10 Things To Love About Kemer
Author: Tima Maherali, Senior Content Creator
Kemer is just one of those places where you’ll find just about anything! From stunning ancient ruins to chic beach kabanas, here are the top 10 things to love about Antalya’s up and coming hot spot.
1. Beautiful Beach Resorts
Get ready to sprawl on a different beach every day along Kemer’s beautiful coastline! From the popular pebbly spots of the town, with their lush backdrop of the forested Tahtali mountains, Kemer Beach and Kemer Halk Plajı 4 to the sandy bliss, crystal-clear waters, water sports action and chic top notch lounging of Moonlight Beach.
When you’re in the mood for a rural escape from the crowds, head a bit further out for the rugged and hidden coves along the eastern coastline, such as the gorgeous Alacasu of Paradise Cove just a 20-minute ride away. The unique beach of Phaselis is a must see with its famous ancient Greco-Roman ruins, while the idyllic Adrasan Beach towards the southern tip of the peninsula offers a rejuvenating escape... decisions decisions!
2. Amazing Ancient Delights
Kemer is that place where history and excitement collide. Grab your camera and prepare to be lost in the allure of Turkey's spellbinding past as you uncover the secrets of ancient cities!
The meticulously preserved archaeological haven of Phaselis is just beyond the vibrant pulse of Kemer. Roam the time-worn streets, enjoy enchanting beaches and the grandeur of the ancient theater, and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the harbour - a mesmerizing journey into the region's opulent past and an absolute must-visit for avid history buffs.
Next, picture yourself venturing into the hidden valley that cradles the Ancient City of Olympos, surrounded by majestic Beydaglari mountains and lush pine forests - a treasure trove of nature's wonders and historical ruins. From the majestic city walls to the resplendent Roman theater, every corner resonates with the echoes of a bygone era. And, oh, don't forget the dazzling beach that beckons you to unwind after your exhilarating journey through time!
3. Göynük Canyon Adventures!
Looking for an adventure that will leave you in awe? How about a wild river flowing through paradisal nature, picturesque waterfalls, and a remarkable canyon?
Goynuk Canyon’s crystal waters and incredible landscapes are worth the visit alone, but they’re also graced with an amazing hiking trail and bursting with adrenaline pumping activities such as rafting, trekking and canyoning. And if you’re up for more, you can even jump on the zipline, around 40 meters above ground!
Take in the sound of the river, scent of the pine forests, and the song of the wind – oh and perhaps even a sighting of the odd salamander here. It's time to unleash your inner explorer and let the thrills begin!
4. Superb Shopping
If you fancy a candy shop shopping fix you’ve come to the right place! From central shopping pavilions and streets lined with clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, perfumes, sweets and souvenirs to open-air markets and colourful bazaars, the scene is an exotic shopper's paradise.
Ataturk Boulevard Shopping Street in Kemer’s town centre is the biggest and busiest shopping street. Here you’ll also enjoy their famous bazaar flaunting all sorts of local treats, trinkets and textiles and will certainly pick up a bargain or two if you wear your haggling hat!
And if you’re into authentic markets, head to Camyuva, their weekly local neighbourhood market boasts fresh traditional produce and interesting household goods from dawn till dusk and will give you a real hit of that cultural shopping vibe.
5. Delectable Dining
Holidaymakers are in for a treat with the variety of fab eateries, cafes and swanky dining options, mainly lined up along the impressive coastline and promenade area and right into central Kemer. Whether you prefer traditional tastes alongside friendly locals at a meyhane, quaint courtyard scenarios or elevating your evenings with starry sky views at the top of Kemer Tower, the city's restaurants have you covered.
Here it's all about the food bringing everyone together to indulge in the tantalizing flavours of Turkish, Ottoman and Mediterranean cuisine without breaking the bank. Dive into a world of delectable seafood masterpieces and sizzling grilled meats that grace the menus of Antalya's finest establishments. And let’s not forget the vegetarian and international delights abound, from spicy salads and soul-soothing homemade soups to authentic meze and succulent steaks too! The culinary scene of Kemer is an explosion of creativity, aroma and full-on flavour.
6. Sparkling Nightlife
Despite its modest size, Kemer's nightlife packs an exhilarating punch. Dive into the heart of the action on Bar Street, where the party lasts until the early hours of 4 am. And then there’s the pre-party and after-hours karaoke bars, where you can sing your heart out until the break of dawn, forging new connections until the sun paints the sky.
The beachfront promenade and central Kemer are buzzing with bars, offering a unique perspective on the city as it transforms after sunset. It’s not just about drinks, but also delectable food and shisha, creating the perfect recipe for spending hours in one spot. You’ll soon find yourself moving from one bar to another, immersing yourself in Kemer's diverse culinary offerings and intense nightlife vibe. For an extraordinary club experience, head to Club Inferno and witness the pulsating energy of Kemer's club scene.
Whether you’re a fan of romantic sunset dinner cruises and dancing beneath the stars, or seasoned partygoer looking for a night of excitement, Kemer knows how to serve up a pretty unforgettable evening.
7. Mesmerising Vistas
One of the highlights of visiting Kemer’s Mount Olympos (Tahtali Dagi) are the popular Olympos Cable Car rides. The spectacular journey begins at the base nearby in Tekirova, around a 30 minute drive away southwest of Kemer. Guests are carried smoothly up to the mountain’s summit (2,365m above sea level), boasting phenomenal views of the Turkish coastline in every season.
On the way up, you’ll be treated to the real beauty of the Lycian region with amazing views of the lush, forested slopes and undulating hills beneath. What a fun way to escape the peak time crowds down by the shores, and if you visit in winter you’re in for an even more spectacular vista with white snow-capped peaks and silvery slopes. It’s often cold up there though so wrap up warm, but most of all make sure you’re camera ready!
8. Water Park Wonders
Ranked high on the list of fantastic family activities in Kemer, this aquatic adventure is Kemer's ultimate go-to for water fun lovers! The only downer with DoluSu Park is convincing the kids to leave... This vibrant water park boasts an assortment of slides, pools, and even an artificial wave pool for an extra splash of excitement. Brace yourself for heart pumping thrills with options like the 80-meter-long Tunnel, the speedy 40-meter-long Bullet, and the open-air sensation known as Kamikaze, catapulting you straight into the refreshing pool. If you're in the mood for a more laid-back vibe, hop on the river slide for a serene 75-meter-long descent, that showers its guests with breathtaking views of the entire waterpark and out to the sparkling sea.
And the excitement doesn't stop there! DoluSu Park takes entertainment to the next level with its mesmerizing mermaid show in the 'aquatorium.' Marvel at models donning enchanting mermaid outfits as they swim to the beat of dazzling laser lighting effects and theatrical music. And... there’s even mermaid swimming courses for those who’ve always dreamed of gliding through the water with a monofin!
9. Captivating Culture
From festivals to bazaars the authenticity of Kemer is a heartwarming bonus to a trip this side of Antalya. If you want to dive in deeper don’t miss the enchanting Folkloric Yoruk Park, affectionately known as Nomad Park, where every step takes you into the warm and vibrant local culture and remarkable history of Kemer. This intriguing seaside open-air museum unfolds the tapestry of community life through the exquisite handicrafts of skilled artisans.
Wander through the museum's captivating exhibits and marvel at intricately designed treasures that highlight the unique customs of Kemer from traditional handwoven tents adorned with textiles to authentic kilims crafted from luscious wool. Engage in the fascinating process of using plants to create a spectrum of dyes, unlocking the secrets of their resourceful practices. Indulge your taste buds in the distinct flavours of Turkey with a delightful array of traditional foods, adding a scrumptious touch to your cultural odyssey.
10. Mountain Marvels
About a 45 minute drive south of Kemer, near the town of Olympos, is the bucket list beauty of the turquoise coast - Mount Chimaera, also known as Yanartaş, with its crazy views and fascinating natural phenomenon of eternal flames mysteriously burning from vents in the mountainside. The famous flames fueled by natural gas seeping from the earth, has peculiarly caused the mountain to be on fire for thousands of years, giving birth to the mythical fire-breathing hybrid beast famed as the Chimaera. The mythical hero Bellerophon supposedly killed the fearsome creature, but we won’t spoil the story....
It may be easier during the day as you’ll need to hike up the mountain via a designated footpath for approx. 1 km to witness the flames flickering from the rocky crags, but we’re all for taking in this magic at night for a truly mesmerizing experience under the stars. (Side note: joining in with the cheerful tourists who dance in a circle, sing songs and chant spells is by no means custom or compulsory!)
From sun blessed escapades, living it up under the stars and endless things to see and do without breaking the bank, Kemer neatly ticks all your travel boxes. So, if you’re already craving some mind-blowing meze with a generous dose of culture, turquoise seas and vistas that get your heart racing, check out our affordable holidays to Kemer here.