Kemer or Alanya: mountains or city?
Kemer and Alanya sit at opposite ends of the Antalya coast. Kemer, west of the city, is all mountains, pine forest and clear pebble bays; Alanya, far to the east, is a lively city with a sandy beach under a castle.

| Kemer | Alanya | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from Antalya Airport | 1 h · 55 km | 2 h 10 min · 125 km |
| 4★ all-inclusive resort, high season, per night | €160–250 | €140–220 |
| Scenery | Taurus mountains straight down to the sea, pine forest | Castle rock and city, mountains behind |
| Beaches | Pebble and shingle, very clear water | Cleopatra Beach: fine sand; pebble-and-sand east of the centre |
| Nightlife | Bars around Kemer marina; quiet elsewhere | Lively: harbour bars, clubs, boat parties |
| Nature and hiking | Excellent: Lycian Way, Göynük Canyon, Tahtalı cable car | Dim river and cave, Sapadere canyon inland |
| Sightseeing | Phaselis, Olympos, Antalya city | Castle, Red Tower, shipyard, Damlataş cave |
| Winter | Most resorts close | Warm and open all year |
Transfer times and prices come from the same data as our transfer guides and budget calculator; prices are typical ranges per room or villa in June–September, not quotes.
Choose Kemer if…
- You love mountains, hiking and clear water
- You want a transfer of about an hour
- You prefer quiet evenings
Choose Alanya if…
- You want a sandy beach and city life
- You are looking for the best value
- You want nightlife or a winter stay
Also consider
For sandy beaches and nature in between, look at Side.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kemer or Alanya better for a sandy beach?
Alanya. Kemer’s beaches are mostly pebble with very clear water; Alanya’s Cleopatra Beach is fine sand.
Which is closer to Antalya Airport, Kemer or Alanya?
Kemer, at about an hour. Alanya is roughly 2 hours 10 minutes away.
Is Kemer good for hiking?
Yes, it is the best base on the Antalya coast for hiking, with the Lycian Way, Göynük Canyon and the Tahtalı mountain cable car.