Best Places to Visit in Kemer, Antalya
Located on the Mediterranean coast of Antalya, Kemer is one of Turkey’s most beautiful holiday destinations. Surrounded by the deep blue Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Taurus Mountains, Kemer offers a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, ancient history, nature, adventure and unforgettable landscapes.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an exciting adventure or a cultural experience, Kemer has something for everyone.
🏛️ 1. Phaselis Ancient City
One of the most impressive historical attractions around Kemer is Phaselis Ancient City, located near Tekirova.
Founded in ancient times as an important port city, Phaselis is surrounded by pine forests and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. You can walk along the ancient streets, see the theatre, agora and old harbour remains, and even enjoy a swim near the archaeological site.
Why visit?
Ancient ruins + turquoise sea + pine forests make Phaselis one of the most photogenic places in the Kemer region.
🚠 2. Tahtalı Mountain & Olympos Cable Car
For spectacular panoramic views, head to Tahtalı Mountain, rising to approximately 2,365 metres above sea level.
The Olympos Cable Car takes visitors from the Mediterranean coast up towards the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking views over Kemer, the coastline and the Taurus Mountains.
On clear days, the panorama is truly spectacular. Sunset trips are particularly memorable, with the mountains and Mediterranean turning golden as the sun goes down.
🏞️ 3. Göynük Canyon
If you love nature and adventure, Göynük Canyon should definitely be on your Kemer itinerary.
The canyon features dramatic rock formations, pine forests, natural pools and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy hiking and various outdoor activities, while adventure lovers can experience activities such as ziplining and canyoning, depending on seasonal conditions and available operators.
It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to experience the wild side of the Antalya region.
🔥 4. Çıralı & Chimaera (Yanartaş)
One of the most unusual natural attractions near Kemer is Chimaera, also known as Yanartaş.
Natural flames emerge continuously from the rocky mountainside due to gases escaping from underground. The phenomenon has been known since ancient times and is connected with the famous mythology of the Chimaera.
Visiting Yanartaş in the evening creates a completely different atmosphere, especially when the natural flames illuminate the surrounding rocks.
🏺 5. Olympos Ancient City
Hidden among lush vegetation near the Mediterranean coast, Olympos Ancient City is another fascinating historical destination.
The ruins are spread through a beautiful natural landscape, with remains of ancient buildings, tombs and other structures.
One of the special features of Olympos is its combination of history, forest and beach. After exploring the ancient ruins, visitors can continue towards the beautiful coastline.
🏖️ 6. Çıralı Beach
Çıralı Beach is famous for its long coastline, natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike the busier resort areas, Çıralı offers a more relaxed experience surrounded by mountains and greenery. It is also located close to Olympos Ancient City and Chimaera, making it easy to combine several attractions in one day.
The area is also known for the protection of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) during their nesting season.
🌙 7. Moonlight Park & Kemer Marina
For something closer to the town centre, visit Moonlight Park and the Kemer Marina area.
You can enjoy a swim in the clear Mediterranean water, walk along the coastline, relax in the park or explore the restaurants and cafés around the marina.
In the evening, the area becomes a pleasant place for a seaside walk and dinner.
🌲 8. Beydağları Coastal National Park
Kemer is surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of Beydağları Coastal National Park.
The park combines rugged mountains, Mediterranean coastline, pine forests and secluded bays. It is particularly beautiful when explored by car, boat or on one of the region’s hiking routes.
For photography lovers, there are countless opportunities to capture the contrast between the deep blue sea and green Taurus Mountains.
⛵ Discover Kemer from the Sea
A visit to Kemer would not be complete without a boat trip.
The coastline around Kemer is filled with beautiful bays, hidden beaches, caves and crystal-clear swimming spots. Boat tours provide an opportunity to see the Mediterranean from a completely different perspective.
Depending on the route, excursions may include swimming stops, lunch and time to explore some of the region’s most beautiful coastal areas.
📍 A Perfect One-Day Kemer Route
If you have only one day, you can create an itinerary such as:
🌲 Morning: Göynük Canyon
🏖️ Afternoon: Kemer coastline & Moonlight Beach
🏛️ Later afternoon: Phaselis Ancient City
🌅 Evening: Kemer Marina & seaside walk
If you have more time, dedicate another day to:
🚠 Tahtalı Mountain → 🏺 Olympos → 🏖️ Çıralı → 🔥 Chimaera
🌊 Why Visit Kemer?
Kemer is special because you can experience an incredible variety of landscapes and activities within a relatively small area.
In the same holiday, you can swim in the Mediterranean, walk through an ancient city, explore a mountain canyon, take a cable car to 2,365 metres and watch the sunset over the coast.
From relaxing beach days to historical discoveries and adrenaline-filled adventures, Kemer offers a complete Mediterranean holiday experience.
