Excursions from KEMER
Kemer is a unique city in the world with its nature and great history
Kemer is a unique city in the world with its nature and great history
Yes, you didn't read wrong. Kemer is a unique city in the world with its nature and great history. It would not be wrong to say that its location and environment makes Kemer a unique vacation spot in the world. Kemer is the only seaside resort in the world that lies at the foot of a 2367 meter high mountain (Tahtalı o. Olympos Mountain) and is intertwined with Beydağları National Park, the densest red pine forest in the world and the many famous ancient cities.
Kemer is a city on the Mediterranean coast, 40 kilometers from Antalya. While it was a small village until the early 1980s, it has become one of the most important centers of Turkish tourism with the facilities opened in the last 20 years. It first became a village, then a municipality on December 30, 1985, and a city on September 13, 1991, and gained county status on September 13, 1991. Kemer District, lying at the foot of the Western Taurus Mountains and along 52 km of coastline, is one of Turkey's major tourism hubs. On the spot where Kemer is now, there was a settlement known as the Old Village in the 1910s, which was made up of lakes and swamps due to flooding from the mountains. The residents of the old village built a 23-kilometer stone wall at the foot of the mountains to protect themselves from these floods. Later they will call their village Kemer because of this wall. The oldest history of Kemer dates back to 690 BC. back. The foundation of the ancient city of Phaselis is based on this date. Since there was no rural road until the 1960s, Kemer, whose transportation was ensured only by sea, developed rapidly by gaining road and other infrastructure assets under the South Antalya Tourism Project implemented after 1980 and has become one today is one of the most popular tourism centers in Turkey. Kemer district and settlements such as Kiriş, Tekirova, Camyuva, Arslanbucak, Kuzdere, Beycik, Göynük, Beldibi and Çıralı have an extremely important place in Antalya tourism. One of the main attractions of Kemer is its natural beauty. Sea, forest and mountains converge at one point. The clarity of the sea, the green of the forest, the sea waves reaching the pine trees and the use of pine trees to provide shade on the beaches are very attractive. The entire coast from Beldibi to Tekirova is a completely natural beach. There are many bays and small natural harbors on its rugged coasts. Beaches in the center of Kemer are Belediye Beach and Moonlight Beach next to the marina. In places like Phaselis beach, which is a national park and where the ancient city still stands, it is possible to swim without any problems. It is also possible to use the pools and beaches of the accommodation facilities for a fee. It is possible to reach the nearby ancient cities of Olympos and Phaselis from Kemer. In recent years, safari tours to high-altitude places such as Söğüt Cuması, Altınyaka and Dereköy have also attracted a lot of attention. In addition, caves are other attractions in the region. These caves: Beldibi Cave is located on the sea coast 27 km southwest of Antalya. There are also prehistoric ruins. Another cave worth seeing is Molla Hole. It is located on the eastern slope of Tahtalı Mountain, which rises west of Kemer. This cave can only be reached on foot from Aşağı Kuzdere or Tekirova villages on the Kemer-Kumluca highway. It is necessary to walk 3-4 hours from both parts of the city. Kemer also has an important place in yacht tourism with its modern marina with a capacity of 320 yachts. The marina and its 52km of coastline have been awarded the Blue Flag for meeting criteria set by the European Environmental Education Foundation (FEEK). During the tourist period, many events are held in the Kemer region. Various events such as Phaselis Art Events, Kemer Off-Shore Races, World Rally Championship Turkey Leg (WRC Rally of Turkey), Kemer Carnival and famous nightclubs contribute significantly to the social and tourist life of the region throughout the season.
Kemer attractions
1. Yoruk Folklore Park
When you come to the center of Kemer, there are some places that you should definitely visit and see. Folklore York Park is perhaps one of the first places you will visit. Located right next to Moonlight Beach, Yörük Park showcases the culture of the nomadic people who lived in the bosom of the Taurus Mountains for centuries. Yoruk means "Turkish".
Yörük Park was founded in 1982 on the tiny Küçükburun Peninsula. This place is like an open air museum. Admission is 5 TL (fees may vary). The museum card is not valid.
Stepping inside makes you feel like a part of the nomadic culture. The tents set up in them, the objects used and the animations that describe nomadic life are examples of our own culture. The family tent is one of the first to welcome you. Inside the tent, the lifestyle of the nomadic family and excerpts from their lives are animated.
Children playing, people plowing the land, women rushing to do their daily chores are portrayed. The traditions of the nomads, their weddings, their work with the Imece style and more will make you smile. The harmonious life in a nomadic tribe is expressed very well with models.
Another notable tent is the Bey tent. Every nomadic community must have a chief. The person named Yörük Bey was the chief of the tribe. Therefore, the tent in which he lived was larger. Arriving guests were accommodated in the bey tent, and necessary meetings were held in this tent. Apart from that, there are a few more tents, and there is also an authentic establishment where you can eat and drink at the museum.
2. Moonlight Beach and Moonlight Park
Moonlight Beach is the most beautiful beach in Kemer. Moonlight Park, just beyond, is Central Park. These two places with the same name are the first that come to mind when Kemer is mentioned.
You can walk in the park covered with lush pine trees and have a bite to eat at the places here. You can spend pleasant hours, especially in the evenings, in the Moonlight Park, where there are also play areas for children. If you have time you can also see Olbia Park, a small and cute park in the center.
Moonlight Beach is the most famous Blue Flag beach in Kemer. The beach, which amazes with its turquoise color, is very crowded in summer. In winter it is quiet and charming. Let's also mention that the beach, which is usually sandy, has pebbles. However, I would say that you do not come and return to Kemer without swimming here.
The historical sites in the center also include the ruins of the ancient city of Idyros, which you will pass on the way to the beach. The ancient city of Idyros, which no one noticed, was uncovered by the Antalya Museum during excavations in 1976-1977.
3. Kemer Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kemer. Depending on the location of the hotel you're staying at, you might have the option to walk to the beach to the east of the neighborhood. The water of the beach, which attracts attention with its clean water and decent environment, is clear. Kemer Beach, which has won visitors' admiration, awaits you just a step away.
4. Wreck of Paris II
If you are looking for another activity in Kemer, which is appreciated for its clean bays and sea, here you have the opportunity to dive. The Paris II wreck off the coast of Kemer Marina is listed as one of the 100 dive sites in the world.
This wreck was sunk on December 13, 1917 by the artillery battery commanded by Artillery Captain Mustafa Ertuğrul. This French ship, sunk during World War I, is at a depth of about 30 meters. The Paris II shipwreck was discovered in 1995. Since then it has been a special area for diving lovers and photography enthusiasts. If you participate in diving tours, let us emphasize that there are not only Parisian shipwrecks, but also other alternatives.
5. Seljuk hunting lodge
Selcuklu Hunting Lodge is located on the Antalya-Kemer road, 4 km from the center of Kemer. This Anatolian Seljuk period hunting lodge was built between 1230-1248. It is of great importance as it is the only Seljuk work in the area. We hope that the mansion, which looks a bit more solid thanks to the renovation work, will be used for more tourism in the near future.
6. Gedelme Castle – Cave and sycamore of Gedelme
Gedelme Castle, Cave and Plane Tree, which is half an hour away from the center of Kemer, are places discovered by curious tourists in recent years. These sights, the names of which are not very well known, can take their place among the sights if you have enough time.
The Gedelme Plateau is one of the places where people live in summer and winter. One of the factors that make this place important is the medieval castle. Although this castle known as Gedelme Castle was destroyed, part of it still stands. There is a cave just below the castle. You can enter the cave for free.
known to Öhle is very small indeed. There is also a huge plane tree next to the castle. This plane tree is known as the Gedelme plane tree and is around 2,700 years old. Regarding this plane tree, it is claimed that it is the oldest plane tree in Turkey and even in the world.
7. Goynuk Canyon
Göynük Canyon is one of the most sought-after places in east Kemer, between Antalya and Kemer. It is 15 km from the center of Kemer and 35 km from the center of Antalya.
Goynuk Gorge, located within the borders of Kemer, is one of the most active routes in the region. Especially for adventure and adrenaline lovers, you can spend unforgettable moments in the gorge where extreme sports are located. Beydağları Coastal National Park and Göynük Gorge, located on the historical Lycian Way, fascinate with their magnificent nature.
Göynük Canyon is served by a private company. When you get to the entrance, you can park your car and get information at the ticket office. Entry costs here. You cannot enter the canyon without paying a fee. Here you have to decide what you want to do. If you want to do body rafting etc., you need to pay the fee and rent the necessary equipment from here. Then safari vehicles will take you to the place where you will go rafting.
There is also a track for those who zipline. Or if you are thinking of a mini safari, they also provide you with the necessary facilities. For a day of adventure, be sure to choose Goynuk Canyon.
8. Dinosaur Park Antalya
Dinopark is located 4 km from Goynuk Gorge and 10 km from Kemer. You can spend a wonderful day in Dinopark, which is often preferred by families with children. There are life size models of dinosaurs that died out millions of years ago. These animated dinosaurs, which are animated and loud, are great fun, especially for children.
You will have a lot of fun with your children in the Dinopark with many different activity areas. The Dinopark is open from 09:00 in the morning to 20:00 in the evening.
9. Goynuk Beach
It is one of the preferred beaches in Goynuk, Kemer city. Let's say the beach is a bit rocky. The beach, busy in summer, is also beneficial for camping lovers. There are no showers and changing rooms on the beach, which can be preferred for the day. Despite being a blue flag beach, it will draw more attention if it's a little more manicured.
10. Beldibi Cave
It is located on the Antalya-Kemer coastal road, at the exit of the Çamdağ Tunnel. It is the second most famous cave after Karain Cave near Antalya which is rich in caves. You can reach Beldibi village with your private vehicle and access the cave from there. It is not possible to reach the bottom of the cave by car. you have to walk The cave can be reached by boat tours.
The Beldibi Cave, located at an altitude of 25 meters above sea level, was excavated in the 1960s. Although now damaged, 6 strata have been reached in the cave, indicating the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Mesolithic to Neolithic transitional periods. The cave, with paintings of mountain goats, deer and human figures hanging on the walls, is one of the most unique places to visit.
11. Dolusu Park and Kiris Beach
Kiriş Beach on the west side of Kemer and Dolusu Park right next to it are among the attractions in Kemer. Kiris Beach has a length of about 2 km. Be sure to take your shoes with you before going to the beach with a stony shore. The water of this beach is very beautiful. Although not sandy, it is one of the most popular in the summer season.
Dolusu Park on Kiriş Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful places. Adrenaline and entertainment seekers should definitely stop by here. The variety of slides in Dolusu Park, popular among families with children, is suitable for all ages. Entry to Dolusu Park, where all kinds of facilities are offered, is chargeable.
12. Ancient City of Phaselis
This is the ancient city, which you can reach after about 15 km if you continue driving from Kemer as if you are going towards Kumluca. Since the ancient city of Phaselis is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum card is valid. If you don't have a müzekart you have to pay 45 TL or you can get a müzekart here.
The most important historical point of Kemer, the ancient city of Phaselis (Faselis) is a city that from time to time was included in the borders of Lycia or Pamphylia. This city, which greeted Alexander the Great with a golden crown, will charm you with all its receiving splendor.
However, I have to say that Phaselis, which has been inundated with holidaymakers in recent years, is unfortunately very sloppy and neglected. The city, which has many historical buildings, also has three bays. The ancient city of Phaselis, which could not be adequately protected due to unconscious tourists, was one of the most important cities of the Mediterranean with its majestic aqueducts, ancient theaters, baths, agora, ports and more...
13. Tahtali Mountain and Tahtali Cable Car
If you are ready for adventure this is the place for you. It will be an unforgettable experience to come to Kemer and climb Mount Tahtalı. Mount Tahtalı in Olympos Beydağları National Park is one of the most eye-catching places in the whole region with its majestic posture. Tahtali is the mountain most people know as Olympus.
The special thing about this place is that you take the cable car to the top of the mountain. Mount Tahtalı, which offers visitors a unique atmosphere with its 2365-meter-high peak, offers you a wonderful environment with its 360-degree view. All you have to do is get to Tahtali Cable Car and buy a ticket. What follows is the breathtaking view of the top of Tahtalı Mountain accompanied by the magical view of the Mediterranean Sea. What is the Tahtalı cable car, opened in 2007, how many people in the cabins, what can you do on the top?
14. Tekirova Beach - Three Islands
After Tahtalı Cable Car, you can stop at Tekirova and cool off at Tekirova Beach. Tekirova, a town associated with Kemer, is one of the most popular resorts of the summer season with its Blue Flag beaches and natural beauties.
Although Tekirova beach is a rocky beach, its water is clean and worth swimming. In addition, Üç Adalar near Tekirova is one of the most suitable places for diving. This is a very popular diving route. With the diving tour you join from Tekirova, you can reach the islands in half an hour and follow the traces of 9 reefs and 2 underwater caves.
15. Cirali and Yanartas Beach
It is undoubtedly one of the most popular places in the region. Cirali is connected to Kemer district. What makes Çıralı popular is Yanartaş which is famous for its beautiful sea and beach and its legend. One side of Çıralı Beach is called Olympos Beach. You should definitely swim in the deep blue and clear waters of Çıralı, which is very close to the ancient city of Olympos. You can even stay in small hostels and hotels in Çıralı.
If you go to the beach, which is the spawning area of Caretta Carettas, in the summer, be sure to take your umbrella with you. Or you should rent a sun lounger. Because it's getting too hot.
Yanartaş, on the other hand, is the place that is the subject of mythologies, known as the unquenchable fire of Olympus. The natural gas leak here was brought to life with the legend of Pegasus and Bellerephontes. According to mythology, the hero Bellerephontes, who killed the winged horse Pegasus and the monster called Chimera, killed Chimera here. Although he buried this monster seven floors underground, the flames managed to come to the surface. The natural flames that have existed here for centuries are associated with the flames of the Chimera and told orally.
16. Olympos Ancient City and Olympos Beach
While Çıralı, a step away, is on the border with Kemer; Olympos belongs to the borders of Kumluca District. Olympos is glamorous with its world famous beach and structures that are left of the ancient city. Here you can board the Müzekart. After passing through the turnstiles, the remains of the ancient city of Olympos will appear in front of you along the way. Many of the buildings you will see until you reach the beach are the ones that managed to survive from Olympos, the ancient city of the Lycian region. The end of the street will take you to Olympos beach. The beach is stunning with its clean and turquoise water.
17. Adrasan Bay
Adrasan, which is 55 km from Kemer, 40 km from Finike, 65 km from Demre and 115 km from Kas, is 30 km from Kumluca district. Adrasan, connected to the western district of Antalya, Kumluca, is 15 km away from the world famous Olympos and 30 km from Çıralı with its famous beach where the Caretta carettas lay their eggs.
Adrasan, near Cape Taşlık, the westernmost tip of Antalya Bay, or Gelidonya Lighthouse, is one of the most beautiful bays of Antalya Bay, which is 450 km long. It is located in Beydağlari National Park.
18. Suluada and Suluada Boat Tour
Known as "The Maldives of Antalya" and "Maldives of the Mediterranean", Suluada has been one of the most extraordinary boat tours in recent years. If you happen to be in Adrasan I would say don't make the mistake of not joining the Suluada boat tour.
*By the way, we often receive inquiries about shopping opportunities in the respective cities and various other options. Since this topic is very extensive, we have created the Insider Club platform where you can find all sorts of information about shopping, events, activities, food and drink and much more.
