Side-Turkey.

Tucked between the pine-clad Taurus mountains and a startlingly clear Mediterranean, Kemer is one of the most rewarding corners of the Turkish Riviera. It sits west of Antalya city, inside the Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park, and it manages to pack ancient harbours, a 2,365 m mountaintop, a cool river canyon and a flame that has burned for thousands of years into one compact district. As a local operator based in Side, we drive guests over to Kemer often, and this guide gathers the places we genuinely send people to.

Phaselis: an ancient port city by the sea

Phaselis is the highlight for most first-time visitors. Founded as a Lycian port and later a busy Roman trading town, it sits on a small peninsula with three small harbours, so you can walk the ruins and then swim straight off the same beach. The main paved street still runs through the site, lined with the agora, a theatre and the remains of city walls and aqueducts that once carried water down from Mount Tahtali.

It is an easy, atmospheric place to wander - shade from umbrella pines, ruins right at the waterline, and water clear enough to see the seabed. Bring water shoes if you plan to swim, since the shore is pebbly in places. For current opening hours and entrance fees, check the official Ministry of Culture and Tourism museum site, as these can change seasonally.

Mount Tahtali by cable car

The ancient Mount Olympos, today called Tahtali, rises to roughly 2,365 m right behind the coast. The Olympos Teleferik cable car carries you from a base station up to the summit, where the view stretches over the whole bay, the forested slopes and the sea far below. On a clear day it is genuinely spectacular, and the temperature at the top is noticeably cooler than the beach - a light layer is a good idea even in summer.

The summit station has a viewing terrace and facilities. Cable car operating times and ticket prices are best confirmed on the official Olympos Teleferik site or at booking, as they shift with the season and weather.

Goynuk Canyon and the Chimaera flames

Goynuk Canyon

For a cooler, greener day, Goynuk Canyon is a narrow gorge with a clear stream running through it. You can walk in along the water and swim in the natural pools where the rock walls close in - a refreshing change from the coast on a hot afternoon, and a favourite with families.

The Chimaera (Yanartas)

Further down the coast near Olympos and Cirali, the Chimaera - locally Yanartas, meaning burning stone - is a cluster of natural eternal flames that seep from the mountainside and have burned for millennia. It is most magical after dark, when the small flames glow against the rocks. Wear proper shoes, as the path up is rocky.

Quick Facts

• Duration: Varies by excursion, confirmed at booking
• Pick-up: Hotel pick-up from Side, Manavgat & nearby resorts; time confirmed at booking
• Includes: Comfortable transport and local guidance (exact inclusions confirmed at booking)
• Excludes: Site entrance fees, cable car tickets, meals and personal spending unless stated
• Family Friendly: Yes - Phaselis swimming and Goynuk Canyon are great for children
• Best Season: Spring through autumn; canyon and beaches shine in summer
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; canyon walking and the Chimaera path involve uneven ground

Related Excursions

• Kemer tours & excursions
• Antalya tours & day trips
• Side tours & activities
• Alanya excursions
• Belek tours
• More travel guides on our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kemer?

Kemer is a coastal resort district in Antalya province, west of Antalya city, set between the Taurus (Beydaglari) mountains and the Mediterranean, within the Olympos Beydaglari Coastal National Park area.

How far is Kemer from Side?

Kemer is well west of Side, so it is a longer drive. We arrange comfortable hotel pick-up; the exact journey time is confirmed at booking.

Can you swim at Phaselis?

Yes. Phaselis has three small harbours and beaches right beside the ruins, so you can combine sightseeing with a swim. The shore is pebbly in spots, so water shoes help.

How high is Mount Tahtali?

The summit reached by the Olympos Teleferik cable car is around 2,365 m, with sweeping views over the coast and mountains.

Is Goynuk Canyon suitable for children?

It is popular with families. You walk along a stream and can swim in the natural pools, though some sections have uneven, slippery rock, so supervise children and wear proper footwear.

When is the best time to see the Chimaera flames?

The eternal flames at Yanartas are most striking after dark, when they glow against the mountainside. The path up is rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.

Do I need to pre-book entrance fees and cable car tickets?

We recommend confirming entrance fees and cable car tickets at booking or on the official site, as prices and opening hours can change with the season.

Ready to explore Kemer the easy way? Book DIRECT with the Murat Atalay team via WhatsApp or info@side-turkey.com. As a local operator there is no agency or OTA commission in the middle, and we back every booking with our best-price guarantee. Message us and we will tailor the perfect Kemer day for you.