Kilyos Beach Istanbul, Turkey is where locals go when they want real sea, real sand, and fresh Black Sea air without flying to another city. In less than two hours from Taksim you can swap mosques and bazaars for waves, beach clubs and long sandy shores, making Kilyos one of the most popular day trips from Istanbul for both tourists and Istanbulites.
Where Is Kilyos Beach in Istanbul?
Kilyos, also known as Kumköy, is a small seaside village in the Sarıyer district on the northern edge of the European side of Istanbul. It sits directly on the Black Sea coast, around 30–35 km north of central Istanbul and the Galata Bridge, depending on your starting point.
Because Kilyos Beach Istanbul is still technically part of the city, you don’t leave Istanbul province – but the atmosphere feels completely different. Once you arrive, apartment blocks and traffic are replaced by pine-covered hills, beach clubs and a wide strip of sand running along the Black Sea.
What Makes Kilyos Beach Special?
Kilyos Beach is known for three things: long sandy coastline, strong Black Sea waves, and a casual local vibe that mixes families and party-lovers. The sand here is soft and golden-brown, and the beaches stretch out much wider than many of the small Marmara Sea beaches closer to the center.
The Black Sea can be rough and the water is cooler than in the south of Turkey, but that’s part of the charm. On hot Istanbul summer days, people come to Kilyos Beach Istanbul, Turkey to cool down, listen to music at beach clubs, and enjoy a totally different side of the city.
Best Beaches and Beach Clubs in Kilyos
There isn’t just one single “Kilyos Beach.” The coastline is divided between a free public section and several private beach clubs with their own style, music and facilities.
Kilyos Public Beach
Kilyos public beach is the simplest and most budget-friendly option. The public part of Kilyos Beach is free to enter; you just walk onto the sand, put down your towel, and enjoy the sea.
Facilities here are basic compared with beach clubs, but you still find small cafés, kiosks and lifeguards in the controlled zones. It’s a good option if your guests want a relaxed, local experience and don’t need fancy sunbeds or DJ sets.
Solar Beach Kilyos
Solar Beach is one of the most famous private beach clubs on Istanbul’s Black Sea coast. Located in Kilyos on Turban Road and spread over about 30,000 m², it’s also one of the largest beach areas in the city.
At Solar Beach Kilyos guests pay an entrance fee and then get access to sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restaurants, bars and often live music or weekend beach parties. In the main season Solar Beach frequently hosts events, DJ performances and sunset parties, which is why many younger visitors choose this spot.
Burc Beach Kilyos
Burc Beach (Burç Plajı) is another well-known Kilyos beach, operated on land owned by Boğaziçi University. It’s a long sandy stretch offering water sports such as kiteboarding, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, canoeing and beach volleyball.
Because of the student connection, Burc Beach attracts a mixed crowd of young locals and visitors who like a sporty beach with good facilities, cafés and occasionally beach parties in July and August.
Babylon Kilyos, Suma Beach and Other Spots
Babylon Kilyos is a beach club famous for hosting concerts, festivals and large outdoor events, sometimes welcoming up to thousands of guests during the season.
It combines a sandy beach with a lively music program, so it’s a strong choice for travelers who want a full “beach plus nightlife” package.
You’ll also see names like Suma Beach, Bamboo Beach, Non Stop Beach and others along the Kilyos coastline. Some are quieter, some more party-focused, but all sit along the same Black Sea bay just a short drive or bus ride away from each other.
How to Get to Kilyos Beach from Istanbul City Center
Reaching Kilyos Beach Istanbul, Turkey without a car is straightforward and part of the adventure. Most visitors use a combination of metro and bus.
- Take Metro line M2 to Hacıosman (northern end of the line on the European side).
- From Hacıosman, catch bus 151 towards Kilyos (Kilyos Plajı).
The 151 bus runs roughly every 30 minutes and the total journey from central areas like Taksim to Kilyos usually takes around 1 hour 10 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and transfer times.
If your guests prefer comfort, a taxi or ride-share (BiTaksi, Uber) from Taksim or Beşiktaş to Kilyos Beach normally takes about 35–45 minutes in normal traffic, as the road distance is around 28–33 km.
For tour groups, a private transfer or organized Kilyos beach day trip is often the easiest option.
Kilyos Beach Entrance Fees, Facilities and Services
One of the most common search questions is “Kilyos Beach entrance fee.” The answer depends on whether you choose the public beach or a private club:
- Kilyos public beach:
– Free to enter. You only pay for optional services such as sunbeds or food & drinks. - Private Kilyos beach clubs (Solar, Burc, Babylon, etc.):
– These charge a daily entrance fee that typically includes use of the beach area, sunbed, umbrella, showers and basic facilities.
– In recent years, entrance prices at Kilyos beach clubs have often ranged from roughly 150–300+ TL per person, with some beaches charging different weekday/weekend rates. Articles about Kilyos mention around 150 TL including parking/sunbeds, and some facilities listing 260 TL on weekdays and 320 TL on weekends for their Kilyos beach area.
Prices change frequently with each summer season, so it’s important to check the most recent fees on the beach club’s own website or by calling ahead before you send guests.
Most beach clubs at Kilyos Beach Istanbul offer:
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Showers and changing cabins
- Cafés, snack bars and full restaurants
- Music, events or live DJs on weekends
- Some also offer parking, towel service and water sports rentals
Things To Do Around Kilyos Beach
A day at Kilyos Beach isn’t only about lying on a sunbed.
On the sand, visitors can swim, surf small waves, play beach volleyball, try water sports (especially at Burc Beach and Solar Beach), or join sunset yoga and wellness sessions at some clubs.
Around the village, you can explore:
- Kilyos Castle: A small historical fortress on the hill above the town, giving views over the Black Sea coastline.
- Belgrad Forest: Just a few kilometers inland, this large forest is popular for hiking, cycling and picnics, so it combines well with a morning walk and afternoon at Kilyos Beach.
- Garipçe and nearby fishing villages: Small, photogenic villages near the Bosphorus mouth, where visitors can eat fresh fish and take photos of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge.
For tour programs, you can easily build a “Black Sea coast” day that includes Kilyos Beach, Belgrad Forest and a stop in Garipçe or Rumeli Feneri.
Where to Stay Near Kilyos Beach Istanbul
If someone wants more than a Kilyos beach day trip from Istanbul, they can stay overnight in Kilyos itself.
The village and surrounding Sarıyer coast have several small hotels and guesthouses. For example, Kilya Hotel sits within a short walk of Kilyos Beach (about 0.4 km), Suma Beach and Solar Beach, making it convenient for travelers who want to try different Kilyos beaches over a weekend.
There are also hotels and apartments closer to Sarıyer and the Bosphorus, which can be combined with daily transfers to Kilyos Beach Istanbul, Turkey during the summer.
Best Time to Visit Kilyos Beach Istanbul, Turkey
Kilyos Beach is a summer destination. The main season runs from June to early September, when air temperatures in Istanbul are warm and sunny and the Black Sea is comfortable for swimming.
- June & September:
Usually a bit quieter, especially on weekdays. Sea can feel a little cooler at the start and end of the season but still fine for most swimmers. - July & August:
The busiest months. Beach clubs fill up, weekend parties are common, and entrance fees are often at their highest. For families or guests who want a calmer experience, it’s better to visit Kilyos Beach on weekdays or earlier in the morning.
Many private Kilyos beaches operate reduced hours or close outside the main summer period, though the village itself is open year-round.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kilyos Beach from Istanbul
The Black Sea is beautiful, but it’s not a lake. It has its own strong currents and can deepen quickly, so it’s important to choose controlled areas with lifeguards and follow their flags and warnings.
A few simple tips for your guests:
- Always swim in lifeguarded zones and obey red flag warnings.
- For families with children, consider Kilyos public beach or calmer sections of Solar Beach and Babylon Kilyos during weekdays.
- Bring cash for entrance fees, lockers and small cafés – some places accept cards, but not all.
- Pack sunblock, hat, flip-flops, and a light jacket for the windy Black Sea evenings.
- In high season, arrive early or pre-book at popular clubs like Solar Beach Kilyos or Burc Beach, especially at weekends.
If you run a tour booking website, you can highlight options like “Kilyos Beach Day Trip from Istanbul,” “Black Sea Coast & Kilyos Beach Tour,” or “Kilyos Beach + Belgrad Forest Picnic” to match what people already search for online.
If your visitors ask whether Istanbul has real beaches, Kilyos Beach Istanbul, Turkey is one of the best answers you can give. It’s close enough for an easy day trip, yet far enough to feel like a different world, with long sandy shores, fun beach clubs, simple public areas and a taste of Black Sea nature.
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