Kilyos: the Black Sea beach an hour from Istanbul

Updated on October 4, 2026

Kilyos (Kumköy) is a former fishing village in the Sarıyer district, at the far north of the European side, on the Black Sea. It is the closest beach for Istanbulites who want wide sand and open water: long sandy beaches, beach clubs, fish restaurants at the edge of the village and wooded hills behind. You can get there by public transport, with the M2 metro and then bus 151, for a modest fare; allow 1h30 to 2 hours from Taksim. The Black Sea is not the Mediterranean: the water is cooler and currents can be strong even on calm days. Swimming is supervised by lifeguards from mid-June to mid-September; outside that period, stick to a walk on the sand.

Highlights

The Kumköy village beach

The big sandy beach at the foot of the village is where the bus drops you. Part of it is open to everyone, the rest is taken by businesses that rent sunbeds and parasols. The fish and köfte restaurants of the village are a few minutes' walk away.

Burç Beach

A paid beach club with lifeguards, a volleyball court and a restaurant, known to students of Boğaziçi (Bosphorus) University, whose Kilyos campus is close by. Entry is charged and prices change every season: ask at the gate.

The rocks at sunset

At the water's edge, flat rocks stand out of the clear sea: the best place to watch the sun go down, and a good reason to stay until the end of the afternoon.

Gümüşdere

A few kilometres further west, this free sandy beach is quieter but has no shops: bring water and food.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Indicative prices found on travel sites in 2026, to be confirmed on the spot: a municipal beach such as Uzunya Sahil costs a few dozen Turkish liras (40 TL on weekdays, 60 TL at weekends), while beach clubs such as Tirmata (250 to 300 TL) or Solar Beach (650 TL on weekdays, 950 TL at weekends) are much more expensive; these amounts change every season. Swim between the flags, treat a red flag as a closed sea and keep children within arm's reach, as the Black Sea has rip currents even in fine weather. For the transport card and fares, see our guide to transport in Istanbul. To compare with other beaches, see our best beaches in and around Istanbul.

How to get there

Kumköy / Kilyos, Sarıyer district, Istanbul. Take the M2 metro to the terminus Hacıosman, then İETT bus 151 (about 40 to 45 minutes) to Kilyos; both journeys are paid with the Istanbulkart. Allow 1h30 to 2 hours from Taksim. By car or taxi, the road crosses the wooded hills of Sarıyer.