The 17th International Kemer Bocce Tournament takes place in Kemer from 28 October to 2 November 2026. Announced by the Turkish Bocce Bowling and Darts Federation (TBBDF) on 29 September, it continues Kemer’s tradition of hosting international bocce players every autumn. Kemer also hosted the World Bocce Championship in 2024. This guide covers the tournament, the basics of bocce and practical tips for players, teams and spectators.
The tournament at a glance
- Dates: 28 October – 2 November 2026
- Location: Kemer, Antalya
- Organiser: Turkish Bocce Bowling and Darts Federation (TBBDF)
- Edition: 17th
- Disciplines: Previous Kemer tournaments included raffa, volo and petanque. Check the federation’s announcement for the 2026 categories.
Kemer and bocce: an autumn tradition
The International Kemer Bocce Tournament has long been a fixture on the Turkish federation’s calendar. It has brought together players from several countries and has also hosted national team trials. The 16th edition ran from 6 to 10 November 2025.
The biggest milestone came in 2024, when Kemer hosted the World Bocce Championship. Held at the Bahri Tanrıkulu Sports Hall from 23 to 27 October 2024, it brought together around 150 athletes from 36 countries. The opening parade set off from the arena, followed Atatürk Boulevard and finished at Kemer’s Republic Square with a folk dance performance.
Bocce in four points
- The aim: get your balls closer to the small target ball (the pallino) than your opponent’s.
- Raffa: rooted in the Italian tradition and played with synthetic balls on a flat surface, mixing rolling and hitting shots.
- Volo: played with metal balls, with aerial throws and shots that knock an opponent’s ball away.
- Petanque: French in origin. Players throw from a circle with both feet planted. It’s the version you’ll often see in seaside towns.
You don’t need to know the rules to enjoy watching: the score can change with every throw, and the last balls of an end are often tense.
Practical information
- Match schedules and venue details are published by the TBBDF during tournament week.
- The 2024 World Championship was held at Kemer’s Bahri Tanrıkulu Sports Hall. Confirm the 2026 venue in the federation’s announcement.
- For teams: the tournament overlaps with Republic Day (29 October), a public holiday when domestic travel in Türkiye picks up, so book accommodation early.
Where to stay for teams and families
Late October and early November are among the mildest, quietest weeks of the year in Kemer. Between matches you can walk along the seafront, have dinner around the marina or take a short trip to ancient Phaselis, which turns a tournament into a short break.
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, close to the sports halls, the town centre and the beach, which keeps daily logistics simple for teams. For team bookings and room arrangements, contact us on WhatsApp. Individual guests can check availability here, and families can look at our deluxe and family rooms.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kemer Bocce Tournament 2026?
The 17th International Kemer Bocce Tournament runs from 28 October to 2 November 2026.
Is the 2026 World Bocce Championship in Kemer?
No. Kemer hosted the World Bocce Championship from 23 to 27 October 2024. The 2026 event in Kemer is the 17th International Kemer Bocce Tournament.
Can I watch the matches?
Spectator arrangements are announced by the federation during tournament week. Check TBBDF announcements before you go.
Kemer in October and November
Before the tournament comes Sea to Sky hard enduro (7–10 October), and Republic Day falls in the middle of it. For the full year, see our Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Michael Barera, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted with typography and shared under the same licence.