Side-Turkey.

Kemer sits in one of the most generous corners of the Turkish Riviera, the strip of Antalya province where the pine-clad Taurus Mountains drop straight into a clear Mediterranean. Pebble Blue-Flag beaches, small marinas, and ancient ruins half-hidden among the trees are all within easy reach. The trick to a good Kemer holiday is not cramming everything in, but planning the right mix of beach days and excursions so the place breathes around you. These are the travel tips we share most often with guests who book with us directly.

Getting Around Kemer

Kemer is compact and walkable in its centre, with the beach, marina, and the main pedestrian streets all close together. For the surrounding villages and attractions, you have a few sensible options, and which one suits you depends on how independent you want to be.

By road and shared transport

Local minibuses (dolmus) and buses connect Kemer with the beach villages of Beldibi, Goynuk, Tekirova, and Cirali, and run west toward the sites at Phaselis and the Olympos area. Routes and timing are best checked locally on the day, as schedules shift with the season. Kemer lies west of Antalya city, so the airport and city are an easy transfer away.

By organised excursion

If you would rather not juggle timetables, an organised day trip is the relaxed choice. Our excursions include hotel pick-up, so you skip the logistics entirely and simply enjoy the day. This is especially worthwhile for the harder-to-reach spots, where lining up your own transport and entry can eat into your holiday time.

Planning Your Excursions

The classic Kemer outings each have a different rhythm, so it helps to space them out rather than stacking two big ones back to back.

Phaselis: ruins among the pines

The ancient Lycian-Roman harbour city of Phaselis is one of the most atmospheric sites near Kemer, with three harbours and stone ruins scattered among umbrella pines that come right down to little swimming coves. It rewards a slower visit, so pair it with a swim rather than rushing on.

Mount Tahtali by cable car

The Olympos cable car (Olympos Teleferik) climbs Mount Tahtali to roughly 2365 metres, where the view sweeps over the coast and mountains. Mornings are often clearer for photographs; the summit is cool even in summer, so bring a layer regardless of the heat at sea level.

Yanartas, Goynuk Canyon and Olympos

The natural eternal flames of Yanartas (the Chimaera) near Olympos and Cirali are best appreciated as dusk falls, when the flames stand out against the dark hillside. Goynuk Canyon offers cool water and shade for an active half-day, and the ancient site of Olympos pairs naturally with a beach stop. Times, fees, and entry details are confirmed at booking or on the official site.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Varies by excursion, confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Hotel transfer and guided itinerary (specifics confirmed at booking)
• Excludes: Personal spending, optional entry fees, meals unless stated
• Family Friendly: Yes, with options suited to children
• Best Season: Spring through autumn for the warmest, clearest days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate depending on the excursion

Related Excursions

• Kemer excursions and things to do
• Antalya tours and day trips
• Side excursions
• Belek tours
• Alanya excursions
• More travel tips on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rent a car in Kemer?

Not necessarily. The centre is walkable and shared minibuses connect the villages, while organised excursions handle transport for the bigger trips. A car gives freedom but is not essential.

How do I reach Phaselis from Kemer?

Phaselis lies a short way west of Kemer and can be reached by road or as part of a guided excursion. We arrange hotel pick-up so you do not have to plan the logistics yourself.

What should I bring up Mount Tahtali?

Bring a warm layer even in summer, as the summit is cool, plus sunglasses and a camera. The cable car does the climbing for you.

When is the best time to see Yanartas?

The eternal flames are most striking around dusk, when they glow against the dark hillside. Exact timing is best planned around your excursion schedule.

Are the excursions suitable for children?

Many are. We can suggest the gentlest options for families and confirm what suits your group when you book.

What is the best season for Kemer excursions?

Spring through autumn brings the warmest sea and the clearest mountain views. Each season has its own character, so ask us what is at its best when you travel.

Why book direct instead of through an agency?

Booking directly with us removes the agency and online-platform commission, so you deal with the local team running the day and benefit from our best-price guarantee.

Ready to plan your Kemer days the easy way? Message the Murat Atalay team directly on WhatsApp or email info@side-turkey.com. Booking direct means no middleman, real local advice, and our best-price guarantee.