Kemer travel guide: where to stay and what to do
Kemer is where the Taurus mountains drop straight into the sea. West of Antalya, the coast turns into pine-covered slopes, clear pebble bays and peaks over 2,000 m high, with resorts spread along 40 km. It is the most scenic part of the Turkish Riviera and the best for hiking and boat trips.
Where to stay in Kemer
“Kemer” on a booking can mean any village from Beldibi to Tekirova. The further south, the quieter and greener it gets, and the longer the airport transfer: up to half an hour difference between Beldibi and Tekirova.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beldibi | First village after Antalya, a narrow strip between cliffs and sea; mid-size hotels | Pebble, steep in places, very clear water | Shortest transfer, couples | 50 min |
| Göynük | Resort village at the mouth of Göynük Canyon, big all-inclusive hotels | Long pebble beach | Families who also want hiking | 55 min |
| Kemer town | Marina, pedestrian streets, bars and Moonlight Park; the livelier base | Moonlight Beach: pebble and coarse sand by the marina | Evenings out, no-car holidays | 1 h |
| Kiriş & Çamyuva | Quiet hotels in pine forest south of Kemer with mountain views | Pebble and shingle coves | Peace and nature, longer stays | 1 h 10 min |
| Tekirova | Southernmost resort area, near Phaselis and the Tahtalı cable car | Pebble beaches backed by pines | Sightseeing, upmarket resorts | 1 h 20 min |
Times are typical daytime drives from Antalya Airport (AYT); weekday rush hour in Antalya can add 20–30 minutes.
Things to do in Kemer
Phaselis
An ancient Lycian port city in pine forest just north of Tekirova, with three natural harbours, a colonnaded main street, an aqueduct and a small theatre. You can swim from the old harbours between the ruins, so bring a swimsuit. It is busiest late morning when boat tours arrive.
Olympos cable car (Tahtalı)
One of the longest cable cars in Europe runs from near Tekirova to the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı mountain. From the top you see the coast from Antalya to Kemer and, on clear days, far out to sea. Go early for the clearest air.
Göynük Canyon
A short drive inland from Göynük, a path follows a river through a narrowing canyon with cold green pools. Easy walking at first; further in, you wade or swim. Canyoning tours with wetsuits go further up. Avoid it after heavy rain.
Kemer marina and Moonlight Park
The town centre wraps around the marina, with pedestrian streets, restaurants and bars. Moonlight Park next to it has lawns, shade and the town beach. Boat trips leave from the marina for swimming stops in the bays to the south.
Further afield
An hour south, Olympos and Çıralı combine ruins in a river valley with a long natural beach; at night you can walk up to the Chimaera (Yanartaş), where natural gas flames burn from the rock. The Lycian Way long-distance trail runs through the mountains above Kemer and makes good day hikes. For Aspendos, Perge and other trips see our day trips guide.
Getting there and around
From Antalya Airport the car goes around the city and along the mountain coast road with several tunnels; see the Antalya Airport to Kemer transfer guide. Dolmuş minibuses run along the coast between Antalya, Beldibi, Göynük, Kemer and Tekirova. A hire car is useful here more than anywhere else on the coast, for Phaselis, the cable car and Olympos.
When to go
The beach season runs from May to October. The mountains make Kemer feel a little fresher than Antalya in the evenings, and spring and autumn are ideal for hiking. Month-by-month figures are in our weather and sea temperature guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are Kemer beaches sandy or pebbly?
Mostly pebble and coarse shingle, which is why the water is so clear. Moonlight Beach in Kemer town has a mix of fine pebbles and coarse sand. Bring water shoes for children; if you want soft sand, Belek, Side or Lara suit you better.
Is Kemer good for families?
Yes, especially Göynük and Kemer town, which have large family resorts and calm bays. The pebble beaches and quickly deepening water in some spots need more attention with small children than the sandy beaches east of Antalya.
How far is Kemer from Antalya Airport?
About 55 km, roughly an hour, because the car has to get around Antalya first. Beldibi is closest at 45–50 minutes, Tekirova furthest at around 80 minutes. See our Antalya Airport to Kemer transfer guide.
What is the Olympos cable car?
A cable car near Tekirova that climbs from almost sea level to the 2,365 m summit of Tahtalı mountain in about ten minutes. On clear days the view covers the whole coast. It is cold at the top even in summer, so bring a layer, and it can close in high wind.
Is Kemer quieter than Alanya?
Yes. Kemer town has bars and clubs around the marina, but the area as a whole is more about scenery and resorts than nightlife. Beldibi, Kiriş, Çamyuva and Tekirova are quiet.