Kemer is a resort town about 40 km south-west of Antalya, squeezed between the sea and the pine-covered Beydağları mountains, where Mount Tahtalı rises to 2,365 m almost straight from the shore. It has a busy marina, a pebbly town beach, the pine-shaded Moonlight Park and a lively evening scene, while along the coast to the south are some of the most beautiful spots on the Turkish Riviera: the ancient harbours of Phaselis, the ruins and beach of Olympos, the eternal flames of the Chimaera above Çıralı, and a cable car to the top of Tahtalı. It suits families, walkers, divers and anyone who wants green mountains with their beach. The best months are May, June, September and October. Give it four days to a week.
Right now in Kemer
- Wed 15–26°C 60–78°F Mostly clear
- Thu 15–25°C 59–77°F 2 mm Showers
- Fri 16–27°C 60–81°F Clear
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Rates: ECB
Top tours in Kemer
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Kemer at a glance
- Best months: May–June and September–October. Average highs run from about 26 °C in May to 34 °C in July and August, and it almost never rains from June to September (MGM, Antalya station, 1930–2025). The sea stays above 24 °C into October.
- Days needed: 2 for the town, the marina, Moonlight Beach and a boat trip; 4–7 to add Phaselis, the Tahtalı cable car, Olympos, the Chimaera and the Göynük canyon.
- Getting there: Antalya airport (AYT) is about 55 km north-east, roughly an hour by transfer. There is no Havaş airport bus to Kemer.
- Getting around: the town is walkable; frequent buses and dolmuş run along the coast road between Antalya, Kemer, Göynük, Çamyuva and Tekirova. A car helps for Olympos, Çıralı and the mountains.
- Budget level: mid-range, from simple pensions to big all-inclusive resorts. See our Türkiye guide for money, visas and costs.
Kemer’s areas and who each one suits
- Kemer town: the marina, the town beach, Moonlight Park and the shopping streets, with hotels of every size and bars that stay open late in summer. For first-timers, nightlife and anyone without a car.
- Beldibi and Göynük: north of town, a string of resorts on pebble beaches below steep wooded slopes, with the Göynük canyon behind. For families on all-inclusive holidays.
- Kiriş, Çamyuva and Tekirova: south of town, quieter resort villages among pines, close to Phaselis and the Tahtalı cable car. For a greener, calmer stay.
- Çıralı and Olympos: about an hour south, with small pensions, tree houses and orange groves behind a long, undeveloped beach where sea turtles nest. For nature lovers, walkers and a slower pace.
Top things to see around Kemer
Türkiye’s state museums and ancient sites charge foreign visitors in euros, payable by card; Turkish citizens pay in lira or use the MüzeKart. Prices below are the 2026 rates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s tariff, as of October 2026, and the opening hours come from the official museum site, muze.gov.tr. Check there before you go, as prices change every year.
Kemer marina and Moonlight Beach
The marina is the centre of town life, with yachts and gulets, waterfront cafés and the departure point for most boat trips. Just south of it, Moonlight Park (Ayışığı) is a landscaped park under pines with a long beach of fine pebbles and sand, clear water, beach clubs and water sports; it is the town’s favourite swimming spot. Behind the park, the Yörük Park open-air museum shows the life of the region’s nomadic herders. Walk the seafront promenade from the marina to Moonlight Beach at sunset, with Tahtalı turning pink above you.
Phaselis
About 15 km south of Kemer near Tekirova, Phaselis is a Lycian port city founded in the 7th century BC on a small peninsula with three harbours. A paved main street runs between baths, an agora and a small theatre to the harbours, now sandy coves among pines where you can swim; Hadrian’s gate and a Roman aqueduct stand near the entrance. How to visit: open daily 08:00–19:00, last ticket 18:30. The ticket is €10 for foreign visitors in 2026; the ministry has announced €11 for 2027. Bring a swimsuit, water and something to sit on, and come early, before the boat trips arrive.
The Tahtalı cable car (Olympos Teleferik)
From a lower station above Tekirova, the Olympos Teleferik climbs a 4,350 m line to the 2,365 m summit of Mount Tahtalı in about 10 minutes, in cabins for 80 people. At the top are terraces, a restaurant, short walks and paragliding flights down to the coast, with views over the whole Gulf of Antalya. How to visit: the operator’s timetable runs daily 09:00–17:00 in April, May and October, 09:00–18:00 from June to September and 09:00–15:00 from November to March; the last ascent is 30 minutes before closing, and the 7 km access road closes to cars 15 minutes before the last departure. There are also sunrise and sunset trips on set days. Tickets are sold at the lower station and on the operator’s online shop; Turkish citizens get a local discount with ID. It is often 10–15 °C cooler at the top, so bring a jacket.
Olympos and Çıralı
About an hour south of Kemer, Olympos was a Lycian city whose ruins lie scattered in a shady river valley among laurel and fig trees: tombs, a theatre, a Byzantine church and a mosaic floor, leading down to a pebble beach between cliffs. How to visit: open daily 08:00–19:00, last ticket 18:30; €10 in 2026. The ticket also gives access to the beach from the Olympos side. Next door, Çıralı is a low-key village of pensions and orange groves behind a 3 km beach where loggerhead turtles nest; you can walk along the beach from Çıralı to the ruins.
The Chimaera (Yanartaş)
Above Çıralı, natural gas seeps out of cracks in the rock and burns in dozens of small, permanent flames: the Chimaera, or Yanartaş (“burning stone”), linked in legend with the fire-breathing monster slain by Bellerophon. From the car park, a stepped path climbs for about 30–40 minutes to the flames. How to visit: Kemer Municipality, which runs the site, says entry is paid; the fee is small and in lira. The flames are most impressive after dark, so go at dusk with a torch and good shoes for the walk down.
Museum passes
The Museum Pass The Mediterranean costs €90 and covers more than 40 state museums and sites in Antalya, Mersin, Adana and Denizli for 7 days from the first use, one entry per site; the Museum Pass Türkiye costs €165 for 15 days at more than 350 sites. Neither covers night openings. Phaselis and Olympos alone come to €20, so the pass only pays off if you add Aspendos, Perge, Side, Myra or Patara in the same week.
Beaches around Kemer
Most beaches on this coast are of fine pebbles or a mix of sand and pebbles, with very clear, deep water and mountains behind. Antalya province had 232 Blue Flag beaches in 2026, the most of any Turkish province. Public beaches are free; you pay for sunbeds and umbrellas. For more ideas, see our beach guide.
| Beach | Area | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonlight Beach (Ayışığı) | Kemer town | Fine pebbles and sand in a pine park | Families, water sports, a swim in town |
| Phaselis bays | 15 km south | Small sandy coves among ruins and pines | History and a swim together |
| Tekirova | 15 km south | Long pebble beach below pine slopes | Quiet resort days |
| Çıralı | About an hour south | 3 km pebble beach, no high-rises | Nature lovers; turtle nesting area |
| Olympos | Beside the ruins | Pebble beach between cliffs | Combining ruins and a swim |
Bring water shoes for the pebbles. Çıralı, Olympos and Tekirova are among Türkiye’s protected sea-turtle nesting beaches: from May to the end of September, nesting beaches are closed to people from 20:00 to 08:00, and tents, fires, vehicles and lights on the sand are forbidden. Keep away from marked nests and take your rubbish home.
Wildfire season rules (as of October 2026)
Kemer sits inside some of the densest pine forest on the coast, much of it in the Beydağları Coastal National Park, and summer fires are a real risk. The Antalya Governorate sets the rules each year; for 2026 they are:
- Forest entry ban: entering forests in Antalya province is banned from 1 May to 31 October 2026, except at listed forest parks and day-use areas. Lycian Way stages and forest roads may be affected; ask locally before a hike.
- No fires: no barbecues, campfires or stoves in the countryside, and no fire at all in the listed picnic areas between 21:00 and 08:30 until 31 October.
- No fireworks or sky lanterns within about 4 km of forests.
- On the cable car road: the operator bans stopping and picnicking along the 7 km mountain road.
- If you see smoke or fire: call 112.
Other things to do in Kemer
Boat trips
From Kemer marina, day boats and wooden gulets sail south along the coast to Phaselis, the sandy bays around Tekirova, the “Paradise” and “Aquarium” coves and small islands, stopping for swims and lunch on board. There are also pirate-themed party boats for families and quieter private charters. Compare a few boats on the quay, and check the route, lunch and drinks before you pay. See our boat trips guide.
Diving and snorkelling
Kemer is one of the main diving centres on the Turkish Riviera, with clear water, underwater caves and reefs, and wrecks off the coast. Dive centres in the marina run beginner dives and courses; choose one authorised by the Turkish Underwater Sports Federation (TSSF). Visibility and water temperatures are best from June to October. Snorkellers find the most fish around the rocks at Phaselis and the coves south of town. See our diving guide and snorkeling guide.
Göynük canyon
Inland from Göynük, about 10 km north of Kemer, the Göynük canyon is a narrow limestone gorge with an ice-cold river and deep green pools. A path follows the river from the entrance, and in the gorge itself you wade and swim, with wetsuits, helmets and guided canyoning trips offered at the entrance. It is run as a nature park with an entry fee in lira; extra activities cost more. Wear water shoes, and expect cold water even in August.
The Lycian Way
The Lycian Way, the waymarked trail from Ölüdeniz near Fethiye towards Antalya, is about 760 km long according to the Culture Routes Society, which maintains it. Its last stages run through the mountains behind Kemer, from Çıralı and Olympos over the shoulders of Tahtalı and on through the forests to its end at Geyikbayırı, where there are daily buses to Antalya. Good day walks include the coastal path from Çıralı towards Olympos, and the trail from Phaselis through the pines. Walk from February to May or from September to November; summer is too hot, and forests may be closed. See our hiking guide.
Food and nightlife
Eat grilled fish and meze at the marina, trout in the mountain villages, gözleme (filled flatbread) at roadside stops and piyaz, Antalya’s white bean salad. Çıralı’s orange groves supply fresh juice all over the coast. In summer, Kemer’s bars and clubs near the marina stay busy until the early hours; Çıralı and Olympos are quieter, with dinners in garden restaurants. Since January 2026 restaurants in Türkiye may no longer add service or cover charges to the bill.
Day trips from Kemer
- Antalya: Kaleiçi old town, the harbour and the Düden waterfalls, about an hour north-east. See our Antalya guide.
- Kaş and Kekova: the sunken city and Kaş’s harbour, about 2½ hours west; better as an overnight. See our Kaş guide.
- Myra and Demre: Lycian rock tombs and the Church of St Nicholas, about 2 hours west.
- Adrasan: a quiet bay south of Olympos with boat trips to the Suluada island and its white-sand coves.
- Termessos: a mountain-top city Alexander the Great never took, about an hour north; see our Antalya guide.
Nearby destinations
Getting there and getting around
From Antalya airport (AYT) to Kemer
- Transfers: the easiest way. Most hotels and package holidays include a shared transfer, and private transfers can be booked in advance; the drive is about 55 km and roughly an hour, round the edge of Antalya and along the coast road.
- No Havaş bus: Havaş does not run from Antalya airport to Kemer. Its only Antalya airport route goes into the city, to Konyaaltı.
- By public transport: take the AntRay tram or the Havaş bus into Antalya, then a bus or dolmuş along the coast road to Kemer from the main bus station (otogar) or the western suburbs. Cheap, but slow with luggage.
- Taxi: metered yellow taxis wait outside both terminals; it is a long ride, so agree the route first.
Around Kemer
- Buses and dolmuş: run often along the coast road between Beldibi, Göynük, Kemer, Kiriş, Çamyuva and Tekirova; pay in lira, in cash or by card where accepted. For Çıralı and Olympos, buses stop on the main road and minibuses go down to the villages.
- Cable car transfers: the cable car operator runs a shuttle from the main road to the lower station and, in season, morning and noon transfers from the Kemer resorts.
- Hire car: the easiest way to combine Phaselis, the cable car, Olympos and the Chimaera. The coast road south is winding and busy in summer.
- On foot: the promenade links the marina, the town beach and Moonlight Park.
When to go and how long to stay
Kemer has a hot, dry summer and a mild, wet winter, but the mountains make it a little greener, and on some days a little cooler at night, than Antalya. From June to September there is almost no rain, and July and August are hot and humid. May, June, September and October are best for walking, ruins and swimming together. In winter, many resort hotels close, the mountains get rain and sometimes snow on the peaks, and the coast is quiet.
| Season | Average high / low | Rainy days a month | Sea temperature | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 18–26 °C / 8–15 °C | 5–9 | 17–21 °C | Green and flowery; best for the Lycian Way and the ruins; the sea is cool until late May. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 31–34 °C / 20–23 °C | 0–3 | 24–28 °C | Hot, dry and sunny; peak beach, boat and diving season. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 21–31 °C / 11–20 °C | 2–7 | 21–27 °C | Warm sea and comfortable days in September and October; rain returns in November. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 15–17 °C / 6–8 °C | 10–12 | 16–18 °C | Mild, with heavy rain on some days; snow on Tahtalı; many hotels closed. |
There is no official climate station in Kemer itself, so air figures are long-term averages for the Antalya station, about 35 km away, from Türkiye’s State Meteorological Service (MGM), measured from 1930 to 2025; Antalya gets about 1,000 mm of rain a year, almost all from November to March. Sea temperatures are MGM’s long-term (1970–2025) monthly averages for the Turkish Mediterranean.
3 days in Kemer
Day one: the marina, a swim at Moonlight Beach and the promenade at sunset. Day two: Phaselis at opening time, then the Tahtalı cable car in the late morning, while the air is clear. Day three: a boat trip along the coast, or the Göynük canyon.
5–7 days in Kemer
Add two days in Çıralı: Olympos and its beach by day, and the Chimaera at dusk. Then a dive day, a walk on the Lycian Way in spring or autumn, and a day in Antalya‘s old town. With more time, continue west along the coast to Kaş and Fethiye.
Where to stay in Kemer
- Without a car: Kemer town, near the marina and Moonlight Beach.
- Families and all-inclusive: Beldibi, Göynük, Kiriş or Tekirova.
- Nature and quiet: a pension or bungalow in Çıralı or Olympos.
- Divers: the town, close to the dive centres in the marina.
Türkiye adds an accommodation tax to hotel bills; it is normally 2%, but has been cut to 1% from 1 May to 31 December 2026, and is usually already included in the rate shown.
Practical tips for Kemer
- Money: the currency is the Turkish lira, about 55 TL to the euro in early October 2026. State sites charge foreigners in euros by card; boat trips and dives are often quoted in euros, daily life in lira. Pay by card in lira and refuse charges in your home currency.
- Cable car: go early on a clear day; clouds often build over the summit in the afternoon. Check the operator’s site for maintenance closures.
- Chimaera at night: bring a torch and shoes with grip; the steps are uneven.
- Turtle beaches: at Çıralı, Olympos and Tekirova, leave the beach by 20:00 from May to September and never use lights on the sand.
- Fire risk: respect forest closures and never light a fire outdoors.
- Emergencies: call 112.
What to pack for Kemer
Pack light, breathable clothes, a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor reef-safe sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Water shoes are a must for the pebble beaches and the Göynük canyon, and a snorkel mask makes the boat trips better. Bring a warm layer or light jacket for the top of Tahtalı and evening boat rides, walking shoes with grip and a torch for the Chimaera, and broken-in hiking shoes if you plan to walk the Lycian Way. From November to March, add a rain jacket.
Kemer travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Kemer?
Two or three days covers the town, Moonlight Beach, Phaselis and the cable car. Five to seven days lets you add Olympos, the Chimaera, a boat trip, a dive and the Göynük canyon.
What are the Tahtalı cable car opening hours?
According to the operator, daily 09:00–17:00 in April, May and October, 09:00–18:00 from June to September and 09:00–15:00 from November to March, with the last ascent 30 minutes before closing. Check its site for maintenance days.
How much is the ticket for Phaselis?
€10 for foreign visitors in 2026 (€11 announced for 2027). It is open daily 08:00–19:00, with the last ticket at 18:30, and is included in the Museum Pass The Mediterranean.
Is there an entry fee for the Chimaera (Yanartaş)?
Yes. Kemer Municipality, which runs the site, charges a small entry fee in lira. The walk up from the car park takes about 30–40 minutes.
How much is Olympos?
€10 for foreign visitors in 2026, open daily 08:00–19:00. You can also walk along the beach from Çıralı to the ruins.
Is there a Havaş bus from Antalya airport to Kemer?
No. Book a shared or private transfer (about an hour), or go into Antalya by tram or Havaş bus and take a bus or dolmuş along the coast.
Can you hike near Kemer in summer?
Not freely. In 2026 entry to forests in Antalya province is banned from 1 May to 31 October, except at listed forest parks and day-use areas. Save the Lycian Way for spring and autumn.
Is Kemer good for diving?
Yes. It is one of the main dive centres on the Turkish Riviera, with caves, reefs and wrecks and good visibility from June to October. Choose a TSSF-authorised dive centre.
How warm is the sea in Kemer?
About 21 °C in May, 27–28 °C in August and September and about 25 °C in October, by MGM’s long-term averages for the Turkish Mediterranean.
When is the best time to visit Kemer?
May, June, September and October, for warm sea, clear mountain views and comfortable walking. July and August are hot but best for pure beach and boat holidays.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Opening hours for Phaselis and Olympos come from Türkiye’s official museum site (muze.gov.tr), and Museum Pass prices from its official shop; ticket prices from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s 2026 and 2027 tariffs as published by Turkish sources; cable car hours, line details and road rules from Olympos Teleferik; the Chimaera from Kemer Municipality; the Lycian Way from the Culture Routes Society; forest-fire rules from the Antalya Governorate’s 2026 circular; turtle-beach rules from the Environment Law as reported by TRT; airport bus routes from Havaş; climate and sea temperatures from Türkiye’s State Meteorological Service (MGM); exchange rates from the Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye. Prices and timetables change, so check the official sites before you travel.
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