Best Beaches in Antalya: From City Shores to Secluded Bays
Antalya's coastline stretches from urban pebble beaches backed by the Taurus Mountains to remote sandy coves tucked between ancient ruins. This guide covers the best beaches in and around Antalya, with honest notes on what each one actually offers.
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Antalya sits on one of the Mediterranean's most dramatic coastlines, where limestone cliffs drop into turquoise water and pine forests run almost to the shore. The beaches here range from the long pebble promenade at Konyaaltı to the golden sands lining the resort strip around Lara, with day-trip options stretching west toward Kaputaş and Çıralı. A few practical things to know before you go: Konyaaltı is pebble, not sand; Belek's sandy beaches have slightly murkier water due to their sandy seabed; and some of the most scenic spots, like Phaselis, require an archaeological site entrance fee. For a broader picture of the region, see our complete Antalya guide.
City Beaches: Swim Without Leaving Antalya
These two beaches sit within or just beyond the city limits, making them the easiest options if you're based in the center. Both have strong infrastructure, Blue Flag status, and lifeguards. For timing, the best months to visit Antalya for beaches are May through October, with July and August the busiest.
1. Swim Under the Taurus Mountains at Konyaaltı
Konyaaltı's 7km of Blue Flag pebble shore offers free public access alongside paid beach clubs, water sports, and a well-maintained promenade. The mountain backdrop is spectacular. Arrive early in summer to secure a sun lounger at the paid sections.
Explore1. Swim Under the Taurus Mountains at Konyaaltı
Konyaaltı's 7km of Blue Flag pebble shore offers free public access alongside paid beach clubs, water sports, and a well-maintained promenade. The mountain backdrop is spectacular. Arrive early in summer to secure a sun lounger at the paid sections.
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2. Go Sandy at Lara, Antalya's Resort Beach
Lara is where you find actual golden sand, calm shallow water, and a string of upscale all-inclusive resorts. It holds Blue Flag certification and suits families. The public section is accessible, but much of the best frontage belongs to hotel guests.
Explore2. Go Sandy at Lara, Antalya's Resort Beach
Lara is where you find actual golden sand, calm shallow water, and a string of upscale all-inclusive resorts. It holds Blue Flag certification and suits families. The public section is accessible, but much of the best frontage belongs to hotel guests.
ExploreDay Trips West: Scenic and Secluded Beaches
The coastline west of Antalya, heading toward Kemer and beyond, delivers some of Turkey's most photogenic beaches. These require a car or a day tour to reach, but the effort is worth it. Check our day trips from Antalya guide for logistics on reaching each one.
3. Discover Secluded Bays by Boat from the Marina
Boat tours from Antalya Marina reach coves and sea caves inaccessible by road, with swimming stops in clear water away from crowded beaches. Full-day trips typically include lunch on board. Best for those without a car wanting to explore beyond city beaches.
Explore3. Discover Secluded Bays by Boat from the Marina
Boat tours from Antalya Marina reach coves and sea caves inaccessible by road, with swimming stops in clear water away from crowded beaches. Full-day trips typically include lunch on board. Best for those without a car wanting to explore beyond city beaches.
Explore💡 Local tip
Phaselis, located about 65km southwest of Antalya near Kemer, offers three distinct bays surrounded by ancient ruins. Entry is through the archaeological site (paid ticket required), and facilities are basic, but the setting is extraordinary. Wear water shoes on the pebbly sections.
ℹ️ Good to know
Çıralı Beach, about 85km southwest of Antalya, sits inside a national park and is a protected loggerhead turtle nesting site. The beach stays calm and relatively uncrowded thanks to strict development limits. Access restrictions apply at night from May through October during nesting season.
ℹ️ Good to know
Kaputaş Beach, roughly 195km southwest of Antalya between Kaş and Kalkan, is a small, steep-sided cove of bright turquoise water reached by a staircase down from the road. It gets packed in July and August. Come before 9am or after 5pm for elbow room.
Beaches East of Antalya
East of the city, the coast flattens into longer sandy stretches around Belek and Side. If you're staying at an all-inclusive in this direction, see our Antalya all-inclusive resort guide for the best properties by beach quality.
ℹ️ Good to know
Belek's beaches are sandy and private, mostly fronting large resort hotels. The water is calm but can appear slightly cloudy due to the sandy seabed. Good for families who want shallow, gentle swimming. Public access is limited compared to Konyaaltı or Lara.
ℹ️ Good to know
Side has several sandy beach stretches on either side of the peninsula, accessible to non-resort guests. The eastern beach is wider and calmer; the western side has more waves. Combine a swim with a visit to the Temple of Apollo nearby for a full day out.
ℹ️ Good to know
İncekum Beach near Alanya, roughly 105km east of Antalya city, is named for its fine golden sand and shallow entry. It's one of the longest sandy beaches in the region and worth the drive if you want soft sand without the resort price tag of Lara.
Near the Beaches: Worth Adding to Your Day
Several of Antalya's most interesting sights sit close enough to the coast to combine easily with a beach day. The Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls are both near Lara and Konyaaltı respectively, and work well as a morning stop before hitting the sand.
4. See a Waterfall Drop into the Sea Near Lara
The Lower Düden Waterfalls fall 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean, visible from the clifftop park or from a boat tour. It's 10 minutes from Lara Beach and takes under an hour to visit. The clifftop viewpoint is free; the boat perspective is better.
Explore4. See a Waterfall Drop into the Sea Near Lara
The Lower Düden Waterfalls fall 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean, visible from the clifftop park or from a boat tour. It's 10 minutes from Lara Beach and takes under an hour to visit. The clifftop viewpoint is free; the boat perspective is better.
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5. Take Kids to the Sand Sculpture Museum Near Lara
This open-air museum near Lara Beach displays large-scale sand sculptures by international artists, with a new theme each season. It's an easy 20-30 minute add-on to a Lara beach day, especially suitable for families with younger children who need a break from the sun.
Explore5. Take Kids to the Sand Sculpture Museum Near Lara
This open-air museum near Lara Beach displays large-scale sand sculptures by international artists, with a new theme each season. It's an easy 20-30 minute add-on to a Lara beach day, especially suitable for families with younger children who need a break from the sun.
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6. Ride the Cable Car Above Konyaaltı for the Full Coastal View
The Tünektepe Cable Car normally rises from the Sarısu side of Konyaaltı to 618 meters, delivering panoramic views of the beach, the city, and the Taurus Mountains. It is currently closed, so verify reopening before planning around it. If it remains closed, the Konyaaltı promenade and Sarısu coast still give strong sunset views after a beach day.
Explore6. Ride the Cable Car Above Konyaaltı for the Full Coastal View
The Tünektepe Cable Car normally rises from the Sarısu side of Konyaaltı to 618 meters, delivering panoramic views of the beach, the city, and the Taurus Mountains. It is currently closed, so verify reopening before planning around it. If it remains closed, the Konyaaltı promenade and Sarısu coast still give strong sunset views after a beach day.
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7. Escape the Midday Heat at Konyaaltı's Aquarium
Antalya Aquarium is directly behind Konyaaltı Beach, making it an ideal midday escape when the sun is strongest. The world's longest underwater tunnel and themed zones keep kids engaged for 2-3 hours. Buy tickets online to skip queues in summer.
Explore7. Escape the Midday Heat at Konyaaltı's Aquarium
Antalya Aquarium is directly behind Konyaaltı Beach, making it an ideal midday escape when the sun is strongest. The world's longest underwater tunnel and themed zones keep kids engaged for 2-3 hours. Buy tickets online to skip queues in summer.
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8. Start or End Your Beach Day at Antalya Marina
The historic Roman harbor at the base of Kaleiçi's cliffs is where most boat tours to coastal bays depart. It's also a pleasant spot for a seafood lunch with sea views before or after a swim. Evening here is particularly atmospheric as the cliffs catch the last light.
Explore8. Start or End Your Beach Day at Antalya Marina
The historic Roman harbor at the base of Kaleiçi's cliffs is where most boat tours to coastal bays depart. It's also a pleasant spot for a seafood lunch with sea views before or after a swim. Evening here is particularly atmospheric as the cliffs catch the last light.
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9. Combine a Forest Walk with a Beach Day Near the City
Kurşunlu Waterfall sits 19km from Antalya in a shaded nature park with walking trails and picnic spots. It's a cooler alternative to midday beach time and pairs well with a morning swim at Konyaaltı. Less crowded than Düden and genuinely peaceful on weekdays.
Explore9. Combine a Forest Walk with a Beach Day Near the City
Kurşunlu Waterfall sits 19km from Antalya in a shaded nature park with walking trails and picnic spots. It's a cooler alternative to midday beach time and pairs well with a morning swim at Konyaaltı. Less crowded than Düden and genuinely peaceful on weekdays.
ExploreFar-Flung Beaches Worth the Journey
ℹ️ Good to know
Patara Beach, around 235km southwest of Antalya near Kaş, is one of Turkey's longest beaches at 18km. It's a critical loggerhead turtle nesting site with restrictions from May to October. The access road passes through the ruins of ancient Patara. Come early: there's an entry fee and it fills up.
10. Pair an Ancient Temple with a Beach in Side
Side's Temple of Apollo stands at the tip of a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides. Walk from the temple directly to the sandy eastern beach in under 5 minutes. It makes Side one of the few places in the world where you can pair a Roman ruin visit with a proper swim.
Explore10. Pair an Ancient Temple with a Beach in Side
Side's Temple of Apollo stands at the tip of a peninsula surrounded by sea on three sides. Walk from the temple directly to the sandy eastern beach in under 5 minutes. It makes Side one of the few places in the world where you can pair a Roman ruin visit with a proper swim.
ExploreFAQ
Are Antalya's beaches sandy or pebbly?
It depends on the beach. Konyaaltı, the main city beach, is pebbly. Lara Beach east of the city has golden sand. Beaches further west near Kemer and Phaselis are mixed, while Belek and Side have sandy shores. Bring water shoes if you're sensitive to pebbles.
Which beach in Antalya is best for families with kids?
Lara Beach is the most family-friendly option, with shallow calm water, sand, and direct access from large resort hotels. Konyaaltı also works well and has the bonus of the Antalya Aquarium right behind it for a midday break.
Can I access Antalya's beaches without staying at a resort?
Yes. Konyaaltı has long free public sections with showers and basic facilities. Lara has a public section too, though the prime spots are reserved for hotel guests. Phaselis and Patara require entry fees as they sit within archaeological or natural park zones.
When is the best time to visit Antalya beaches?
The sea is warm from May through October. July and August are peak season with crowded beaches and temperatures above 35°C. June and September offer a good balance of warm water, manageable crowds, and lower prices.
How do I get to beaches outside Antalya city center?
Konyaaltı and Lara are reachable by municipal bus or taxi from the center. For beaches further afield like Phaselis, Çıralı, or Kaputaş, you need a rental car or a day tour. Boat tours from Antalya Marina are also a practical option for reaching coves along the western coast.