Best beaches in Antalya, Turkey
11 July 2023

Discover 16 Best Beaches in Antalya : Sandy and Blue Flag Beaches Included

Let’s dive into the beauty of Antalya, Turkey’s beach paradise! We’re going to explore the top 16 beaches here, including those with the Blue Flag award, which means they are really clean and safe. Antalya’s beaches are perfect for everyone, whether you love soft sand or need a good place for family fun. Each beach has its own beauty, with clear water and lovely views.

Before we dive into the stunning beaches of Antalya, if you’re wondering whether this Turkish gem is worth a visit, be sure to check out our Is Antalya Worth Visiting? blog. We’ve got all the insights and info you need to see why Antalya is a must-see destination! Now get ready to discover some of the best spots in Antalya that you definitely shouldn’t miss!

What is Blue Flag Beach? What does it mean for Antalya ?

The Blue Flag project, run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a global community, has a mission to inspect local authorities and beach operators in terms of their policies to protect human health and the environment.

The Blue Flag beach designation encompasses swimming areas that meet high standards in terms of water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety. 

Antalya, with its 231 beaches, has maintained its title as the city with the highest number of international environmental awards, the “Blue Flag,” in the world. This achievement was upheld in 2023 as well.

16 Best Beaches in Turkey, Antalya

Antalya’s beaches are world-famous, offering everything from soft sandy shores to unique pebble beaches. With a diverse array of beaches, Antalya boasts an impressive number of coastal spots where visitors can enjoy the sun and sea. The local municipalities have done a fantastic job in maintaining these beaches, ensuring they are not only clean and safe but also affordable. Remarkably, they have even managed to create beautiful beaches along the cliffs, known as “falez” in Turkish, providing stunning settings for beachgoers. Antalya’s beaches are renowned for their excellent conditions, combining affordability with cleanliness and safety, making them a top choice for travelers looking for the perfect seaside experience. Here is the 16 best beaches in Antalya listed for wanderers and beach lovers.

1. konyaaltı beach

Konyyalti Beach view in Antalya Turkey

Konyaaltı Beach is located 7 kilometers away from Antalya’s city center and stretches for 7.5 kilometers. It offers a long expanse of sandy and pebbly shores. As you approach the sea, the sand gradually gives way to pebbles, creating a unique beach experience. This pristine beach proudly holds the Blue Flag title. 

Along the Konyaaltı Beach strip, you’ll discover the enchanting Antalya Beach Life Park. This park not only provides accessible beach areas for people with disabilities but also ensures safety with lifeguards stationed along the entire shoreline. Along with children’s play areas, numerous restaurants and cafes, the beach also offers lots of space for various sports such as basketball, tennis, sailing, cycling, roller skating and football. 

What sets Konyaaltı Beach apart is its awe-inspiring crystal-clear waters, boasting a deep blue hue that captivates visitors. With its natural beauty and abundance of amenities, Konyaaltı Beach is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Antalya.

2. LARA BEACH

Lara Beach in Antalya Turkey

Lara Beach, situated 22 kilometers away from Antalya’s city center, is renowned for its stunning coastline known as the “Golden Sands Beach.” With its extensive stretch of fine, small-grained sand, Lara Beach offers a picturesque setting. Adding to its allure, the Lower Duden Waterfall cascades directly into the sea at Lara Beach.

The tranquil waters of Lara Beach are pleasantly calm and the temperature remains comfortably mild. Additionally, Lara Beach offers unique picnic areas and barbecue facilities within the forested surroundings, setting it apart from other beaches. Along the Lara Beach, you’ll find various establishments offering amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and food and beverage services, in addition to free public areas for relaxation and enjoyment.

Contrasting with Konyaalti Beach, Lara Beach gradually deepens as you venture further into the sea, reaching a depth of approximately 25 meters. Moreover, Lara Beach boasts warmer water temperatures compared to Konyaalti Beach. Best time of day to swim? Do not miss the early morning hours!

 

3. Mermerli Beach

Antalya Mermerli Beach

Mermerli Beach, located within the enchanting Antalya Kaleiçi district, is a hidden gem nestled between the towering travertine cliffs on either side of the Kaleici Yacht Harbor. Mermerli Beach takes its name from the historic Mermerli Mansion, which once graced the southeast terrace of the harbor.

In the heart of the city, Mermerli Beach with Blue Flag status offers a rare opportunity to swim in the sparkling Mediterranean waters. With its calm and crystal-clear sea, occasional pebbly spots, and protective positioning, it provides a serene swimming experience. The breathtaking view of the boundless Antalya Bay and the city skyline, framed by the ancient city walls, adds a touch of magic to every visit.

 

4. Kemer Moonlight Beach

Kemer Moonlight Beach is located 47 km away from Antalya and words fall short when describing it. Nestled in Kemer’s most beautiful bay, this beach boasts a 100-year-old forest of pine and palm trees, a long stretch of fine sandy shoreline spanning 300 meters. With its Blue Flag, Kemer Moonlight Beach is one of the best sandy beaches in Antalya. 

What makes Kemer Moonlight Beach so unique is its integration with Moonlight Park, a nature park adorned with its own accolades. Here you can find a variety of establishments providing services such as food, drinks, and even an aquapark.

And while you’re at it, don’t miss the opportunity to discover Kemer’s other hidden bays, which offer a charm you won’t find anywhere else.

To truly grasp the magnificence of this beach, take a moment to explore our Kemer Moonlight Beach blog.

 

5. Tekirova Beach

Tekirova Beach in Antalya, turkey

Tekirova is a small and charming holiday town located 59 km from Antalya and 20 km from Kemer. It is nestled at the foothills of the Beydağları Mountains, which are an extension of the Taurus Mountains. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Antalya is known for its breathtaking best beaches, and one of the standout destinations is Tekirova.

Tekirova offers all the facilities for an unforgettable vacation experience, including its approximately 4 km long sandy beach, surrounded by lush green forests and overlooking a crystal-clear sea . The region was declared as the “Tekirova Nature Park” in 2016 due to its predominantly dense pine forests that almost reach the coastline.

On the Blue Flag Tekirova Beach, the coastal area offers water sports, which can add excitement and color to your vacation.

 

6. Beldibi Beach

Beldibi Beach in Antalya, Turkey

Beldibi is a nice town near Antalya, just 22 km away. It has a really long and beautiful beach with a Blue Flag that stretches for about 5 km. 

You can relax in the sun, swim in the clear water and try cool water sports like parasailing. The beach has both sand and pebbles, and the free public areas have everything you need, like umbrellas, comfy chairs, showers, changing rooms and bathrooms. There are also lifeguards to keep you safe. And when you get hungry, you can grab a snack or eat at one of the beachside cafes or restaurants. 

How deep is it at Beldibi beach? As you go deeper into the sea, it gets deeper too, so be careful and have fun exploring the amazing underwater world.

 

7. Phaselis Beach

Phaselis is located 56 km from Antalya and 12 km from Kemer. It has stunning natural beauty, ancient city ruins, and unique beaches. The beaches in Phaselis are calm and have clear water with pebbles. In Phaselis you can explore the ancient city and visit its three different beaches. The Great Harbor is the main beach, and there’s also a smaller bay called the Middle Harbor. If you walk through the ancient ruins, you’ll reach the South Harbor, which is the largest beach in Phaselis.Interested? Check out our blog for more information about Phaselis  and its wonders.

8. Olympos Beach

Olympos Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Antalya, Turkey. It is located 80 km from Antalya and 32 km from Kemer.

Olympos Ancient City and Olympos Beach, located within Olympos Beydaglari National Park, are among the most sought-after destinations in Antalya. One reason is that it is one of the most pristine and untouched places on the Mediterranean.  

The beach can be reached by walking along the river from the ancient city of Olympos, a harbor town or by private yacht. It is not only considered one of Turkey’s best beaches but also recognized as one of the finest beaches in Europe.

For Things To Do in Olympos check our blog post. 

9. Cirali Beach

Cirali Beach in Antalya, TurkeyCirali Beach is approximately 80 kilometers away from Antalya and 28 kilometers away from Kemer. Cirali is located between Olympos Beach, which stretches for 3.2 kilometers, and Yanartas Mountain. Cirali Beach is named after the eternal Chimera Flames of Olympos. The natural gas fire here burns continuously, providing visitors with a unique experience. 

Cirali Beach is also famous for its natural richness. It is one of the breeding areas for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, known as caretta carettas. Due to its importance as a nesting site, it has been declared a first-degree protected area. 

The sea is crystal clear and calm, occasionally forming gentle waves during noon hours. Otherwise, it is mostly waveless. The upper part of the beach is sandy, gradually becoming pebbly towards the sea, while the sea itself is rocky. The water is warm, making it ideal for children to swim in shallow areas near the shore.

10. Adrasan Beach

Adrasan is located 93.4 kilometers away from the city center of Antalya. Turkey is renowned for its collection of the best beaches in Antalya, and one such example is Adrasan Beach. The general section of Adrasan Beach features fine sand that allows you to walk on it until it reaches your height when you enter the sea.  This makes it perfect for beginners and children to swim comfortably. Adrasan’s approximately 2-kilometer-long beach is quite extensive and offers stunning views.

At the entrance of Adrasan Bay, you can find Gelidonya Cape, where you can explore a Phoenician shipwreck dating back 3,500 years. While scuba diving with tanks is prohibited in this area, the coasts of Three Islands, located approximately 1.5 hours away by private yacht, are popular among scuba diving enthusiasts.

If Adrasan sounds charming to you, check our links below because you will probably admire the beautiful bays of Adrasan and the famous Turkish Maldives island, too.  

You can also explore our Adrasan blog for an even deeper dive into the beauty of the area.

 

11. Kaputas Beach

Kaputas Beach in Antalya, Turkey

Antalya is home to some of the best sandy beaches, and one of the notable ones is Kaputas Beach. Located on the Kas-Kalkan road, this beach is a first-degree natural protected area situated 200 km away from Antalya. Kaputas Beach is famous for its turquoise-colored sea, thanks to the white pebble stones that adorn its shore. 

The coolness of the sea is a result of the underground merging of mountain springs with the sea. Renowned for its powerful waves and chilly waters, Kaputas Beach holds the prestigious Blue Flag status among Antalya’s beaches. It is recognized as one of Turkey’s and the world’s most famous and renowned beaches, listed as an “Untouched Natural Wonder” beach worldwide. 

Visitors can enjoy various facilities, including loungers, umbrellas, showers, toilets, dressing cabins, and a cafeteria, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable beach experience. Why not you? 

12. Patara Beach

Patara Beach in Antalya Turkey

Patara Beach, located approximately 220 km away from Antalya, is not only known as one of Antalya’s most beautiful beaches but also recognized as a Blue Flag beach. It is considered a hidden paradise worldwide, with its stunning length of around 18 kilometers.

Patara Beach offers an untouched natural beauty, where you can enjoy the pristine coastline and captivating views. The naturally formed sand dunes add a unique charm and provide a perfect setting for capturing memorable photographs. 

Patara Beach offers more than just nature and scenery; it grants you access to a magnificent ancient city where you can explore the most significant remains of the Lycian civilization. With all its beauty, Patara Beach stands out as one of Antalya’s best beaches.

 

13. Cleopatra Beach

Kleopatra Beach Antalya

Cleopatra Beach, located 130 km away from Antalya, is a stunning beach on the western side of Alanya, stretching for 2 kilometers. It derives its name from the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and it is one of the best in Antalya.

Cleopatra Beach is renowned for its golden sand and spacious shoreline, as well as its crystal-clear shallow waters, which extend up to 8-10 meters.  When you look through snorkeling goggles, you can see the sandy bottom, sparkling sunlight, and fish vividly. The beach’s clean and fine sand is truly enchanting so it proudly flies the Blue Flag.

Access to the beach is free, while services such as beach loungers and umbrellas are available for a fee. You’ll find a variety of restaurants and cafes along the shore, too.

 

14. Damlatas Beach

Damlatas Beach in Antalya, Turkey

Damlataş Beach is located 120 km away from Antalya. As a Blue Flag beach, Damlataş Beach is situated on a historical peninsula, right next to Cleopatra Beach.

It stands out for its historical significance, natural beauty and crystal-clear waters. 

Damlatas Beach is  one of the best sandy beaches in Antalya. The water is remarkably clear and clean, offering the perfect setting for various activities and a delightful holiday experience. 

Along the beach, you’ll find several beach bars, restaurants, volleyball courts, an open-air fitness center, a large children’s playground, tennis and basketball courts, as well as beautiful green parks with fountains. In short, Damlataş Beach provides a wonderful environment for relaxation and enjoyment.

 

15. Belek Beach

Located 42 kilometers away from Antalya, Belek is renowned as one of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the Mediterranean region, boasting stunning beaches. 

The beaches in Belek have a fine sandy structure, creating a pleasant shoreline and one of the best beaches in Antalya. With its shallow waters, it is a popular choice among families with children and those who are not proficient swimmers. Additionally, the beach features a children’s playground, providing entertainment for the little ones. 

Surrounded by the beautiful sand lilies, a prominent plant species in the region, the beach offers a delightful atmosphere and picturesque views, ensuring enjoyable moments for its visitors.

16. İncekum Beach

İncekum Beach Alanya, AntalyaLocated 110 kilometers away from Antalya, Incekum Beach is famous for its extraordinary fine sand, which gives it its name. In Alanya, where the sea and forest blend harmoniously, the beach boasts a rich vegetation of palm trees, red pines, eucalyptus trees, Cyprus Acacia, oleander, oak, laurel, and sandalwood, creating a diverse and lush landscape. İncekum Beach is renowned for its pristine sand and is considered one of the best beaches in Antalya.

This beach is particularly favored by families with children, thanks to its golden, soft sands and shallow, crystal-clear waters that gradually deepen. Stretching approximately 1 kilometer in length, Incekum Beach offers both a public area free of charge and designated relaxation areas with sunbeds and umbrellas available for a fee.

BONUS : King's Pool

King's Pool in Antalya, TurkeyKing’s Pool, located 60 kilometers away from Antalya, is a natural pool that stands out for its unique features. It is formed by two separate waterfalls, Aşağı Uçansu and Yukarı Uçansu. Over time, these waterfalls have created a natural pool at the summit. King’s Pool is nestled among pine trees at the point where Yukarı Uçansu waterfall cascades down. The pool’s turquoise beauty, set amidst the forest, is truly captivating. The water is clear and cold, adding to its allure. To fully appreciate the view, there is an observation balcony built above the King’s Pool, offering an unparalleled vantage point. The depth of the water in the waterfall and the pool can vary due to rainfall throughout the year, ranging from 1.5 to 4 meters. This unique paradise provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings and enjoy the tranquility of King’s Pool.

In conclusion, Antalya’s beaches are a true testament to the beauty and diversity of Turkey’s coastline, offering everything from golden sands to pebbled coves, all under the watchful care of the local municipalities. Their efforts ensure that each visit is memorable, combining the allure of affordability with the essentials of cleanliness and safety. For those looking to explore beyond the beaches and delve deeper into what Antalya has to offer, don’t miss our comprehensive “Antalya 7 Day Itinerary” blog. It’s packed with insights and tips to help you make the most of your time in this enchanting region, ensuring a journey filled with discovery and delight.. Come and witness the beauty of Antalya’s magnificent best beaches up close.