Despite being a city surrounded by water, Istanbul isn't always the first place that comes to mind for a beach holiday. Yet the city offers plenty of options for a great summer day on both its European and Asian sides. As an Istanbul-based swimwear brand, we've put together a guide to help you make the most of summer in the city.
Istanbul's Best Beaches
Kilyos Beaches (Sarıyer): Among Istanbul's best-known sea beaches. The Black Sea's waves offer both swimming and scenic views, and its proximity to the city centre makes it ideal for day trips.
Şile Beaches: Located on the Black Sea coast east of Istanbul, Şile is a popular summer destination with both natural beaches and beachside facilities.
The Princes' Islands and Kadıköy area: A short ferry ride takes you to the Princes' Islands, where you can enjoy the calm coves for a relaxed sea day.
Pool Options
The sea isn't always practical, and Istanbul's hotel and beach club pools see plenty of traffic in summer too. Pools offering day passes on both sides of the city are especially popular gathering spots on weekends.
Swimwear Recommendations for Istanbul
Given the mix of sea and pool options, a few key pieces are worth having in your wardrobe. A chlorine-resistant, sporty bikini set like Energia works equally well in the sea and the pool. For an elegant look at beach clubs and hotel pools, the zip-back and hardware-detailed one-pieces from the Profundo or Mar series are ideal.
Why an Istanbul-Based Brand?
As a swimwear brand designed and produced in Istanbul, Rio Swim aims to create pieces suited to both the city's sea life and its urban lifestyle. Our collections, crafted from premium Lycra fabrics, are built to handle everything from windy coastlines to warm pool days.
Discover our Maré Alta collection, inspired by Istanbul.