Kemer packs ancient cities, mountain summits, canyons and quiet bays into a short stretch of coast. Within an hour of the town centre you can swim in a Roman harbour, ride a cable car to 2,365 metres, walk to flames that have burned for thousands of years and cool off in a mountain canyon. This guide lists the must-see places in and around Kemer, with how far each is from the centre and links to our detailed guides.
Kemer’s must-see places at a glance
| Place | From Kemer centre | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Moonlight Park and Beach | In town | Beach, park, marina, sunsets |
| Yörük Park | In town | Nomadic culture open-air museum |
| Göynük Canyon | About 15 min | Canyon pools and canyoning |
| Phaselis | About 20 min | Ancient city with three harbours |
| Tahtalı cable car | About 30 min | 2,365 m summit, paragliding |
| Beldibi Cave | About 20 min | Prehistoric rock shelter |
| Gedelme Plateau | About 30 min | 2,700-year-old plane tree, Byzantine castle |
| Olympos and Çıralı | 45 min–1 hr | Ancient city, long beach |
| Yanartaş (Chimaera) | About 1 hr | Eternal natural gas flames |
| Adrasan | About 1 hr 15 min | Calm bay, Suluada boat trips |
In Kemer town
Moonlight Park and Beach sits next to the marina and is the town’s favourite spot for swimming and sunset walks. Nearby, Yörük Park introduces the nomadic Yörük culture of the Taurus Mountains. The marina is the departure point for daily boat tours.
History
- Phaselis: A Lycian port city with a colonnaded street, theatre and three harbours you can swim in.
- Olympos: Ruins scattered along a stream down to the beach.
- Beldibi Cave: One of the region’s oldest prehistoric sites.
- Gedelme: A Byzantine castle and an ancient plane tree.
Nature and adventure
- Tahtalı cable car and tandem paragliding from the summit.
- Göynük Canyon: Swimming and canyoning in cold mountain water.
- Yanartaş: Flames burning from the hillside above Çıralı.
- Lycian Way: Day hikes on Turkey’s best-known long-distance trail.
- Under water: Diving in Kemer and the Paris 2 wreck.
- Further afield: Rafting in Köprülü Canyon, Adrasan and waterfalls near Kemer.
Beaches
From Moonlight Beach in town to the long beaches of Çamyuva, Tekirova and Çıralı, see our guide to the best beaches in Kemer.
Plan your trips from the centre
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in Kemer town centre, about 250 metres from the sea. Our reception can arrange diving, SUP, boat and rafting tours, and minibuses along the coast leave from nearby. See our rooms or check availability. For what is on during your stay, see our Kemer events calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kemer famous for?
Clear bays and pebble beaches, the ancient cities of Phaselis and Olympos, Mount Tahtalı and its cable car, and the Yanartaş flames.
Can I see Kemer’s sights without a car?
Yes. Minibuses run along the coast and most sights can be reached on organised tours from the centre.