Antalya's coastline is a study in contrasts: the city's two main beaches, Konyaaltı and Lara, are long, wide strips of pebbles and sand respectively, backed by cafes and hotels. But drive 30 minutes west or east, and you hit the real deal: tiny coves wedged between cliffs, ancient Lycian ports turned into swimming spots, and the vast sand dune of Patara. The tradeoff most travelers don't realize is that 'sand' here often means coarse pebbles—especially west of the city. If you want soft sand, head east to Lara or south to Patara; if you want clear water and dramatic scenery, the pebble coves of Olympos and Phaselis are worth the drive. Boat trips from the marina can also reach secluded bays inaccessible by road.
Every beach worth knowing about
Konyaaltı Beach
urban pebble strip, lively, sunset views · 5 km west of Antalya centre, 10 min by tram (T2) or bus.
Konyaaltı is Antalya's living room: a long, pebbly beach backed by a wide promenade and the Taurus Mountains. The water is clean but deepens quickly, so it's not ideal for small children. The western end near the marina is quieter; the central stretch is packed on weekends. Skip the overpriced beach clubs and just grab a towel on the free public section.
Swim: Good for a quick dip but water gets deep fast; clarity is moderate.
Amenities: Sunbeds 50-100 TL, showers, changing cabins, dozens of cafes and restaurants along the promenade.
Lara Beach
sandy resort strip, all-inclusive hotels · 12 km east of Antalya centre, 25 min by car or bus.
Lara is a long stretch of golden sand, but most of it is fronted by massive all-inclusive resorts. The public beach at the eastern end (near the Düden Waterfalls) is free and less crowded. If you want a full-service beach day, buy a day pass at one of the hotel clubs—expect 300-500 TL including pool access. The water is warm and shallow, perfect for families, but don't expect any natural charm.
Swim: Shallow, warm water; fine for kids but can be crowded.
Amenities: Sunbeds 100-150 TL, water sports, many hotel-run beach clubs with day passes.
Olympos Beach
pebble cove, ancient ruins, backpacker · 80 km southwest of Antalya, 1.5 hr by car or bus to Çıralı then walk.
Olympos is where you swim among Lycian ruins—literally. The beach is a pebble strip at the mouth of a canyon, with crumbling walls and sarcophagi half-buried in the sand. It's not luxurious: no fancy loungers, just a raw, archaeological swim. The water is crystal clear and cold. Come early to avoid the day-trippers, and combine with a hike to the Chimera flames.
Swim: Clear, cool water; pebbly entry but great snorkeling.
Amenities: Basic: a few treehouse hostels, small cafes, sunbeds 50 TL.
Çıralı Beach
long sand, turtle nesting, laid-back · 85 km southwest of Antalya, 1.5 hr by car; bus to Üçtaş then dolmuş.
Çıralı is the quieter neighbor of Olympos: a 3-km sandy beach backed by orange groves and the Olympos mountain. It's a protected nesting site for loggerhead turtles (May-October), so no loud music or bright lights at night. The water is calm and warm, perfect for a lazy swim. Stay at one of the eco-pensions for a proper escape. Avoid the weekend crowds from Antalya.
Swim: Warm, shallow, sandy bottom—ideal for swimming.
Amenities: Sunbeds 50-80 TL, a few family-run pensions and restaurants along the shore.
Phaselis Beach
ancient harbour, pebble coves, clear water · 55 km southwest of Antalya, 1 hr by car; entrance fee 50 TL.
Phaselis is an ancient Lycian city with three small pebble beaches set among pine trees and ruins. The water is impossibly clear, with submerged columns and stones visible. It's a national park, so it's quiet and well-maintained. The best beach is the northern one (near the theatre). Bring water shoes—the pebbles are sharp. Perfect for a half-day trip combining history and swimming.
Swim: Excellent clarity, deep water close to shore, good snorkeling.
Amenities: Sunbeds 50 TL, small cafe, toilets; no overnight stays.
Kaputaş Beach
tiny cove, turquoise water, steep stairs · 170 km southwest of Antalya, 2 hr by car; between Kaş and Kalkan.
Kaputaş is a postcard-perfect cove with a narrow strip of sand and pebbles, framed by high cliffs. The water is an intense turquoise, but the beach is small and gets packed by midday. The 180 steps down are manageable but a slog on the way back. Currents can be strong, so keep an eye on kids. Go early (before 10am) or late (after 5pm) to avoid the crowds. Overrated? A bit, but still worth the detour.
Swim: Stunning clarity, deep water, strong currents possible.
Amenities: Sunbeds 100 TL, a small cafe at the top of the stairs, no other facilities.
Patara Beach
vast sand dune, wild, turtle nesting · 100 km southwest of Antalya, 1.5 hr by car; bus to Gelemiş then walk.
Patara is Turkey's longest beach at 12 km of uninterrupted sand. It's part of a protected area (turtle nesting), so development is minimal. The dunes behind the beach are impressive. Swimming is safe and pleasant, but there's no shade—bring an umbrella. The ancient city of Patara is a short walk away. This is the beach for solitude: walk 2 km south and you'll have the place almost to yourself.
Swim: Warm, shallow, sandy bottom; can be wavy.
Amenities: Sunbeds 50 TL, a couple of simple cafes, no loud music.
Adrasan Beach
quiet pebble cove, pine forest, relaxed · 90 km southwest of Antalya, 1.5 hr by car; bus to Adrasan village.
Adrasan is a laid-back alternative to Olympos: a wide pebble beach in a bay surrounded by pine-covered hills. The water is clean and calm, good for families. The village is small and low-key, with a handful of pensions and fish restaurants. It's popular with Turkish families on weekends, but quiet midweek. Skip the boat trips to nearby coves—they're overpriced and the beach itself is fine.
Swim: Clear, calm water; pebbly entry but fine for swimming.
Amenities: Sunbeds 50 TL, a few small hotels and restaurants along the shore.
Topçam Beach
small sand cove, local, quiet · 15 km east of Antalya, 20 min by car; near Lara.
Topçam is a small sandy cove tucked between cliffs east of Lara. It's popular with locals but unknown to most tourists. The water is shallow and warm, perfect for toddlers. There are a few sunbeds and a simple cafe. It's a good option if you want a beach day without the crowds of Konyaaltı or the resort vibe of Lara. The surrounding cliffs provide some shade in the afternoon.
Swim: Shallow, warm, sandy bottom; good for kids.
Amenities: Sunbeds 50 TL, a couple of cafes, basic facilities.
Cleopatra Beach (Alanya)
long sand, busy, historical backdrop · 130 km east of Antalya, 1.5 hr by car; bus to Alanya then dolmuş.
Cleopatra Beach is a long sandy beach in Alanya, named after the Egyptian queen. It's popular and can be packed in summer, but the water is warm and the setting—with Alanya Castle looming above—is impressive. The sand is soft and the sea floor slopes gently. It's a good choice if you're already visiting Alanya, but not worth a special trip from Antalya. The eastern end is slightly quieter.
Swim: Warm, shallow, sandy; can be crowded.
Amenities: Sunbeds 100-150 TL, water sports, many cafes and restaurants.
Mermerli Beach (Antalya Marina)
tiny urban cove, historic, expensive · In Antalya's old town (Kaleiçi), 5 min walk from Hadrian's Gate.
Mermerli is a small pebble beach tucked beneath the cliffs of Kaleiçi, next to the marina. It's convenient if you're staying in the old town, but it's small and expensive for what it is. The water is clear and deep, and you can swim out to a floating platform. The restaurant is overpriced. Skip it if you have time for Konyaaltı or Lara—it's more of a novelty than a proper beach.
Swim: Clear water but small and crowded; deep water close to shore.
Amenities: Sunbeds 150 TL, restaurant service, showers.
Practical notes
Sunbed rental in Antalya ranges from 50 TL at public beaches (Konyaaltı, Topçam) to 150 TL at private clubs (Lara, Mermerli). Most beaches have free public sections—look for the end of the sunbed rows. Beach club day passes in Lara cost 300-500 TL and include pool, sunbeds, and sometimes lunch. Water temperature: 18°C in May, 26-28°C July-September, 20°C in October. Jellyfish are rare but can appear in August; sea urchins are common on rocky/pebble beaches (Olympos, Phaselis)—wear water shoes. Turtles nest on Çıralı and Patara from May to October; avoid disturbing marked nests and use red lights at night.
Which beach is right for you
For families with toddlers: Topçam (shallow, sandy, quiet) or Lara (warm, shallow, full service). For snorkellers: Phaselis (clear water, ruins) or Olympos (rocky edges). For sunbathers wanting full service: Lara beach clubs or Konyaaltı's central section. For walkers wanting nobody around: Patara (walk south) or Çıralı (off-season). For sailors anchoring overnight: Phaselis (ancient harbour) or Adrasan (sheltered bay).
Plan around Antalya's coast