Antalya's Most Beautiful Bays and Beaches

Antalya's coastline stretches for more than 600 kilometres, and its character changes dramatically along the way. East of the city you find long sandy beaches; to the west, the Taurus Mountains meet the sea in cliffs, coves and small islands. Here are fifteen bays and beaches worth knowing, from west to east.

The Western Coast: Kaş and Kalkan

• Patara Beach: one of Türkiye's longest sandy beaches, next to an ancient city and dunes.
• Kaputaş Beach: a small turquoise cove between Kaş and Kalkan, reached by steps from the road.
• Fırnaz Bay: a boat-only cove near Kalkan.
• Büyük Çakıl: a pebble beach close to Kaş centre.
• Kekova and Kaleköy: calm waters over a partly sunken ancient city.

Demre, Finike and Kumluca

• Çayağzı (Andriake): the beach near the ancient harbour of Myra at Demre.
• Adrasan: a sandy bay and starting point for boat trips.
• Ceneviz Bay: a turquoise cove reachable only by sea.
• Suluada: an island with white sand, often called the Maldives of Türkiye.
• Sazak Bay: a quiet natural beach in the pines.

Olympos and Kemer

• Olympos and Çıralı: a long beach beside ancient ruins and a turtle nesting area.
• Phaselis: three ancient harbours with clear water.
• Tekirova and Göynük: pebble and sand beaches below the mountains.

East of Antalya

• Konyaaltı and Lara: the city's own beaches, below the travertine cliffs.
• Side and Alanya: sandy beaches near ancient sites, including Cleopatra Beach in Alanya.

Tips for exploring

Many of the most beautiful coves have no road, so a boat trip is the easiest way to see them. Bring water shoes for pebbly beaches and visit early in the day in high season.

Choosing the Right Bay for You

Families with small children usually prefer the shallow, sandy beaches east of Antalya or the main beach at Adrasan. Snorkellers and photographers will enjoy the clear, rocky coves around Kaş, Kekova and Phaselis. If you want to see several bays in one day without driving, a boat trip from Kemer, Adrasan or Kaş is the most relaxing choice.

In July and August, start early to find parking and shade, and always carry water, sun protection and a bag for your rubbish.