Best beaches in Kemer

Just a ten-minute walk from Kemer town centre is the quaint gem called Moonlight Beach. Situated next to the Marina this charming, crescent shaped bay looks like the moon that's represented on the Turkish flag but is actually named after the dazzling display caused by the moon’s rays bouncing off the calm waters in the evenings. The sandy beach stretches for some 300m and is set against a lush background of palm and pine trees. The clear seas are great for snorkelling and the warm, soft sands are ideal for beach-based activities such as volleyball. If you are staying in Kemer, then we definitely recommend you check out this compact, but delightful beach.

Just a couple of minutes’ drive south of Kemer is the delightful Phaselis Bay and Beach area. Phaselis itself was an ancient Greco-Roman city and many ruins are still visible around the bay and beach areas. There are actually two beaches separated by the bay: on the southern side there is a sand and pebble beach while the northern side is home to a small pebble beach where the ancient harbour used to be. To make the most of your visit, we recommend arriving early to take advantage of the beaches before the crowds gather. From lunchtime onwards, things get pretty busy as the bay fills with tourist yachts and the crowds descend to the seafront. At this point, it may be worth listening to your cultural side and head inland to  explore the ruins before returning to Kemer.

A short drive from Kemer in Olympos National Park, Cirali Beach is an idyllic escape for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Over 3 Km long the beach is a mixture of pebbles and sand with the eastern end providing the best sand option. The beach is set against a lush green backdrop and the National Park’s mountains dominate the skyline. If you want to combine a bit of culture and sun worshipping then the ancient city ruins of Olympos are easily accessible from the beach on foot. But for most visitors Cirali’s main attraction are the caretta caretta (loggerhead) sea turtles who choose to make the beach their home. Venturing into the sea to attempt to swim alongside them is a favourite activity here. Just be aware that the beach is closed at night so that the turtles laying eggs remain undisturbed.

Situated some 32 km from Kemer, the secluded Maden Koyu beach is a tranquil haven away from the main tourist hotspots. Reached by a trail, only accessible on foot, visitors are rewarded with an unspoilt location totally different from the many commercialised, more well-known beaches. At Maden Koyu there are no sunbeds or other amenities, instead the black sand and pebble beach is only shaded by surrounding trees, which provides a great opportunity to reconnect with nature. If you want to escape the crowds, even during high season, then we recommend that you pack up a picnic, grab some towels and head to Maden Koyu for some relaxing me-time and, if you are feeling even more adventurous, take a tent and spend the night as wild camping is allowed.

Just 15 km south of Kemer is another popular beach location, Tekirova. With tree-lined cliffs and mountains behind and the tranquil, blue sea in front, Tekirova is definitely, naturally stunning. Its 4-km-long, clean sandy beach deserves its blue flag status. All the usual facilities are available and a lifeguard is on duty during daylight hours. In addition, you will find a green grassed area set aside for picnics and a children’s beach playground to keep the younger ones entertained. Several wooden walkways built over the sea have ladders so you can take a dip in the cool, deep, Mediterranean waters. Just one point to note, try to arrive early as the sun disappears rapidly behind the mountains in late afternoon.