Kemer Guide: Beaches, Mountains & Things to Do on the Antalya Riviera
Tucked between the turquoise Mediterranean and the pine-clad Taurus mountains, Kemer is one of the Antalya Riviera's most scenic resort towns. This guide covers its beaches and marina, the best things to do in Kemer, where to stay, and how to get there from the airport. Whether you want lazy beach days or mountain adventures, Kemer delivers both within easy reach.
Where is Kemer and how to get there
Kemer sits on the Mediterranean coast around 45 km west of Antalya Airport (AYT), backed by the dramatic Taurus mountains. The drive along the coastal highway is genuinely beautiful, hugging the shore beneath forested peaks, and typically takes around about 45 minutesutes depending on traffic and which part of the resort you are heading to. Beldibi, the first resort area you reach, is closer to the airport, while Tekirova at the southern end is a little further. From Gazipasa-Alanya Airport (GZP) the journey is much longer, around 250 km and roughly three hours, as you cross the entire Antalya coast. Public buses and shared shuttles exist, but the simplest, most relaxing option after a flight is a fixed-price private Kemer airport transfer: we track your flight, meet you in arrivals, provide child seats on request, and you pay the driver directly, with no surge pricing or hidden extras.
Beaches, the seafront and the marina
Kemer is famous for clean pebble and shingle beaches lapped by exceptionally clear water, several of which fly the Blue Flag for water quality and facilities. The town's long seafront promenade is lined with palms, cafes and pine trees that come right down to the shore, giving welcome shade on hot days. Moonlight Beach (Ayisigi) is the best-known stretch, a family-friendly bay with calm, shallow water, sunbeds, watersports and an adjoining park with shaded picnic areas and children's play zones. At the heart of the resort, Kemer Marina is a lively hub where gleaming yachts and gulets moor up; it is the departure point for many boat trips and is ringed by restaurants and bars that buzz in the evening. For quieter swims, the beaches at Phaselis and around Tekirova and Camyuva reward the short trip out of the centre.
Things to do and day trips
The standout adventure is the Olympos Teleferik to the summit of Tahtali (Mount Olympos), 2,365 m above the sea. The cable car climbs over 4 km of track in about ten minutes, opening up sweeping views over the coast, the national park and, in cooler months, snow-dusted peaks. History lovers should visit Phaselis, an atmospheric ancient Lycian-Roman city set among the pines, with a theatre, aqueduct and Roman baths beside three little swimming coves. Further south lie Olympos and the Chimaera, where natural flames have flickered from the rocky hillside for millennia, especially magical after dark. Inland, Goynuk Canyon offers hiking, cool turquoise pools, canyoning and zip-lining. Out on the water, daily boat trips from the marina cruise to hidden bays, Adrasan and the Phaselis coast, while jeep safaris head up into the Taurus mountains. It is a rare resort that pairs beach time with this much real nature and culture.
Where to stay and who Kemer suits
Kemer is really a string of resort areas along one coastal strip, each with its own character. Kemer centre is the busiest, walkable and close to the marina, the promenade and nightlife, ideal if you want shops, restaurants and energy on your doorstep. Goynuk and Beldibi, nearer the airport, mix large all-inclusive hotels with quieter beaches and easy access to Goynuk Canyon. Camyuva is calmer and greener, popular with families and couples wanting a slower pace within a short drive of the centre. Tekirova, at the southern end near Phaselis, is the most tranquil, with spacious resort hotels, lush pine surroundings and clear water, well suited to those who prioritise relaxation and nature over going out. Overall Kemer is excellent for families and outdoor lovers, thanks to its calm bays, child-friendly beaches, mountain backdrop and the wealth of activities packed into a compact area.
Food, nightlife and practical tips
Dining in Kemer ranges from beachfront fish restaurants and Turkish grill houses serving fresh seafood, mezes and kebabs to international menus catering to every visitor. Seek out a traditional gozleme or a plate of fresh fish by the marina, and save room for Turkish tea and baklava. Nightlife centres on the marina and the bars and clubs around the town centre, lively in high season but easy to escape if you prefer calm evenings in the outer resorts. A few practical pointers: bring or buy water shoes, as most beaches are pebble rather than sand; summers are hot, so pack sun protection and a hat; and the weekly market is great for textiles, spices and souvenirs. Carry some Turkish lira for small purchases, stay hydrated, and if you plan day trips, book boat and cable car tickets ahead in peak months. A pre-arranged private transfer makes airport days stress-free at either end of your stay.