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Kemer City Guide

A Glimpse into History

Kemer’s story stretches back to 690 BC. The ancient city of Phaselis, located just 15 km from the town center, was founded in 690 BC by I. Oleios as a crucial port and trade hub. Though it changed hands many times, the captivating ruins of Phaselis endure today. The Roman-era Gedelma Castle and the 3rd-century AD remains of Idrios in the town center further attest to Kemer’s historical significance as a maritime and commercial center. Kemer came under Turkish rule in the 12th century, and by the early 1900s, nomadic groups began settling here. It regained its residential identity from 1910 onwards, eventually becoming a sub-district in 1968 and a municipality in 1986.

Location

Kemer is a district of Antalya, situated in Turkey’s Mediterranean Region. Its prime location, just 40 kilometers from Antalya, makes it one of the country’s leading tourist resorts. Perched at the foothills of the Western Taurus Mountains, Kemer boasts a stunning 52-kilometer coastline. It’s approximately 760 kilometers from Istanbul and 580 kilometers from Ankara. Kemer is also conveniently located near the ancient cities of Olimpos and Phaselis, lying to the east of Mount Tahtalı.

When to Visit?

Kemer enjoys a warm, temperate Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. With an average of 300 sunny days a year, you can swim in Kemer’s inviting waters for up to eight months!

• Average Temperatures:
  • January: 11°C (52°F)
  • July: 27°C (81°F)
  • Annual Average: 18°C (64°F)

The tourism season in Kemer kicks off in April and extends through November. While June to September marks the peak season with higher temperatures, the less scorching months of October-November, April, and May are perfect for both swimming and exploring the region’s historical and natural wonders. During the quieter winter months, Kemer offers a tranquil escape, ideal for scenic walks and savoring the delights of Mediterranean cuisine.

Accommodation and Holiday Options

Kemer caters to every budget and taste, offering a diverse range of accommodation. From opulent five-star hotels to charming boutique guesthouses, you’ll find the perfect stay. Many hotels are conveniently located behind the marina, providing luxurious and comfortable stays with breathtaking Mediterranean views. For those who love to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife, hotels in Kemer center are an excellent choice.

A significant number of Kemer hotels feature expansive pools, comfortable and spacious rooms, and rejuvenating SPA centers with saunas and Turkish baths. Many operate on an all-inclusive concept, making them particularly popular with families with children seeking a peaceful and hassle-free holiday. If you’re looking for more than just sun, sand, and sea, consider visiting nearby Adrasan and Olimpos. In Adrasan, you can indulge in diving or explore thrilling rock-climbing routes in the surrounding areas.

Must-See Attractions

Beyond its pristine beaches, Kemer invites you to embark on a cultural journey through its ancient sites and natural marvels.

• Phaselis Ancient City: Located 12 km from Kemer, this ancient Lycian city is a top historical and natural attraction. Its three harbors, necropolis, Hadrian’s Agora, aqueduct, and ancient theater ruins are a captivating glimpse into the past.
• Mount Tahtalı (Mount Olympos): Part of the Beydağları National Park, this 2,365-meter peak is accessible via the Olympos Teleferik, Europe’s longest and the world’s second-longest aerial tramway. Enjoy unparalleled Mediterranean panoramas from the summit.
• Göynük Canyon: Situated 4 km from Göynük, this pristine canyon, with its cascading waterfalls and hiking trails, is a haven for nature lovers. A section of the renowned Lycian Way passes through here.
• Yörük Park: Located in Kemer’s town center, between Moonlight Bay and Kemer Marina, this open-air museum beautifully showcases the 700-year-old nomadic Yörük culture of the Mediterranean region.
• Beydağları National Park: Stretching along the Mediterranean coast from Sarısu to Gelidonya Cape, this park is a paradise on earth, encompassing ancient sites like Olimpos, the Lycian Way, Yanartaş, Çıralı Beach, and Adrasan Beach. It’s ideal for camping and nature photography.
• Molla Deliği Cave: A natural wonder on the eastern slopes of Mount Tahtalı, this cave enthralls with its stalactites and stalagmites.
• Seljuk Hunting Lodge: Near Kemer, within a forested area at the Kemer entrance of the Antalya-Kumluca highway, this lodge is one of Anatolia’s three Seljuk hunting lodges and a unique example of Turkish-Islamic art.
• Beldibi Cave: Located 19 km from Kemer, this cave is significant for its prehistoric traces from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Mesolithic eras, now protected as an archaeological site.
• Üçoluk Plateau: Situated 37 km from Kemer, this plateau at 1,500 meters is an oxygen-rich haven with lush greenery, perfect for camping and nature walks.
• Moonlight Beach (Ayışığı Plajı): Found in Kemer’s town center, behind Kemer Marina, this Blue Flag beach boasts golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a stunning natural setting amidst pine, eucalyptus, and palm trees. It’s considered one of Kemer’s most beautiful and is free for public use.

Getting Around

Getting to and around Kemer, a popular Mediterranean resort, is quite convenient, with options by road, air, and sea.

• By Road: Kemer is about an hour’s drive from Antalya. During summer, minibuses run every ten minutes between Antalya and Kemer. A bus trip from Istanbul to Kemer takes roughly 12 hours, and from Ankara, about 9 hours.
• By Air: Antalya Airport (AYT) is the closest airport to Kemer, about 57 kilometers away. You can reach Kemer from the airport in about an hour via shuttles, rental cars, or private transfer services.
• By Sea: Sea buses operate from Antalya to Kemer, with the journey taking approximately 45 minutes.

Within Kemer, public transportation mainly consists of minibuses. Regular services connect Kemer to nearby ancient sites like Phaselis and Olimpos, as well as to beautiful coves such as Göynük, Çıralı, and Adrasan during the summer months. As Kemer is a relatively small town, many places are also easily accessible on foot.

Local Delicacies

Kemer’s rich culinary scene, infused with Mediterranean flavors, promises a delightful gastronomic journey. Olive oil dishes and vegetable-based meals are prominent.

• Signature Dishes: Artichokes, green beans, celery, leeks, okra, sea beans, Yörük kebab (prepared with diced meat and fresh vegetables), gülgas (meat and vegetable dish), pistachied meatballs, Taurus salad, babagannuş, stuffed potatoes, stuffed zucchini flowers, and hibeş.
• Soups: Oğmaç çorbası, mahluta, kulaklı çorbası, dübari çorbası, and ekşi aşı.
• Seafood: Kemer’s restaurants pride themselves on serving the freshest and most delicious seafood.
• Dessert: Kemer is renowned for its unique melon ice cream.

For an exquisite dining experience, consider Harbour Restaurant by the sea, the affordable and delicious seafood at Natural Balık Evi, the high-quality cuisine at Qualiste Lounge, or an elegant evening at Casa La Luna with its thin-crust Italian pizzas and cocktails. For a meal amidst pine trees, Panorama Restaurant in Tekirova Beycik village offers stunning views. For an authentic experience, enjoy gozleme and tea at Yörük Park Cafe. And for a refreshing treat, be sure to visit Santana Dondurma for their famous melon ice cream.

Nightlife

Beyond its stunning coves, natural beauty, and historical treasures, Kemer is also celebrated for its vibrant and lively nightlife. Attracting thousands of tourists in summer, Kemer boasts world-class nightclubs, along with bars and cafes by the sea that stay open until the early hours. Live music venues and karaoke bars add to the fun. After a day of sun-drenched beach relaxation, Kemer’s nights offer ample opportunities for music, dancing, and socializing.

• Nightclubs: Aura Club (a Kemer nightlife icon since 2002, with a 3,000-person capacity and world-famous DJ performances), Club Inferno (known for its light shows, dance performances, and foam parties), Moonlight Burlesque (featuring burlesque shows and DJ sets), and Klub Kristall (a seaside club playing popular hits).
• Bar Street: On the street known as Barlar Sokağı, you’ll find numerous cozy bars like Leon Restaurant Bar, Dione Beach Bar, Club Marko Polo Beach Bar, and Vegas Bar, perfect for a relaxed drink and conversation with friends.
• Karaoke Bars: Karaoke bars are also popular in Kemer, with Barby Karaoke Bar being a great spot to showcase your singing talents and have a blast.

Festivals and Events

When you visit Kemer, beyond the sun, sand, and sea, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending one of its vibrant events.

• Kemer Golden Pomegranate Culture and Arts Festival (Kemer Altın Nar Kültür ve Sanat Festivali): Held annually in the last week of June for over 14 years, this festival kicks off with a grand parade and features concerts by famous artists.
• Kemer Rock Festival: Taking place in September at Kındıl Çeşme Beach, this three-day festival promises non-stop entertainment with performances by 16 rock artists, alongside cultural and sports activities.
• Çukuryayla Nomadic Festival (Çukuryayla Yörük Şenliği): Held in early July in Çukuryayla, one of Kemer’s highest plateaus, this colorful festival begins with the lighting of a shepherd’s fire, followed by traditional Yörük songs and dances.