Antalya sits on one of Turkey’s most stunning stretches of coastline, and you are spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches. The two main city beaches are Konyaalti to the west and Lara Beach to the east, each with a very different character. Beyond the city, some of Turkey’s most spectacular coastal scenery is within easy day-trip distance, so it is well worth renting a car or joining a tour to explore further along the coast.
Konyaalti Beach is Antalya’s western city beach, stretching for about seven kilometers beneath the dramatic backdrop of the Beydaglari Mountains. It is a pebble-and-small-stone beach, so water shoes are recommended for comfort. The water is clean and deepens quickly, making it great for swimming. A long promenade runs behind the beach with cafes, restaurants, and a large park. Much of Konyaalti is free public beach, though you will find paid beach clubs offering sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and food service for a reasonable daily fee. The Beach Park area near the eastern end is the most developed section and tends to attract a younger crowd.
Lara Beach, located about 12 kilometers east of the city center, is Antalya’s answer to a classic sandy beach. The sand is golden and fine, and the beach stretches for kilometers along the coast. The western section near the Lara Dirilis Park area is public and free, while further east the beach is dominated by large all-inclusive resort complexes. If you want a lounger and umbrella setup on the public section, several beach clubs rent them at affordable prices. Lara is easily reached by public bus from the city center, making it a convenient option even if you are staying in Kaleici.
For more dramatic scenery, head southwest along the coast to Kaputas Beach, a small cove wedged between steep cliffs about 200 kilometers from Antalya. The turquoise water here is strikingly vivid and the setting is unforgettable, though the beach is small and gets crowded in peak summer. Closer to Antalya, the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis offers a unique combination of Roman ruins and three small bays with calm, swimmable water surrounded by pine forest. Entry costs a modest fee, and you can swim next to fallen columns and ancient harbor walls, which makes it one of the most memorable beach experiences on the coast.
When choosing between free public beaches and paid beach clubs, keep in mind that even the paid options are generally very affordable by European standards. A full-day lounger and umbrella setup typically costs between 100 and 300 Turkish lira depending on the location and season. The paid sections usually come with cleaner facilities, food and drink service to your lounger, and better-maintained areas. That said, the free public sections are perfectly enjoyable and many locals prefer them for their more relaxed, communal atmosphere.
