Whether you know a lot or a little about Antalya, you’re sure to have heard that the city is home to some of the best beaches in Turkey. Located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, there are plenty of stunning spots to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and have a refreshing dip.
Most of the beaches boast plush, sandy shores and crystal-clear waters – a few beaches in the region are pebbly, but that really shouldn’t put you off.
Antalya covers roughly 1,400 square kilometers, and because of the city’s prime location in the so-called “Turkish Riviera,” there are plenty of beaches to choose from during your stay.
Not only are there several choices, but they also differ from each other quite a lot – whether we’re considering sand versus a pebble beach, free versus paid, big versus small, or whatever else may be important to you. So, one thing’s for sure – there really is a perfect beach for everybody in Antalya!
So, let’s dive right into our list of the best beaches in Antalya!
As we mentioned earlier, when it comes to Antalya beaches, you really do have a lot of choices. And it all depends on you – what kind of traveler you are and what you look for in the ideal beach.
For some people, there may be several specific things they need to tick off a list, while for others, it could just be about which beach is closest. Either way, with so many different options, you’re sure to find a beach (most likely many beaches) that you’ll love.
Here are the 18 best beaches in Antalya!
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Family-Friendly Beaches In Antalya
1. Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaalti Beach, Antalya, is easily one of the most popular beaches in all of Antalya if not one of the best beaches in Turkey. Honestly, it’s not difficult to see why – it has everything going for it. All you need is to see a photograph of it, and I guarantee you’ll already be on your way out the door!
One of the main features of Konyaalti Beach is that it’s super long – eight miles long, to be precise – and it’s located on the western side of the city.
In addition to being a fantastic beach, it’s super popular because of its convenient location – it’s about two miles from the Old Town district (a very popular place for tourists to stay), and it’s a pleasant walk from there to the beach. Or, you can hop on the tram from the Old Town (or elsewhere in the city) and head there directly. Alternatively, there are always taxis around if you want to get there quickly.
When you reach Konyaaltı, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the view from above before you make your way down to the beach, which, as you’ll be able to tell from the pictures, is absolutely mesmerizing, with views of the Taurus Mountains and the vast Mediterranean Ocean looming in the background.
Konyaalti Beach is famous for its pristine, blue waters and mostly pebbly beach. However, don’t let that put you off. When I visited, I was told that the beach was mostly “fine pebbles,” but actually, much of the beach is just coarse sand, which is still comfortable.
The beach has a long boardwalk that’s perfect if you want to go for a run or a walk or if you want to hop on a bicycle or hire a scooter! The beach park has loads of open green space, ideal for a picnic, and there are plenty of restaurants, beach bars, and shops along the beachfront.
If you’re one for adrenaline-pumping activities, this is a great beach to get involved in some water sports, including things like stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, and speed boat riding, making it one of the best Antalya beaches.
2. Incekum Beach
Incekum Beach is located near Alanya, just over 100 kilometers away, and there are several resorts and hotel complexes nearby, making it a great place to go for a swim if you’re staying nearby. It’s a small, quiet beach, and the sand is soft, and the water is beautifully blue.
3. Lara Beach
Lara Beach is the top recommended beach in Antalya, probably more so than Konyaalti, but it’s a bit further away from the Old Town, so getting there is a little less convenient. It’s about 26 kilometers if you drive, but you could, technically, walk there via a more direct route over about 16 kilometers – but that’s a long walk!
The beach is lined with several luxury hotels, and the Lara area (“Lara” translates to “sand” in Luwein) is a super popular holiday destination – it really is the place to go for the best beach resorts in Antalya. The beach is about 15 kilometers long – but only two kilometers are public; various inclusive hotels privately own the rest.
The public section of the beach can get pretty crowded in the summertime, but entry is free, and you have access to showers, changing rooms, restrooms, sun beds, and umbrellas. The beach is known for its lovely soft sand and crystal-clear water.
There are also plenty of watersports to keep you busy – waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, paragliding, and banana boat or paddle boat rides (and more!). If you have kids, there are several playgrounds, and there are also several restaurants and bars for dinner and some vibrant nightlife.
4. Evrenseki Beach
About 60 kilometers along the Antalya coast from Kaleici, Evrenseki Beach is a family and dog-friendly beach near the town of Berek. It stretches for several kilometers, and there are lifeguards on duty during busy periods.
Part of the beach offers free access, while other sections make up the popular Evrekseki hotel complex. If you opt for the latter, you’ll have to pay for entrance, but you’ll have access to really nice toilets, showers, loungers, and more – overall, the experience is more of a luxurious one if that’s what you’re looking for!
There are also a few different bars and restaurants nearby, both inside the hotel complex as well as in and around the public section.
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Historical And Cultural Beaches In Antalya
5. Patara Beach
Patara Beach isn’t just another stop on the tourist trail; it’s a real gem on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, especially if you’re into nature and history. This beach stretches for a whopping 18 kilometers – yeah, that’s huge – and is backed by some pretty impressive ancient ruins, giving you a mix of sunbathing and time travel all in one go. But here’s the coolest part: Patara is also a key nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.
These guys are pretty special and, sadly, endangered. So, while you’re there, you might spot some marked-off nesting areas on the sand – that’s to protect the turtle eggs.
Visiting Patara isn’t just a chance to get a tan; it’s an opportunity to see conservation in action. The best time to visit is between May and October if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of these marine visitors. Just remember, these loggerhead turtles need their space, so it’s all about watching from a distance – no touching or disturbing the nests. Aside from turtle spotting, Patara offers a pretty laid-back vibe, with a few low-key cafes and plenty of space to unwind. It’s not overrun with resorts, which is a plus if you’re after some peace and quiet.
6. Phaselis Beach
About 40 kilometers from the center of Antalya, Phaselis Beach is a picturesque coastal location boasting gorgeous views and plenty of greenery, providing much-needed shade on hot summer days. It’s about eight kilometers from the center of Kemer, and the beach has black sand and pebbles.
While Phaselis Beach does tend to get a bit busier during peak season, it’s not one of the most crowded beaches in the area. Note, however, that it’s located in nature, so to speak, so there aren’t any toilets around. It’s a great, quiet place to relax and enjoy some time outdoors – and the entrance is free!
7. Olympos Beach
Olympos Beach, not to be confused with the city of Olympos further to the west, is about 80 kilometers from Antalya, near Cirali Beach. It’s an excellent beach for nature lovers, surrounded by lush vegetation – in fact, for this reason, it’s often compared to the many beautiful and scenic beaches in Thailand.
Lycian Olympos Beach (“Lycian” refers to the Lycian coast in Antalya) is an excellent option for those looking for a quiet and relaxed beach day away from crowds, resorts, and nightlife.
Scenic and Natural Beaches In Antalya
8. Mermerli Beach
Mermerli Beach is the easiest beach to access from the Antalya Old Town (Kaleici), so if you’re looking for a convenient spot to have a swim and hang out in the sun, this is probably the best beach in Antalya to do just that without having to travel far.
The only catch is that you have to pay for entrance – however, I felt like it was totally worth it to be able to go for a swim somewhere near the Old Town, have access to loungers and umbrellas, and be able to leave my things safely while I swam.
One of the nice things about paid beaches is that the number of people on the beach is limited, and it keeps out the riff-raff (so to speak)! Although it does still get pretty busy. It costs about 140 Lira per person, and if you want to rent a towel, you can pay another 50 Lira.
The entrance to the beach is via Mermerli Restaurant, and you can order food and drinks from the beach – they have staff wandering around.
The beach itself is pretty small, but there are loungers all around the beach and some on the rocks above. Get there early if you want a more private spot or if you’re looking for several loungers together! Mermerli Beach is about a kilometer from Hadrian’s Gate – a 10-minute walk through the bustling alleyways.
9. Adrasan Beach
Adrasan is a beautiful, pebbled beach with pristine, sparkling blue water. The beach is lined with loads of loungers and umbrellas, and it’s an ideal beach for families with kids. With views of the mountains all around, it’s a stunning spot that really gives you a remote Mediterranean feel. It’s located near Beykonak, about 90 kilometers from the center of Antalya.
10. Cleopatra Beach
Right next to Damlataş Beach in Alanya (about a kilometer from the center of the city), Cleopatra Beach is renowned for its beauty – the water is crystal-clear, and the sand is wonderfully soft.
It boasts Blue Flag status and was named after the Egyptian princess Cleopatra, who is said to have bathed here – so if you’re looking for beaches in Antalya with a historical edge, Cleopatra Beach is a great option. Entrance to the beach is free – as well as access to restrooms, changing rooms, and showers – and you can hire umbrellas and sun loungers for a small fee.
If you want to keep busy, you can do some parasailing, kite surfing, parasailing, surfing, scuba diving, and sailing. It’s also an excellent spot for some beach volleyball, and about 100 meters from the beach is a popular promenade with lots of busy bars and restaurants.
11. Crystal Beach
If you’re interested in a beach resort type of atmosphere, Crystal Beach, Antalya, is a great option, only 25 kilometers from the city center. Crystal Beach Resort is the main establishment, and you’ll obviously need to pay to access the area and use their facilities, but it’s totally worth it if you want to spend the whole day there.
The beach is pristine, and you’ll have access to not only the beach (with sun loungers and umbrellas) but restaurants, bars, and the swimming pools, too, with slides and other fun activities for the kids. Crystal Beach is the perfect place to relax and spend the day with your family.
12. Cirali Beach
If you’re looking for a quiet beach with gorgeous natural scenery all around, Cirali Beach is a great option. About an hour and a half from the center of Antalya, Cirali is surrounded by mountains and plenty of greenery.
It’s part sand, part pebbles, and it’s situated in a peaceful spot away from the business of the all-inclusive resorts. There are still some restaurants and bars there, though, so you can enjoy a relaxed day on the beach and still grab a bite and a drink.
13. Suluada Beach
Suluada Beach is actually a small island about two kilometers off the coast of Adrasan, but all there really is to it is the beach – but it’s not just an average beach. Suluada Beach is 1.2 kilometers of soft sand and clear turquoise waters. In fact, the water is so blue that it’s regularly referred to as the Maldives of Turkey – unsurprisingly, it’s often referred to as the most Instagrammable Antalya Beach.
Adrasan is about 90 kilometers from Antalya, and to get to the beach, you’ll have to hop on a boat tour, but it’s totally worth it. Because it’s challenging to get to, the beach is pretty relaxed and isn’t surrounded by restaurants and resorts. It’s a great place to spend the day relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling.
Spending the day at Suluada Beach was probably one of the highlights of my time in Antalya because it was just so beautiful and peaceful – but make sure you take your own water and snacks because you can’t buy anything there!
Trendy and Popular Beaches In Antalya
14. Damlataş Beach
Damlatas Beach is a fair way away from the city of Antalya. However, it is still very much within the Antalya region – it’s about 120 kilometers from Keleici (Antalya city’s Old Town), located within Alanya, just over a kilometer from Alanya’s center. It’s not convenient for a quick beach visit, but it’s totally doable as a day trip from Antalya – unless you’re staying in Alanya.
It’s a beautiful big beach boasting turquoise water and soft, bright sand. Access to the beach is free, and you’ll have access to restrooms, changing rooms, umbrellas, and sun loungers.
15. Kemer Moonlight Beach
Kemer Beach is known for its gorgeous views and location within nature – unlike many other beaches in Antalya, it’s not surrounded by plenty of hotels and busy restaurants and bars.
Instead, it’s surrounded by scenic hills and mountains, and for this reason, it’s easily the most popular beach in all of Kemer. Some people even argue that it’s the most beautiful beach in Antalya! It’s about 40 meters long and 20 meters wide, and it boasts golden sand and pristine blue water.
16. Zuga Beach
If you’re looking for something a little quieter than the likes of Konyaalti and Lara, Zuga Beach is the one for you – it’s just a half-hour bus ride away!
It’s a lovely sandy beach with beautiful blue water – one of the best sandy beaches in Antalya – and it’s the perfect beach for swimming safely in the calm waters. There are plenty of beach clubs in the area, and loungers, umbrellas, and towels are for hire if you need them.
Unique and Specialized Beaches In Antalya
17. Side Beach
Side Beach, Antalya, has become known as a popular seaside resort area in the area, although it’s about 70 kilometers away from the city. It’s a great beach for both sunbathing and swimming, and you can easily hire loungers and umbrellas from one of the many establishments on the beach.
It’s also located in an interesting area, as it was once an ancient Greek settlement – thus, there are fascinating ancient ruins within walking distance of the beach.
18. Sarısu Kadınlar Plajı
If you’re looking for lovely beaches in Antalya, Sarısu Kadınlaris about 12 kilometers away from the city center. The beach is covered in fine pebbles, but don’t let that put you off – it’s still pretty comfortable to walk and lie on them, but perhaps if you plan on doing lots of walking, it may be a good idea to pack some shoes.
The beach is pretty long, with resorts in some areas, while other areas are a little quieter, so you can decide what kind of atmosphere you’re in the mood for. A few bonuses of using the resort’s beach areas include the fact that there are bars and restaurants inside, and you’ll have access to umbrellas and plenty of sun loungers.
Overall, it’s a pretty calm and quiet beach, making it a great option if you don’t want too much noise or too many people.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Beaches In Antalya
Are There Any Private Beaches in Antalya?
Yes, there are many private beaches in Antalya, many of which are connected to beach resorts or restaurants – or both. Some beaches are partially private and partially public, so you can decide where you want to be. Usually, you’ll need to pay an entry fee to the resort, and that’ll give you access to loungers, umbrellas, and more. You’ll also be able to order food and drinks.
A few of the best private beaches in Antalya include Lara Beach, Mermerli Beach, Evrenseki Beach, and Crystal Beach.
Which Antalya Beaches are Family-Friendly?
There aren’t really many beaches that are inappropriate for children or families (other than, perhaps, the pebbly beaches), but there certainly are a few that are particularly suitable for little ones. Some beaches have playgrounds or resort-like facilities (with slides, pools, and other fun things, like Crystal Beach).
Meanwhile, other beaches are just convenient for parents because there are shops and restaurants around if you need snacks or anything else during the day.
Our top recommended family beaches are Konyaalti – because it has changing rooms, bathrooms, play areas for kids, large grassy areas, and more – as well as Evrenseki because it’s relaxed, there are lifeguards on duty, and it’s dog friendly too.
Cleopatra and Lara are also both great options because there are lots of establishments around and many watersport activities if you want to keep the kids busy. Best of all, these beaches are all lovely and sandy.
Where Can I Find Beach Resorts in Antalya?
Antalya is full of beach resorts – in fact, it’s more difficult to find beaches without beach resorts. A few of the best beach resorts in Antalya include Crystal Beach Resort, the Concorde Deluxe Resort (Lara Beach), Megasaray Westbeach Antalya (Konyaalti Beach), Swandor Hotels and Resorts (Lara Beach), and Land of LegendsKingdom (Belek).
How do you reach beaches from Antalya City Center?
It all depends on where you’re going, but generally speaking, the bus system in Antalya is pretty efficient and reliable, and you can get to most places by bus – especially if you’re leaving from the city center or Old Town. Otherwise, if you’re traveling to nearby beaches, like Konyaalti, you can use the city tram. Alternatively, you can always use taxis, but they’ll be way more expensive.
Which Antalya Beach is Best for Swimming?
All of Antalya’s beaches are pretty great for swimming, but the top options would be Lara, Konyaalti, Damlatas, Kleopatra, Phaselis, or Evrenseki. Some of these options, like Evrenseki, have lifeguards on duty during the Antalya summer.
Where are the Sandy Beaches in Antalya?
Many of Antalya’s beaches are sandy, and they’re dotted all along the coast rather than being restricted to one area. But if you’re looking for the beaches with the best – soft, pristine – sand, you should visit Lara, Cleopatra, Damlatus, or Kemer Moonlight Beach.
What Water Sports are Available on Antalya Beaches?
It depends on which beaches you go to, but a few watersports on Antalya beaches include stand-up paddleboarding, speed boat racing, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paragliding, banana boat riding, and more!
Can I Rent a Sunbed and Umbrella on the Beaches in Antalya?
Most beaches in Antalya have loungers and umbrellas for hire, and some even have them there for you to use for free. Or, if you are at a resort or a restaurant’s private beach, umbrellas and loungers may be included in the deal.
If you specifically need these things, though, check out the specific descriptions above – we’ve specified which beaches don’t offer umbrellas and loungers.
Which Beaches in Antalya Have Vibrant Nightlife?
Most of the beaches that have resorts will offer at least some kind of nightlife, but the best Antalya beaches for nightlife are probably Lara and Konyaalti.
Are There Any Quiet and Secluded Beaches in Antalya?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a beach that’s not full of resorts and crowds, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are several beaches in the area that boast pretty nature and lovely scenic views. A few of these include Olympos, Phaselis, and Kemer Moonlight Beach. Or, if you really want a quiet and secluded beach, make sure you visit Suluada Beach – it’s literally on an island that you can only reach by boat!
Which Antalya Beach is Famous for its Sunset Views?
The best beaches in Antalya for watching the sunset are Adrasan Beach, Kemer Moonlight Beach, Phaselis, Olympos, and Lara.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Antalya for a Beach Holiday?
For most people traveling to Antalya, summer tends to be their season of choice, but you’re actually better off visiting in the shoulder seasons – it’s slightly cooler, less busy, and a bit cheaper. So, my advice is to go from April to June or September to October.
Exploring Antalya’s beaches reveals why this region is a paradise for beach enthusiasts. With many shores proudly flaunting the Blue Flag status, they promise not only stunning beauty but also a commitment to environmental excellence.
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Damlataş Cave beach, where golden sands meet the mesmerizing allure of the nearby geological marvel. Whether you’re in search of the lively atmosphere of popular spots or the tranquil retreats of secluded white sand beaches, Antalya has it all.
Each beach location offers its own unique appeal, making it clear why this area is a favored destination for those who love the sun, sand, and sea. The golden sands underfoot and the inviting Mediterranean waters make Antalya’s beaches some of the most enchanting places to connect with nature.