Antalya bans smoking on beaches as part of Turkey’s clean‑coast initiative

Starting tomorrow, Antalya will prohibit smoking on its four most‑visited beach zones – Lara, Belek, Çamyuva and Beach Park – under the “Blue Mediterranean Initiative” led by the provincial governor. The measure aims to eliminate cigarette litter that harms marine ecosystems and to provide healthier recreational areas, especially for children. The ban is presented as the first step of a broader national anti‑tobacco strategy that envisions a complete ban on tobacco sales across Turkey by 2040, with strict restrictions in parks, schools, religious sites and other public spaces.

The regulation follows similar smoke‑free beach policies adopted in several European and Oceanian countries and aligns with the upcoming COP31 climate summit that Turkey will host in Antalya.