If you book a stay in one of the amazing resorts in Kemer, Antalya, you might want to stay in your hotel and take advantage of all it has to offer.
Kemer is only 42 km away from Antalya and has become an important and a large tourism center comparable to the center of Antalya. You can explore the area and discover amazing landscapes, beaches, and activities.
In this guide to the 22 best attractions, sights, and things to do in Kemer, you will read about ancient ruins in Antalya, popular excursions, and some off the beaten path ideas for your holidays.
1. An Afternoon at Yörük Park
If you are in Kemer, would you like to change your scenery for a day, fill your stomach with good food, and learn about a special local community?
Yörük Park in Kemer is the perfect place to do this.
It's an open-air museum about the history of this place and its inhabitants. With its location by the sea, it is a nice place to relax and taste traditional dishes of the Yörük people.
- Check out our special article about Yörük Park in Kemer
2. Find the Best Beaches in Kemer
Beach lovers will enjoy Kemer! It offers magnificent bays and beaches, both in the center and nearby districts.
Moonlight Beach is only a 10 minute walk from Kemer city center. It's a 300 meter long sandy beach shaded by palm trees.
Beldibi has 5 kilometers of golden sandy beaches and various holiday resorts by the sea. Kiriş, Çamyuva, Adrasan, and Alacasu Paradise Bay are also waiting for you with their natural environment and fine beaches in Kemer.
- Find out about the 25 best beaches in Antalya
Beaches by the Ruins
Phaselis Bay is one of the best beaches, right near the ancient city of Phaselis. You can combine your day at the beach with a visit to Chimaera in Çıralı, as well. Likewise, Olympos has a beautiful bay where you can visit the ancient city of Olympos. More details below...
3. Visit the Ancient City of Phaselis
Phaselis is not only a historically rich place to visit, but also a beautiful national park in Antalya to enjoy on a sunny day.
Indeed, in the Tekirova district of Antalya, the ancient city of Phaselis is a true natural beauty where historical ruins are waiting for you to discover, under the shade of pine trees.
Phaselis was one of the most important cities in the Lycian League. Preserved Roman ruins are in the site and the three harbors of the ancient city are used as beaches today.
The distance between the ancient city of Phaselis and Antalya is 61 kilometers. There are guided tours to Phaselis, usually combined with Yanartaş and Olympos.
- Check out our article about everything in the ancient city of Phaselis
- Check out deals on tours and activities in Antalya in our official Antalya Ticket Shop
4. Visit Chimaera (Yanartaş)
Yanartaş is 1.5 kilometers from the town of Cıralı in Kemer, which is approximately 55 kilometers south of Antalya. It's located on a popular trail for hikers and walkers called the Lycian Way.
Yanartaş, whose ancient name was "Khimera", has been a sacred place throughout history. It's generally believed that Yanartaş is the ancient Mount Chimaera, where the Olympic fire was lit for the first time.
- This article about Yanartaş in Olympos will give you more details about this amazing place.
5. Visit the Ancient City of Olympos and Olympos Beach
The province of Antalya offers many ancient sites to visit. One of the most popular is called Olympos.
The ancient city of Olympos is located in a valley on the southern coast of Turkey, 90 km southwest of the city of Antalya, near the village of Çıralı. It was one of the confederate cities of Lycia. It took its name from Olympos (Tahtalı) Mountain.
- Check out this detailed article about the ancient city of Olympos.
6. Stay at a Beach Resort
Kemer is a perfect summer holiday destination with a large number of beach resorts.
It's a heaven on earth with its crystal clear sea that meets with the mountains and pine forests. You can have the time of your life staying one of these beach resorts with any concept to choose from, sitting right near the Mediterrenean sea. All of these beach resorts have private beach zones.
Beldibi, Göynük, Kiriş, Camyuva, Tekirova, Çıralı, and Adrasan are the leading holiday centers in Kemer by the sea where you can find calmness and fun in the perfect bays.
- Check out this page with the best deals on resorts in Antalya
- And this list of amazing beach resort towns in Antalya
7. Jeep or Quad Safari in the Taurus Mountains
Jeep-Safaris are among the most popular tours in Antalya.
Daily jeep safari tours from Kemer to the Taurus Mountains are organized by agencies specialized in this field. It's possible to rent a jeep with a guide or ride on your own. You can also join a convoy with 20 - 30 vehicles.
An adventurous ride on the muddy, mountainous roads in the forest is waiting for you! There will be swimming breaks in the rivers to cool off and stops in the villages. This is a different way to explore villages in the Taurus Mountains.
- For other ideas of activities in Kemer, check out these pages about water sport activities in Antalya, hiking in Antalya, and canyoning in Antalya.
8. Trip to Göynük Canyon
With its natural beauty, Göynük Canyon in Kemer is a popular destination for hiking and canyoning in Antalya. It's perfect for beginners and seasoned hikers and offers great natural scenery to explore.
Being a kind of adventure park, various activities are offered around the canyon. These include rafting, canyoning, safari tours, paintball, and guided walking tours for a canyoning adventure.
- Check out this article all about Göynük Canyon in Kemer
- Get inspired with our article about rafting in Antalya
- More canyons in Antalya
9. Kemer City Center (Republic Square)
Cumhuriyet Square (Republic Square) is located in the center of Kemer. It's famous for the Atatürk statue and clock tower.
Official ceremonies, festivals, and concerts are held throughout the year in Republic Square. The square gets crowded in the evening and becomes more colorful as it gets dark.
There are a number of souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes around the lively square.
10. Tahtalı Cable Car (Olympos Teleferik)
Following a 4,350-meter track, the Olympos Teleferik cable car takes you up to Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı). The Olympos Teleferik is one of the longest cable cars in the world.
Immediately after departure, you can admire the city of Kemer and the surrounding sea. As it goes higher, more fascinating sights become visible. These include Olympos Beach and the ancient city of Phaselis.
You can admire the charming landscape, the mountain ranges, and from time to time you can spot birds fluttering around.
- Check out this detailed article about the Olympos Teleferik (Cable Car) in Kemer
11. Excursions on a Pirate Boat
Pirate Boats are waiting to take adventure seekers to the historical coast and lovely bays to swim in Kemer. You'll see the ancient city of Phaselis, which was a leading trade city in ancient times.
Take a swimming break in a silent bay sheltered by pine trees and have a lunch there. The final stop is Paradise Island Bay, one of the best places in Kemer for snorkeling with its clean turquoise waters.
- Read more about pirate boats in Kemer
12. Try Local Turkish Food
For a long time, Turkish cuisine was known only by the famous Döner. Turkish food is definitely it's not limited to kebabs, but instead is characterized by its almost infinite variety. There are several dishes that people like to eat and know all around the country.
You shouldn't skip the sweet treats in Turkey. You should definitely try Kadayif and Baklava and, for sure don't leave Turkey without having tried lokum. Sweet chicken breast pudding and pumpkin are also specialties.
- Read more about the best dishes to try in Turkey
- Read more about Turkish desserts
13. Excursion to Myra, Simena, and St. Nicholas Church
To explore the natural and historiacal wonders in Kemer, you can attend daily tours provided by travel operators. With an organized excursion trip to the ancient city of Myra , the ancient city of Simena, and St. Nicholaos Church you can have a pleasant and informative day.
A boat will take you to the Sunken city of Simena and provide swimming breaks in the best bays. Myra is an ancient city, known especially for Lycian style rock tombs, the Roman theater, and the Byzantine Period Saint Nicholas Church (Santa Claus).
- Read this detailed article about St. Nicholas Church with tips for your visit.
14. Go Diving
Kemer is one of the most fantastic diving destinations in Antalya with a wide variety of sea creatures. Discover underwater life in Kemer with a catamaran specially designed for diving. This area is known for its crystal clear waters and colorful exotic fish.
Professionals will guide you on the boat during the cruise with all the diving equipment.
- Check out our guide to diving in Antalya and book a trip underwater!
- Get inspiration with our water sports in Antalya guide
15. Visit Antalya City Center
The historical city center, called "Kaleiçi" (or Old Town in English), sheds light on the cultural heritage of Antalya where you can feel the spiritual and historical influences on the city.
Getting to know Antalya should start from Kaleiçi (Old Town), which is the historical city center. Hadrian's Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, Yivliminare Mosque, Kesik Minaret, Kaleiçi with its narrow streets and historical houses, and the ancient marina covers an area of approximately 1 km in diameter. So, it's quite easy to explore everything on foot.
- This article about Kaleiçi, Antalya's old town will give you more information about what to do while you are there.
16. Spend the Day at UNESCO World Heritage, Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a geological formation in the province of Denizli, in southwestern Turkey, about 241 km from Antalya.
It is known for hot springs and white travertine, which forms natural pools from the carbonate minerals contained in the water. It took the name "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" because of this natural formation.
The glorious ancient city of Hierapolis stands right next to the travertines. Most of the ruins date back to the Roman period. Pamukkale and Hierapolis have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.
You can visit the ancient site with a massive necropolis and a well preserved theater, swim in the ancient thermal pools, and witness the beauty of the travertines in Pamukkale by taking a trip from Antalya.
- Here's an article that describes tours to Pamukkale from Antalya, so you can book now!
17. Rafting at Köprülü Canyon
Spend a day at Turkey's largest rafting center in Köprülü Canyon. Köprülü Canyon National Park is 80 km from Antalya city center and 92 km from Avsallar.
Have you ever tried rafting on a boat that drifts through ice-cold waters? If you haven't tried it yet, turn your attention to Köprülü Canyon. You will have the most amazing and refreshing experience available.
Köprülü Canyon is one of the popular attractions in Antalya and gathers hundreds of tourists every day in the summer.
- Here's a full article about Köprülü Canyon in Antalya
- More canyons in Antalya
- More National Parks in Antalya
18. Visit Dino Park in Göynük
Dino Park covers an area of 30 hectares in a shady pine forest and is an exciting attraction located in the Kemer district in Antalya. The theme park is mostly appealing to children as Turkey's first dinosaur park.
A visit to Dino Park is an exciting and very entertaining way to learn more about the age of dinosaurs. You can find models of many dinosaurs that became extinct millions of years ago.
- Check out this full article about Dino Park in Antalya
19. Search for Souvenirs at the Bazaar in Kemer
For a real shopping experience and to feel the atmosphere of the daily life of local people, take yourself to bazaar. The busiest shopping district is on Ataturk Boulevard in the center of Kemer. You can find the most interesting souvenirs such as Turkish handicrafts, jewelry, Turkish sweets, coffee, carpets, and clothes here.
If you get there on Monday, an open air market will be set up, where you can find fresh fruits, dried fruits, spices, and vegetables from local vendors. There is another weekly open air bazaar in the Çamyuva district in Kemer set up every Wednesday.
- We have a special guide to shopping in Antalya for you to check out
- Read more about Antalya's markets and bazaars
- Find inspiration with our article on the best souvenirs to buy in Antalya
20. Tandem Paragliding from Mount Olympos
Mount Olympos (Tahtalı Dağı) is on the east coast of the Teke Peninsula, dominating the landscape around Kemer. Mount Olympos, with its perfect terrain, provides the best conditions for paragliding.
It is the highest mountain paragliding facility in the world, with the height difference of 2,365 meters between take off and landing.
To have the best view above the Mediterranean Sea on the Turkish Riviera with unspoiled nature, book your experience with the paragliding experts in Kemer.
This will be the most adventurous part and an unforgettable memory during your time in Kemer!
- Check out our detailed page about tandem paragliding in Antalya, including how to do it in Olympos
21. Visit a Hamam
Hamams were an important place for entertainment and socializing in the daily life of the Ottomans. This old tradition has passing through many generations and still exists today.
There are steamy, humid, and warm rooms with marble seating and traditional basins running hot and cold water in the hamam.
It's possible to feel like a Sultan, relaxing in a classical Turkish Hamam for a day in Kemer.
It's suggested to visit a hamam during the first days of your holiday, to get rid of the dirt and get a better sun tan!
22. Enjoy the Nightlife in Kemer
When it gets dark, the streets and bar tables are filled with the people from different nations in Kemer. There is a big variety of entertainment at night from popular nightclubs, karaoke bars, to live music halls.
Aura Club in Kemer is one of the biggest nightclubs and has professional dancers and loud music until the late hours of the night. You can listen local DJ's in Club Inferno.
In addition to the big night clubs, you can take a tour of the famous Bars Street in the center and browse the bars with many different concepts.
Now you know everything you need to know before going to Kemer. These are the most important attractions in and around town.
If you liked this article, mention it in the comments below and make sure to check other town and things to do in the Antalya Province: