Kilyos Beach
Kilyos is Istanbul's go-to Black Sea beach town. Public sands are free, but beach clubs offer loungers and shade in summer.
Kilyos, also called Kumköy, sits on the Black Sea coast of Istanbul's European side. It's a small neighbourhood in Sarıyer district, home to around 3,800 people year-round. In summer, the population swells as Istanbul residents flock here for the sandy beaches and cooler sea breezes. The public beach stretches along the shore and is free to enter, though basic. Alternatively, a string of private beach clubs charge daily entry fees for sunbeds, umbrellas, and food service. Even outside peak season, the coastline is a pleasant spot for a walk or watching the waves, about a 45-minute drive from central Sarıyer.
The beach itself has fine, dark sand typical of the Black Sea. It's not a manicured resort beach, but the water is refreshingly cold even in August. On weekends the public section gets crowded quickly, so many prefer paying for a daybed at a club to guarantee some comfort. A few cafes and çay bahçesi spots along the back of the beach offer cheap snacks.
“For Black Sea sand and a quick seaside escape less than an hour from Sarıyer.”
The public beach fills up by noon; arrive before 10am or pay for a beach club to secure a lounger.
Sandy terrain and few paved paths; wheelchair access is limited. Some private clubs have boardwalks.
Good to know
- Is Kilyos Beach free to visit?
- Free. Black Sea sand beaches ~45 min from Sarıyer; private beach clubs charge day rates in season
- How long should you spend at Kilyos Beach?
- ~2h
- When is the best time to visit Kilyos Beach?
- Morning
- Is Kilyos Beach wheelchair accessible?
- Sandy terrain and few paved paths; wheelchair access is limited. Some private clubs have boardwalks.
