Kemer Holidays

6 min read

Turkey holiday paradise Kemer is one of the most valuable districts of Antalya. This holiday village attracts millions of local and foreign tourists every year. It is possible to say that kemer holidays was influenced by many ancient civilizations. You can find traces of Ottoman and Seljuk civilizations as well as Greek and Roman civilizations. Nestled between the dramatic Taurus Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, Kemer offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, ancient history, and modern resort amenities.

Cultural Heritage

Although Kemer is known as a holiday resort, it is a cultural center. Do not forget that you can also have a great holiday in this town where nightlife is so colorful. The surrounding area contains some of Anatolia most important archaeological sites, allowing visitors to combine beach relaxation with historical exploration.

The ancient Lycian civilization, which flourished in this region before the Greeks and Romans, left remarkable rock-cut tombs and ruins that dot the landscape. Understanding this cultural depth adds richness to any Kemer holiday experience.

Activities and Adventures

In Kemer, which resembles a complete paradise with its all aspects, you can participate in many activities unlimitedly. There are also dozens of different sports organizations, including rafting and surfing. The clear Mediterranean waters provide ideal conditions for water sports, while the mountains offer hiking, jeep safaris, and other land-based adventures.

Scuba diving is particularly rewarding here, with numerous dive sites featuring underwater caves, ancient ruins, and diverse marine life. The Three Islands are a popular dive destination, while Suluada Island trip combines swimming in crystal-clear waters with visits to remote beaches.

Location and Accessibility

This unique district, located 40 km from Antalya, is also very close to Alanya. And since many towns and villages are also within walking distance, you can also go on a boat tour whenever you like. The proximity to Antalya Airport makes Kemer easily accessible for international visitors, with transfer times of under an hour.

The town itself is compact and walkable, with the marina, main shopping street, and beach all within easy reach. A coastal road connects the various resort areas, including Beldibi, Goynuk, and Tekirova, each offering its own character and attractions.

Mediterranean Paradise

In Kemer, one of the most beautiful villages of the Mediterranean, you can have a great holiday and have a great experience. You can witness many different things in this unique touristic space exhibited by ancient Greek and Roman ruins. The combination of pine-forested mountains plunging into turquoise seas creates scenery that rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean.

We especially recommend watching the sunrise scenario in the Mediterranean. The eastern orientation of many beaches makes them ideal for sunrise viewing, with the mountains behind providing a dramatic backdrop as the sun rises over the sea.

Ancient Cities

Kemer is home to two well known ancient cities like Phaselis and Olympos. You will have a pleasant time in this ancient city where you will witness many different living styles. Both cities feature ruins set among pine forests that reach down to the sea, creating atmospheres quite unlike the more exposed archaeological sites elsewhere.

Phaselis, founded in the 7th century BC, contains three harbors, a theater, agora, and baths. The main harbor beach is perfect for swimming, making this one of the few places where you can combine archaeology and beach time so seamlessly.

Olympos, accessible via a valley hike through dense vegetation, has ruins scattered among trees with tombs, a theater, and temple remains. The beach at Olympos is a nesting site for endangered Caretta Caretta turtles, adding environmental significance to its historical importance.

Yanartas: The Eternal Flames

There is definitely a place among the 10 places you should visit in Yanartas with a natural fire source in Kemer. Do not leave this city without visiting this place! Known in ancient times as the Chimera, these natural flames have burned continuously for at least 2,500 years.

The flames result from methane gas seeping through cracks in the rock. According to myth, this was where the hero Bellerophon, riding the winged horse Pegasus, defeated the fire-breathing monster Chimera. The site is best visited at dusk when the flames are most visible against the darkening sky.

Beautiful Beaches

Adrasan beach is one of the best beaches in Kemer. This beach, which is a perfect place with clear water and wonderful surroundings, hosts thousands of local and foreign tourists every year. The crescent-shaped bay, protected from waves and backed by orange groves, offers a more natural alternative to the organized beaches of the main resort areas.

Other notable beaches include Cirali, known for its ecological protection and sea turtle nesting, and the small coves of Goynuk that are best reached by boat. The main Kemer beach features a promenade lined with restaurants and bars, offering convenient amenities alongside good swimming conditions.

Historical Caves

Beldibi Cave is one of the caves in this region, where people of ancient times lived. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic era, making this one of Turkey oldest known settlement sites. Cave paintings and artifacts discovered here are now displayed in museums.

Tahtali Mountain

You can reach the Tahtali mountain with a cable car from Olympos and test your adrenalin level here.

The Olympos Cable Car, known as Olympos Teleferik, rises from near sea level to the 2,365-meter summit of Mount Tahtali. The 15-minute journey offers stunning views over forests, coastline, and out to sea. At the summit, observation platforms provide 360-degree panoramas extending as far as Cyprus on clear days.

Adventure seekers can paraglide from the summit or try the zipline experience. Even for those preferring to keep their feet on solid ground, the mountain sunset, when the sea turns gold below, creates unforgettable memories.

Accommodation and Dining

Kemer offers accommodation ranging from large all-inclusive resorts to intimate boutique hotels and family-run pensions. Many visitors choose all-inclusive packages that provide exceptional value, while independent travelers find plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the town center.

Fresh seafood features prominently on local menus, with fish restaurants lining the marina offering the catch of the day. Traditional Turkish cuisine is equally available, from kebabs to meze spreads enjoyed with views of the sea.