Kiris, a coastal neighborhood in the Kemer district of Antalya, is a favorite among those seeking a quiet and nature-filled holiday. Known for its serene atmosphere, clear sea, and lush surroundings, Kiriş stands out with its large resort hotels and nature-integrated accommodation options. It’s ideal for families and nature lovers looking for a relaxing getaway.
This guide provides an overview of the best things to do in Kiris, including places to visit, activities, beaches, dining, nightlife, shopping, day tours, transportation, and accommodation options.
Kiris at a Glance: What to Expect?
Located approximately 5.5 km west of Kemer town center, Kiris features beautiful natural surroundings, a 2.1 km-long beach, clear Mediterranean waters, and high-quality resorts.
Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the blue waters of the Mediterranean, Kiriş offers a small village feel while delivering the comfort of modern vacation amenities.
Surrounded by pine forests and seaside landscapes, this area combines luxury hotels with natural beaches, making it perfect for those who want to escape urban noise and enjoy a tranquil beach holiday.
Pros and Cons of a Holiday in Kiris
Pros:
Clean and clear sea: Kiriş beaches are Blue Flag certified, offering safe and clean swimming areas.
Surrounded by nature: The area is nestled between pine forests and the Taurus Mountains, providing a peaceful setting.
High-quality accommodation: You’ll find luxury all-inclusive resorts and large holiday villages.
Close to Kemer: For shopping, dining, or nightlife, Kemer town center is just minutes away.
Ideal for outdoor activities: Great routes for trekking, cycling, and nature walks are available nearby.
Cons:
Limited nightlife: Evening entertainment is mostly restricted to hotel activities. For more vibrant options, head to Kemer.
Pebbly beach areas: Some beaches have pebble sections, so water shoes are recommended.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Busy hotels in peak season: During summer, top resorts fill up quickly — early booking is advised.
Our Best Tips for First-Time Visitors to Kiris
Bring water shoes: For comfortable swimming and walking on the pebbly beach.
Enjoy nature walks: Take advantage of the cooler morning hours to explore pine forest trails.
Consider renting a car: Ideal for visiting nearby places like Phaselis Ancient City, Olympos, and hidden coves.
Take short trips to Kemer: Don’t miss out on the restaurants, shops, and bars of Kemer.
Book your hotel in advance: Especially if you’re planning to stay in ultra all-inclusive resorts during high season.
Use sun protection: A hat and high SPF sunscreen are essential under the Mediterranean sun.
Things to Do and See in Kiris
Kiris and its surroundings offer a variety of activities for nature lovers and history enthusiasts:
Kiriş Beach: A mix of pebble and sand, with clear water that’s perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Goynuk Canyon: A short drive away, offering hiking, rafting, and zipline adventures in a lush, cool setting.
Phaselis Ancient City: Explore Roman ruins and swim next to ancient harbors—a blend of history and nature.
Tahtalı Mountain Cable Car: Ride one of the longest cable cars in the world and enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Kemer Marina: Stroll the promenade, relax in cafes, or join daily boat tours to discover nearby bays and coves.
Kiris Beaches
Kiris Beach stretches over 2.1 km and is known for its pebbly shore and crystal-clear water. Located mostly in front of resort hotels, the beach gets quite lively during the summer. The sea is especially calm and clean in the mornings.
Sunbeds and umbrellas are provided by the resorts.
It’s perfect for short beach walks.
While most of the beach is reserved for hotel guests, some sections are open to the public.
Sunset views create a pleasant atmosphere along the coast.
It’s one of the top beach spots for swimming in Kiris.
Eko Park Kiris: A Natural Encounter
Just a short distance from Kiris, Eko Park is an educational and fun spot, especially for families with children. With a wide variety of plant species and reptiles, it appeals to visitors interested in nature.
Features reptile exhibitions.
Botanical areas introduce diverse plants.
Walking paths and resting areas are available.
Activities focus on environmental awareness.
Among the top places to visit in Kiris, this is a peaceful and educational experience.
Dolusu Park
Located in the Kiris area, Dolusu Park is one of the most popular water parks in the Kemer region. It features:
26 waterslides
A private beach
Wave and kids’ pools
On-site cafes, bars, and restaurants
A full day of fun for both kids and adults.
Proximity to Tekirova and Phaselis
Kiris offers easy access to nearby natural and historical attractions. The Phaselis Ancient City and Tekirova Beach are just a 10–15 minute drive away.
Phaselis offers ancient harbor ruins and scenic walking trails.
Tekirova features clear bays and quiet beaches.
Tour agencies in Kiris provide easy transportation.
Great for hiking and picnicking.
These short excursions offer varied experiences close to Kiris.
Nature Walks and Cycling Routes
Thanks to its location at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, Kiris is great for hiking and cycling.
Flat coastal paths offer relaxing walks.
Pine forest trails await exploration.
Many hotels offer bike rentals.
Ideal for those seeking fresh air and quiet natural settings.
Spending time in nature ranks high among things to do in Kiris.
Tahtalı Mountain – Olympos Cable Car: Views & Adventure
Located about 12 km from Kiris, Tahtalı Mountain rises to 2,365 meters, making it one of the highest points along the Mediterranean coast. The Olympos Cable Car is the best way to reach the summit.
The ride takes around 10 minutes and features 360-degree views in glass cabins.
At the summit: viewing decks, trails, and a restaurant.
Sunrise and sunset rides are especially popular.
Activities like paragliding, trekking, and cycling are available at the top.
This tour blends scenery and adventure, offering a memorable highlight among Kiris attractions.
Daily Boat Tours & Adventure Activities
From Kiris or the nearby Kemer Marina, you can join daily boat tours to explore Mediterranean bays. The area also offers ATV rides, jeep safaris, and rafting for those seeking excitement.
Boat trips include swim breaks and lunch.
Rafting and canyoning in Goynuk Canyon are popular.
Take in the views from Tahtalı Mountain via cable car.
Safari tours visit traditional mountain villages.
Kiris offers plenty of action-packed holiday activities for travelers who like to stay on the move.
Food & Dining in Kiris – What to Eat?
Kiris dining is primarily shaped by the rich open buffets offered by hotels, but there are also local spots worth exploring:
Fresh Seafood: Try fresh fish and seafood at small restaurants along the Kiris coastline.
Aegean & Mediterranean Cuisine: Enjoy olive oil dishes, mezes, and other light Mediterranean flavors found on most menus.
Traditional Turkish Dishes: From kebabs to köfte and döner, classic options are available both in hotels and local eateries.
Hotel Restaurants: All-inclusive resorts serve a variety of international dishes in their buffet restaurants.
Kemer Option: For more cafes and diverse dining spots, take a short trip to Kemer Center.
Shopping in Kiris – What to Buy?
Though small in scale, Kiris provides pleasant shopping opportunities, especially for local and beach-related items:
Beachwear: Shop for pareos, beach bags, sunglasses, and summer outfits at coastal shops.
Handmade Souvenirs: Choose from natural stone jewelry, handmade soaps, and ceramic items as thoughtful gifts.
Organic Products: Bring home olive oil, homemade jams, or lavender-based products from local stands.
Weekly Markets: Visit nearby local markets to buy fresh produce and affordable textiles.
Kemer Shopping Option: For larger boutiques and malls, consider a day trip to Kemer Center.
Nightlife in Kiris
Kiris nightlife leans toward tranquility and hotel-based entertainment, perfect for those seeking a more relaxed evening:
Hotel Entertainment: Many resorts host live music, shows, and theme nights as part of their evening programs.
Seafront Cafes: Enjoy a peaceful walk at sunset and relax at beachfront cafés with a calm vibe.
Kemer Option: For a livelier night out, Kemer Center offers bars, clubs, and more vibrant entertainment.
Sunset by the Beach: Watching the sunset at Kiris Beach is a serene and memorable way to spend your evening.
Accommodation – Where to Stay in Kiris?
Kiris offers a variety of accommodation options that suit every budget, combining comfort with nature:
Ultra All-Inclusive Hotels: These luxury resorts feature buffet dining, spa centers, and large activity zones for a carefree vacation.
Boutique Hotels: For a quieter, more intimate experience surrounded by nature, boutique hotels in Kiris make a great choice.
Apart Hotels: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, these allow you to prepare your own meals and enjoy a home-like stay.
Nature-Friendly Lodges: Located within pine forests, these eco-conscious hotels offer a peaceful and nature-integrated retreat.
Tip: Booking in advance helps you secure better rates, especially at seafront Kiris hotels during peak season.
Things to Know for Your Holiday in Kiris
With its Mediterranean climate, Kiris enjoys sunny and warm weather for most of the year.
Weather and Climate:
Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild with occasional rain.
The swimming season usually runs from late May to mid-October.
July and August temperatures range between 32–36°C, and the sea is perfect for swimming.
Travel Tips:
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
Enjoy morning or evening walks along the beach to make the most of the cooler hours.
Water shoes are helpful for swimming comfortably on pebble beaches.
For hiking, pack comfortable walking shoes.
Consider renting a car to explore nearby areas and enjoy more travel freedom.
Transportation – How to Get to Kiris?
To reach Kiris, you’ll first need to arrive in Antalya. From Antalya, head toward Kemer–Kumluca, and after about 50 km, you’ll arrive in Kiris.
The distance from Kemer center to Kiris is approximately 5.5 km. There are regular bus services from Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal.
From Antalya Airport to Kiris:
By car, the journey from Antalya Airport to Kiris takes around 60 minutes.
You can take a Havaş or Muttaş shuttle to Kemer Bus Station, then transfer to a local minibus (dolmuş) heading to Kiris.
For a more direct option, private transfer services or car rentals are available.
From Antalya City Center to Kiris:
From Antalya Bus Terminal, take a minibus to Kemer, and from there transfer to Kiris.
If you have a private vehicle, follow the D400 coastal highway for a scenic and easy drive directly to Kiris.
Google Map
FAQs
Where is Kiris located?
Kiris is a coastal town in the Kemer district of Antalya, situated around 50 km from Antalya city center.
How do I get to Kiris?
You can reach Kiris by car, taxi, or shuttle from Antalya Airport. Alternatively, go through Kemer using public minibuses (dolmuş).
What is the sea like in Kiris?
The sea in Kiris is clear, clean, and cool. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, so water shoes may be useful.
Who is Kiris ideal for?
Perfect for travelers seeking peace and quiet, nature, and comfortable all-inclusive hotels.
What can you do in Kiris?
You can enjoy the sea, take nature walks, explore Göynük Canyon, or join day trips to nearby attractions.
Are there shopping options in Kiris?
Yes, there are beach shops selling souvenirs, beachwear, and essentials. For more options, visit Kemer Center.
What is the nightlife like in Kiris?
Nightlife in Kiris is low-key, centered around hotel events and quiet beach cafés. For more action, head to Kemer Center.
Is Kiris suitable for families with children?
Yes, family-friendly hotels, kids’ clubs, and safe beaches make Kiris a good option for families with kids.
What is the best time to visit Kiris?
The best time is between June and September, when weather and sea conditions are at their best.
Are there luxury hotel options in Kiris?
Yes, Kiris is home to several luxury hotels offering ultra all-inclusive service.
