What’s a Blue Flag beach?
A Blue Flag beach is one that has received an internationally recognized environmental award granted to beaches and marinas that meet a comprehensive set of quality standards. The program is administered by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), headquartered in Denmark, and is implemented in 51 countries, with coordination in Türkiye by the Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV). Blue Flag beaches are places where visitors can swim and spend time with confidence, thanks to their high standards for facility quality and hygiene. Since the program was introduced in Türkiye in 1993, the number of Blue Flag beaches has grown to 577, nearly double the number recorded a decade ago. While the Mediterranean coast, led by Antalya, continues to have the largest share of Blue Flag beaches, the program’s steady expansion reflects the growing reach of environmental management efforts across the country, from the Black Sea to the Marmara region.
What are the criteria and features of a Blue Flag beach?
Blue Flag beaches must meet a comprehensive set of standards. To qualify for the award, beaches must comply with 33 criteria, while marinas must meet 25 separate criteria. The evaluation process considers a wide range of factors, including ecosystem protection, bathing water quality, public accessibility, cleanliness, visitor facilities, and safety, helping ensure consistently high standards. Key requirements include bathing water analyses conducted every fifteen days throughout the season, lifeguard and first-aid services, accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities, and waste separation and recycling systems. These measures are essential to the Blue Flag certification process. Importantly, the Blue Flag is not a permanent designation. The award must be reapplied for and renewed each year, so beaches must continue to meet the required standards to retain their status. A significant number of Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye are public beaches operated by municipalities, while others are owned by hotels and private tourism facilities.
Antalya: Home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye
With 233 Blue Flag beaches, Antalya remains the province with the most in Türkiye. Antalya’s total is more than double that of Muğla, the province ranked second. Several beaches around Manavgat, Çolaklı, Alanya, Kemer, and Göynük have flown the Blue Flag continuously for nearly three decades. Since the program’s introduction in Türkiye in 1993, these beaches have met its standards and have become pillars of Mediterranean tourism. Among Antalya’s most celebrated Blue Flag beaches are Kalkan, Kaputaş, and Patara in Kaş; Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, and Phaselis and Konyaaltı near Kemer. Together, they uphold Antalya’s standing as one of the country’s premier coastal destinations. Alanya alone has 60 Blue Flag beaches, making it the province’s leading district and the second-ranked district in Türkiye for Blue Flag-certified beaches.
İzmir: The Aegean’s Blue Flag favorite
After Antalya and Muğla, İzmir ranks third in Türkiye’s Blue Flag standings, with 64 Blue Flag beaches and five Blue Flag marinas in the latest count. Among the city’s best-known Blue Flag beaches are Urla Kum Denizi Public Beach, the first in İzmir to receive the award; Karaburun Aquarium Beach; Ilıca and Altınkum Public Beaches in Çeşme; and Dikili Municipal Beach. The districts of Seferihisar and Foça, both known for their relaxed atmosphere and strong ties to the Cittaslow movement, also regularly appear on the list. Together, these beaches are strung like pearls along İzmir’s coastline, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of the Aegean’s premier seaside destinations.
Blue Flag Beaches beyond the coast: Van and İznik
Although Van has no seacoast, it is famous for its lake. Mollakasım Public Beach in the Tuşba district has earned Van the distinction of being the only Blue Flag city in the world without a seacoast. Since 2018, this lakeside beach has flown the Blue Flag and is about 45 minutes from the city center. Covering 21,000 square meters, it is now free of charge following a decision by the Tuşba Municipality. Lifeguard services, showers, changing cabins, and sun loungers remain available throughout the season.
Türkiye’s second Blue Flag beach on a lake joined the list in 2022: İnciraltı Public Beach in the district of İznik, Bursa. The Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has retained the award since then. In 2025, Karacabey Kurşunlu Public Beach and Karacabey Malkara Public Beach also earned Blue Flag status, bringing Bursa’s total to three. Swimming along the shores of Lake İznik in a bay surrounded by historic walls and olive groves offers a unique experience. The lake’s clear waters, together with views of ancient monastic ruins beneath the surface and along the shoreline, create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Türkiye.
Just a short drive: Blue Flag beaches around Istanbul
One of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, Istanbul is represented on the Blue Flag beach list by three beaches, all in Şile. Ağlayankaya Beach, which has flown the Blue Flag continuously since 2012, is divided into a public beach and a privately operated area. Uzunkum Beach, near the center of Şile, is a favorite among families for its fine sand and relatively shallow, calm waters. Like Ağlayankaya, it offers both a free public beach and sections operated by private operators. The third Blue Flag beach lies along the shoreline of Şile Resort Hotel, providing a more comfortable setting for those seeking a relaxing day trip away from the city without venturing too far from Istanbul.
Blue Flag Beaches Near Istanbul
The number of Blue Flag beaches within a one- or two-hour drive of Istanbul has grown significantly in recent years. Standout destinations include Kocaeli, with nine Blue Flag beaches; Sakarya, with three; and Tekirdağ, with six. In 2025, Düzce also joined the list with its first Blue Flag beach. Head south along the Marmara coast to reach Karacabey Kurşunlu Public Beach and Karacabey Malkara Public Beach in Bursa. Travel north, and Kırklareli and Edirne each offer a Blue Flag beach. Together, these destinations greatly expand options for anyone seeking a seaside escape within easy reach of Istanbul.
A True Phenomenon: Blue Flag beaches in Muğla
Türkiye’s holiday paradise, Muğla, is home to an extraordinary number of Blue Flag beaches. The province boasts 110 Blue Flag beaches, 10 Blue Flag marinas, and 3 Blue Flag yachts, making it one of the country’s leading coastal regions. In the district rankings, Bodrum ranks first in Türkiye with 90 Blue Flag beaches. Among its standout beaches are Bitez Özgür Beach, Gümbet Beach, Gölköy Beach, Göltürkbükü Beach, Kumbahçe Beach, Ortakent Beach, and Yalıçiftlik Beach, all well worth a visit. In Datça, Karaincir Beach and Hastanealtı Beach are among the most popular local beaches. In Fethiye, visitors can enjoy some of the region’s most renowned beaches, including Ölüdeniz, Kumburnu, Belcekız, and Büyük Samanlık. No list would be complete without Akyaka Public Beach in Ula, one of the most picturesque spots along the Muğla coast, and İçmeler Public Beach in Marmaris. Another standout destination is Sarıgerme in the Ortaca district, which has emerged in recent years as one of Türkiye’s most talked-about Blue Flag coastal areas.
A Breath of fresh air: Blue Flag beaches on the Black Sea
In addition to its legendary natural beauty, the Black Sea coast has recently drawn attention for its surfing opportunities and exceptionally clean beaches. On the map of Blue Flag beaches along the Black Sea, Samsun leads the region with 16 Blue Flag beaches, followed by Bartın with three and Ordu with two. Among the region’s most popular summer destinations are Omtel Beach, Körfez Beach, Güzelyalı Beach, and İnci Beach in Samsun; İnkum Beach in Bartın; and Cumhuriyet Mahallesi Public Beach in Ordu. One of the biggest developments in 2025 was Düzce’s addition to the Blue Flag list. With the province receiving its first Blue Flag beach, the map of certified beaches along the Black Sea coast expanded further. Zonguldak’s two Blue Flag beaches also rank among the region’s favorites.
Following the wind: Blue Flag beaches in Çanakkale and Balıkesir
One of the fastest-growing destinations in recent years has been Balıkesir, a popular coastal province in the Marmara Region. The number of Blue Flag beaches in the province has risen from 31 in 2022 to 48 today. Standout beaches include Duba Beach, Sarımsaklı Beach, Kapri Beach, and Kumadası Beach in Ayvalık; Ören Public Beach in Burhaniye; and Akçay Sarıkız Public Beach in Edremit. With 22 Blue Flag beaches, Ayvalık ranks as the district with the third-highest number of Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye. Çanakkale has 12 Blue Flag beaches. Notable examples include Geyikli Municipality Public Beach in Ezine, Hamzakoy Public Beach in Gelibolu, and several municipality-operated beaches in the city center.
We are delighted that Türkiye now has so many Blue Flag beaches that it is impossible to fit them all into a single list. To find the Blue Flag beaches at the destination you plan to visit, be sure to explore the complete province-by-province list of Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Blue Flag beach?
A Blue Flag beach is one that has earned the internationally recognized Blue Flag environmental label by meeting the 33 criteria established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches that meet high standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, and visitor services are awarded the right to fly the Blue Flag each season. In Türkiye, the program has operated since 1993.
What does Blue Flag status mean for visitors?
When a beach has Blue Flag status, you can visit and swim there with confidence. Blue Flag beaches are expected to provide clean, regularly monitored water, along with lifeguard services, first-aid facilities, showers, restrooms, changing cabins, waste-sorting stations, and accessible infrastructure for visitors with disabilities. Throughout the bathing season, water quality is tested every fifteen days. As long as the Blue Flag flies, the beach remains in compliance with the program’s standards.
Who is eligible for a Blue Flag?
The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches, marinas, tourism boats, and individual yachts that apply to the program and meet the required criteria. In Türkiye, applications are submitted by municipalities, hotel operators, marina managers, and boat owners. After the national jury reviews the applications, they are forwarded to the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark, which makes the final decision.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in Türkiye?
Türkiye ranks third worldwide with 577 Blue Flag beaches, 29 marinas, 18 tourism boats, and 8 individual yachts.
Which beaches on the Mediterranean coast have Blue Flag status?
With 233 Blue Flag beaches, Antalya leads Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. Notable examples include Kalkan, Kaputaş, and Patara in Kaş; Cleopatra Beach in Alanya; Phaselis and Konyaaltı near Kemer; and the beaches of Side and Çolaklı in Manavgat. On the western edge of the Mediterranean, Muğla’s beaches around Ölüdeniz, Kumburnu, and Belcekız stand out, while Mersin’s 12 and Adana’s 1 Blue Flag beach complete the Mediterranean lineup.
Where can you find the cleanest sea in Türkiye?
Areas with a high concentration of Blue Flag beaches are often among the best for clean seawater. The coasts of Kaş and Kalkan in Antalya, the Datça Peninsula, Ölüdeniz Lagoon in Fethiye, Ilıca Beach in Çeşme, and the Ayvalık–Cunda area are among the destinations most often associated with exceptionally clean water.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in Antalya?
Antalya is home to 233 Blue Flag beaches, accounting for roughly 40 percent of all Blue Flag beaches in Türkiye. The province also has six Blue Flag marinas. At the district level, Alanya leads with 60 Blue Flag beaches, followed by Manavgat, Kemer, and Side.
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in İzmir?
İzmir has 64 Blue Flag beaches and five Blue Flag marinas. The highest concentration of Blue Flag beaches is in Çeşme, Urla, Karaburun, Foça, Seferihisar, and Dikili.
Is Van’s Blue Flag beach free of charge?
Yes. Mollakasım Public Beach, operated by the Tuşba Municipality, reopened as a free public beach after renovation and maintenance work completed in 2024. There is no entrance fee; visitors pay only if they rent sun loungers or umbrellas.
Where is the cleanest sea in Istanbul?
According to Blue Flag certification, the cleanest beaches in Istanbul are in Şile. Ağlayankaya Beach, Uzunkum Beach, and the beach at Şile Resort Hotel all hold Blue Flag status. Washed by the Black Sea’s cool waters, these beaches undergo regular inspections throughout the season and offer some of the city’s highest standards of beach infrastructure. Karaburun, Kilyos, and Riva are also known for their clean waters, though they have not yet received Blue Flag certification.
Where can you find the most beautiful sea in Muğla?
The answer is debatable, but some of Muğla’s strongest contenders include Ölüdeniz Lagoon in Fethiye; Hastanealtı and Karaincir in Datça; Yalıçiftlik and Gölköy in Bodrum; İçmeler Beach in Marmaris; Akyaka Public Beach in Ula; and Sarıgerme in Ortaca. These destinations stand out for their natural beauty and for holding Blue Flag status.
Where can you swim in Ordu?
Ordu has two Blue Flag beaches. Cumhuriyet Mahallesi Public Beach is the best known, popular with residents and visitors alike for its proximity to the city center and well-maintained facilities. In addition, municipal beaches and natural coves in the Ünye, Perşembe, and Fatsa districts are among the region’s popular summer swimming spots, though Blue Flag certification remains limited to a small number of beaches.
