Patara Beach (near Kalkan)

Why its’s worth visiting:

At around 12km long, Patara is one of the longest beaches in Turkey. Backed by sand dunes and the ancient Lycian ruins of Patara, it’s a unique combination of history and natural beauty. The beach is separated into distinct areas, and most people head to the main beach, which has an entry fee of €15 that also includes the museum and ancient city of Patara, beach) or you can pay less for a beach-only pass (book of 10, free for under 8s). If you drive a little further, you can walk over the dunes and get onto the beach for free, but it’s a bit of an effort with younger kids. The beach is crossed by a couple of streams (ice cold, even in summer!) and the further you walk away from the main beach, the wilder it feels, so you can take your pick depending on what you feel like.

Good to know... A Patara sunset is a magical spectacle – take a picnic or just your camera and let yourself be awed by the nightly show of colour and beauty above the pristine sand.

Iztuzu Beach (Dalyan)

Why it’s worth visiting:

Not just one of the best in Turkey, Iztuzu Beach - aka Turtle Beach – is regarded as one of the best in the world. It’s actually quite narrow, a natural barrier separating the Dalyan delta and the Med. Iztuzu was the site of some controversial building plans in the 1980s, but in the end the conservationists won the day and it’s now heavily protected against development. This beach is another vital nesting site for loggerhead turtles, and you can pop into the turtle centre to learn more about these beautiful stately creatures and the conservation efforts going on locally. There’s no charge to use the beach, though you can hire sunbeds if you wish.

Good to know... From May 1st to October 31st the beach closes overnight from 8pm to 8am to protect the turtles during their nesting season.

Ölüdeniz Beach & the Blue Lagoon

Why it’s worth visiting: 

There are actually two beaches here, the first being the main beach of Ölüdeniz which is open to the Med, and the famous Blue Lagoon which sits behind a sand spit, so the water is incredibly still, clear and blue. It’s definitely more developed than Patara or Iztuzu, but the scenery is stunning so if you like a beach with plenty of facilities then this is the perfect choice. It’s also one for photographers and thrill seekers as it’s a popular centre for paragliders. Babadağ mountain creates the thermals and the lush green hillsides and turquoise water provide the amazing the backdrop.

Good to know... If you fancy adding a shot of adrenaline to your beach day, it’s possible to do at tandem paraglide flight taking off from Babadağ mountain, with incredible views guaranteed.

Kumlubük, Bozburun

Why it’s worth visiting:

This beach is on the beautiful Bozburun Peninsula, which is much more off the beaten track than the famous names above but it’s still one of my favourites. The name Kumlubük means ‘sandy bay’, and what you get here is 2km of sand and fine shingle, backed by pine trees for lovely natural feel. There’s a small village behind with a restaurant and a handful of beach clubs. Excursion boats do moor up here in the main season, but it’s always possible to find a quiet spot on the beach.

Good to know... Visit on a Monday and you can combine a trip here with a stop at the popular weekly market in Turunç.

Kaputaş Beach, near Kalkan

Why it’s worth visiting:

Cocooned by high cliffs, this pebble beach is superbly scenic, with stunningly clear blue water. There are sunbeds for hire but no other facilities, so remember to bring drinks and anything else you need for the day. Kaputas is popular with couples and families with older kids as it can be quite wavy on windy days. If you’re not up for the climb down, there’s a great viewpoint for taking pictures just off the main road.

Good to know... To get to the beach you have to walk down (and back up!) a long flight of stone steps, so this one is a bit more challenging for young families or anyone with reduced mobility.

Beach clubs, Kalkan

Why they’re worth visiting:

Kalkan has a small, attractive town beach, but the real draw for many here is the beach clubs. For beach, read stylish deck – a wooden or rock shelf overhanging the sea, with fantastic views and direct access to the dazzling blue water below. Loved by all ages, each club has its own distinctive atmosphere, sometimes with watersports options on offer. If you prefer luxury loungers over sandy towels, this is the place for you.

Good to know... Simpson Travel guests have complimentary entry to the Indigo Beach Club in Kalkan; otherwise a 'per person' entry fee usually applies.