Göynük: resort village by Kemer and its canyon

Göynük is a resort village on the Kemer coast, between Beldibi and Kemer town, about 50 km and 55 minutes from Antalya Airport. It sits where the Göynük stream leaves its canyon and meets the sea: a long pebble beach lined with large all-inclusive hotels, a small village on the inland side of the main road, and the mountains rising straight behind. Kemer town is about 5 minutes away. It suits families who want a big resort with something real to do nearby; it suits less those looking for sand or a lively evening scene on the doorstep.

Where to stay in and around Göynük

Bookings often say only Kemer. In Göynük the main road (D400) splits things in two: the resorts are on the sea side, the village, apartments and the road to the canyon on the inland side.

Times are daytime drives from Antalya Airport (AYT), about 50 km (Antalya Airport to Göynük); weekday rush hour in Antalya can add 20–30 minutes. For the whole Kemer coast see the Kemer guide.

Beaches

Göynük beach

The beach runs for a few kilometres in front of the resorts: pebble and coarse shingle, not sand, which is why the water is so clear. Most hotels have sunbeds on the beach plus a pier or platform with a ladder, so you can get into deeper water without walking over stones.

In many places the seabed drops fairly quickly. Bring water shoes, and if you have small children, check before booking whether the hotel has a gentle entry or a children's pool area. If soft sand matters most, Belek or Lara fit better.

Public access

Beaches in Türkiye are public by law, but in Göynük most of the shore is taken up by hotel beach areas. If you stay in the village, use the public sections and paths to the sea; you can usually rent a sunbed there. Ask locally which stretch is public before settling in front of a hotel.

Things to do

Göynük Canyon

Behind the village, a few kilometres inland, the stream runs through a narrowing limestone canyon with cold, turquoise pools. The first part is an easy walk along the water; further in you wade or swim, and organised tours with wetsuits, helmets and life jackets go further up. There is an entrance fee; check the current price and opening hours locally.

The water stays cold even in August. Do not go in after heavy rain, when the stream rises quickly, and jump only where a guide says it is deep enough. More canyon and outdoor options are on our outdoor activities page.

Kemer town

Kemer's marina, pedestrian streets, Moonlight Park and town beach are about 5 minutes away by dolmuş or taxi. Boat trips to the bays further south leave from the marina (boat trips), and the town's weekly market is on Monday (market days).

Tahtalı cable car and Phaselis

South of Kemer, the cable car near Tekirova climbs to the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı mountain; it is cold at the top even in summer. Next to it, the ancient harbour city of Phaselis lies in pine forest, and you can swim between the ruins. Both are roughly 35–45 minutes' drive from Göynük.

Further afield

Olympos and Çıralı are about an hour south. Antalya's old town Kaleiçi and the old harbour are about 45–60 minutes north, depending on traffic (Antalya city guide). For Aspendos, Perge and other excursions see day trips.

Eating out and evenings

Most guests in Göynük stay all-inclusive, and the village reflects that: a short strip of shops, small restaurants, cafés and bars, mainly between the main road and the hotels. It is pleasant for a walk and a meal outside the hotel, but evenings are quiet.

For a livelier night, Kemer's marina and bar streets are 5 minutes away. Dolmuş minibuses run late in summer but not all night, so check the last one or take a taxi back. More on local dishes in our Turkish food guide.

Getting there and around

From Antalya Airport it is about 55 minutes by car: around Antalya, then along the D400 coast road with its bends and tunnels after Beldibi. Typical taxi, private car and shuttle prices are on the Antalya Airport to Göynük page; for all destinations see Antalya Airport transfers.

Dolmuş minibuses run along the main road between Antalya, Beldibi, Göynük, Kemer and Tekirova, so you do not need a car for the coast itself. A hire car is useful for Phaselis, the cable car and Olympos. Deciding between areas? Read Belek or Kemer or Side or Kemer.

When to go

The beach season runs from May to October; July and August are hot and the resorts are full. May, June, September and October bring warm sea water with fewer people and are the best months for the canyon and mountain walks. In winter most big resorts close. See weather by month and the holiday budget calculator.