Top 10 Beaches in Antalya: A Guide to the Most Stunning Mediterranean Shores

Antalya, the tourism capital of Turkey, welcomes millions of visitors every year with its golden beaches and eye-catching bays that meet the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches along the 640-kilometre coastline stand out not only for their beauty but also with the number of Blue Flags. With more than 200 Blue Flag beaches as of 2021, Antalya is the leader in this field worldwide. This is an indication of the importance the region attaches to water quality and service standards.

So, what are the best beaches in Antalya? Which beaches to visit in Antalya? What are the best beaches in Antalya for families? And where to swim in Antalya?

In this guide, we have compiled the top 10 best beaches in Antalya and what makes each of them special. From historical texture to nature, from family-friendly areas to quiet bays, there is a beach for everyone.

1. Cleopatra Beach (Alanya): Where History and Golden Sands Meet Görseli — Located in Alanya, west of the historical peninsula, this beach is named after the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. About 2 km long, the beach is famous for its fine golden sand and exceptionally clear sea. It is ideal for families with its shallow structure and offers a view of Alanya Castle while swimming. It has a Blue Flag, entrance is free, facilities are available.

2. Konyaalti Public Beach: Blue Flag Pleasure in the Heart of the City Görseli — Just west of the centre of Antalya, this iconic beach stretches under the cliffs and is approximately 7-7.5 km long. It is known for its sand and pebble beach, Blue Flag clean sea and views of the Beydağ Mountains. It is popular for its easy access and many facilities such as shower, WC, sunbeds, food and beverage, water sports. Entrance is free of charge.

3. Lara Public Beach: A Popular Choice for its Fine Sand and Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Lara, located in the east of Antalya, is famous for its fine golden sands from which it gets its name. It is especially preferred by families for its wide beach and shallow, clear, warmer sea. It is close to the airport and easy to reach. There are public sections (entrance is free) and beach clubs and facilities are available.

Source: Antalya Yüzme Kursu

4. Kaputas Beach (Kas/Kalkan): A Turquoise Natural Wonder

Located at the mouth of a canyon between Kas and Kalkan, this small beach is enchanting with the most beautiful shades of turquoise and crystal clear waters. It is reached by long stairs from the highway. The sea can get deep quickly. As it is a natural protected area, facilities are very limited (go prepared). It has a Blue Flag.

5. Patara Beach (Kaş): A Unique Experience with its Historical Texture and Endless Beach

One of the longest beaches in Turkey (12-18 km), Patara is known for its fine golden sands and generally calm sea. It is intertwined with the ancient city of Patara, the Lycian capital. It is an important spawning ground for the endangered Caretta Caretta (entry hours and rules apply). Facilities are limited. It has a Blue Flag.

6. Olympos Beach (Kumluca): A Quiet Getaway in the Shade of the Ancient City

This beach, which can be reached on foot from the ancient city of Olympos, is a place where history and nature meet. It has a mixture of pebble and sand beach and clear sea. Since it is a 1st degree protected area, there are no facilities on the beach (food, drinks, etc. should be brought). Despite this, it has a Blue Flag. It is a Caretta Caretta nesting area.

7. Cirali Beach (Kemer): Peaceful with its Naturalness and Caretta Carettas

Located next to Olympos, Çıralı is a place with similar natural beauty (fine pebble/sand, clear sea) but with settlements such as boutique hotels, pensions and restaurants just behind the beach. There are no facilities on the beach. It is one of the important nesting areas of Caretta Carettas. It is close to the mythological Yanartaş.

8. Adrasan Beach (Kumluca): A Bay Known for Its Calmness and Natural Beauty

Adrasan in Kumluca is located in a sheltered bay surrounded by pine forests and is known for its calmness. It has about 2 km of sandy beach and a clean and calm sea. There are basic amenities and places to eat and drink. It is a popular starting point for diving and boat trips to places like Suluada.

Source: Adrasan Tekne Turu

9. Phaselis Beaches (Kemer): A Pine-Scented Swimming Break in Ancient Harbours

Within the ancient city of Phaselis, three old harbour bays (North, Centre, South) set among pine forests offer swimming opportunities. The beaches are usually pebbly and tree-shaded, the sea is clear. As it is a historical and natural protected area, facilities are very limited (go prepared). The experience of swimming among the ancient ruins is unique. Entrance to the ancient city is chargeable.

Source: Gezen Anne

10. Mermerli Beach (Kaleici): An Inner-City Oasis Under the Historic Walls

It is a small, cosy beach hidden in the cliffs next to the marina in the historic Kaleici district. It attracts attention with its rocky/gravelly ground, clean sea and unique atmosphere under the historical walls. It is usually privately owned, an entrance fee is charged and includes services such as sunbeds and umbrellas. It is a quiet escape in the city centre.

Source: Antalya Yüzme Kursu