Konyaalti Beach in Antalya – One of the Best Urban Beaches in Turkey

Antalya is a renowned Mediterranean resort city and part of the famous Turkish Riviera, one of the most popular holiday regions in Turkey. While visitors are primarily drawn to its stunning beaches and well-developed tourism infrastructure, Antalya also boasts a rich history. Over the centuries, the city was part of the Lycian state and later belonged to the Roman and Byzantine Empires, leaving a remarkable architectural and cultural legacy.

Today, Antalya and its surroundings offer numerous beaches, yet one urban beach clearly stands out and is widely regarded as one of the most famous in Turkey. Konyaalti Beach stretches for approximately 7 kilometers along the Mediterranean coastline in the Konyaaltı district of the city. Every year, millions of locals and international tourists come here to relax and enjoy the sea.

Why Is Konyaalti Beach So Popular?

Konyaalti Beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, confirming its high environmental standards, clean water, and well-maintained facilities. A large part of the beach is free and open to the public. The beach itself is about 70 meters wide, and a spacious promenade runs along the coastline.

The setting is particularly impressive: on one side, the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean; on the other, the majestic Taurus Mountains. Thanks to its vast size, Konyaalti Beach remains comfortable even during peak season, offering enough space for both lively areas and quieter spots.

A city road and landscaped promenade run parallel to the beach. Along the waterfront, visitors will find cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, sports facilities, and recreational areas. The beach park extends for about three kilometers, providing shaded paths, walking routes, and picnic areas.

Several beach clubs operate in designated areas, where visitors can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, use showers and restrooms, and enjoy dining and entertainment options. Outside the club zones, you can relax for free on your own towel or rent a sunbed at a reasonable price. Despite its popularity, the beach’s impressive length makes it easy to find more peaceful sections.

Snorkeling and Diving

Konyaalti Beach attracts not only sunseekers but also fans of active water sports. In Antalya and its surrounding areas, there are more than 80 dive sites and around 70 officially registered diving centers. Diving is available year-round for both beginners and experienced divers.

One of the most famous dive sites is located near the port of Kemer. A major highlight is the wreck of the ship “Paris,” resting at a depth of about 33 meters. Built in the early 20th century, the vessel was used as a military transport ship. Today, its hull is covered with marine flora, and moray eels and scorpionfish inhabit the structure. Diving to this wreck is permitted only for certified divers.

Weather and Water Temperature

The swimming season at Konyaalti Beach typically begins in early June and lasts until the end of September. During this period, sea temperatures range from +22°C to +26°C, reaching their peak in August.

Rainfall is extremely rare in summer, and the average air temperature consistently exceeds +30°C. On particularly hot days, temperatures can rise above +35°C. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, the area remains pleasant for much of the year.

How to Get to Konyaalti Beach

Konyaalti Beach is located very close to the center of Antalya, making it easily accessible. From the airport or the main bus station, visitors can take city buses to reach the Konyaaltı district.

From the city center, you can travel by bus or minibus (dolmuş). Direct routes also connect the Lara district with Konyaaltı. If you are driving, simply follow the road signs – parking areas are available along the promenade.

From the historic Old Town of Kaleiçi, the eastern part of the beach can be reached on foot in about 20–25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the nostalgic tram (route T2) and get off at the “Müze” stop, just a few minutes’ walk from the sea.

Konyaalti Beach or Lara Beach?

Antalya’s two most popular beaches are Konyaalti and Lara, both attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Konyaalti is a pebble beach with a relatively steep entry into the water and exceptionally clear sea. Lara Beach, in contrast, is known for its fine golden sand and a more gradual slope into the water.

Most of Lara Beach is covered with paid sunbeds and umbrellas, while Konyaalti remains largely a free public beach. Additionally, Lara is located about 30 minutes from Antalya’s city center, whereas Konyaalti lies within the city limits and is easily accessible even on foot.

Although Lara is the only sandy beach in Antalya, the crystal-clear waters and scenic mountain backdrop make Konyaalti Beach a truly first-class destination.

How to Get from Kaleiçi to Konyaalti

The Konyaaltı district is located in the western part of Antalya. From Kaleiçi, you can take the historic tram to its final stop, “Müze.” From there, it takes only 4–6 minutes to walk down to the beach.

If you wish to reach another section of the beach, you can transfer to a city bus that runs along the entire coastline. Several bus routes and minibuses connect different parts of the city with Konyaaltı.

Konyaalti Beach is a spacious, well-maintained, and easily accessible destination in the heart of Antalya. Combining breathtaking natural scenery, modern infrastructure, and a convenient location, it remains one of the finest urban beaches in Turkey.