Kemer, Belek or Side: which Turkish resort to choose
How Kemer, Belek and Side differ: beaches, golf, mountains, ancient ruins, distance from Antalya airport and who each resort suits.
Three popular resorts near Antalya are very different: Kemer is squeezed between mountains and the sea, Belek is known for golf, and Side surprises with an ancient town right by the sea. To choose, look at the beach, the distance to the airport and the kind of holiday you want. For the city itself read about Antalya areas and when to go and what to see.
Kemer
According to the Wikivoyage description, Kemer is in Lycia about 40 km southwest of Antalya. It is the largest of a chain of resort villages: Beldibi, Goynuk, Kemer itself, Kiris, Camyuva and Tekirova. The coastline here is rugged, with mountains coming down to the sea. The resort has been developing since the 1960s, when the D400 highway was built, and it is now less than an hour from Antalya airport.
- Suits people who like mountains, greenery and a view of the sea.
- Buses TA07 and TA08 connect Kemer with the Antalya bus station.
Belek
Belek is about 40 km east of Antalya. The main feature: about ten golf courses along the coast, with the main Turkish tournament of the European Tour series held here. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient cities of Aspendos and Perge.
- Suits people who want a big all-inclusive hotel and golf.
- Most tourists go straight from the airport to the hotel by transfer.
- Bus BA22 runs from Antalya to Belek and Bogazkent, and you need an Antalyakart card.
Side
Side is a small town, but in tourist brochures the name covers a strip of beach hotels about 20 km long in both directions. The main sight: a Roman town with an amphitheater between the harbor and the beach.
- Suits people who want to combine a beach with history and evening walks.
- You reach Side via Manavgat, which stands on the D400 road.
What to choose
- With children and all-inclusive: Belek.
- Mountains, greenery and a view of the sea: Kemer.
- Beach plus ancient ruins: Side.
- A budget trip: compare prices at all three resorts in different months.
Do not forget to arrange insurance before you fly.
Frequently asked questions
Which resort is closest to Antalya airport?
Belek and Side are about 40 km away, and Kemer is also about an hour's drive.
Which is better with children?
Belek and Side are chosen more often because of the sandy beaches and family hotels.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes, buses and minibuses run, but for all-inclusive hotels people more often order a transfer.
When is the best time to go?
The main season is May to October, and for swimming June to September is better.
Compare fares in the HotTrip flight search.
Cover: photo by Max Renard on Pexels
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