Hotels in Kemer

Kemer is a coastal resort town on Turkey's Mediterranean shore, situated roughly 40 kilometers south of Antalya. Backed by the Taurus Mountains and facing a clear blue sea, the town combines sandy beaches, pine-covered hillsides, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that draws visitors from across Europe and beyond. Whether you are after a relaxed beach holiday or an active outdoor trip, Kemer offers a practical base for exploring this stretch of the Turkish Riviera.

Beaches and the Sea

Kemer's coastline is one of its most appealing features. The town itself has a central beach area, while the surrounding districts — including Beldibi, Göynük, Çamyuva, Kiriş, and Tekirova — each offer their own stretches of sand and pebble shores. The water along this part of the Mediterranean is notably clear and warm during the summer months, typically reaching around 28°C in July and August. Many beaches are organized with sunbeds and facilities, while quieter coves can be reached by boat trips that depart regularly from Kemer's marina.

Outdoor Activities and Nature

The Taurus Mountains rising directly behind the town create excellent conditions for hiking, mountain biking, and jeep safaris. The Olympos Beydağları Coastal National Park, which encompasses much of the area around Kemer, protects a landscape of forested slopes, river valleys, and ancient ruins. Within the park, the ancient Lycian city of Olympos is accessible and features well-preserved ruins set among trees close to a beach. Nearby, the Chimaera — a site where natural gas seeps from the ground and burns continuously — is a genuinely unusual natural phenomenon that has been documented since antiquity. Rafting on the Köprülü Canyon, located a short drive from Kemer, is another popular activity for visitors seeking something beyond the beach.

History and Culture

The Kemer area sits within the historically rich Lycia region, and archaeological sites are scattered throughout the surrounding landscape. Phaselis, located about 15 kilometers south of Kemer, is one of the most accessible ancient sites in the region. The ruins of this former Lycian and later Roman port city include three harbors, a main colonnaded street, baths, and a theater — all set directly beside the sea. The site is popular for combining history with swimming. Kemer town itself is modern in character, having developed primarily as a tourism destination from the 1980s onward, but the cultural heritage of the wider region adds meaningful depth to any visit.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Antalya Airport is the main entry point, approximately 50 kilometers from Kemer. Transfers by shuttle, taxi, or rental car take around 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
• Best time to visit: The main season runs from May through October. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. May, June, and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds.
• Currency: The Turkish lira is the local currency. Card payments are widely accepted in hotels and larger establishments, but cash is useful for smaller shops and markets.
• Language: Turkish is the official language. English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and tourist-facing businesses.
• Marina area: Kemer's marina is a pleasant area to walk in the evening, with restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.
• Dress: Beachwear is appropriate on the beach but modest clothing is recommended when visiting markets, towns, or religious sites.