Best beaches near Istanbul for swimming — Karaburun, Sile or Buyukada?
Based on 2 discussions with 3 participants · Last activity: 2 days ago
TL;DR
Karaburun is generally preferred over Sile for swimming. Buyukada (Princes' Islands) also has decent beaches. Both are reachable by public transport from central Istanbul.
What the community said
Kinaliada island has a good beach and is a short ferry ride away. Entry costs 200 lira. Make sure to board the correct ferry — it's easy to accidentally end up on the more distant Heybeliada instead.
2 days ago Kinaliada — entry 200 lira
Karaburun is considered better than Sile — cleaner water and nicer beach. From Kumkapi you can take a bus, the journey takes about 1.5–2 hours. There is an entry fee, but it is modest.
2 days ago Karaburun Beach — paid entry
Buyukada (the largest of the Princes' Islands) has several beaches worth visiting. Even in early summer when the water is still cool, swimming is possible. Ferries run from Kabatas or Bostanci piers.
2 days ago Buyukada — ferry from Kabatas
For beach holidays in early October, resorts like Antalya, Side or Alanya on the Turkish Riviera are much better options than Istanbul's nearby beaches — the water stays warm longer and the season extends into October.
2 days ago Antalya / Side / Alanya — October beach season