After spending a day at one of these beaches, you might reconsider spending the money, time and effort on heading down south of Turkey, when you can have just as satisfying of a beach vacation right here in Istanbul.

True Blue Beach
True Blue Beach has a beautiful view at the sea. You see the islands and the sailing boats from Kalamış Marina and you can watch a beautifull sunset. True Blue has a nice sandy beach, swimming pool, excelent restaurant and bar with live performances. In the middle of the garden the is a nice Bar which serves good cocktails. True Blue is one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul and during the summer there are concerts and live events. True Blue is the most popular beach club in Istanbul, with elite interior design, unique sea view and ambitious menu.

BURC Beach
BURC Beach is one of the most famous beaches located along the Black Sea coast and belongs to Bogaziçi University. With its seemingly never-ending seashore, decorated with beach umbrellas, a beach bar and beach-goers partaking in water-sports of all kinds, BURC will make you feel miles and miles away from the city. We guarantee you won’t get bored here; between enjoying the sea, playing beach volleyball, relaxing over a quick bite and drink at one of the cafes or bar and joining one of the beach parties in the evening, you won’t realize how quickly the time has passed!
Gümüsdere, Kilyos Open everyday from 09.00-21.30.

Dalia Beach
Dalia Beach, another favorite, is located on the Demircikoy cove. This beach is for those who believe a day at the beach should be relaxing and tranquil. Though Dalia is spacious enough to guarantee a bit of privacy and green enough to delight even the most judgmental nature-lovers, you can still enjoy some physical activity if you so choose. There are areas designated for trekkers as well as paddleboats and canoes available for use; beachgoers can also partake in beach volleyball and surfing. The food and drink options have also been thought out with care and attention and is prepared with regional products (the feta cheese comes from Ezine, while the honey comes from Fethiye). The fish menu is also the perfect way to end your day. The Dalia Beach Café provides enough options to satisfy any palate.

Golden Beach
Golden Beach is located in Rumelishisari, where the Sea of Marmara and Black Sea meet. There are plenty of activities at Golden Beach including beach volleyball, paddle-boating, a rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course and walking track. Camping Restaurant, Kir Kahvesi, Snack Bar and Beach Bar will keep you hydrated and nourished throughout the day; you can indulge in international dishes or opt for seafood, both are available. Sipping a cocktail as the sun sets is a must at the Beach Bar. Those who choose to spend the night can stay in one of the 26 bungalows or at a boutique hotel. The beach officially opens at 08.00, but does not close, perfect for those who enjoy late-night swims. Entrance is 15TL during the week and 30TL on weekends.
(0212) 325 55 83
Marmaracik Koyu, Rumelifeneri

Nonstop Beach
This beach lives up to its name: there is nonstop activity here! Water sports, beach volleyball, tennis, basketball, beach parties at night and concerts are just some of the activities you can enjoy while here. The beach has a restaurant, beach bar and terrace bar. Active types will enjoy Jetskiing, banana-boating, canoeing and paddleboating.
(0212) 201 23 05
Kilyos Turban Yolu 4, Kilyos
Open everyday from 08.00-20.00.

Solar Beach
At over 30.000m2, Solar Beach is one of Turkey’s largest private beaches and open-air performance areas. With its expansive seashore, concert and performance stages and endless sports activities, Solar Beach keeps you busy from the minute you arrive till the minute you have to leave. The beach is 1km long, which means it can compete with the best beach clubs of Antalya or Izmir. The beach club also features a Beach Bar, Solar Bar, BBQ Corner, 6 extra bars and 4 extra eating areas used primarily during special performances, Kids Club for families with kids, enough chaise lounges and cushions for 3000 guests, 9 sunbathing terraces and of course showers and dressing rooms. The sporty types can partake in windsurfing, jet-skiing, banana-boating and inner-tubing. Entrance is 15TL during the week and 25TL on weekends.
0212) 201 10 12/ 26 12?
Turban Yolu Caddesi 4, Kilyos
Open everyday from 09.00-21.00.

Uzunya Beach Club
Uzunya used to be known only for its popularity among fisherman; however, in the last few years it has been renovated and word has traveled fast as its now frequently crowded during the summer. We have to mention that Uzunya is the most natural, or undisrupted, beach on this list. The beach umbrellas are made of wicker and you can lay out on either grass or sand. The fish restaurant offers fresh fish daily as well as seafood; the cafeteria has tost and izgara (grilled chicken, meatballs etc.) options. The entrance fee had not been released as of press time.
(0212) 204 07 33
Demirciköy, Kilyos
Open everyday from 08.00-00.00.

Wattabe
We had heard that Wattabe was Turkey’s first natural sports center. This venue is 55 kilometers from the city and built upon a huge estate located right on the river. Nature lovers will enjoy sprawling out on the grass or hiding out under the shade of one of the many trees. There are a handful of unique activities available at Wattabe; mountain biking, ATV-ing, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing and even paintball. What’s great about Wattabe is that you can take advantage of these activities or just lay out on the grass; all types of leisure are welcome. Those who wish to stay the night can set up a tent. The restaurant has grilled meats, salads, breakfast and fresh vegetable dishes in olive oil (zeytinyaglilar).
(0212) 850 80 82
Alkent 2000 Lakeside, Büyükçekmece
Open weekdays from 08.00 and weekends from 09.00 onward.

Poyrazköy
Poyrazköy is a typical fishing village, located on the Asian side, and also one of the closest settlements to the Black Sea. To get there, head past Beykoz; 4km after you’ve passed Beykoz, on the left-hand side, you’ll notice a sign for Poyrazköy-Anadolu Feneri (lighthouse). You’ll then continue through the forest on a narrow, windy road. Heading towards the Anatolian Lighthouse, on the left you’ll see the road sign indicating Poyrazköy, and you’ll head down towards the Bosphorus shore. You’ll turn left without turning into the village to get to the Poyrazköy beach. The beach, which is not very large, is surrounded by small and large facilities. You’ll find a dressing room, restaurant and cafes. Poyrazköy is protected from wind and strong water currents, and is thus ideal for casting anchor. The fine sand on the beach is ideal; chaise lounges and umbrellas can be rented if desired. There is also a separate section for women only at the end of the seashore.

Photo Couple on Bostanci Beach by Cengiz C.

Küçüksu beach has been reopened two years ago. This small sandy enclave on the north eastern shore of the Bosphorus is public, but beware as the currents here can get tricky and best left to non-amateurs. If your lucky you might see some dolphins!

The district where Küçüksu and Göksu Creeks are located is called the “Fresh water of Asia”, and was once used as one of the major gardens of the Sultan, with the name “Oil Lamp Garden” in the 18th century.

Küçüksu and Göksu Creeks, reflect the old Istanbulites’ life styles and habits with its historical buildings, poems, music and natural beauties.

The first Red Bull Flugtag took place in Vienna, Austria, in 1991. Since then, more than 35 Flugtags have been held around the world — from Ireland to San Francisco — attracting up to 300,000 spectators. Now for the first time the Flugtag will be in Istanbul. The record for the farthest flight-to-date currently stands at 195 feet set in 2000 at Flugtag Austria. The U.S. record stands at 155 feet set in Nashville, TN in 2007.

Teams are judged on three criteria: distance, creativity and showmanship. What constitutes a craft is purely up to the imagination of the participating teams. Past Red Bull Flugtag entries have included a pregnant cow, a diaper-delivering stork, a pimped-out Cadillac, a giant Oompa Loompa, and yes folks — a lobster named Larry.

Red Bull Flugtag Istanbul takes place on 25 May 2008 12:00 at Caddebostan Beach

For more info visit

http://www.redbullflugtag.com.tr/

True Blue has a nice sandy beach, swimming pool, excelent restaurant and bar with live performances. In the middle of the garden the is a nice Bar which serves good cocktails.

True Blue is one of the most popular beaches in Istanbul and during the summer there are concerts and live events. This summer True Blue has seen some of the biggest stars such as Katy Perry who preformed live in July 2009 at True Blue beach.

True Blue is the most popular beach club in Istanbul, with elite interior design, unique sea view and ambitious menu.

Restaurant, cafe-bar and beach concept of True Blue, Istanbul’s oldest summer venue brings back the beach atmosphere. The True Blue of the sea on every side, interior decoration with open air places with summer Türkbükü style.

On Sunday morning it’s breakfast time … A beautiful and relaxing weekend. You will remember the Trueblue’s atmosphere. The location of open buffet breakfast every Sunday. The restaurant’s menu is Mediterranean and very rich from the Ottoman-Turkish cuisine.

True Blue has an indoor space with a capacity of 200 people, a private beach and pool for guests and much more.

True Blue is open on Friday and Saturday 9.00-04.00, other days between 09.00-02.00. Credit cards are valid.

Address:
Fener Kalamış Cad.
Marina Karşısı
Fenerbahçe
Tel: 0216 550 51 95

For more information visit their website: www.truebluelive.com

[mappress]

• Waterproof camcorder

  The Sanyo’s Xacti CA65’s waterproof design lets you enjoy filming your family and friends at the beach or by the pool, without any worries about submerging the camera or getting it wet from rain or snow. You’ll have even more fun recording action that would be impossible to capture with other cameras. Sanyo’s waterproof CA65 features a beautiful, waterproof design, high quality video, and decent stills. click here for more info

• Rolling Cooler/Audio System

  This portable cooler eliminates the need for you to carry both a cooler and a portable stereo system with you to the beach, lake, or while tailgating because it incorporates sound system into its frame. The outside has an AM/FM radio with two 3-watt speakers that fit into a removable nylon sleeve. The Igloo cooler holds up to 58 tall boy cans and the wheels mean your fun is easily portable. Click here for more info

• Juice Bag Solar Beach Tote

  Spend the day at the beach while keeping your iPod, phone, or camera totally charged!
  Here is the world’s first heavy-duty solar beach tote that incorporates our high-tech flexible solar panel.
  With the Juice Bag Beach Tote, your phone is good to go, and your camera’s always ready for that one great shot – No matter how far you are from a power outlet. Click here for more info

• Ego iPod Waterproof Sound Case

  If you want to take you iPod anywhere you wanna go, then make sure to pick up this case. Complete with battery-powered speakers, the $150 Ego is shatterproof, waterproof and has a rubber membrane that lets you control the player. Click here for more info.

• Twister Beach Towel Game

  Forget Global warming, this summer the only thing raising temperatures on the beach is this all new . Twister is a game played by millions around the world but usually indoors…this summer we’re looking to have some fun in the sun as we get bendy on the beach. check here for more info

What are you favorite summer or beach gadgets and gizmos?

It is a delightful holiday center, close to Istanbul, offering excellent fish restaurants and hotels. The Şile highway is almost completed however the remainder of the road is narrow and very crowded on weekends.

There is also a very nice picnic area, which belongs to the municipality, on the entrance to the district. If you turn left before the entrance to Şile and drive for about 2 km you’ll arrive at Kumbaba (Sand Father). This is a camping area with a marvelous beach and fine sand where you can find changing cabins, showers, toilettes and a small buffet selling refreshments and sandwiches.

(0212) 204 07 33
Demircikoy

website: http://www.uzunya.com/

Already some of the highest current temperatures across the country were seen in İstanbul at 21 degrees Celsius, Bursa at 22 degrees Celsius, Ankara at 16 degrees Celsius and İzmir and Adana at 20 degrees Celsius.

Summer is nearly upon us. As the days start to lengthen, thoughts of beach getaways, concerts, picnics, and bonfires become more frequent in our minds, don’t they?

Thankfully, all these activities are within reach if you’re in Istanbul.

Last years line up had some great performers with: Marilyn Manson, James, The Rapture, Juliette and The Licks, Cocorosie, Beirut and Nouvelle Vague, and many more.

Festival authority Dinamo FM have been organizing the Radar Live in Kilyos for the past two years, in which thousands participate. Dinamo’s Marketing Manager Yonca Temizocak says they aim to become the most extensive festival in Eastern Europe by 2009, and the biggest in all of Europe by 2011. She points to the fact that organizing festivals requires know-how. “Festivals are very big productions. She adds, “They start at 1 million euros and go up to 5 million euros.”

For more information on the festival for 2008 check http://www.radarlive.com/

We will keep you updated with the lineup for 2008.

Solar Beach is the most popular because of all its many offerings. In addition to lounging on the beach, you can also rent jet boats, play beach soccer or volleyball, rent jet skis, kite boards, go carts, banana boats, windsurfing equipment and more. It offers plenty of fun for the whole family. Solar beach is also a common place for music lovers. It hosts plenty of concerts each year featuring well-known artists. Previously performing musicians have included Gloria Gaynor, Norah Jones, Shakira, Avril Lavigne, Smashing Pumpkins and more.

This is the spot for young sun-lovers who come to frolic in the sand by day and dance at the shore-side party by night.

Address:
Solar Beach
Kilyos Mh., Turban Caddesi 4
Kumköy, Istanbul Turkey

TEL:+90 212 244 87 37

For more info check solarbeach.com.tr or facebook page