Alaçatı Beach Clubs: Best Spots on the Aegean
Alaçatı is a quaint town on Turkey’s Aegean coast, known for its cobblestone streets, stone houses draped in magenta bougainvillea, and the peninsula’s crystalline waters. At its core, it retains an undeniable Greek essence, evident in its architecture, flavors, and rhythm of daily life.
It has a reputation as a chic escape, particularly among Istanbulites, but it does not feel exclusive or pretentious. The irresistible Turkish hospitality and the Aegean way of life keep it feeling warm and approachable.
A good visit includes the slow mornings and long evenings in the old town. But by afternoon, the old town quiets down as people make their way to the refreshing waters around the peninsula. Besides windsurfing and public beaches, the Alaçatı beach clubs are a great way to experience the refreshing waters of the Aegean Coast.
Alaçatı Beach Clubs
Beach clubs offer a comfortable way to enjoy the peninsula. Equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, bar service, and often even restaurants that turn festive come evening.
Alaçatı beach clubs open in late May and run through early September. They sit along the peninsula and are a short drive from the old town.
Reservations are highly recommended if you are visiting in the peak months of July and August. Most beach clubs have somewhat limited capacity, which is part of the charm, as it keeps them feeling intimate rather than resort-like.
There are many beach clubs around the peninsula, but my two favorite ones are Before Sunset and The Beach of Momo.
Before Sunset
Before Sunset is one of the best-known and well-developed Alaçatı beach clubs. The setup includes plush sunbeds, a full-service restaurant, boutiques, and daily activities including yoga, meditation, and wellness workshops.
The decoration is in earthy tones that contrast beautifully with the greenery and the turquoise water. A good part of the beach is shallow, but a few meters out, the waters are also ideal for those who enjoy a good swim in the deeper waters.
As the name suggests, this beach club is also an ideal place to watch the sunset. Around that time, a DJ sets up in the vast restaurant area, and the atmosphere shifts from calm to festive. Despite the shift, Before Sunset retains an elevated lounge feel as the evening slowly settles in.
It is one of the pricier options, but well worth it for a day of comfort by the beautiful beach. Reservations are essential, particularly in peak months, and can be made via WhatsApp or through your hotel.
Pro Tip: Prices in Turkey change frequently due to inflation. Before your visit, reach out via WhatsApp to confirm current pricing and to make your reservation.
The Beach of Momo
The Beach of Momo (also known as Momo Dalyan) is a slightly smaller alternative to Before Sunset but equally equipped for a full day by the coast.
It also hosts boutiques at the entrance and a restaurant with a bar, but the beach is the most impressive. The plush sunbeds are slightly elevated above the coast. The beach starts shallow but quickly gets deeper, a proper spot for a swim in the calm water.
Similar to Before Sunset, it is well-positioned to watch the sun go down as the atmosphere transitions from a relaxed afternoon to a livelier evening. The transition at Beach of Momo can be more pronounced, with the music and crowds rising to a more festive mood.
Again, reservations are essential, especially since this beach club has more limited availability. Reservations can be made via WhatsApp or through your hotel.
Pro Tip: Prices in Turkey change frequently due to inflation. Before your visit, reach out via WhatsApp to confirm current pricing and to make your reservation.
Public Beach Alternatives
While Alaçatı Beach Clubs are a great place to spend an idyllic day in the Aegean, there are many alternatives, and if you are there for a longer visit, multiple days of beach clubs can become less exciting.
But the Aegean offers breathtaking natural landscapes that are completely free and require no advance booking or much planning. Below are two alternatives worth considering during your visit.
Delikli Koy
Delikli Koy is one of the most striking beaches on this stretch of the Aegean coast. The chalky white cliffs that frame the beach create a dramatic contrast with the water’s different hues, which shift with depth and light.
It is a public beach and free to visit. It is about a 30-minute drive from the old town of Alaçatı, but well worth it.
One thing to note is that there is no development on this beach. I’ve seen one or two food trucks selling drinks and snacks, but otherwise there isn’t much to eat. It is a good idea to take some water and snacks for the day. You might also want to bring an umbrella, as the only shade comes from the cliffs rather than trees, and the amount of shade will shift with the hour.
If you have the opportunity, this is one of the beaches that I most recommend visiting during your time in Alaçatı!
Ilıca Beach
Ilıca is the main beach closest to the old town of Alaçatı. It features a long stretch of white sand and calm, shallow turquoise waters.
You can visit freely by setting yourself up in the public beach spots or rent sunbeds on site from a variety of beach clubs. This is a practical and accessible choice for a shorter beach day. The sunbeds at Ilıca are significantly more affordable than the more well-known beach clubs of the peninsula.
The dolmuş between Alaçatı and Çeşme also stops at Ilıca, making it one of the easier beaches to reach without a car.
Getting to the Beaches
The beaches are not within walking distance of the old town. You will need a car, taxi, or transport arranged through your hotel. The transport offered by hotels is not prohibitively expensive and can be easily arranged during the season.
A rental car gives the most flexibility, particularly if you want to combine a beach day with a drive through the surrounding area. That said, it is not essential.
There are public transportation options to a few beaches. A shared taxi known as a dolmuş runs between Alaçatı, Çeşme, and Ilıca. From Çeşme, there are also dolmuşes to Pırlanta Beach and Altınkum Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Alaçatı beach clubs charge an entry fee?
There is no set entry. The fee is typically applied as a charge for a pair of sunbeds or as a minimum consumption.
Prices in Turkey tend to fluctuate due to inflation, so it is always best to check with the beach club to get the most up-to-date pricing.
Do you need a reservation for Alaçatı beach clubs?
Yes, it is very important to make a reservation as sunbeds are limited. Especially during peak season, the months of July and August.
It is usually possible to make a reservation by contacting the beach clubs via WhatsApp, but you can also ask your hotel to help arrange one.
What is the best time of year to visit Alaçatı’s beach clubs?
The season is usually from late May to early September, with peak time being in July and August.
I usually like visiting in early September when the weather is slightly cooler than the hot summer months of July and August.
Are there free beaches near Alaçatı?
Yes, there are many free beaches near Alaçatı. In fact, Delikli Koy, one of the most beautiful beaches, is public.
Apart from that, there are Ilıca Beach, Pırlanta Beach, and Altınkum Beach. All three can be conveniently reached by dolmuş (shared taxi).
Final Thoughts
The Alaçatı beach clubs are an excellent way to experience the Aegean. The settings are beautiful in both Before Sunset and The Beach of Momo, offering a full day of coastal comfort.
That said, do not overlook the public beaches. Delikli Koy in particular is one of the most striking beaches on this stretch of the Aegean and costs nothing to visit.
I usually like a mix during a stay. A day at one of the beach clubs, a day at Delikli Koy, and another exploring a different beach nearby. The peninsula has much to offer, including the enchanting old town, windsurfing, nearby vineyards, Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage), and the city of Izmir.
For more on what to do during your time in Alaçatı, read the full guide to things to do in Alaçatı and the Alaçatı Old Town guide.
