Uzunkum Plajı is a Blue Flag beach located in the town of Şile, Istanbul, Turkey. Known for its natural beauty and tranquility, the beach is recognized for its clean sea water, environmental cleanliness, and safety measures. The status of the Blue Flag is maintained through regular inspections and can be revoked if necessary. This award is a testament to the beach's commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, even amidst environmental challenges such as the mucilage issue in the Marmara Sea.
The beach features sandy terrain, wavy waters, and seaweed. Despite the presence of various insects in the sea, the water is inviting and beautiful. The beach is less crowded compared to others, providing a peaceful environment for visitors. To ensure cleanliness, the beach is cleaned every hour of the day.
Uzunkum Plajı offers an array of activities and amenities. Visitors can enjoy water sports like swimming and snorkeling, and facilities for picnicking and barbecuing are also available. However, the beach has limited amenities including a scarcity of sun beds, which tend to run out quickly.
Parking is available at Uzunkum Plajı, but visitors should be prepared to pay a fee upon arrival. The beach can be accessed via a rough road filled with dangerous holes, making the journey challenging. Despite these challenges, the beach's natural beauty and tranquility continue to attract both locals and tourists.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the beach enforces social distancing rules to ensure the safety of its visitors. The local administration encourages the public to be more environmentally conscious to preserve the natural beauty of Uzunkum Plajı and aims to increase the number of Blue Flag beaches in Şile.
