Last updated: September 2026
Kemer holidays combine one of Turkey’s most beautiful natural settings with excellent beaches, a good range of hotels and one of the finest ancient sites on the entire Mediterranean coast.
Set where pine-covered Taurus Mountain slopes sweep down to a turquoise sea, Kemer is the most scenically striking resort zone on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast.
Kemer holidays are not a single resort but five distinct beach zones — Beldibi, Kemer town, Goynuk, Camyuva and Tekirova — each with its own character, beach and hotel mix.
All five are within 20 kilometres of each other and all are served by Antalya Airport, just 40km to the north.
Whether you want a lively all-inclusive resort on a marina bay, a quiet pine-scented cove or a luxury hotel right on the beach at the foot of the mountains, Kemer holidays offer the full range.
Kemer holidays deliver a natural setting that no other Turkish Mediterranean resort can match. The combination of pine-forested mountains rising immediately behind the beach and clear turquoise water directly in front creates a landscape of genuine beauty.
The Taurus Mountains reach over 2,000 metres just a few kilometres from the coast. On clear mornings their peaks are often snow-capped even in late spring, providing a dramatic backdrop to beach days that most other resorts simply cannot offer.
The water quality throughout the Kemer zone is exceptional. The clean coastline with minimal development upstream means the sea is consistently clear and unpolluted. Visibility for snorkelling and diving regularly exceeds 15 metres.
Kemer holidays are popular with both UK package tourists and independent travellers. The range of accommodation spans from budget pensions to five-star all-inclusive resorts, making it accessible at multiple price points.
The ancient city of Phaselis — one of the most beautiful ruin sites in Turkey — is just 10 minutes from the southern end of the Kemer zone. Access to this outstanding site is one of the defining advantages of Kemer holidays over other resorts on the coast.
Understanding Kemer holidays means understanding the five distinct zones, each with a different atmosphere and appeal.
Beldibi is the northernmost zone, closest to Antalya. It is popular with families and first-time visitors who want an accessible, well-equipped resort. The beach is largely pebble but the hotels are good value and the transfer time from the airport is under 30 minutes.
Kemer Town is the main centre, with a marina, shopping streets, restaurants and bars. The beach here is sandy and the marina provides an attractive focus for evenings. Kemer town has more nightlife and restaurants than the other zones, making Kemer holidays here particularly good for couples and groups.
Goynuk, south of town, is quieter and more family-oriented. The valley behind Goynuk runs up into spectacular mountain scenery. The Goynuk Canyon, just 5km inland, is a popular excursion for those who want a walking and swimming adventure in a river gorge.
Camyuva (also known as Kiris) is a wide bay with a mixture of independent hotels and large all-inclusive resorts. The beach is good and the setting is particularly scenic. Kemer holidays in Camyuva suit those who want a quieter, more self-contained resort experience.
Tekirova, the southernmost zone, is the quietest and arguably the most beautiful. The hotels here back onto a long, relatively uncrowded beach with clear water and the ancient Phaselis ruins just minutes away.
Kemer holidays in Tekirova are best for those who want natural beauty, peace and easy access to history.
Phaselis is one of the defining highlights of Kemer holidays. This ancient Lycian and Roman city sits right at the water’s edge inside a pine forest — a setting so extraordinary that it ranks among the finest archaeological sites in Turkey.
Founded in the 7th century BC, Phaselis was an important trading port for over a thousand years. Alexander the Great wintered his army here in 334 BC.
The city has three separate natural harbours, each still clearly visible, with ancient quays and loading platforms that give a real sense of the city’s maritime importance.
The ruins include a colonnaded main street, a well-preserved aqueduct, Roman baths, temples and a theatre with mountain and sea views. Pine trees grow through the ruins and the sea laps at the ancient stones — the combination of nature and history is deeply atmospheric.
There are small beaches directly within the archaeological site — making Phaselis the only ancient city in Turkey where you can swim in the harbour of a 2,500-year-old port. Kemer holidays without a visit to Phaselis are simply incomplete.
Kemer holidays offer access to a string of beaches running for over 20km from Beldibi to Tekirova. Beach quality varies across the five zones but the water quality is consistently excellent throughout.
Most Kemer beaches are a mix of dark pebble and coarse sand — typical of the eastern Turkish Mediterranean. The sea colour compensates magnificently: the combination of the mountain backdrop and clean water produces an intense blue-green that few other resorts can match.
The best sandy beach in the Kemer zone is at Phaselis itself, where three small coves within the ancient site offer calm, clear swimming in a pine-shaded setting. These coves can be accessed during opening hours as part of the archaeological site entrance fee.
Camyuva and Tekirova have the longest stretches of beach in the zone and are the least crowded. In July and August, when Kemer town beach is busy, the southern zones offer a noticeably quieter alternative for sunbathing and swimming.
Kemer holidays offer a strong range of activities beyond the beach. The combination of mountains, sea and ancient sites creates unusual variety for a Turkish resort.
Water sports are available at all the main beach zones: jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats and pedalos are standard. Diving is particularly well-regarded in Kemer — the clean water and rocky underwater landscape create excellent conditions for both novice and experienced divers.
The Goynuk Canyon, 5km inland from the resort of the same name, is one of the best adventure excursions on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast. The walk follows a river through towering limestone walls and involves wading through cool clear water in sections. It is excellent on hot summer days.
The Olympos Cable Car, 35km south of Kemer near the town of Cirali, climbs 2,365 metres to the summit of Tahtali Mountain. The views from the top extend across the coast, the mountains and on clear days to Cyprus.
The ride is spectacular and the summit is genuinely cold even in August.
Boat trips are popular from Kemer marina. The classic excursion is a full-day cruise along the coast south towards Phaselis and the Olympos coast, stopping for swimming in hidden coves. These trips give access to parts of the coastline that are inaccessible by road.
Kemer holidays provide an excellent base for exploring the wider Turkish Mediterranean Coast. Antalya, 40km north, makes an easy and rewarding day trip.
The old town of Kaleici, Hadrian’s Gate, the Antalya Museum and the Konyaalti beach promenade can all be covered in a single well-organised day. The transfer takes around 45 minutes by coach or shared taxi.
Side, 90km east of Kemer, is another excellent excursion. The ancient peninsula town with its Temple of Apollo and two sandy beaches offers a completely different atmosphere from Kemer. The drive passes through Antalya and along the coastal plain east of the city.
Aspendos, 70km east, is the most impressive Roman theatre in the world and can easily be combined with a stop at Side in a single long day. Guided excursions from all Kemer hotels include transport, entrance fees and a guide.
Kemer holidays are well suited to families. The resort has a good range of family-friendly all-inclusive hotels, particularly in the Camyuva and Beldibi zones, and the natural setting gives children genuinely interesting activities beyond the beach.
The Goynuk Canyon walk is popular with older children and teenagers. The Phaselis ruins appeal to children who enjoy history and the unusual experience of swimming at an ancient site. The Olympos Cable Car provides a genuinely exciting excursion for all ages.
The water is generally calm and shallow enough for young children at most Kemer beaches. Lifeguards operate at the main hotel beaches throughout the summer season. Most large all-inclusive hotels have dedicated children’s pools and kids’ clubs.
Kemer holidays offer a good choice of restaurants concentrated around Kemer town marina. Fresh fish, Turkish kebabs, pide and mezze are the staples, all available at excellent value. The marina promenade has a pleasant atmosphere for evening dining with sea views.
The nightlife in Kemer town is moderate rather than intense. Bars and open-air venues stay open late in summer without the aggressive volume of Marmaris or Bodrum. The atmosphere suits couples and those who want a relaxed evening out rather than a full club scene.
The other zones — Goynuk, Camyuva and Tekirova — are quieter in the evenings, relying primarily on hotel restaurants and a small number of local eateries. For guests in these zones, a taxi or dolmus into Kemer town for dinner is easy and inexpensive.
Kemer is served by Antalya Airport (AYT), 40km to the north. Transfer times vary: Beldibi is around 25 minutes from the airport; Kemer town is 40 minutes; Tekirova is 55 minutes. Transfers are straightforward and well-organised through UK tour operators and local transfer companies.
Direct flights to Antalya operate from most UK airports throughout the summer season. Airlines include TUI, Jet2, easyJet and Turkish Airlines. The flight takes approximately four hours.
The Turkish Mediterranean Coast dolmus (minibus) network connects all five Kemer zones and runs frequently from early morning until late evening. Hiring a car gives maximum flexibility for exploring Phaselis, the Goynuk Canyon and day trips to Antalya and Side.
| Airport | Antalya (AYT) — Kemer town 40km, 40 mins |
| Flight time from UK | Approx 4 hours |
| Time zone | GMT+3 (no daylight saving) |
| Currency | Turkish Lira; cards widely accepted |
| Best months | May–October; Jul–Aug peak season |
| Sea temperature | 22°C Jun · 27°C Aug · 24°C Sep |
| Visa | Turkish e-Visa required — apply online before travel |
| Beach zones | 5: Beldibi, Kemer, Goynuk, Camyuva, Tekirova |
| Key attraction | Ancient Phaselis — ruins with swimming at the site |
Search4Sun works with leading UK tour operators to find the best value Kemer holidays. Browse departures from local airports across the UK. For peace of mind when booking, always check your holiday is ABTA protected. For last-minute Kemer holiday deals, check LastMinute.com for the latest availability and rates.
Kemer holidays stand out for their natural setting. The pine-covered Taurus Mountains rise steeply just behind the beach, the water is exceptionally clear, and the ancient city of Phaselis — where you can swim in a 2,500-year-old harbour — is just minutes away.
No other Turkish Mediterranean resort combines mountain scenery, clean sea and accessible ancient history so effectively.
It depends on your priorities. Kemer town has the best nightlife and marina atmosphere.
Camyuva and Tekirova are quietest and most beautiful. Beldibi is closest to Antalya Airport and good value.
Goynuk is ideal for families wanting the canyon excursion. Most visitors choose based on which hotel suits them rather than which zone specifically.
Yes, and you should. Phaselis is one of the highlights of Kemer holidays and is 10–15 minutes by road from the Tekirova end of the resort.
Entrance is inexpensive. The site has its own beaches and you can swim at the ancient harbour.
Most tour operators offer organised excursions; alternatively hire a car or take a local dolmus and taxi.
Yes, Kemer holidays are well suited to families. The natural setting gives children genuinely interesting things to do — ancient ruins, a river canyon, a cable car to a mountain summit.
The Camyuva and Beldibi zones have the best family-oriented all-inclusive hotels. The water is generally calm and suitable for young children throughout the summer season.
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