15 Best Beaches in Antalya, Turkey & Map 2024
With summer coming up right around the corner, we’re looking at the best beaches in Antalya. The province in Turkey is known for having the most blue flag beaches in the country, hence earning the name of the Turquoise Coast. The pristine beaches along the Mediterranean boast amazing sea views with the backdrop of the Tarsus mountains.
The locals say the sea is warm enough to swim when you see the watermelons out at the local Pazar. So, the kids are on the lookout with promises of time to take a swim in the Mediterranean just a few weeks away. We’ve got a great round of the best beaches in Antalya for your next trip to Turkey.
Map: Best Antalya Beaches
Pebble vs Sand Beaches in Antalya
The big question about Antalya beaches is if they are sand or pebbles. In the Antalya province, you will find both. Our family tends to lean more towards pebble beaches. We do not like taking sand home after a fun day on the beach. There are plenty of nice sand beaches as well – you’ll find the sand has larger grains of sand than you would find in some of the areas of white sand beaches.
Next, we’ll look at the water quality on the beaches, and why Turkey is one of the best places in the world to enjoy time on the beach.
Blue Flag Beaches in Antalya
It’s no wonder that in 2022, the Antalya province has 229 blue-flagged beaches, the most in Turkey. As a matter of fact, Turkey ranks 3rd in the world for pristine waters by the Foundation for Environmental Education, with 531 total blue flagged beaches. The foundation ranks beaches based on their water quality, cleanliness of the sea, safety standards, controlled pets recycling, and opportunities for the disabled. In Antalya, you’ll find blue-flagged beaches to enjoy swimming, water activities, and boating.
Most importantly, let’s look at the best Antalya beaches in 2023.
Best Beaches in Antalya
1. Lara Beach
Lara Beach is a sand beach, located on the east side of the Antalya city center. It runs down to the resort town of Belek, home of many luxury all-inclusive resorts in Antalya. The entire beach is 15km long, with only 2km being public areas. The rest of the beach is home to the 5-star resorts in the area.
Also, Lara Beach is a blue flag beach and home to all kinds of fun water activities. You can windsurf, kitesurf, and jet ski. In addition, you’ll find cafes, picnic areas, and small markets.
Lara Beach is home to Sandland, with giant sand sculptures created each year. You can build your own with the help of a local sand sculptor. At the end of the day, head to the outdoor showers to wash the sand off before you head back to your hotel.
Also, see our guide on the best things to do in Antalya with kids to get all the details on fun family-friendly activities.
2. Konyaalti Beach
Located in Antalya, Konyaalti Beach is the longest pebble beach in the Antalya province. The beach stretches 7km from the cliffs to the base of the mountains. Stroll along the boardwalk where you can sit while the kids play or head to a local café for lunch.
Although many of the restaurants and cafes are closed during the wintertime, you can still head down to the beach to picnic and listen to the waves on the smooth pebbles.
3. Moonlight Beach
Moonlight Beach is in Kemer and is another blue flag beach in Turkey. This is a sand and pebble beach that runs 500 meters with paid and public options. There are view waves on the beach and shallow water which makes it a great option for families and children. Also, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent and there are many options for water sports such as jet skis, parasailing, and boat rides.
Since the beach is in the city center, it is more crowded during the high season, especially in the public areas. If you want to enjoy the beach but with fewer crowds, you can opt for a paid area that typically includes a bed as well as access to many restaurants, cafes, snack bars, and shops.
4. Phaselis Beach
At Phaselis, you can spend a great day at the beach and explore the ruins of the ancient city. Phaselis Beach is only 15 minutes away from Kemer making it an easy location to get to. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the site or use your Museum Pass. There are 2 separate coves where you can enjoy the sandy beaches. You’ll see boats dock in the coves, with people swimming and laying on the beach. The views of the sea are beautiful with the backdrop of Mt. Tahtali in the background.
5. Cirali Beach
Cirali Beach is the perfect family beach in Antalya known for its laid-back vibe and access to the ancient ruins of Olympos and the Eternal flame. There is a 4 km secluded beach, surrounded by mountains and made up of a mix of pebbles and sand. Also, Cirali Beach is known as a breeding beach for Caretta Caretta turtles.
In addition, we head here often to get away from the Antalya city center, about a 2-hour drive down the coast on your way from Antalya to Kas. You can make a day trip of it or stay at one of the local pensions. Some local cafes and restaurants run along the beach, or head into the village to eat at a local restaurant or try the local gozleme made onsite.
In short, we love this beach and highly recommend adding it to your itinerary for a low-key family getaway.
6. Adrasan Beach
Adrasan Beach is off the beaten path in an area that is seeing substantial growth and development. The beach is in a protected cove made up of a mix of sand and pebbles with a small-town vibe. Adrasan Beach is 2km long and offers water sports and boating activities with some fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains.
Next, we’ll talk about a beach you can only reach by boat from Adrasan.
7. Suluada Beach
Suluada Beach is located on Suluada island, and you can only reach it by boat. It takes about 45 minutes to reach Suluada. You can find boat tours to take you to certain stops around the island to swim and snorkel that leave out of Adrasan Beach.
8. Halk Beach
Halk Beach is a public government beach located just outside of the Kas city center. It’s a favorite local sandy beach for families. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas to spend time at the beach. There is a café, changing rooms, and restrooms on-site. Also, there is a women’s beach with a private entrance at this beach.
9. Akcagerme Beach
Akcagerme Beach is in Kas and is another blue flag beach in Antalya province. This is a favorite sandy beach for families with smaller children due to the shallow crystal-clear waters. The beach is about 200 meters long and has mountains surrounding it. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas to spend time at the beach. There is a café, tennis court and small aqua park that you have access to as well. Ultimately, this is perfect beach if you’re visiting Kas with kids.
10. Kaputas Beach
Kaputas Beach is an award-winning beach in Antalya, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Turkey. Located between Kalkan and Kas, the beach is only 150 meters of fine-grained sand. You’ll need to park on the side of the road, then walk down 187 steps down to the small bay to swim and enjoy the view of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
For a fee, you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds on the high seas. Additionally, there are showers, restrooms, and changing areas available on site. There is a small snack area you can buy drinks, ice cream, and other small refreshments. There is no entrance fee to access the beach. Get there early for a place to park along the coastal road of D400.
Next, we’ll look at one of our favorite beaches for families.
11. Patara Beach
Located about 20 minutes from Kalkan, Patara Beach is the longest beach in the Antalya province stretching 18km. The soft white fine sand paired with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea makes it a popular tourist area. It’s known for shallow waters, which makes for a great beach for families with kids. There are restrooms and changing areas on site.
Also, there are several ruins in this area including the ancient city of Patara, that you can explore after paying an entrance fee or using your Museum Pass. At times, you may find teams of archeologists excavating the site. Also, you’ll find the protected Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs at Patara Beach year after year.
12. Limanagzi Beach
Limanagzi Beach is 3km long blue flag beach in Kas. The beach is more secluded and private with no cars or direct access. The only way to reach Limanagzi Beach is by water taxi or small fishing boat from Kas Harbor or by hiking there. The water taxi costs around 40 TL.
13. Kalkan Beach
Just to the left of Kalkan Harbor, you’ll find Kalkan beach. Rent a lounge chair and umbrella for the day to sit and relax or swim. There are local cafes nearby for drinks and food if you need it.
14. Cleopatra Beach
Kleopatra Beach is a 2-kilometer long blue flag beach in Alanya. The water is shallow at the beach making it a great place to take younger kids. There are restrooms, showers, and changing rooms on site. For a fee, you can rent a lounge chair and umbrella for the day. Also, there are cafes and restaurants located on the boardwalk making it a perfect place to spend a beach day in Alanya.
15. Damlatas Beach
Damlatas Beach is a beautiful blue flag beach in Alanya, just outside of the famous Damlatas Cave. The 250 meter long beach is made of fine grain sand and crystal clear waters. It’s a popular area for diving and snorkeling in Alanya. There are snack bars, lounge chairs and umbrellas on site.
Does Antalya Have Nice Beaches?
Antalya has some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, there are sand and pebble beaches with clear turquoise water. The Antalya Province has the most blue flag beaches in Turkey making it a highlight for a trip to the Turkish coast.
FAQs About Beaches in Antalya
The Foundation for Environmental Education ranks beaches based on their water quality, cleanliness of the sea, safety standards, controlled pets recycling, and opportunities for the disabled. In the Antalya province, you’ll find the 213 blue-flagged beaches along the Mediterranean coastline.
The best beaches in Antalya for kids and families are:
Lara Beach
Konyaalti Beach
Cirali Beach
Patara Beach
Phasaelis Beach
Moonlight Beach
Akcagerme Beach
Get more tips on traveling to Turkey with kids.
The best beaches in the province of Antalya are:
Lara Beach
Konyaalti Beach
Patara Beach
Kaputas Beach
Cirali
Suluada Beach
Phaselis
Moonlight Beach
Adrasan Beach
Akcagerme Beach
Lara Beach
Konyaalti Beach
Patara Beach
Kaputas Beach
Cirali
Moonlight Beach
Adrasan Beach
Akcagerme Beach
There are several favorite beaches along the Aegean in close to several favorite coastal beach towns. You can find great beaches in Oludeniz, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datca, & Bodrum.
Final Thoughts on Beaches in Antalya
In conclusion, there are many amazing beaches to visit in the Antalya province. On your next trip to Turkey, be sure to add a few days down the coast soaking up the sun enjoying the sparking water of the Mediterranean. The Turquoise Coast is an area of Turkey that you do not want to miss. For more beach fun, you can venture over to the Aegean to enjoy beach towns like Bodrum & Fehtiye.