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.

The ancient city harbour of Phaselis near Kemer
Photo: Dosseman, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
KemerAlanya
Transfer from Antalya Airport1 h · 55 km2 h 10 min · 125 km
4★ all-inclusive resort, high season, per night€160–250€140–220
SceneryTaurus mountains straight down to the sea, pine forestCastle rock and city, mountains behind
BeachesPebble and shingle, very clear waterCleopatra Beach: fine sand; pebble-and-sand east of the centre
NightlifeBars around Kemer marina; quiet elsewhereLively: harbour bars, clubs, boat parties
Nature and hikingExcellent: Lycian Way, Göynük Canyon, Tahtalı cable carDim river and cave, Sapadere canyon inland
SightseeingPhaselis, Olympos, Antalya cityCastle, Red Tower, shipyard, Damlataş cave
WinterMost resorts closeWarm 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

→ Kemer travel guide

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

→ Alanya travel guide

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.