Best Beaches in Antalya
Best Beaches in Antalya, Turkey: 12 Beaches You Should Visit
Antalya is one of Turkey’s best beach destinations, but choosing where to swim can be surprisingly difficult. The Antalya region has everything from long sandy beaches and huge resort shorelines to pebble beaches, secluded coves and spectacular Mediterranean scenery.
So, what is the best beach in Antalya?
It depends on what you want from your holiday. Lara Beach is ideal for a resort stay, Konyaaltı is the obvious choice if you want a beach close to Antalya city centre, while Çıralı and Adrasan offer a quieter experience surrounded by nature. Further along the coast, beaches around Kemer combine clear water with dramatic mountain scenery.
In this guide, we look at 12 of the best beaches in Antalya and Antalya Province, including the best sandy beaches, family-friendly options, beaches near the city and some of the most beautiful places to swim along the Mediterranean coast.
The Best Beaches in Antalya at a Glance
| Beach | Best for | Beach type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lara Beach | Resorts & families | Sand | Antalya |
| Konyaaltı Beach | City breaks | Pebbles | Antalya |
| Cleopatra Beach | Classic beach holiday | Sand | Alanya |
| Çıralı Beach | Nature & tranquillity | Pebbles | Çıralı |
| Adrasan Beach | Quiet beach holidays | Sand & pebbles | Adrasan |
| Phaselis Beaches | History & swimming | Coves | Near Kemer |
| Olympos Beach | History & nature | Mixed | Olympos |
| Moonlight Beach | Families & Kemer | Sand & pebbles | Kemer |
| Patara Beach | Long sandy beach | Sand | Antalya Province |
| Kaputaş Beach | Scenery | Sand & pebbles | Near Kaş |
| Belek Beach | Resorts & golf | Sand | Belek |
| Konaklı Beach | Resort holidays | Sand & pebbles | Near Alanya |
1. Lara Beach, Antalya
Lara Beach is one of the best choices if you want a traditional Turkish beach-resort holiday. Located east of Antalya city, the area is home to a large concentration of hotels and resorts, many of which are designed around the beach holiday experience.
The broad sandy shoreline makes Lara particularly appealing to families and travellers who want plenty of facilities close at hand and may be one of the best beaches in Antalya.
It is also a practical choice if you want to combine a beach holiday with exploring Antalya itself.
Why visit Lara Beach?
- Wide sandy beach
- Large selection of hotels and resorts
- Excellent choice for families
- Good access to Antalya
- Ideal for all-inclusive beach holidays
Hotels near Lara
Best for: families, resort holidays, all-inclusive stays and travellers who want facilities close to the beach.
2. Konyaaltı Beach, Antalya
If you are staying in Antalya city and don’t want a long journey to the coast, Konyaaltı Beach is probably the first beach to consider.
The beach stretches along the western side of the city, with the dramatic Taurus Mountains providing an impressive backdrop. Its proximity to central Antalya makes it particularly useful for visitors who want to combine a city break with time beside the Mediterranean.
Unlike Lara, Konyaaltı is not primarily an isolated resort destination. You can spend the morning swimming and the afternoon exploring Antalya’s old town, museums, restaurants and other attractions.
Why visit Konyaaltı Beach?
- One of the best beaches close to Antalya city centre
- Easy to combine with sightseeing
- Spectacular mountain backdrop
- Restaurants and city facilities nearby
- Good choice for short city-and-beach breaks
Best for: city breaks, sightseeing, short stays and visitors who want a beach close to Antalya.
Hotels Near Konyaalti
3. Cleopatra Beach, Alanya
Cleopatra Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the Antalya coast and a strong contender for best beaches in Antalya if you are want to stay locally.
The sandy beach sits close to the town’s hotels, restaurants and attractions, so you don’t have to choose between a convenient resort and a good beach.
It is particularly appealing if your ideal holiday involves spending time on the beach but also having plenty to do in the evenings.
Best for: resort holidays, couples, families and visitors who want beach and town facilities together.
Why visit Cleopatra Beach?
- Sandy Mediterranean beach
- Close to Alanya’s hotels and restaurants
- Convenient for a traditional resort holiday
- Easy to combine with sightseeing
- Good choice for travellers who prefer lively destinations
Hotels Near Cleopatra Beach
4. Çıralı Beach
For a very different experience, head to Çıralı.
This coastal destination has a much quieter character than Antalya’s major resort areas.
The beach is backed by a natural landscape, and the nearby ancient site of Olympos gives you an opportunity to combine swimming with exploring Turkey’s archaeological heritage.
Çıralı is particularly attractive if you want your holiday to feel less like a conventional package resort and more like an independent Mediterranean escape.
Best for: nature lovers, couples, independent travellers and anyone looking for a quieter beach holiday.
Why visit Çıralı Beach?
- Peaceful alternative to large resorts
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- Ancient Olympos nearby
- Good for walking and exploring
- Relaxed atmosphere
Hotels Near Cirali Beach
5. Adrasan Beach
Adrasan is another excellent choice if you want to escape the larger resort centres.
The bay provides a more relaxed setting than the major beach destinations around Antalya, with green hills surrounding the coast. It is a good place to slow down, enjoy the water and explore the surrounding Mediterranean landscape.
Adrasan can also work well as part of a road trip along the Antalya coast.
Best for: couples, nature lovers, independent travellers and quieter beach holidays.
Why visit Adrasan Beach?
- Relaxed coastal atmosphere
- Scenic bay surrounded by hills
- Good alternative to major resort areas
- Suitable for a slower-paced holiday
- Useful stop on a Mediterranean road trip
Hotels Near Adrasan
6. Phaselis Beaches
Phaselis offers something that few ordinary beach destinations can match: you can swim in the Mediterranean and explore an ancient city during the same visit.
The ancient ruins are set beside the coast, with several small beaches and coves in the surrounding area.
The combination of archaeology, pine-covered landscape and clear Mediterranean water makes Phaselis one of the more unusual beach experiences in Antalya Province.
Why visit Phaselis?
- Ancient ruins beside the Mediterranean
- Several coastal coves to explore
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- Excellent combination of history and swimming
- Good choice for a day trip from the Kemer area
Best for: history lovers, photographers, swimmers and travellers who want more than a conventional beach day.
Hotels near Phaselis
7. Olympos Beach
Olympos Beach is another Antalya destination where history and nature come together.
The beach lies near the ruins of ancient Olympos, surrounded by a landscape that feels far removed from the large-scale resorts further along the coast.
If you enjoy exploring ancient sites but also want time beside the sea, Olympos is an excellent addition to an Antalya itinerary.
Best for: history, nature, adventurous travellers and independent beach holidays.
Why visit Olympos Beach?
- Ancient ruins close to the beach
- Natural and relatively undeveloped surroundings
- Good combination of history and swimming
- Appealing to independent travellers
- Close to other attractions along the Lycian coast
Hotels Near Olympos
8. Moonlight Beach, Kemer
Moonlight Beach, also known as Ayışığı Beach, is located in the popular resort town of Kemer.
The beach is particularly convenient if you want to stay in Kemer and have restaurants, accommodation and other facilities nearby. The surrounding mountains give the coastline the dramatic scenery for which this part of Antalya is known. Natural pebble beaches with exceptionally clear water. Boating and yachting
Best for: resort holidays, families, couples and visitors staying in Kemer.
Why visit Moonlight Beach?
- Convenient location in Kemer
- Mountain scenery around the bay
- Good access to restaurants and accommodation
- Suitable for a resort-based holiday
- Easy to combine with exploring the Kemer coastline
Hotels Near Kemer
9. Patara Beach
Although Patara is outside Antalya city itself, it is within Antalya Province and deserves a place on any list of the region’s best beaches.
Patara is famous for its exceptionally long sandy shoreline and natural setting. It is a completely different experience from the compact beaches around Antalya city and the large resort beaches of Lara.
If your priority is sand and space rather than hotel facilities, Patara is one of the strongest choices in the wider Antalya region.
Why visit Patara Beach?
- Long sandy shoreline
- Natural coastal landscape
- Excellent for walking
- Ancient Patara nearby
- Good alternative to heavily developed resorts
Best for: sandy beaches, nature, long walks and travellers looking for a less urban beach experience.
Hotels Near Patara
10. Kaputaş Beach
Kaputaş Beach is another spectacular beach in Antalya Province, located near Kaş.
Its dramatic position between steep cliffs makes it one of the most visually impressive beaches on this part of the Turkish coast. It is relatively small compared with the major resort beaches, which is part of its appeal.
Kaputaş is particularly worthwhile if you’re exploring the coast by car and want to include some of the most memorable scenery in your itinerary.
Best for: scenery, photography, swimming and Mediterranean road trips.
Why visit Kaputaş Beach?
- Dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery
- Clear Mediterranean water
- Highly photogenic setting
- Excellent stop on a coastal road trip
- Can be combined with a visit to Kaş
Hotels Near Kaputaş
11. Belek Beach
Belek is best known for its major resorts and golf courses, but its long sandy coastline is another important reason people choose the destination.
It is a particularly good option if you want a resort holiday where the beach is combined with extensive hotel facilities and activities.
Belek can be especially attractive to families and couples who prefer to have everything they need close to their accommodation.
Best for: resort holidays, families, couples and travellers looking for extensive hotel facilities.
Why visit Belek Beach?
- Long sandy coastline
- Large selection of resorts
- Excellent choice for package holidays
- Good combination of beach and resort facilities
- Popular with families and couples
Hotels Near Belek
12. Konaklı Beach
Konaklı, close to Alanya, offers another option for visitors looking for a resort-oriented beach holiday along the Antalya coast.
The area combines coastal scenery with accommodation, restaurants and holiday facilities, making it convenient for travellers who don’t want a remote beach destination.
Best for: resort holidays, families and visitors looking for convenient accommodation near the beach.
Why visit Konaklı?
- Convenient resort location
- Good choice for a traditional beach holiday
- Close to Alanya’s attractions
- Wide selection of accommodation nearby
- Useful base for exploring the surrounding coast
Hotels Near Konaklı
What Is the Best Beach in Antalya?
There isn’t one definitive answer because Antalya’s beaches suit very different types of travellers.
If you want a beach close to Antalya city centre, Konyaaltı is the obvious choice. If you want a major resort with a sandy beach, Lara is a better fit.
For a quieter and more natural experience, consider Çıralı or Adrasan. If dramatic scenery is your priority, one of the best beaches in Antalya is Kaputaş is difficult to ignore. And if you want a long sandy beach away from the major resorts, Patara is one of the best options in Antalya Province.
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Best beach near Antalya city centre | Konyaaltı |
| Best sandy beach near Antalya | Lara |
| Best resort beach | Lara or Belek |
| Best beach for nature | Çıralı or Adrasan |
| Best beach scenery | Kaputaş |
| Best long sandy beach | Patara |
| Best beach for history | Phaselis or Olympos |
| Best beach in Kemer | Moonlight Beach |
| Best beach for a city break | Konyaaltı |
| Best family resort beach | Lara or Belek |
Best Sandy Beaches in Antalya
If you specifically want sand rather than pebbles, make that a major consideration when choosing your destination.
Lara Beach and Belek are strong choices if you want sand alongside major resort facilities. Patara is better if you want a long, natural sandy beach rather than a large resort environment.
Cleopatra Beach is another excellent sandy option if you are staying in Alanya.
Our top sandy beach choices
- Patara – best for space and a natural setting
- Lara – best for resorts and families
- Belek – best for resort facilities
- Cleopatra Beach – best for combining sand with a lively town
Best Beaches Near Antalya City
You don’t necessarily need to leave Antalya city to enjoy the Mediterranean.
Konyaaltı Beach is the easiest option for visitors staying in the city. Its location makes it particularly convenient for a short beach visit between sightseeing and meals in Antalya.
Lara Beach is another strong option, particularly if you are staying in one of the resorts east of the city.
If you have a car or are happy to travel further, the coastline opens up considerably, with destinations such as Kemer, Çıralı and Adrasan offering very different beach experiences.
Best Antalya Beach Resorts
Antalya is one of Turkey’s strongest destinations for large beach resorts. If you want an easy holiday where your hotel, restaurants, pools and beach are all close together, look at Lara, Belek, Kemer and the Alanya area.
Lara is particularly convenient for visitors who want to stay relatively close to Antalya airport and the city, while Belek is known for its large resort properties and golf tourism.
Kemer offers a different atmosphere, with mountains surrounding the coastline and plenty of opportunities to explore the wider region.
What to look for when choosing a beach resort
- Actual distance from the hotel to the beach
- Whether the beach is sandy or pebbly
- Private or public beach access
- Family facilities if travelling with children
- Distance from Antalya airport
- Access to restaurants and attractions outside the resort
Best Family Beaches in Antalya
For families, the best beach isn’t necessarily the most beautiful one. Easy access, nearby facilities, sandy areas and accommodation can make a much bigger difference.
Lara Beach is a strong choice for families who want a resort environment, while Belek offers extensive hotel facilities.
If you prefer a quieter destination, Adrasan is worth considering. Families who want to combine beach time with a city visit may prefer Konyaaltı.
Best Beaches Around Kemer
Kemer is one of the most attractive bases on the Antalya coast if you like the idea of mountains rising behind the Mediterranean.
From Kemer, you can explore Moonlight Beach, Phaselis, Çıralı and other coastal areas, giving you considerably more variety than simply staying beside one resort beach.
Phaselis is especially worthwhile if you want to combine a swim with ancient ruins, while Çıralı offers a more peaceful alternative to the main resort atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Antalya Beaches
The Antalya coast has a long beach season, but the experience changes considerably throughout the year.
May and June
Late spring and early summer can be excellent for exploring Antalya’s beaches, particularly if you want warm conditions without the height of the summer crowds.
July and August
These are the peak summer months and are popular with beach-holiday visitors. Expect hot conditions and high demand in the major resort areas.
September
September is an appealing month for many beach travellers. The Mediterranean remains warm, while the atmosphere can feel less intense than during the busiest part of summer.
October
October can still be a good month for a beach holiday on the Antalya coast, although conditions become less predictable as the month progresses.
How to Choose the Right Antalya Beach
Choose Lara if you want a resort holiday
Lara is the straightforward choice if your priority is a sandy beach combined with a large selection of hotels and holiday facilities.
Choose Konyaaltı if you want to stay in Antalya city
Konyaaltı is ideal when you want beach access without giving up the restaurants, museums, historic streets and other attractions of Antalya.
Choose Çıralı if you want peace and nature
Çıralı is better suited to travellers who want a slower pace and a more natural setting.
Choose Kemer if you want mountains and resorts
Kemer combines the convenience of a resort town with some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the Antalya coast.
Choose Patara if you want sand and space
Patara is the better choice if your dream beach is long, sandy and relatively natural rather than surrounded by large hotels.
Choose Kaputaş if scenery matters most
Kaputaş is a particularly memorable choice for travellers who value spectacular coastal scenery and photography.
Antalya Beach Holiday Tips
Check the beach surface before booking
Not every beautiful Antalya beach is sandy. Some are predominantly pebbly, so check before booking if sand is important to you.
Think about where you want to stay
Antalya Province is much larger than Antalya city. A hotel described as being in the “Antalya area” could be a considerable distance from the city centre.
Don’t assume the most famous beach is the best for you
A famous beach can be spectacular but still be the wrong choice for your holiday. Think about access, accommodation, atmosphere and what you want to do away from the water.
Consider exploring more than one beach
If you have a car or are planning a road trip, the Antalya coast rewards exploration. You can combine resort beaches with quieter coves, ancient sites and mountain scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antalya Beaches
Final Verdict: Which Antalya Beach Should You Visit?
Antalya is not really a single beach destination. It is a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline with beaches suited to almost every kind of traveller.
- For Antalya city: choose Konyaaltı.
- For a sandy resort beach: choose Lara.
- For families: consider Lara or Belek.
- For nature and tranquillity: choose Çıralı or Adrasan.
- For history: visit Phaselis or Olympos.
- For spectacular scenery: make time for Kaputaş.
- For a long sandy beach: choose Patara.
We hope that our guide to the beaches of Antalya give you plenty of options and good information tgo help you choose.
And if you’re planning a wider trip around Turkey, don’t stop here. Our guide to the best beaches in Turkey compares Antalya with other major beach destinations including Fethiye, Bodrum and Çeşme.