Summer is finally here, and what better way to spend a hot sunny weekend than relaxing by the pool or beach? Although swimming in the Bosphorus may be risky business, you can still enjoy a day in the water without having to leave the city. All of the city’s five-star hotels have great pools, but Istanbul also offers a variety of beach clubs and private pools. Many of the city’s beach clubs are located on the Black Sea coast close to Kilyos, and, as the locals will warn you, there can be a very strong undertow, so visitors should be careful not to swim too far out. 

Suada Club

One of Istanbul’s most trendy and popular pools, Suada is located on Galatasaray Adası, which is actually a man-made island just a stone’s throw away from Kuruçeşme, on the European side of the city. This island is home to an Olympic-size swimming pool as well as several popular restaurants and nightclubs, including 360 Suada Club, Fish…, G Balık, and more. Suada is right underneath your fingertips, with complimentary private boats leaving from the Kuruçeșme Park every two to three minutes.

Solar Beach

Located on the Black Sea coast in Kilyos, Solar Beach has been open since 2002 and is one of Istanbul’s largest beach clubs, with a 3,000-person capacity. Managed by Urban Bug this year, Solar Beach offers a wide range of entertainment options, with music festivals, concerts, and DJ performances. There are also a wide variety of activities available, including beach volleyball, beach soccer, rock climbing, jet skiing, kite boarding, banana boats, wind surfing, bungee jumping, go karting, and now also hover crafting. There is even a VIP area, with workout facilities and trainers from the Mayadrom Fitness Center.

Dalia Beach Club

Located in Demirciköy on the Black Sea, Dalia Beach Club has attempted to cultivate a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere. Closer to nature than many other beach clubs in the city, there is a wooded area where you can go trekking, and lots of green grass. Dalia is also known for the quality of its food, with an upscale fish restaurant and  breakfast that is prepared with regional cheeses, jams, and honey. Perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.

BURC Beach

Managed by Boğazici University’s alumni association, BURC Beach is located on the Black Sea in Kilyos. Also open to non-alumni, this beautiful beach is a great place to relax or enjoy a range of activities that include beach volleyball, kite flying, windsurfing, catamaran, kite boarding, and more. There are also a number of casual drinking and snacking options.

Uzunya Beach

Located close to Demirciköy, Uzunya Beach has a very relaxed and natural atmosphere, with wicker umbrellas, clean sand, and grass. There is a fish and seafood restaurant that is open year round, as well as other snacking options. Unlike most beach clubs in the city, Uzunya also offers camping facilities and has a wooded area, so you can truly make a vacation out of your visit.

Seanergy Beach Club

Located on the Black Sea coast, Seanergy is a popular upscale beach club with many leisure facilities. With 17,000 square meters of green space and 6,000 square meters of beach, this is one of the largest beach clubs in the city and offers a wide range of services. There are a variety of sports and entertainment activities, including water sports, bungee jumping, beach volleyball, beach rugby, ultimate Frisbee, and paintball. There are also yoga and Pilates classes available, as well as wind-surfing lessons. In addition to the restaurants, there are also picnic and barbeque facilities on offer, and DJ performances in the evenings. In short, everything you might desire for a day at the beach.

Büyükada Beaches

Istanbul’s Princes Islands have long been considered the ultimate city break within the city. With just one short ferry ride you are transported to a whole other world, complete with horse-drawn carriages. Büyükada has several small beaches where you can keep cool and enjoy the waters of the Marmara Sea. The best are Naki Bey and Yoruk Ali beach clubs, which offer a range of amenities. Yoruk Ali also offers bungalow rentals for those who want to make a complete vacation out of their Büyükada trip. These beaches are best visited on weekdays, as Büyük Ada can get uncomfortably crowded on summer weekends.

Sedef Adası

Sedef Adası is the smallest of the Princes Islands and is still mostly covered with pine forests and private property. There are two private beaches on the island – Club Ada Sedef and Elio - where you can enjoy peace and quiet away from the crowds, as well as good food and service.