Sand type: sand and pebbles in different sections.
Water entry: gentle.
Who it's for: active couples and groups.
Not for: those looking for complete quiet.

Hotels in Kemer on Trip.com.

4. Patara

Panorama of the ancient theater ruins in Patara

Patara lies in one of the most scenic corners of the Mediterranean. Mass tourism hasn't discovered this area yet, so it's quiet and cozy almost all the time. Most people who come here have been before and returned for the scenery.

Prices in Patara are among the most gentle on the coast, and the sand is considered some of the best in the country. It's snow-white and fine and feels pleasant underfoot.

There's a significant drawback too. Infrastructure is poorly developed, transport runs infrequently, so Patara won't suit active people. You'll find yourself in silence with no evening entertainment and no daily excursions.

Sand type: white, fine.
Water entry: gradual.
Who it's for: couples looking for peace and an affordable vacation.
Not for: those who need bars and frequent transport.
The catch: weak infrastructure and infrequent buses.

Hotels in Patara on Trip.com.

5. Dalyan and Iztuzu Beach

Sand spit of Iztuzu Beach between the sea and the lagoon

Iztuzu stretches between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dalyan River. White sand runs along the shore, and on one side it's bounded by the river water.

The main reason to come here is known far beyond Turkey. According to DEKAMER, the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests on this beach, so the shore is protected and construction near the water is restricted.

Sand type: white sand.
Water entry: gradual.
Who it's for: ecotourists and families.
Not for: those looking for beachfront hotels.
The catch: the shore is protected, so there's little of the usual resort development near the beach.

Hotels in Dalyan on Trip.com.

6. Kundu

Panorama of Kundu from the balcony: courts, palms, sea

Kundu began developing as a resort recently: before, it was just ordinary residential neighborhoods. Now almost the entire coastal zone is divided among hotels, and access to those sections is open only to guests. Security guards keep order.

There's only one free zone left, in the center. It's not particularly clean: there are changing cabins and trash bins. On private grounds, however, you get an expanded package of services, and lifeguards are on duty in the towers. Important to remember: patrols only operate during daylight hours.

Vacations here are expensive. Wealthy tourists and families with children come here; there are no loud parties on the beach. Cafes and restaurants near the water are common, and some offer a children's menu.

The sand is fine and soft. There's a nuance: right at the water's edge you have to step over a strip of medium pebbles, so bring water shoes. The entry is gradual, and the beach holds a Blue Flag for cleanliness.

Sand type: soft fine sand, pebbles at the water's edge.
Water entry: gradual.
Who it's for: families with children and a quiet vacation.
Not for: those looking for parties and cheap tours.
The catch: the free zone is modest, and you need water shoes near the water.

Hotels in Kundu on Trip.com.

7. Alanya

Alanya has two aces up its sleeve. The first is Cleopatra Beach. It's a wide stretch of light gray sand with fine grains. You'll occasionally come across pebbles underfoot, but they don't get in the way of walking barefoot.

The water entry at Cleopatra Beach is steep, so swimming with small children is more difficult. On the plus side, there are plenty of cafes and small bars nearby, and a lifeguard station is on duty at the shore. For variety, you can take a yacht cruise, ride a banana boat, or rent sports equipment.

The second beach, Damlataş, also has fine sand. The depth increases gradually here, so little ones can swim in the warm water without worry. The main reason to come here is the Damlataş Cave: the platform in front of the entrance offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Loungers and shaded spots are provided free of charge, and you can play beach volleyball on the court. The Teleferik cable car takes you up to Alanya Castle.

Cleopatra Beach officially holds a Blue Flag (as of 09/2026, Alanya Municipality).

Sand type: light fine sand with pebble inclusions.
Water entry: steep at Cleopatra Beach, gradual at Damlataş.
Who it's for: families with children and those who like combining beach time with sightseeing.
Not for: those who only swim while holding small children.
The catch: steep drop-off into the water at Cleopatra Beach.

Hotels in Alanya on Trip.com.

8. Keykubat

Keykubat Beach with sun loungers and a view of the fortress

Keykubat lies east of Alanya. The wide coastal strip is covered with light sand, and the headland shelters the area from piercing winds. As a result, the water here is almost always calm, and children swim without fear.

The infrastructure is standard: loungers, umbrellas, showers. You won't get bored. Nearby are the ruins of the medieval İç Kale fortress and the Kızıl Kule tower, which you can climb. Activities on offer include yacht cruises, fishing, and scuba diving. Cafes and bars along the shore serve national and European cuisine.

Sand type: light sand.
Water entry: gradual.
Who it's for: families with children and calm swimming.
Not for: those looking for nightlife near the beach.

Hotels in Keykubat on Trip.com.

9. Lara

Lara received a Blue Flag for its seaside recreation setup. The coastal strip is long and uneven, so your experience depends on where you end up.

The western section has free entry. There are lots of vacationers and locals here, with open showers, toilets, changing cabins, and trash bins. You can rent a shaded lounger or stick your own umbrella in the sand and lay out a mat. There are barbecue areas and stone ovens nearby in the sparse shade. This section isn't known for cleanliness: too many people.
Further east, there are fewer people and it's noticeably cleaner. The services are the same: loungers, shade canopies, toilets, and showers. In some spots there are small fountains where you can wash your face, rinse your feet, and give your pet a drink.
The easternmost section is occupied by hotels. This is a paid area, but there are more services: cafes by the water, a pool, and swim accessories at the entrance. Walkways lead down to the water. If you want a club-style vacation, choose a hotel right here.

The sand at Lara is dark, volcanic, with coarse grains and occasional pebbles. In the heat, it's hard to walk on barefoot. The water entry is gradual, the depth increases slowly, but when the sea gets rough, the water turns murky and swimming becomes uncomfortable.

Sand type: dark volcanic, coarse.
Water entry: gradual.
Who it's for: those choosing between budget and club-style vacations on the same beach.
The catch: uncomfortable to walk barefoot in the heat, water turns murky when waves pick up.

Hotels in Lara on Trip.com.

10. Ölüdeniz

Ölüdeniz is washed by the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. The water here is warm, and you can feel it even in the morning.

At the free public Belcekız Beach, fine and medium pebbles are piled up right at the water's edge. Getting into the sea is unpleasant, so water shoes will come in handy. A bit further back, closer to the promenade, the shore becomes sandy, and that's where all the beach infrastructure is located.

Beyond that begins the Blue Lagoon, a continuation of Belcekız Beach within a nature reserve. The surface here is sand with pebbles, there are almost no waves, and the entry is convenient and gradual. Kids love this spot. The catch is also obvious: there are lots of visitors, loungers are packed tightly together, and the crowding makes it hard to get to the water.

There's also a third option, Kıdrak. Mountains separate it from Belcekız, so it's quiet here. The shore is mostly pebbly, sandy patches are rare, and you have to step over a scree slope when entering. On the plus side, mineral springs bubble up into the sea: the water here is saltier and colder than in the neighboring bays.

Sand type: sand with pebbles.
Water entry: gradual, at Belcekız it's better with water shoes.
Who it's for: families with children and those looking for wave-free water.
Not for: those who can't stand crowds.
The catch: loungers in the Blue Lagoon are packed tightly together.

Hotels in Oludeniz on Trip.com.

11. Kusadasi

Panorama of Kusadasi with the sea and mountains

In Kusadasi, most beaches are sandy, with patches of small and medium pebbles. The city beach is wide, about 50 m, but it is exposed to all winds, so in the afternoon there is strong surf here. Walking on the sand is pleasant, and the entry is convenient: you won't need special water shoes. There is a playground for little ones.

Yılancı Burnu has been developed for tourists within a nature reserve. It offers good views, the sea is clean, and the shore is covered with a mix of pebbles and sand. Pebbles dominate right at the water's edge: paid sections have pontoons, while on free sections you enter the water in special footwear.

Another option is Kadınlar Plajı, or "Ladies Beach". Once only the wives and concubines of the Ottomans relaxed here, but now entry is open to everyone. The shore is covered with fine yellow sand, and nearby there is a small promenade with cafes, restaurants, and bars. It gets crowded here in the evening. The entry is gentle, and the depth increases gradually, so children swim happily.

To save money, bring an umbrella and a mat. Right at the water's edge you'll escape the crowds on the shore.

Sand type: fine yellow sand with pebbles.
Water entry: gentle.
Who it's for: first visit to Turkey and budget travel.
The catch: the city beach is exposed to winds, with strong surf during the day.

Hotels in Kusadasi on Trip.com.

Map of resorts with sandy beaches

All 11 spots are collected on one map. Open it and compare distances: this makes it easier to understand which resort suits your route.

Turkish resorts with sandy beaches

Places on the map

1Belek Fine golden sand, gentle entry, private hotel sections
2Side Fine sand with occasional pebbles, quiet eastern part
3Kemer Resort in a bay among cliffs, sand and pebbles in different areas
4Patara White fine sand, some of the lowest prices on the coast
5Dalyan and İztuzu Beach White sand, a protected nesting site for Caretta caretta turtles
6Kundu Soft sand, pebbles near the water, a resort for families with children
7Alanya Cleopatra Beach and Damlataş, light sand with patches of pebbles
8Keykubat Light sand, calm water thanks to a sheltering cape
9Lara Dark volcanic sand, budget and club sections of the beach
10Ölüdeniz Blue lagoon almost without waves, sand with pebbles
11Kuşadası Fine yellow sand, city beach open to the winds

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where in Turkey is there sand rather than pebbles?

Sandy beaches stretch along almost the entire southern coast. Choose Belek, Side, Kundu, Keykubat, and Kusadasi. In Kemer, Oludeniz, and Lara, sand is mixed with pebbles in places, so water shoes will come in handy.

Where to go with small children?

Look for a gentle water entry. It is available in Kundu, Keykubat, at Damlataş Beach, and at the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz. At Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, the entry is steep, so it is inconvenient there with toddlers in your arms.

Where are the lowest vacation prices?

Patara holds the most affordable prices. The Lara coast is also good for saving money: in the western part you can skip renting a sunbed and make do with your own umbrella and mat.

Do you need water shoes?

They come in handy where there are pebbles at the water's edge. That includes Belcekız and Kıdrak in Oludeniz, Yılancı Burnu in Kusadasi, and the strip near Kundu. On the sandy sections of Ladies Beach and Keykubat, you can go barefoot.

When is the best time to go to sandy resorts?

Comfortable weather lasts from late spring to early autumn. At the height of the season, beaches are packed, and the water in Lara's bays turns murky when there are waves. If you want fewer people and a warm sea, choose early summer or September.

In short: which beaches to book

The decision matrix here is simple. If you're traveling with kids, go for Kundu, Kekubat, or the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz: the gentle entry and calm water make all the difference. If you want quiet and the lowest prices, look at Patara. You can also save in the western part of Lara, but it gets crowded there. Those who like infrastructure will enjoy Belek, Kemer, and Kusadasi. For turtles and something more exotic, head to Iztuzu near Dalyan.

Beachfront hotels near these beaches cost more, but you save time on getting there. Compare options in advance: browse hotels on Trip.com. If you're traveling in high season, compare insurance terms ahead of time.

Sand holidays in Turkey: 11 destinations for barefoot swimming