Why does the sea in Turkey sometimes look dirty, and which areas usually have cleaner water?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 11 days ago
TL;DR
Travelers say dirty-looking water and plastic in Turkey’s sea are most often linked to river runoff after rain, possible waste dumping from boats, and heavy pressure on local waste systems. One specific spot mentioned as cleaner is the sea near Barut, compared with hotels farther to the right along the same shoreline.
What the community said
The newest traveler explanation is that after higher waste-disposal fees were introduced, some yachts and boats may have installed plastic grinders, which could lead to shredded waste ending up in the sea. This is an unofficial explanation, but it is how many travelers interpret the appearance of tiny plastic fragments in the water.
11 days ago waste-disposal fee for yachts/boats
In practical resort comparisons, water quality depends a lot on the exact stretch of coast: the sea near Barut is described as clean, especially compared with hotels farther to the right along the shoreline. If clear water matters to you, check reviews for the exact beach segment by your hotel rather than the whole resort area.
11 days ago Barut
Another commonly mentioned reason for dirty-looking sea in Turkey is river runoff. Travelers note that many rivers flow into the sea, bringing silt, trash, and in some places sewage, which can make the water look noticeably dirtier than in destinations like Egypt.
11 days ago river runoff into the sea
A broader explanation discussed by travelers is that Turkey processes part of the waste imported from EU countries, while local waste facilities do not always keep up with the volume. During heavy rains, some pollution may reach the sea through rivers, settle on the seabed, and later resurface near the coast.
11 days ago waste imported from EU countries