House-hunters looking for an overseas property near a clean, safe beach are spoilt for choice in Turkey, thanks to 383 beaches there being awarded Blue Flag status this year, the most the country has ever achieved and 59 more than in 2012.
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Turkey now has the third highest number of Blue Flag beaches out of all 48 countries that participate in the Blue Flag scheme, which is recognised globally and organised by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). This puts it ahead of France, which this year drops to fourth from third. Turkey also has 21 Blue Flag marinas, currently the seventh highest number.
“While some countries are falling down the rankings, Turkey is raising its game and improving the quality of its beaches and marinas,” said Julian Walker, director at Turkey property specialist Spot Blue. “The knock-on effect is positive for the property market – being near a Blue Flag beach can only help a property hold value. Unsurprisingly, Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast now has a staggering 179 Blue Flag beaches, more than double that of any other Turkish region – Mugla has the second highest number with 76.” Three beaches in Istanbul on the Sea of Marmara are also on the list.
To be awarded a Blue Flag, a beach is assessed on water quality, environmental management, safety and services, and availability of information about the environment. Out of Turkey’s 21 Blue Flag marinas, seven are in the Mugla region, six in the Antalya region, two in Istanbul, two in Aydin, two in Izmir, and one in both Balikesir and Yalova.
“The latest Blue Flag list highlights just how untapped much of Turkey’s coastline is,” continued Julian Walker. “Away from the main resorts, there are dozens of stunning beaches and bays that many foreigners never encounter, real gems each with a selection of properties to choose from. The Bodrum Peninsula in Mugla is a good example, where the smaller resorts of Gündoğan, Turgutreis, Gümüslük and Yalıkavak all have Blue Flag beaches combined with stunning property to buy. In Antalya, again the popular resorts of Alanya and Side have Blue Flag beaches, but so do less well trodden but very picturesque areas, such as Çamyuva or Göynük, both near Kemer.”
In Gündoğan, new three-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex villas on a smart development just a 10-minute walk from the Blue Flag beach, are for sale from around €140,000. Communal leisure facilities include swimming pools, tennis, play areas and 24-hour security, and there are sea and mountain views. Bodrum Airport is 30 minutes away.
One of Bodrum’s most exclusive developments can be found in Yalıkavak, where a luxury four-bedroom, two-bathroom detached villa, a short walk from the beach and also close to the Blue Flag marina, is available for around £360,000. Transfer from Bodrum Airport is only 45 minutes.
Visit the listings on Rightmove Overseas for details of more property for sale all over Turkey.
One way to save money when buying in Turkey, or moving there, is to use a currency exchange specialist when transferring your pounds into Turkish lira or euros. For more information on this, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.
For more information on buying property in Turkey safely, download the Overseas Guides Company’s FREE Turkey Buying Guide.