Burç Beach

Okay, so Burç Beach isn't actually on the Aegean Sea – but you'll appreciate the info if you want to get on the water quickly from Istanbul. Bogaziçi University's private beach is one of the most popular on Turkey's Black Sea coast, in summer the beach life burns late into the night. As it should be at elite universities, sport is held in high regard so both windsurfing and kiting are encouraged (visitors are charged for admission). Power comes from the northerly Meltemi, although it's usually not as strong as on the Aegean Sea down south. The wind's onshore, so it's not an easy beginner spot as waves and current soon build.