Kemer in Turkey 2024

Kemer, a picturesque coastal town located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and family-friendly activities. Nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Kemer is a favored destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Best Time to Visit

Located in the Turkish Riviera on the Gulf of Antalya, Kemer boasts over 300 sunny days annually and enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The ideal time to visit Kemer is from June to September, when average temperatures hover around 80°F (27°C), peaking at 95°F (35°C) during the day. This period offers perfect beach conditions, with sea temperatures above 73°F (23°C). For travelers preferring cooler weather, spring and autumn provide a pleasant alternative, with temperatures ranging from 59°F (15°C) to 66°F (19°C). However, visitors should be cautious of increasing rainfall in late autumn, particularly in October, which can bring about eight rainy days per month.

Best Things to Do in Kemer

Kemer provides a wide variety of activities suitable for all types of visitors. For families, Kemer Aqua Park is a popular destination where children and adults alike can enjoy water slides, pools, and play areas. Additionally, Dinopark Antalya, located nearby, offers life-size dinosaur models and interactive exhibits that make it an exciting visit for children. For nightlife enthusiasts, Kemer is home to clubs like Inferno Club and Aura Club, where visitors can enjoy energetic atmospheres and live music.

Beaches in Kemer

Kemer’s beaches are known for their turquoise waters and stunning mountain views. Dotted along the coastline of this Turkish Riviera resort, the beaches vary in size and vibe, catering to different preferences. Many have earned the Blue Flag for cleanliness, and the beach season runs from April to mid-autumn, with water temperatures reaching 84-86°F (29-30°C) in late summer. Visitors can enjoy activities like catamaran rides, jet skiing, and scuba diving. Kemer's beaches also offer amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, cafes, and restrooms, with both lively spots and secluded areas for relaxation.

Kemer Beach

Located just a short walk from the town center, Kemer Beach stretches across 3.7 kilometers and is lined with beachfront resorts and bars. For those seeking tranquility, walking further east reveals quieter areas where you can enjoy stunning mountain views and clear waters.

Moonlight Beach

Situated just west of Kemer Marina, Moonlight Beach is known for its soft beige sands and vibrant turquoise waters. Unlike many central beaches dominated by hotels, it is surrounded by scenic hills. The beach offers various water sports, including jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing, making it ideal for adventure seekers. With several restaurants lining the beachfront, it's also a great spot for a romantic dinner.

Cirali Beach

Renowned for its serene environment, Cirali Beach is cherished by both locals and visitors. Its calm blue waters are perfect for swimming. At the end of Cirali Beach lies the protected Olympos Beach, where visitors can swim alongside loggerhead sea turtles, particularly during nesting season.

Goynuk Beach

This 2.9-kilometer pebbly beach, located in the northern part of Kemer, is flanked by luxury hotels and offers a beautiful natural backdrop of rugged mountains and green forests. Although primarily associated with hotel guests, public sections provide sun loungers for rent, and beachgoers can enjoy amenities such as cafes and water sports, including snorkeling and windsurfing.

Phaselis Beach

Set among the ruins of the ancient port city of Phaselis, this beach combines history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the remnants of the city before relaxing on the beach, which is divided into three harbors. The semicircular coastline offers a mix of sand and pebbles, with shaded areas under pine trees, making it a perfect picnic spot.

Location and Infrastructure

Situated just 25 miles (40 km) from Antalya, Kemer is easily accessible by road. The town offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to more budget-friendly options. As the local tourism board notes, Kemer’s public transportation system is well-developed, with buses and shared minibusses (dolmuş) providing convenient access to various points of interest. Taxis are also widely available for those who prefer private transportation.

Kemer’s infrastructure is tailored to tourists, with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops lining the town's streets. Liman Street, a bustling shopping area, is especially known for its vibrant market atmosphere, offering everything from local handicrafts to designer goods.

History of Kemer

Kemer’s history dates back to 690 BC with the founding of the ancient city of Phaselis, an important port and trade center in the region. In the early 1900s, the area, then known as Eski Köy (Old Village), was prone to floods, leading locals to build a 14-mile (23-kilometer) stone wall for protection. This wall gave the village its name, Kemer. Until the 1960s, transportation was primarily by sea, but the town saw rapid development after the 1980s under the South Antalya Tourism Project. Kemer officially became a district in 1991 and is now a key tourism hub on the Turkish Riviera.