Mediterranean Region, Turkey

Avsallar Beaches

Overview

Avsallar is a premier beach destination on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere. The area is particularly known for its beautiful golden sand beaches with clear, calm, and shallow waters, making it an ideal and popular choice for families with children. Unlike the bustling nearby city of Alanya, Avsallar offers a more relaxed holiday experience centered around its stunning coastline, appealing to those seeking a peaceful seaside escape.

The region's coastline features several exceptional beaches. The most famous local spot is Incekum Beach, whose name means "fine sand," perfectly describing its soft, golden shores that are perfect for families. For those venturing on a short day trip to Alanya, the world-famous Kleopatra beach is an essential visit. Nearby, Damlatas Plajı offers a unique swim at the foot of a historic castle, while Portakal Plajı provides a quieter alternative with scenic mountain views.

While many of Avsallar's beaches are private sections managed by hotels, public access is always available at spots like the welcoming Avsallar Public Beach. This ensures that all visitors can enjoy the beautiful turquoise sea. Whether you are staying at an all-inclusive resort or exploring independently, Avsallar provides a focused and high-quality beach experience. For a complete look at all the coastal gems this area has to offer, be sure to explore our full list of recommended beaches.

FAQ

What are the beaches in Avsallar like, are they sandy?

Avsallar is renowned for its beautiful, soft golden sand beaches and clear, calm waters. The most famous is Incekum Beach, which means "fine sand" in Turkish. The coastline stretches for about 3 kilometers and features a gentle slope into the sea, making it very safe and popular, especially for families with children. While most of the beach is sandy, some areas might have small pebbles or natural rock slabs, but these are generally not in the main swimming areas.

Is Avsallar a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Avsallar is considered an excellent destination for families. The beaches have fine sand and the sea is shallow and calm, which is ideal for children. Many hotels in the area are all-inclusive resorts specifically geared towards families, offering amenities like kids' clubs, playgrounds, and pools with waterslides. Beyond the beach, attractions like the Sealanya Dolphinpark Seapark provide additional entertainment for all ages.

Can you swim in the sea in Avsallar and what is the water like?

Absolutely. The sea in Avsallar is known for being very clean, clear, and typically calm, often described as being like a swimming pool. These excellent swimming conditions, with gentle waves, make it suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. The water is a beautiful turquoise color, and its clarity makes it pleasant for swimming and snorkeling.

What's the difference between Avsallar public beach and the hotel beaches?

Most of the coastline in Avsallar is occupied by hotels that maintain their own private beach sections for their guests, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and bar service. However, there is also Avsallar Public Beach (Avsallar Halk Plajı), which is free to access for everyone. While it has amenities like showers, toilets, and changing rooms, you may need to pay a small fee to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The public beach can be more crowded, especially during peak season.

Are there all-inclusive hotels with private beaches in Avsallar?

Yes, Avsallar is famous for its large, all-inclusive resorts, and the vast majority of them are located directly on the first coastline with their own private sections of the beach. These hotels, such as the Lonicera World Resort, Rubi Platinum, and Haydarpasha Palace, offer guests exclusive access to the beach with complimentary sun loungers, umbrellas, and often beachside food and drink service.

Which is better for a beach holiday, Avsallar or Alanya?

Choosing between Avsallar and Alanya depends on your holiday preference. Avsallar offers a more relaxed, family-focused atmosphere with fine sandy beaches and a quieter vibe. It's dominated by large, all-inclusive resorts. Alanya is a much larger, bustling city with more extensive shopping, nightlife, and historical sites like Alanya Castle, but its main beaches, like Cleopatra Beach, can be more crowded and the sand may not be as fine as in Avsallar. If your priority is a tranquil, high-quality beach experience, especially with kids, Avsallar is often preferred. If you want a city break with beaches, Alanya is the better choice.

Is Avsallar a party destination?

Avsallar is generally known for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere rather than as a major party destination. While there are some bars, restaurants, and hotel-based entertainment, the nightlife is relatively low-key compared to the nearby city of Alanya, which is about 25 km away and offers a much wider selection of lively bars and nightclubs. Some hotels in Avsallar may host their own disco nights or foam parties on boats.

What is the best time of year to visit Avsallar for swimming?

The best time for swimming in Avsallar is from June to September when the weather is hot and sunny, and the sea temperature is warmest. The shoulder seasons of May and October are also excellent times to visit; the weather is still pleasantly warm, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the beaches are typically less crowded than in the peak summer months.

People Also Ask

Are there any hidden gem beaches or local spots near Avsallar?

While Avsallar's main beach is the primary draw, a notable spot nearby is the Incekum Forest Camp (İncekum Orman Kampı). Located in a pine forest between the main Avsallar and Incekum beaches, it offers a more rustic and natural beach experience. It's a paid campground but can be visited for the day. Its small bay is protected from waves, and the pine forest provides natural shade, offering a peaceful alternative to the more developed hotel beaches.

How do you get to the beaches if your hotel is not on the beachfront?

Avsallar is a relatively small town, and many hotels are within walking distance of the public beach. For hotels further away, the town is well-connected by local buses (dolmuş) that run frequently along the main D400 highway, which parallels the coast. Taxis are also readily available throughout the town for a quick and direct route to the beach.

What's the difference between the beaches in Avsallar and Side?

Both Avsallar and Side are known for their sandy beaches, but there are key differences. Avsallar's beaches, particularly Incekum, are famous for their exceptionally fine, golden sand and very shallow, calm waters, making them ideal for families with small children. Side's beaches are also sandy but are located next to a town rich with significant ancient ruins, like the Temple of Apollo, offering a blend of beach holiday and historical exploration. Side is a larger town with a more distinct historical center, while Avsallar is more of a purpose-built resort area focused on all-inclusive hotels.

Are there water sports available at Avsallar's beaches?

Yes, you can find a wide variety of water sports at the beaches in Avsallar. Activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and pedalos are commonly offered by local operators right on the beach. Some centers also offer activities like scuba diving and flyboarding for the more adventurous.

Beaches for Every Taste

Local gems for everyone

Explore More Local Beaches

The fastest way to find the best Avsallar Beaches

Avsallar Beaches Map

Plan your day with the latest beach weather conditions

Avsallar: Weather Today

More Beaches Nearby

Explore More

Turkey
Turkey Beaches
Mediterranean Region
Mediterranean Region Beaches