There are so many reasons people love the Antalya region. The warm Mediterranean climate, the delicious food, the stunning scenery and the activities on offer bring holidaymakers back time and time again. A good number invest in their own piece of paradise and buy property in Antalya, either for vacations or year-round living.

But there’s another major draw, too – the number of fantastic beaches you’ll find along the coastline. Antalya boasts a record number of Turkey’s Blue Flag beaches, the coveted status awarded to those that meet the highest standards of quality, safety and environmental care.

If you’re the sort of person who loves a beach day, you’ll be spoilt for choice – there are literally dozens within easy reach, either for day trips or a weekend away. We couldn’t possibly list them all, but here are a few of our favourites – whether you like your peace and quiet or prefer your entertainment laid on, you’ll find one that fits the bill.

Adrasan

45kms from Demre/35kms from Kemer

A little off the beaten track at the foot of the Olympos Mountains but well worth the effort, this secluded Blue Flag beach which will appeal to nature lovers. Parts of the south side are sandy, while others to the north are more pebbly.

Facilities include sunbeds and parasols for rent, boat trips, kayaks and pedal boats for hire. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby, a number of camp sites set back from the shoreline, and hotels and guests houses within easy reach of the southern end of the beach.

Alanya

60kms from Side/120 kms from Antalya

It would be easy to focus solely on Alanya’s beaches, but perhaps the best known is Kleopatra Beach, to the west of the old town.

Here, a long, tree-lined promenade named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – the founder of the Turkish republic - separates the sand from the hotels and guest houses which line the shore. All overlook beach clubs, restaurants and bars, with kiosks offering water sports, parasols and sun beds for hire.

At the eastern end is Damlataş Cave, accidentally discovered by quarry workers digging for stone for Alanya’s harbour in 1948. Lined with stalagmites and stalagmites dating back thousands of years, it’s reputed to have healing properties for those with respiratory complaints due to its high humidity and CO₂ content.

Since 2017, a new cable car has carried passengers from Damlataş to Alanya Castle, with spectacular views over the area.

Kaputaş

5kms from Kalkan/18kms from Kaş

This stunning beach lies at the mouth of a spectacular gorge which discharges fresh water into the Mediterranean, creating deep turquoise water throughout the year. It’s only 150m long and those with mobility issues may struggle as there are 187 steps down to the sand.

The fresh flowing water means temperatures are cooler and there’s quite a steep drop-off only 10m or so from the shore. Parasols and sunbeds are available to hire and there are showers, changing rooms and toilets as well as kiosks and cafes. It’s a regular stop for Kalkan boat trips, which offer access to the spectacular Blue Cave nearby.

Kekova

20kms from Kaş/11kms from Demre

This area is famous for the sunken city of Dolikisthe, destroyed by a powerful earthquake in the second century. Turkish law forbids swimming over the ruins.

However, despite the rocky shoreline, there are a number of lovely beaches including Çağıllı and the much larger Çayağzı – the latter a nesting site for sea turtles and a popular stopping point for walkers following the Lycian Way. It also boasts facilities including kayak rental, daily boat trips, cafes and restaurants along a short promenade.

Konyaaltı

3kms from central Antalya/12kms from Antalya Airport

Perhaps one of Antalya’s most photographed sights, Konyaaltı appears in numerous tourism brochures every year. Its long, sandy beaches stretch for 13kms with the Taurus Mountains as a dramatic backdrop.

Abutted by five-star hotels, swish condominiums and luxury apartments, this Blue Flag beach boasts extensive facilities and offers access to the city’s old town. There’s also a beach park famous for its volleyball courts, bars, restaurants and live music. It’s as lively at night as during the day, with an amphitheatre for public performances, a ferris wheel, an aquarium, and numerous picnic areas 

Access is free although fees are charged for sunbeds and parasols. Additional facilities include daily boat trips and water sports. For attractions such as amusement parks, it’s advised to buy tickets in advance.

Lara Beach

5kms from Antalya Airport/12kms from central Antalya

Lara is the closest beach to Antalya International Airport and has thus become one of the most popular hotel destinations.

The beach itself is 15kms long, stretching from Sandland – home to one of the world’s best known sand sculpture exhibitions – eastwards to Belek and its golf courses. However, only a 2km stretch of the western end is open to the general public; the rest is privately owned by the five-star hotels that line the shore.

Nevertheless, public beach clubs offer water sports including parascending, kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing. Many also include children’s play areas, picnic sites, barbecue areas, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Lara’s popularity and ease of access does mean it’s among the busiest in Turkey, especially in high summer. Many hotels remain open with special off-season deals allowing those who prefer a quieter beach the chance to soak up a little winter sun.

Patara

17kms from Kalkan/40kms from Kaş

Part of the national park, Patara has genuine unspoiled beauty. With a 12km stretch of golden sand and rolling dunes behind, it attracts those who prefer more natural surroundings – and there’s so much space, it’s easy to believe you’re all alone.

As the second-largest nesting ground for loggerhead turtles in the area, Patara enjoys protected status. There’s a small café with sunbeds and parasols at one end, but the majority is delightfully unspoiled.

Nearby are important ancient Lycian ruins; for those who want to enjoy both culture and sunshine, buy an admission ticket that allows you entry to both.

Side

65kms from Antalya/60kms from Alanya

There are beaches either side of the Side peninsula but the western side has more facilities and tends to be more popular.

Kumköy is in the centre, with public access available from the council-owned section on the western end of the beach. There are beach clubs here too, with their own bars and restaurants, as well as a couple of water sports centres.

East of the old town are more beaches which are less populated – largely thanks to the dunes behind them which are not yet fully developed. However, narrow roads across the sand still lead to seaside beach clubs and bars close to the shore. East from here, another public beach is available at Çamiçi.

How can we help?

If you’re considering investing in Antalya real estate, whether you’re buying a holiday rental property, a second home, or making a permanent move to the area, then we’d love to help.

Our experienced team can assist at every stage of the buying process, from identifying suitable properties to sealing the deal. You can view our full portfolio of current properties here; just get in touch when you’re ready or with any questions you may have.