Holidays in Turkey can be as lively or as laid back as you like, with beaches offering adrenaline-soaked watersports as easily found as soft, secluded sands. With careful consideration you could find yourself leaving the only set of footprints on an unspoiled sandy cove, or swimming in a blue oasis of calm. Indeed, many of the country’s most magnificent beaches can only be reached by a boat or by car. Here are just a few of the most splendid Turkish beaches to discover:

Ovabuku

Hidden on the Datca Peninsula, it’s known as the most beautiful of a chain of bays. It’s relatively small, with an ivory shingle beach and a clump of quieter restaurants and local cafes that are surrounded by outstanding countryside. Fragrant pine trees mix with carob, making this place picture perfect.

Butterfly Valley

Situated between two towering cliffs, Butterfly Valley really is like a scene from Lord of the Rings. Formed in a V-shape, it is untouched, and best reached by boat from Fethiye or near by Olu Deniz . Intrepid explorers can rough the rocky pathways leading down from the road, or even set up camp under the branches of the trees in the valley. It is definitely an adventure though, with no electricity, roads, or buildings until the hamlet of Faralya.

Gemiler

Whereas Olu Deniz is famous for its beaches, meaning rows of sun-loungers, it’s funny to think that this rarely busy secluded stretch is just around the corner. A short bus or boat ride from Hisaronu, you’ll view wheat fields stretching out to the very tip of the Fethiye peninsula. The beach itself is circled by olive and pine trees, and overlooks Nicholas Island, with some well known restaurants that serve up fresh food and cold Efes beer.