Kemer is a resort town about 55 km southwest of Antalya Airport, squeezed between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean. It combines clear, pebbly beaches and a lively marina with pine-covered mountains, ancient cities and quiet coastal villages. If you’re visiting for the first time, this guide explains what Kemer is like, how the seasons change, how lively or quiet it is, how to get around and what to pack.
Kemer at a glance
- Where: Antalya province, on the coast southwest of Antalya city
- From Antalya Airport: About 55 km, 50–60 minutes by car
- Character: A compact town centre with a marina, a bazaar and Moonlight Beach, plus resort areas from Beldibi in the north to Tekirova in the south
- Beaches: Mostly pebbly or mixed, with very clear water
- Backdrop: The Taurus Mountains and Mount Tahtalı (2,365 m)
What is the town like?
Kemer centre is small and walkable. The marina, Moonlight Park and Beach, the bazaar, Bar Street and dozens of restaurants are all within a few minutes of each other. Outside the centre, the coast is lined with bays where large resorts sit among pine forest. Further south, Çıralı and Olympos feel far quieter and more natural. See where to stay in Kemer to compare the areas.
Is Kemer quiet or lively?
- Lively: In June–September the centre is busy, and Bar Street and the marina stay lively into the night. See Kemer nightlife.
- Quiet: Resort bays, Çamyuva, Tekirova and Çıralı are calm, and the whole area is much quieter outside summer.
- In between: Spring and autumn combine pleasant weather with a relaxed atmosphere.
Kemer through the year
| Period | Weather | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| April–May | Warm days, cool sea | Hiking, cycling, sightseeing |
| June | Hot, sea warming up | Beach holidays before the peak |
| July–August | Very hot and busiest | Beach and nightlife; sightsee early |
| September–October | Warm, sea at its warmest | Beach holidays and outdoor activities |
| November–March | Mild, with rainy spells | Quiet breaks, nature trips, sports camps |
See what’s on each month in our Kemer events calendar.
What to do
Swim at Kemer’s beaches, ride the Tahtalı cable car, explore Phaselis and Olympos, cool off in Göynük Canyon or take a boat trip. Our places to visit guide has the full list.
Getting around
- On foot: Everything in the centre is walkable.
- Minibus (dolmuş): Cheap and frequent along the coast to Göynük, Beldibi, Çamyuva and Tekirova.
- Taxi or hire car: Most practical for Çıralı, Olympos and Adrasan.
- Tours: Most sights can be reached on organised day trips from the centre.
- From the airport: See our Antalya Airport to Kemer guide.
What to pack
- Water shoes: For pebbly beaches, canyons and rocky coves.
- Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- A warm layer: For the Tahtalı summit and cool evenings outside summer.
- Comfortable walking shoes: For ancient sites and trails.
- A dry bag: For boat trips and the canyon.
- Light rain gear: From November to March.
Staying in Kemer centre
Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is a 30-room family hotel in Kemer town centre, about 250 metres (a 4–5 minute walk) from the sea, with an outdoor pool, a children’s pool and poolside breakfast. The beach, marina and bazaar are all within walking distance. See our rooms or check availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kemer worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you want beaches with clear water combined with mountains, ancient cities and day trips within easy reach.
Is Kemer quiet?
The centre is lively in summer; the resort bays and southern villages are calm, and the whole area is quiet outside the summer season.
How far is Kemer from Antalya Airport?
About 55 km, usually 50–60 minutes by car.
When is the best time to visit Kemer?
June and September–October for a beach holiday; April–May and October–November for hiking and sightseeing.