Istanbul is a beautiful city, located in the northwestern part of Turkey. It is surrounded by the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, making it an ideal destination for swimming enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to swim in the open sea, relax by a pool, or take swimming lessons, Istanbul has got you covered. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the best swimming spots in Istanbul, including beaches, pools, and lessons.
Beaches in Istanbul
Istanbul has more than 85 accessible beaches or bathing spots, many of them no more than 30 or 40 minutes on the metro from the city centre. Due to the city’s unique location, you’ve also got the choice of swimming in the Black Sea in the north, the Sea of Marmara in the south, or the Bosphorus Strait in between.
Public beaches
Public beaches in Istanbul are either admission-free beaches or charge visitors a small fee. They are the most preferred ones, especially for day-trippers. Yeşilköy Çiroz Beach, located at Buketli Sokak, Ziya Erdem Caddesi, 34149 Istanbul, is a popular public beach that has two sea inlets, 500 chaise lounges, 500 umbrellas, and music. Poyrazköy Beach, located in Beykoz/Istanbul, is another public beach that offers free chaise lounges and umbrellas. Beykoz Küçüksu Beach, with its beautiful Bosphorus view, provides 300 people to enjoy the sea and sun.
Private beaches
Private beaches in Istanbul, such as Şile, Riva, and Kilyos, offer a service well above expectations. The cleanliness, facilities, and food service at some of the beaches have reached a level that can compete with the blue flag beaches of Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Baykuş Beach, located at Sarı Çiçek Sok, Kısırkaya, is a popular private beach that offers cool water, delicious food, and a tent rental service. Solar Beach, located at Kumköy Mahallesi Tatlısu Caddesi no /26 Kilyos Sarıyer, is the biggest beach club and open-air performance center in Turkey. Ada Beach, located on Çam Limanı Sea Inlet, Heybeliada, offers clean blue water, natural beauty, and great times.
Swimming Pools in Istanbul
If you prefer to swim in a swimming pool, Istanbul has plenty of options. The entrance fees of outdoor pools are often quite high, but it is often justified by their exceptional location and high-quality service. Some of them offer access to the spa, sauna, and other facilities for a full relaxing day.
Outdoor Swimming Pools
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, located next to the Bosphorus, has a beautiful and spacious pool where you can enjoy the bar in addition to the swimming pool. The Grand Tarabya Hotel, located in Tarabya, has a stunning outdoor pool that overlooks the Bosphorus. The pool is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers and parasols, perfect for a day of relaxation.
Indoor Swimming Pools
If you prefer to swim indoors, Istanbul has got you covered too. The Istanbul Sapphire Shopping Centre, located in Levent, has an indoor swimming pool that offers panoramic views of the city. The Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli, located in the heart of Istanbul, has an indoor pool that is perfect for a refreshing swim after a long day of sightseeing.
Private Swimming Pools
If you’re looking for a more private swimming experience, Istanbul has several hotels and apartments that offer private swimming pools. The Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, located in Besiktas, has a private pool with stunning views of the Bosphorus. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, located in Besiktas, has a beautiful private pool surrounded by a lush garden.
Swimming Lessons in Istanbul
If you’re looking to improve your swimming skills, Istanbul has several swimming schools that offer lessons for all ages. Istanbul Swimming Academy, located in Kadikoy, offers private and group swimming lessons for adults and children. The academy has certified instructors who provide personalized swimming programs to cater to your specific needs. Swimart Istanbul, located in Maslak, offers swimming lessons for all ages and levels, including beginners, intermediate, and advanced swimmers. The instructors use the latest teaching techniques to help you learn to swim quickly and efficiently.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to go swimming in Istanbul, relax by a pool, or take swimming lessons, Istanbul has got you covered. With its beautiful beaches, stunning swimming pools, and excellent swimming schools, Istanbul is an ideal destination for swimming enthusiasts. Just remember to apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and enjoy your swim in this beautiful city.
