Antalya has two kinds of beach: fine sand at Lara, Belek, Side and Cleopatra (best for kids), and pebbles with crystal water at Konyaaltı, Kemer and Kaputaş (best for swimming). The season runs May to November. With one day outside the city: Kaputaş to the west or Cleopatra to the east.
| Beach | Type | From the city | Highlight | For kids |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Konyaaltı | Pebbles | 10 min | Clear water, promenade, mountains | Good |
| Lara | Sand | 20 min | Fine sand, resorts | Excellent |
| Mermerli | Small pebbles | Kaleiçi | The old town's tiny beach | Fair |
| Belek | Sand | 35 min | Resorts and calm | Excellent |
| Side | Sand | 60 min | Ruins on the beach | Excellent |
| Kemer / Adrasan | Pebbles | 60–90 min | Coves between mountains | Good |
| Olympos & Çıralı | Pebbles | 90 min | Nature and sea turtles | Good |
| Cleopatra (Alanya) | Sand | 2 h | The coast's most famous sandy beach | Excellent |
| Kaputaş (Kaş) | Fine pebbles | 3 h | The famous turquoise colour | Fair (stairs) |
Beaches inside the city
Konyaaltı to the west: a long pebble beach with a promenade, cafés and parks, and some of the clearest water thanks to the pebbles. Lara to the east: fine sand, big resorts and a free public section. Tiny Mermerli below Kaleiçi is good for a quick swim between sights.
East of Antalya: sand
Belek and Side have fine sand and calm, shallow water near the shore — the favourite for families with small children. In Alanya, Cleopatra Beach runs two kilometres below the castle with clean water and golden sand, one of the best beaches in all of Türkiye.
West of Antalya: coves and turquoise
Towards Kemer the beaches become pebble coves between mountains and pine: Adrasan, Olympos and Çıralı (where turtles nest in summer). Beyond Kaş comes Kaputaş: the most photographed beach in Türkiye, turquoise between two cliffs and reached by a long staircase — better for young travellers than for pushchairs and toddlers.
When to swim
Sea at 27–29°C and strong sun: swim before 11 and after 4. Crowded at Konyaaltı and Lara.
The best: warm sea, quieter beaches and better rates. October is still 24°C.
Plenty of people still swim on sunny days, but expect some stormy ones. December–April is for sightseeing, not the sea.
Bring
- Water shoes for pebble beaches (Konyaaltı, Kaputaş)
- An umbrella, or rent a sunbed from the cafés
- High-factor sunscreen even in October
Avoid
- Swimming under red flags on windy days
- Touching turtles or their nests at Çıralı
- Leaving valuables unattended on busy beaches
Beach days with Alwan
We arrange a yacht day from Antalya or Kemer harbour, a trip to Kaputaş and Kaş or Alanya with a private driver, and bookings for a seafront villa or beach resort. Tell us what suits you.
Ask for a beach or yacht day in AntalyaKeep reading: Complete Antalya guide · Where to stay in Antalya · Antalya airport to the city · Day trips from Antalya · Living & residency in Antalya
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful beach in Antalya?
In the city: Konyaaltı for clear water and views, Lara for fine sand. Outside: Kaputaş near Kaş is the famous turquoise one, and Cleopatra Beach in Alanya is the best big sandy beach.
Are Antalya's beaches sandy?
Lara, Belek, Side and Cleopatra are sandy. Konyaaltı, Kemer and Kaputaş are pebbly with clearer water. Sand is better for small children, pebbles for swimming and snorkelling.
When can you swim in Antalya?
From May to the end of October, and many people swim in November. The sea reaches 27–29°C in July and August.
Are the beaches free?
Public beaches such as Konyaaltı, public Lara and Cleopatra are free; you pay only for a sunbed and umbrella from the cafés. Resort beaches are for their guests.
