14 Best Beaches in Antalya: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide (2026)

Antalya is much more than a budget package holiday destination. It is the undisputed crown jewel of the Turkish Riviera. But here is the catch that most travel agents won’t tell you: not all beaches are created equal.

The coastline of Antalya stretches for hundreds of kilometers. Are you looking for the soft, golden sand you see on postcards? You will find that in completely different locations than the famous, glass clear water, which is almost always accompanied by pebble beaches. A mistake in choosing your hotel or location can mean commuting hours every day just to find “your” type of beach.

In this guide, we take off the rose colored glasses. We are ranking the 14 best beaches in the regionfrom the city center to the wild bays of the west and the sandy shores of the eastso you know exactly where to lay your towel.

The Great Divide: Sand vs. Pebbles

Before we begin, you need to understand the geography to plan your trip effectively:

• The West (Kemer, Kaş, Konyaaltı): Mostly pebbles. The advantage? The water is incredibly clear and glows turquoise because no sand is stirred up. Practitioner Tip: Sea shoes are mandatory here! If you didn’t pack any, you’ll want sturdy footwear. Check our guide on Buying Ecco Shoes in Turkey if you need to upgrade your walking gear for these rocky shores.
• The East (Lara, Belek, Side, Alanya): Here you will find the classic, soft sandy beach. Ideal for children, but the water can be a bit murkier on windy days due to the shifting sand.

Many of the beaches listed here carry the coveted Blue Flag, an international seal of quality for water cleanliness and environmental protection.

The City Beaches: Right in Antalya

Konyaaltı Beach

Konyaaltı Beach is the heartbeat of the city. It stretches for kilometers to the west, offering a spectacular backdrop with the Beydağları mountains towering behind it. This is not a pure sand beach, but rather fine pebbles. The water gets deep very quickly here, making it ideal for swimmers, but parents should keep a close eye on small children.

Why go here? The promenade is world-class. Cafés, e scooter paths, basketball courts, and parks line the beach. It is the perfect place for an active beach day with an urban flair.

Lara Beach

Lara is the exact opposite of Konyaaltı: pure, dark sand and wide shores. It is located in the east of the city, near the airport and the large themed hotels (often called the “Las Vegas of Turkey”).

Insider Tip: Because Lara is a sandy beach, it is extremely popular with families. If you are looking for peace and quiet, avoid the public areas on weekends, as many locals picnic here. However, if you want to experience real Turkish culture, grab some fresh bread and traditional Turkish cheese and join the crowd for a sunset feast.

Mermerli Beach

This is the most historic bathing spot in the city. Mermerli is hidden directly below the old city walls of Kaleiçi (Old Town). Access is through the restaurant of the same name and there is an entrance fee (the price usually includes a sunbed and umbrella).

The Reality Check: The “beach” is tiny, consisting of narrow terraces and a small strip of sand. But the experience of swimming in crystal clear water in the shadow of Roman walls is unique. Perfect for cooling off after shopping in the Old Town.

Örnekköy Beach

Örnekköy is also located in the Lara region but is less overrun by tourists than the main Lara beach. It is a quieter bay with a mix of sand and gravel, appreciated primarily by locals who want to escape the crowds.

The Wild West: Kemer, Çıralı & Co.

Olympos Beach & Çıralı Beach

These two beaches actually share the same bay, separated only by a river and the ancient ruins of Olympos. It is one of the few places on the Turkish Riviera that has been spared from mass tourism and large concrete hotels, as it is a protected area and nesting ground for Caretta sea turtles.

The Vibe: Olympos is a backpacker’s paradise with treehouses. Çıralı is the upscale, quieter side with small pensions and yoga retreats. The water is crystal clear, and the beach consists of pebbles.

Phaselis Beach

Swimming amidst history: Phaselis is an ancient harbor city. You pay an entrance fee (or use a Museum Pass) to enter the grounds. In return, you get access to three different bays (North, South, and Central Harbor), surrounded by pine forests that reach right down to the water. The water here is very shallow and extremely calmideal for families with toddlers.

Adrasan Bay

Adrasan lies a bit further west and is known for its horseshoe shape, which protects the bay from wind and waves. It is a relaxed place, far away from the hustle and bustle of all-inclusive resorts. Many boat tours start from here, and it is a hotspot for nature lovers. The water is shallow, and the ground is a sandy pebble mix.

Pirate Bay (Korsan Koyu)

The “Pirate Bay” near Karaöz (close to Adrasan) is a small, sheltered cove with incredibly turquoise water. Formerly a secret tip for wild camping, it is now often regulated, so check local regulations before pitching your tent. It is a fantastic place for snorkeling, but bring your own foodthere is hardly any infrastructure here.

Maden Bay (Atbükü)

A true adventure tip. “Maden” means mine, named after an old chrome mine nearby. This bay is one of the most remote places on this list. It is only accessible via a very rough gravel road (4×4 recommended), by boat, or for hikers on the Lycian Way. The reward? Absolute silence, pure nature, and crystal clear water. Perfect for those who want to swap civilization for tranquility.

Warning: The road to Maden Bay is punishing on standard vehicles. Turkish traffic and mountain roads can be a combat sport. Before you risk a rental car here, make sure you understand the rules and risks by reading our guide to Car Insurance in Turkey.

Kemer Beach

Kemer itself offers urban pebble beaches with excellent infrastructure. The beaches are clean, and the water is deep and clear. Kemer is ideal if you want to lie on the beach during the day and visit clubs, bars, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity in the evening.

The East: Alanya & Side

Note: These beaches are in the Antalya province but are about a 1 to 2-hour drive from Antalya city center.

Kleopatra Beach & Damlataş Beach

Kleopatra Beach in Alanya is arguably one of the most famous in Turkey. Legend has it that the Egyptian queen herself swam here. The sand is slightly coarser (so it doesn’t stick to your body as much), and the water gets deep quickly.

Damlataş Beach is essentially the eastern section of Kleopatra Beach, right in front of the famous dripping stone cave. A highlight here: thrill seekers can paraglide from the castle hill and land directly on the beach.

Evrenseki Beach

Located in the Side region, Evrenseki is a prime example of a family-friendly beach. Fine sand, very shallow water, and a newly designed promenade make it a favorite for travelers with children or seniors. There are no slippery stones here, just endless sand.

Swimming Season: When is the Best Time?

The season in Antalya is long. Hardcore swimmers take the plunge from May to November. The peak season (July/August) guarantees water temperatures around 28-30 degrees Celsius, but it can get extremely hot (air temperature often over 40 degrees). Our recommendation: September and October. The sea is still warmed up from the summer, but the air is more pleasant, and the beaches are less crowded.

Our Top Hotel Recommendations Near the Beach

Sealife Lounge Hotel

This hotel in Konyaaltı follows a specific concept: it is often positioned as “Adults Only” or for those seeking peace and quiet. It is not located in the first row, but about a 5-minute walk from Konyaaltı Beach, making it significantly quieter than the hotels on the main road. Stylish, modern, and perfect for couples.

Holiday Inn Antalya Lara

The Holiday Inn in Lara offers an interesting compromise. It is not directly on the beach but often provides a free shuttle service to the sandy Lara Beach (approx. 15 minutes by foot). The advantage: You are closer to the city and shopping opportunities like the TerraCity Mall and often pay less than in the huge beach resorts.

Lara Hotel

Don’t be fooled by the name: The Lara Hotel sits on the cliffs above the sea, near the spectacular Düden Waterfalls. It offers a fantastic panoramic view. For swimming, you either use the platforms on the cliffs or drive a few minutes to the main beach of Lara.

Entrance Fees & Costs

Most public beaches (Konyaaltı, Lara Public Beach) are free. You only pay if you want to rent sunbeds or umbrellas (prices vary widely, expect 100-300 TL per set depending on location and season, though inflation may push this higher in 2026). Exceptions are Beach Clubs like Mermerli or historical sites like Phaselis and Olympos, where entrance fees apply.

Map of Antalya’s Best Beaches

To help you plan your trip better, here is the location of the 14 beaches: