Kilyos Beach, Istanbul - waves 
are 
about to 
eat my shadow
1 / 10

Kilyos Beach Istanbul

3.5
·838 reviews·, Türkiye

Istanbul's Black Sea coastline offers sandy beaches and shallow waters, perfect for a refreshing day trip away from the city bustle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
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Kilyos Beach, Istanbul - waves 
are 
about to 
eat my shadow

Kilyos Beach Istanbul

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Istanbul's Black Sea coastline offers sandy beaches and shallow waters, perfect for a refreshing day trip away from the city bustle.

3.5
(838 reviews)

"Enjoy the expansive sandy strip and gentle, shallow waters perfect for a relaxing swim or family fun."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps

For taxis in Kilyos, use BiTaksi or Uber apps for potentially better rates and reliability.

💰 Public Beach is Free

The public beach in Kilyos (Kumköy) offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly option.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sandy Shores & Shallow Waters

Sandy Shores & Shallow Waters

Kilyos Public Beach

Enjoy the expansive sandy strip and gentle, shallow waters perfect for a relaxing swim or family fun.

Beach Club Experience

Beach Club Experience

Various private beaches (e.g., Solar Beach, Burc Beach)

Indulge in amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby eateries for a comfortable beach day.

Black Sea Breeze

Black Sea Breeze

Kilyos Coastline

Experience the refreshing air and unique atmosphere of Istanbul's Black Sea coast.

Planning Your Visit

Choosing Your Kilyos Beach

Kilyos offers several beach options, from public access to private clubs. Researching which beach best suits your vibe—family-friendly, party-focused, or quiet—is key. Some private beaches have entrance fees, while the public beach is free but can be more basic. Consider your priorities before heading north.

Getting to Kilyos

Reaching Kilyos from Istanbul requires planning. While taxis are an option, they can be costly and unpredictable. Public transport involves buses, which can be time-consuming. Factor in travel time, especially if you're on a tight schedule, and consider using ride-sharing apps for potentially better rates.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚶🏻‍♂️‍➡️ @kaydetgidersinistanbul ile İstanbul’un en iyi plajlarını keşfediyoruz. ✨ ‼️Tüm plajlara tek erkek girişi yoktur. 📍BÜYÜKLİMAN BEACH @buyuklimanbeach Hafta içi: 500 TL Hafta sonu: 600 TL 10 ...
@onurkoyunncu
26.2K likes • 1.1M views

🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps

For taxis in Kilyos, use BiTaksi or Uber apps for potentially better rates and reliability. Reddit

💰 Public Beach is Free

The public beach in Kilyos (Kumköy) offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

reddit.com

What is the best kilyos beach?

reddit.com

Beach in Istanbul (help)

🥪 Bring Your Own Snacks

Some beaches, like Büyükliman Beach, allow you to bring your own food and drinks. TikTok

🌊 Be Mindful of Currents

The Black Sea can have strong currents; swim with caution if you're not an experienced swimmer. Reddit

reddit.com

Visiting Kilyos (Kumköy) during a stopover?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Use Ride-Sharing Apps

For taxis in Kilyos, use BiTaksi or Uber apps for potentially better rates and reliability. Reddit

💰 Public Beach is Free

The public beach in Kilyos (Kumköy) offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly option. Reddit

🥪 Bring Your Own Snacks

Some beaches, like Büyükliman Beach, allow you to bring your own food and drinks. TikTok

🌊 Be Mindful of Currents

The Black Sea can have strong currents; swim with caution if you're not an experienced swimmer. Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The sun can be strong, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your beach day. Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.5
(838 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Kilyos Beach offers a refreshing escape with its sandy shores and Black Sea waters, appealing to families and sun-seekers alike. While private clubs provide amenities and a lively atmosphere, the free public beach is a budget-friendly alternative. Visitors should be mindful of potential strong currents and plan transportation carefully, as reaching Kilyos can be time-consuming.

"All the beach around the coasts are owned by the restaurant and you have to pay to enter. When you pay, you will find you will get a sun bed and you will have nice showers available, toilets and a lifeguard.

I believe this place is suitable for kids and families because they have restrictions where you will not be able to swim properly as it’s less than a 4ft.

Apart from that black sea salinity level is quite low which means the sea is not quite salty.😜"

Ashish Lama

"Clean and long beach.

There charges 250 tl per adult but they don’t offer towel!

There are two live guards. There’s a cafe and changing rooms and toilets."

Rasha

"Avoid this beach at all costs. Worst one Iv ever been too. It’s full of litters and cigarettes butts. They don’t maintain it at all. And the dirty beach really impacts your mood. We paid 900 to get in but they won’t let people use the beach umbrella because it’s too “windy”, meanwhile some people were allowed. The staff were not friendly. It’s not women friendly either. There is a zone full of empty chairs for men, and there is a zone for mixed genders. I was asked to leave the mens zone but no women only zone for me to go to. That’s it. I recommend Tirmata Balik & Beach just a few minutes walk away where staff were friendly and amenities are well maintained."

Lola Zhang

What People Like

Sandy beaches
Shallow waters
Black Sea air

What People Dislike

Long travel time
Strong currents
Crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Kilyos by public bus, which can take around 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Using ride-sharing apps like BiTaksi or Uber might offer more predictable pricing. Reddit

Yes, Kilyos is accessible by public buses from various points in Istanbul. For example, you can take the 59RK bus from Boğaziçi University in Etiler to the Kilyos campus. Reddit

From Istanbul Airport (IST), taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing app is the most direct route. Be aware that traffic can significantly impact travel time, especially during peak hours. Reddit

While direct shuttles aren't common, some private beach clubs might offer transportation services. It's best to check with the specific beach you plan to visit. TikTok

The journey from Taksim Square to Kilyos can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by bus, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis would be faster but more costly. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The public beach in Kilyos is free to enter. However, private beach clubs like Solar Beach or Burc Beach typically charge an entrance fee, which can vary between weekdays and weekends. TikTokReddit

Opening hours vary by beach. Private clubs usually open in the morning and close in the evening. The public beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's advisable to check the specific beach's hours online. TikTok

Some beaches, like Büyükliman Beach, allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, which can save money. Other private clubs may have restrictions or charge a corkage fee. TikTok

For the public beach, no advance booking is needed. For popular private beach clubs, especially on weekends or during peak season, booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot. Instagram

Entrance fees for private beaches in Kilyos can range from 500 TL on weekdays to 600 TL or more on weekends, as seen with Büyükliman Beach. Prices can fluctuate. TikTok

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Kilyos offers swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sand. Some private beaches may have options for jet skiing, beach volleyball, and other water sports. Reddit

Yes, there are clusters of eateries and cafes near the beaches in Kilyos, offering various food and drink options. You can also bring your own food to some locations. TikTok

Many visitors find Kilyos beaches, especially those with shallow waters, to be family-friendly. Büyükliman Beach is noted as being particularly suitable for families. TikTok

Sunbeds and umbrellas are typically available for rent at most private beach clubs in Kilyos. The public beach may have fewer amenities, so it's good to check beforehand. Instagram

Kilyos beaches are on the Black Sea, which is generally considered cleaner than the Marmara Sea by locals. However, be aware of potential strong currents. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the expansive sandy shores, the blue expanse of the Black Sea, and the vibrant beach clubs. Sunset can offer beautiful golden hour lighting. Instagram

While drone usage regulations can vary, the open coastline and sea views offer potential for scenic aerial shots. Always check local regulations before flying. TikTok

Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for serene shots. Late afternoons provide warm, golden hour light perfect for dramatic beach photos. Instagram

Look for the contrast between the sandy beaches and the sea, the colorful umbrellas, and the local fishing boats if any are present. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the beach and sea. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kilyos offers a great escape for families looking for a beach day. The shallow, gentle waters of the Black Sea at Kilyos are a significant draw for parents with young children. Büyükliman Beach is specifically recommended as being very family-friendly, and the ability to bring your own food and drinks can make a day trip much more manageable and cost-effective. TikTok Look for beaches that offer ample space for kids to play and build sandcastles. While some private clubs have entrance fees, the public beach provides a free and open space for family fun. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Kilyos Public Beach (Kumköy) is your best bet, as it offers free entry. Reddit You can save significantly by packing your own snacks and drinks, a tip that is particularly useful as some private beaches may charge for outside food or have expensive on-site options. TikTok Utilizing public buses for transportation, while time-consuming, is the most economical way to reach Kilyos from Istanbul. Reddit Plan your trip for weekdays to potentially find fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere, even on the public beach.

☀️ Sun Seekers & Beach Lovers

Kilyos is Istanbul's primary destination for those seeking a seaside experience on the Black Sea. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of private beach clubs with amenities like sunbeds and music,Instagram or the more laid-back vibe of the public beach, Kilyos delivers. Remember to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as the sun can be intense. Instagram Consider visiting during the late afternoon for beautiful golden hour lighting, perfect for capturing stunning beach photos. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Kilyos Beach Options

Kilyos, situated on the Black Sea coast, offers a diverse range of beach experiences. From the free-access Kilyos Public Beach (Kumköy), which provides a vast sandy expanse and shallow waters ideal for families, to various private beach clubs like Solar Beach, Burc Beach, and Büyükliman Beach, there's an option for every preference. Private clubs often come with amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurants, and sometimes organized events or music. TikTokReddit

When choosing, consider your budget and desired atmosphere. The public beach is the most economical, while private clubs offer more comfort and services, often at a higher price point, especially on weekends. Some Redditors have noted that while private beaches have reviews, the public beach is a solid, free alternative. Reddit It's worth researching the specific offerings and recent reviews of each club to find the best fit for your day out. Instagram

Transportation to Kilyos

Getting to Kilyos from Istanbul requires some planning, as it's located about 60 kilometers north of the city center. Public transportation is available, primarily through Istanbul buses. Routes like the 59RK can take you towards the Kilyos campus area. However, these journeys can be lengthy, often taking 1.5 to 2 hours, and are subject to Istanbul's notorious traffic. Reddit

For a more convenient, albeit potentially more expensive, option, taxis and ride-sharing apps like BiTaksi and Uber are available. Travelers have noted that taxis can be unpredictable in terms of cost and availability, making app-based services a preferred choice for many. Reddit If you're on a tight schedule, especially for a layover, factor in ample travel time and consider the most direct transport methods. Reddit

Black Sea Safety and Swimming

The beaches in Kilyos are situated on the Black Sea, which, according to local sentiment, is often perceived as cleaner than the Marmara Sea. Reddit However, it's crucial to be aware that the Black Sea is known for its strong currents. Visitors, especially those who are not experienced swimmers, are strongly advised to exercise caution and swim only in designated safe areas, if available. Reddit

While the waters are generally shallow near the shore, which can be appealing for families, the underlying currents pose a risk. Always pay attention to any safety flags or advice from lifeguards if present. If you're unsure about the conditions, it's best to err on the side of caution and enjoy the beach atmosphere without venturing too deep into the water. Reddit

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