Located 43 km west of Antalya, at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, Kemer is a favorite destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and activity. With its clear sea, Blue Flag beaches, ancient ruins, and hiking trails, Kemer draws both local and international travelers—especially in summer.
This guide covers all the essentials for first-time visitors, including where to stay, things to do, top beaches, transportation, and the best times to visit.
📍 Where Is Kemer?
Kemer is a coastal district in southern Turkey, part of Antalya Province. It lies about 40 kilometers southwest of Antalya city center, in a unique location between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains.
Offers both beach and mountain tourism
Surrounded by popular destinations like Göynük, Beldibi, Çamyuva, Tekirova, Kiriş, Olympos, and Çıralı
Easily accessible and known for its blend of natural beauty and convenient tourism infrastructure
🏛️ A Brief History of Kemer
Kemer and its surroundings have been inhabited since antiquity, with ties to the Lycian Civilization. Ancient port cities such as Phaselis, Olympos, and Idyros once thrived here due to maritime trade.
It later came under Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule
The name “Kemer” comes from a 23-km-long stone wall built in the 1910s to protect the area from flooding
Tourism development began in the 1980s, turning Kemer into one of the most visited destinations on the Mediterranean coast
No Regrets Booking Advice
🏖️ What to Expect from a Holiday in Kemer
A Kemer holiday is more than just sea and sun. This region combines nature, history, adventure, and relaxation in a single package.
Stay in Kemer Center for easy access to beaches, shopping, and nightlife
Choose places like Tekirova, Çıralı, Olympos, or Beycik for peace, nature, and unique stays
Enjoy activities such as boat tours, nature hikes, visits to ancient cities, the Olympos Cable Car, water sports, and camping
🗺️ Kemer Holiday Villages: What Each Area Offers
Kemer Center: Heart of the region, full of hotels, shops, bars, and beach access
Göynük: Great for families and nature lovers; features Göynük Canyon and adventure activities
Beldibi: Budget-friendly with a quiet coastline between Kemer and Antalya
Çamyuva: Immersed in nature, offers broad beaches and water sports options
Kiriş: Surrounded by pine forests, known for luxury hotels and a mix of sea and greenery
Tekirova: A peaceful escape with Phaselis Ancient City nearby—ideal for nature and culture
Çıralı: A protected beach where sea turtles nest; perfect for those seeking bungalows and tranquility
Olympos: A favorite among young backpackers, with treehouse stays, ruins, and a bohemian vibe
Beycik: Tucked in the mountains near Tahtalı Peak, offering a cool retreat from the summer heat
Adrasan: Popular with swimmers for its clear coves and natural setting; ideal for camping and boat trips
📍 Top Places to Visit in Kemer
Phaselis Ancient City: A seaside ancient ruin combining history and nature, with scenic walking trails among Roman remains.
Göynük Canyon: A must-visit for nature lovers. Offers ziplining, canyoning, and hiking through lush landscapes.
Mount Tahtalı (Olympos Cable Car): Take the cable car up to 2,365 meters and enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and mountains.
Yanartaş (Chimera): Near Çıralı, this eternal flame has been burning for centuries and is rich in mythological stories.
Olympos Ancient City: Hidden in the forest and near the beach, this site blends nature and archaeology.
Idyros Ancient City: Located right behind Moonlight Bay in Kemer center; perfect for a short historical walk.
Moonlight Beach and Park: Offers a mix of beach fun, walking trails, and relaxing green spaces in the town center.
Folkloric Yoruk Park: An open-air museum showcasing Yoruk nomadic culture, with traditional tents, garments, and food displays.
Paris 2 Shipwreck: A popular diving spot, home to a French warship wreck teeming with marine life.
Three Islands (Üç Adalar): A favorite spot for boat tours and scuba diving, known for its underwater biodiversity.
📌 Kemer offers a diverse mix of history, nature, and sea experiences—be sure to include a few of these in your itinerary.
🎯 Top Activities to Do in Kemer
Day boat tours: Depart from Moonlight Beach or Kemer Marina, visiting Phaselis, Three Islands, and nearby bays.
Scuba diving tours: Explore underwater sites like the Paris 2 Wreck and Three Islands, known for clear waters and marine life.
Cable car to Mount Tahtalı: Reach 2,365 meters in 10 minutes and enjoy sweeping views of the Mediterranean.
Hiking in Göynük Canyon: Walk through cool canyon trails, ideal for a nature-filled escape.
Zipline and canyoning: Especially in Göynük Canyon, with adventure-packed routes for thrill-seekers.
Paragliding in Adrasan: Glide above Adrasan Bay for an unforgettable aerial view of nature and sea.
Olympos–Çıralı hike: A scenic coastal walk through ancient ruins and pristine beaches.
Camping and bungalow stays: Found in places like Olympos, Çıralı, and Beycik, perfect for nature lovers.
Nightlife: Bars, beachfront cafés, and hotels in Kemer center offer live music and DJ sets.
Shopping and bazaars: Find souvenirs, local crafts, and organic goods in the central markets.
📌 No matter which part of Kemer you stay in, these activities offer a mix of adventure, nature, culture, and fun.
🚤 Best Daily Tours from Kemer
Boat tours: Departing from Kemer Marina, these tours stop at places like Phaselis, Cennet Bay, Three Islands, and Cleopatra Bay. Most include lunch on board.
Phaselis Ancient City Tour: Accessible by boat or road, this historical site offers seaside ruins and forest trails.
Olympos & Yanartaş Tour: Combines the Olympos ruins and eternal flames of Yanartaş near Çıralı.
Tahtalı Mountain Cable Car Tour: Includes transfer from Kemer to the base station, then a ride up to 2,365 meters.
Jeep Safari Tours: Explore Taurus Mountain villages, forest roads, water fights, and hidden waterfalls.
ATV & Buggy Safari: Great for off-road fans—expect mud, speed, and adrenaline.
Rafting Tour (Köprülü Canyon): Join a guided rafting trip on the famous canyon river, with transportation from Kemer included.
Diving Tours: Dive spots like the Paris 2 Wreck and clear reef zones around Kemer cater to all levels.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: A full-day trip to the famous white travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Rhodes Ferry Tour: Seasonal trips to Rhodes Island (Greece) are available—passport required.
📌 Daily tours in Kemer cover sea, history, nature, and adventure. Pick based on your interests and travel dates to enrich your holiday.
🏖️ Best Beaches in Kemer
Moonlight Beach (Ayışığı Plajı): Located in the heart of Kemer, this beach offers both public access and beach clubs. The water is shallow and clean, and the area is surrounded by cafés and restaurants.
Kemer Public Beach: A free public beach with sunbed and umbrella rentals. Ideal for a day at the sea without extra cost.
Moonlight Beach Club: Transforms into a beach bar in the evening with an elegant atmosphere and upscale service.
Çıralı Beach: A protected natural beach known for being a nesting site for caretta caretta turtles. It’s long, pebbled, and peaceful.
Olympos Beach: Blends ancient ruins with natural scenery. Located right beside the Olympos archaeological site.
Beldibi Beach: Located between Antalya and Kemer, it’s quiet and known for budget-friendly accommodation options.
Göynük Beach: Surrounded by pine forests, this Blue Flag beach offers clear waters and mountain views.
Tekirova Beach: Wide, sandy beach with clear waters near Phaselis Ancient City—great for combining beach and sightseeing.
Kiriş Beach: Mostly used by guests from surrounding large resorts; it has a pebbled shoreline.
Adrasan Bay: A bit farther from Kemer, but loved for its tranquility, natural beauty, and as a departure point for boat tours.
📌 Kemer beaches offer a mix of public and private beach clubs, with options for all types of travelers—from budget-conscious families to those seeking comfort and nature.
🍽️ Food and Dining in Kemer
Seafront Restaurants: Found around Kemer Marina, Moonlight Beach, and the central coast. Serve fresh seafood and Aegean-style mezes.
Yörük Cuisine: Local restaurants around Göynük and Çıralı serve traditional dishes like sac kavurma, gözleme, keşkek, and yayla soup.
Village Breakfasts: Offered in eco-lodges and rural settings with homemade jams, village bread, butter, and cheese platters.
Street Food: In Kemer town center, you’ll find döner, tantuni, stuffed mussels, kumpir, and ice cream.
International Cuisine: Restaurants serving Italian, Chinese, Indian, and fast food are easy to find near the center.
Meyhane Culture: Especially in Ayışığı and Tekirova, enjoy a traditional rakı-fish evening with live music and meze spreads.
Dessert Spots: Try local sweets like baklava, pumpkin dessert, and semolina halva, or opt for mastic pudding and ice cream from boutique patisseries.
Vegan & Healthy Menus: Especially in Çıralı and Olympos, find organic vegan dishes, smoothies, and detox drinks.
Scenic Dinners: Enjoy romantic evening meals with views of Mount Tahtalı or at rooftop restaurants in high-altitude hotels.
Market Shopping: Weekly local markets sell fresh produce, cheese, olives, and homemade village goods at fair prices.
🛍️ Shopping in Kemer
Kemer Bazaar (Çarşı): A lively shopping area offering souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry, and clothing. A favorite with both locals and tourists.
Weekly Markets: Held on Mondays in Kemer and Tuesdays in Göynük, these offer fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, cheese, and natural products.
Local Product Shops: Especially in small villages, you’ll find olive oil, carob molasses, handmade soaps, and natural cosmetics.
Jewelry & Accessory Stalls: Colorful handmade jewelry using shells, stones, and glass beads are popular in the main market streets.
Clothing & Shoe Stores: Local and outlet stores sell Turkish textile products and branded goods in central Kemer.
Boutique Shops: In Çıralı and Olympos, you’ll find handmade journals, bags, magnets, and artsy souvenirs.
Spices & Herbal Shops: Dried herbs, herbal teas, natural oils, and spices are commonly found for wellness and flavor.
Tourist Memorabilia: Magnets, mugs, evil eye charms, and themed keepsakes can be found on nearly every street.
Organic Markets: In summer, small farmer markets offer additive-free and homemade items.
Beach Essentials: Shops stock beach bags, sarongs, flip-flops, and swimwear for vacation needs.
🌙 Nightlife in Kemer
Kemer Bar Street: The heart of Kemer nightlife, lined with bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. It gets especially crowded during the summer months.
Live Music Venues: Located around the marina and beachfront cafés, featuring performances by local artists—mainly Turkish pop, rock, and acoustic music.
Nightclubs: Known for international DJs, laser shows, and themed parties—very popular among younger tourists.
Seaside Tavernas (Meyhane): For a slower-paced evening, enjoy rakı and seafood in a cozy atmosphere.
Hotel Entertainment: Larger resorts organize animation shows, dance nights, and poolside parties.
Beach Clubs: These transform into lounge bars in the evening, offering music and drinks by the sea.
Rooftop Bars: Ideal for sipping cocktails with a sea view, especially at hotels with terrace bars.
Evening Walks: In calmer areas like Moonlight Beach, a peaceful stroll along the coast is a great alternative to loud venues.
Tekirova & Çıralı: These towns offer quiet nights—think campfires, stargazing, and nature sounds.
Festivals & Summer Concerts: During high season, open-air concerts, stage performances, and cultural events add life to Kemer’s nights.
📌 Whether you’re seeking lively nightlife or a quiet evening, Kemer offers options to suit all moods. The ambiance varies greatly by area.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kemer
Kemer Center: Best for those who want to be close to the beach, marina, shops, and nightlife. Most hotels are within walking distance.
Göynük: Great for family vacations, with large all-inclusive resorts and a calm atmosphere.
Beldibi: Offers budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses—a peaceful alternative for a quiet stay.
Kiriş: Home to many luxury beachfront resorts, surrounded by pine forests. Perfect for those wanting nature and comfort.
Çamyuva: Known for its holiday villages and apartment hotels near the sea. Popular among families and couples.
Tekirova: Ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural settings, with options ranging from bungalows to large resorts.
Çıralı: Perfect for a simple getaway, offering bungalows and pensions near nature trails and the beach.
Olympos: A favorite of young backpackers, with treehouse accommodations and rustic guesthouses in the forest.
Adrasan: A haven for those seeking peace and nature, featuring boutique hotels, campgrounds, and bungalows.
Beycik: Located on the slopes of Mount Tahtalı, this mountain village offers cooler weather and a serene stay.
📌 Accommodation in Kemer ranges from luxury resorts to nature-based retreats, making it easy to match your travel style and budget.
🌤️ Kemer Weather and Seasons
Summer (June–September): Hot and dry, with temperatures between 30–38°C. The sea is warm, and skies are sunny almost every day.
Spring (March–May): Perfect for hiking, camping, and outdoor exploring. Daytime temperatures range between 18–28°C.
Autumn (October–November): Still warm enough to swim. Days stay around 22–30°C, with cooler nights. A quiet and relaxing season.
Winter (December–February): Cooler but mild, with temperatures between 10–18°C. Occasional rain, and while the sea is too cold for swimming, it’s a great time for nature walks and local exploration.
📌 Kemer is sunny and mild for most of the year, with the swimming season typically lasting from late April to the end of October.
📅 Best Time to Visit Kemer
June – September: Best time for a beach holiday. Expect hot weather, warm sea, and lively nightlife. Beaches can be crowded.
May & October: Offer a milder, quieter atmosphere. The sea remains swimmable, and hotel prices are often more affordable.
March – April: Ideal for nature lovers and those interested in ancient ruins and cool-weather exploration.
November – February: A peaceful season. No swimming, but great for relaxation, budget travel, and eco stays.
Festival Season: During summer, Kemer hosts open-air concerts, cultural events, and sports festivals, making it extra appealing for social travelers.
🚗 How to Get to Kemer
By Plane: The nearest airport to Kemer is Antalya Airport, located about 55 km away. You can reach Kemer via HAVAŞ shuttle, private transfer, taxi, or car rental.
By Bus: There are direct bus routes to Antalya Bus Terminal from major cities across Turkey. From there, you can take local buses or minibuses to Kemer using an AntalyaKart or by paying cash.
By Car: Kemer is reachable by car from Istanbul (9 hrs), Ankara (7 hrs), or Izmir (6 hrs)—a good option for a road trip through southern Turkey.
Car Rental: Renting a car from Antalya Airport or city center gives you the freedom to explore Kemer and nearby areas independently.
Private Transfers: Many hotels or agencies offer pre-booked transfer services between the airport and your accommodation.
By Sea (Seasonal): In summer, daily boat trips or yachts from Antalya to Kemer are occasionally available.
🚍 Getting Around in Kemer
Minibuses (Dolmuş): Regular minibuses connect Kemer town center with Göynük, Beldibi, Kiriş, Çamyuva, Tekirova, Çıralı, and Olympos. Frequency increases during summer.
Municipal Buses: Antalya–Kemer public buses operate frequently. Some city stops are also covered by other public lines.
Payment Options: Minibuses usually accept cash, but some routes now support AntalyaKart or contactless cards.
Taxis: Available 24/7 in the center and across resorts. Ideal for short trips and late-night transport.
Scooter & Bike Rentals: Electric scooters and bicycles can be rented hourly or daily, especially around the marina and coastline.
Car Rental in Town: Local rent-a-car offices offer vehicles for trips to remote beaches, ancient cities, or mountain villages.
Tour Transfers: Most hotels and agencies provide pick-up/drop-off transportation for day tours.
On Foot: Kemer town is very walkable. A scenic beach promenade makes walking both easy and relaxing.
🧭 Tips for First-Time Visitors to Kemer
Choose your area based on travel style: For nightlife and convenience, stay in Kemer Center. For peace and nature, pick Çıralı, Tekirova, or Olympos.
Don’t skip the boat tours: Exploring Kemer’s bays and ancient coastal cities by boat is a must.
Pack comfortable shoes: Great for ancient city visits, canyon hikes, and nature walks.
Book early for summer: In July and August, hotels and tours sell out fast—reserve in advance.
Bring water shoes: Most Kemer beaches are pebbly, so proper footwear will help.
Visit in spring or autumn for nature**: These seasons offer perfect temperatures for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Credit cards are accepted, but bargaining is common: Cards are widely used, though bargaining is still welcome at markets and small shops.
Try local specialties: Bring home products like olive oil, carob syrup, and pomegranate molasses from village markets.
Get an AntalyaKart: This transport card simplifies using buses and local routes.
Use sunscreen: The sun is intense in summer—sun protection is essential if you’ll be outside for long hours.
FAQs
Who is Kemer suitable for?
Kemer appeals to a wide range of visitors, from young travelers to families. Those seeking nightlife often stay in Kemer Center, while those looking for tranquility prefer Çıralı or Olympos. The destination combines beach time, ancient site visits, and nature activities, making it ideal for diverse travel preferences.
Where can you go camping in Kemer?
Çıralı, Olympos, Adrasan, and Beycik are popular for camping, bungalows, and eco-lodges. These areas offer a natural environment and essential amenities like showers, toilets, and kitchens for campers.
Is car rental necessary in Kemer?
If you’re staying in Kemer Center, a car isn’t essential—many places are walkable or reachable by minibus. However, for visiting nearby towns, ancient ruins, or mountain routes, renting a car is more convenient, especially for places like Göynük Canyon, Mount Tahtalı, or Adrasan.
When is the local market day in Kemer?
The Kemer town market is usually held on Mondays. Göynük hosts it on Tuesdays, and Çamyuva on Wednesdays. You’ll find fresh produce, local goods, and souvenirs at these markets.
Is Kemer a safe place to visit?
Yes, Kemer is considered safe, with well-developed tourist infrastructure and well-lit public areas. You can walk around the beach paths even at night. As always, watch your belongings in crowded spots.
Are ATMs and currency exchange offices easy to find in Kemer?
Yes, in major areas like Kemer Center, Göynük, Beldibi, and Tekirova, you’ll find plenty of ATMs and exchange offices. While euros and dollars are often accepted, using Turkish lira offers better value. Most exchange offices are open 7 days a week.
Can I visit Kemer outside the summer season?
Absolutely. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking, camping, cycling, and cultural trips. You can still swim in the sea until late September. In winter, it’s a peaceful retreat for those wanting to relax in nature.
Are Kemer beaches sandy or pebbly?
Most Kemer beaches are pebbly or rocky, so water shoes are recommended. Çıralı and Adrasan offer wider, mixed beaches with more natural settings. Many beaches are Blue Flag certified, meaning they’re clean and well-maintained.
What’s mobile internet like in Kemer?
Turkcell, Vodafone, and Türk Telekom offer strong coverage in most of Kemer and its villages. Coverage may drop in mountainous or remote areas. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but campgrounds may have weaker connections.
What are the best day trips from Kemer?
You can take day trips to Phaselis Ancient City, Mount Tahtalı, Göynük Canyon, Çıralı–Olympos, Adrasan, and even Pamukkale. These options combine nature, history, and scenic landscapes.
