Best Beaches in Antalya: Lara, Konyaaltı, Kaputaş, and Hidden Gems
Antalya is proudly home to more "Blue Flag" certified beaches than any other city in the world. The coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometers, offering a massive variety of shores.
However, not all beaches are created equal. If you are expecting soft white sand but end up on a pebble beach without water shoes, your day might be ruined. Whether you want a vibrant city beach, a toddler-friendly sandy shore, or a secluded paradise cove, here is our guide to the best beaches in Antalya.
1. Konyaaltı Beach: The Vibrant City Shore
Located on the western edge of the city center, Konyaaltı is a massive, incredibly popular public beach.
- The Vibe: Vibrant and highly accessible. It features a beautifully landscaped promenade lined with cafes, parks, and walking paths.
- The Sand: It is a pebble beach. While the pebbles keep the water crystal clear, walking barefoot can be uncomfortable. We highly recommend bringing water shoes.
- Best for: Young adults, couples, and those who want spectacular mountain views while sipping a cocktail at a beach club.
2. Lara Beach: The Family Sandy Paradise
If you are staying in the eastern part of the city or near the massive luxury resorts of Kundu, this is your beach.
- The Vibe: Tourist-focused, relaxed, and upscale.
- The Sand: Golden, soft sand. Unlike Konyaaltı, Lara is a proper sandy beach. The water also remains shallow for quite a distance into the sea.
- Best for: Families with toddlers and young children who want to build sandcastles and wade in safe, shallow waters.
3. Cleopatra Beach (Alanya)
If you are staying further east in Alanya, you don't need to travel to Antalya city to find a great beach.
- The Vibe: Bustling, energetic, and right in the city center.
- The Sand: Famous golden sand. Legend says that the Roman general Mark Antony imported the sand from Egypt as a gift for Queen Cleopatra.
- Best for: Anyone staying in Alanya. It offers excellent swimming and beautiful views of the historic Alanya Castle.
4. Kaputaş Beach: The Instagram Famous Cove
Located far to the west, between the towns of Kaş and Kalkan, Kaputaş is arguably the most photographed beach in Turkey.
- The Vibe: Wild, dramatic, and iconic. It is a small cove nestled between towering, steep cliffs.
- The Catch: Because of its fame and small size, it gets incredibly crowded. Furthermore, to reach the water, you must walk down nearly 200 steep steps from the highway (which means you have to walk back up in the heat).
- Best for: Photographers and road-trippers taking the scenic D400 highway.
5. The Hidden Gems: Suluada and Adrasan
Are you tired of crowded public beaches? Do you want to swim in waters that look like the Maldives? Then you need to leave the city behind and head to the hidden coves of Adrasan and Suluada.
- Suluada (Water Island): Often called the "Turkish Maldives," this uninhabited island is completely surrounded by pristine, glowing turquoise water and white sand.
- How to get there: You cannot reach Suluada by car. The only way to experience this untouched paradise is by boat. We highly recommend booking our Suluada Boat Trip or the Adrasan Boat Trip. We will pick you up directly from your hotel, drive you to the hidden harbor, and sail you to these secluded bays for a full day of swimming and relaxing away from the crowds.
Summary
For convenience and city life, go to Konyaaltı. For soft sand and family fun, choose Lara. And if you want to experience the true, untouched beauty of the Mediterranean away from the massive crowds, book our Adrasan Boat Trip to Suluada! For coastal cliff cruising and swimming in secluded turquoise bays, don't miss the Mega Star Yacht Tour or the historic Galleon Boat Trip to Porto Ceneviz.
Plan with Sun Travel
Explore the related tours and guides below to turn the ideas in this article into a practical travel plan.