Lara & Kundu: Antalya's beach on the airport's doorstep
Lara and Kundu are the eastern beach districts of Antalya, 20 to 25 minutes from the airport. You get a long sandy beach and big all-inclusive resorts, with the city, its old town and museums only half an hour away. It is the best choice for short breaks and for anyone who hates long transfers.
Lara or Kundu?
The two run into each other along the same beach. Lara is the older district near the city, Kundu the strip of large resorts further east.
| Area | Character | Beach | Best for | From AYT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lara | Residential district on the cliffs with mid-size hotels, cafés and the Lower Düden waterfall; feels like part of the city | Sandy Lara beach, partly public with paid sunbeds | City plus beach, couples, short breaks | 20 min |
| Kundu (west) | The start of the resort strip, close to Lara's restaurants and shops | Long sandy beach in front of each resort | All-inclusive with easy trips into the city | 25 min |
| Kundu (east, towards Aksu) | The largest resorts, many with themed architecture, quieter surroundings | Long sandy beach, fewer outside visitors | Families who stay on site | 25 min |
Times are daytime drives from Antalya Airport. Click a time for the transfer guide.
Things to do
Lara beach
A wide sandy beach of several kilometres with shallow, warm water, one of the few true sand beaches close to Antalya. The resorts have their own sections; the public stretch near Lara has beach clubs and paid sunbeds.
Lower Düden waterfall
At the western end of Lara, the Düden river drops 40 m off the cliffs straight into the sea. The park above it is free; the best view is from the sea on a boat trip from Antalya harbour, which passes right in front of the falls.
Antalya city
Kaleiçi, the old town, the harbour and the archaeological museum are 20 to 30 minutes away by taxi or city bus. See our Antalya guide for the city.
Perge and Aspendos
Perge, a whole Roman city, is only 15 minutes from Kundu; Aspendos with its intact theatre about 35 minutes. Both make easy half-day trips; more in our day trips guide.
Getting there and around
Lara is the shortest transfer from Antalya Airport, about 20 minutes; Kundu about 25. A taxi from the rank costs roughly the same as a pre-booked car; see the Lara and Kundu transfer guides. City buses run along the coast road into Antalya, and taxis wait outside every resort.
When to go
The sea is warm from late May to the end of October. Because Lara is part of the city, it also works in winter, when Antalya's restaurants, museums and old town stay open. Month-by-month figures are in our weather guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lara a good place to stay in Antalya?
Yes, if you want a sandy beach and a short airport transfer with the city close by. If you want quiet nature or golf, Belek or Kemer suit you better.
Is Kundu the same as Lara?
They are neighbours on the same beach. Hotels in Kundu are often marketed as Lara-Kundu; Kundu is the eastern strip of large resorts.
How far is Lara from Antalya city centre?
About 12 km to Kaleiçi, 20 to 30 minutes by taxi or bus depending on traffic.
Is Lara beach sandy?
Yes, Lara and Kundu have one of the longest sandy beaches near Antalya, with shallow water that suits children.