If you are planning a trip to one of the most popular cities in Turkey, Kemer, then, for sure, you are interested in all the details about this resort. A significant part of any trip is devoted to excursions, which sometimes you would like to organize yourself, and not overpay for the tour guide. Kemer, whose attractions are diverse in their subject matter, will definitely be interesting and informative to visit. And in order for the resort to leave you only positive impressions, you should study the list of its notable corners in advance and choose the most interesting options for yourself.
General information about the city of Kemer
Kemer is a Turkish resort town located 42 km southwest of Antalya Province. The area of the facility is 471 square kilometers, and its population does not exceed 22,500 people. The shores of the resort are washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and the length of its coast is 52 km. The city is located at the foot of the western Taurus mountain range, the highest point of which is Mount Tahtali (2365 meters).
Kemer in Turkish means “belt”,”belt”. Back in the late 20th century, it was a small village, but today it is an important tourist center offering top-level recreation. Here the traveler will find not only an abundance of hotels by the sea and the cleanest beaches approved by the honorary certificate of the Blue Flag, but also a lot of different entertainment, excursions and attractions. And if you are puzzled by the question of what you can see in Kemer on your own, our selection of notable objects of the city will definitely come in handy.
Points of interest in and around the city
Before you start exploring the interesting parts of the resort, we recommend that you look at the map of Kemer with attractions in Russian, which is presented at the bottom of the page. It will help you better navigate the objects we describe.
Lunny Svet Park
If you find yourself in Turkey in Kemer and can not decide where to go and what to see, then the park “Moonlight” will be a worthy option. The territory of the object covers 55,000 square meters. m, where there are numerous green areas, a children’s playground and small squares and gardens, in the shade of which it is pleasant to hide from the heat of the scorching sun. In the park “Moonlight” there is a sandy beach of the same name: its cleanliness and safety were awarded the Blue Flag. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on the beach.
In the park you will find many cafes and restaurants serving Turkish and European cuisine, where live music is played in the evenings. There are also small souvenir shops and boutiques. For all lovers of nightlife in the “Moonlight” there is an open-air club. There are also water slides and a dolphinarium on the territory of the property, where you can watch shows with not only dolphins, but also sea lions, so this is a great place for walking with children. And, of course, once on the beach “Moonlight”, you can join the water sports and go on a yacht tour.
Entrance to the park is completely free, and the facility operates around the clock. A separate fee is charged for visiting the dolphinarium, water park, etc.The park is located in the central eastern part of Kemer, on the right side of the city’s yacht pier, and you can get here on foot if your hotel is located in the resort itself. If you are located in one of the resort villages, then use dolmush or taxi.
When going to this attraction, be sure to take a camera, so as not to miss the opportunity to take unique photos in the city of Kemer.
An overview of the best beaches in Kemer and its surroundings can be found here.
Goyniuk Canyon
The mountain river Goynuk, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea near the village of the same name, is famous for its unique canyon. Mountain landscapes, pine forests, emerald waters of lakes and, of course, the canyon itself can surprise even the most sophisticated guest of Turkey. This is exactly the attraction of Kemer, which you can visit on your own. On the territory of the park there is a well-equipped picnic area, where visitors can organize lunch against the backdrop of an unforgettable panorama.
Here you can rent a wetsuit and swim through the icy mountain waters. To complete the total distance of the canyon, you will need 1.5-2 hours, during which you will be able to admire the pristine natural beauty of Turkey. At the end of the path you will be met by a small waterfall, from where everyone can dive into the purest water.
Travelers who have been here are advised to bring rubber-soled swimming shoes (no slates) and a waterproof camera case.
The canyon is located 15 km from the city of Kemer and 3 km from the village of Goynuk. If you want to get here on your own, you can use dolmush ($2), which runs on the Kemer – Goynuk route every 30-40 minutes, and then walk or use a rented bicycle to cover 3 km to the park. For those who are not used to saving money, a taxi ride is suitable.
- The park is open daily from 8: 00 to 19: 00.
- Entrance to the site of the attraction is $2.5 + entrance to the canyon itself is $10.
- Also, everyone has the opportunity to take a boat ride for $10 per person.
Phaselis
The ancient city of Phaselis in Turkey appeared in the 7th century BC, and was founded by colonists from the island of Rhodes. But today, only ruins remain, and a visit to them will allow you to plunge into the era of Roman and Byzantine times. And, if you are in doubt about what to see in Kemer, then be sure to pay attention to this historical landmark. Here the traveler has the opportunity to explore the ruins of the oldest amphitheater, temple and crypt. And on the northern rocky slopes, you will see a view of the necropolis. The old pier and agora are also worth seeing here.
The city is surrounded by several coves with the clearest sea, where everyone can sunbathe and swim. Especially picturesque is the farthest southern bay with a sandy beach and a gentle entrance to the water, which offers a breathtaking view of Mount Tahtali. It is noteworthy that the ancient ruins are surrounded by green pine trees, so the air here is saturated with pleasant coniferous smells. And to really get into the atmosphere of this landmark in Kemer, a photo with a description is not enough — you need to visit it in person.
During the high season in Turkey, Phaselis is filled with crowds of tourists, which can spoil the whole impression of the city, so if you plan to see this attraction, then come here in April or October.
- The Ancient City Complex is open daily from 8: 00 to 20: 00.
- Entrance fee is $6.5, payment is only in local currency (55 liras).
- The property is located 12.5 km south of Kemer, and you can get here on your own by dolmush ($2.5) or by taxi.
Beldibi Caves
Discovered in 1956, the cave is now of genuine interest to visitors to Turkey. It is located at an altitude of 25 meters above sea level in the village of Beldibi near the river of the same name. This place is of great historical value, as archaeologists have discovered as many as six layers dating back to the Mesolithic, Neolithic and Paleolithic eras. And if you happen to be in Kemer in Turkey, then add this attraction to your sightseeing list.
Ancient stone artefacts and products made from animal bones were found here. On the walls of rock shelters, you can distinguish ancient drawings of people, mountain goats and deer. And after visiting the cave, you should look at the picturesque waterfall, which you will find on the opposite bank of the Beldibi River.
- The property is located 15 km from Kemer, and you can get here yourself by regular dolmush ($3) or by taxi.
- Admission costs $1.5.
Tourists who have visited here recommend taking comfortable waterproof shoes with them, since the cave is sometimes damp. Also, do not forget to bring warm clothes, because there are frequent temperature changes inside the mountain.
Takhtali Mountain
If you do not know what to see in Kemer on your own, we recommend that you go to the highest mountain peak of the resort – Mount Tahtali. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a surprisingly beautiful panorama at an altitude of 2365 meters. You can climb the mountain by the Olympos Telerifik funicular, which will take you to the top in 10-12 minutes. It is noteworthy that it is served not by Turks, but by staff from Switzerland.
At the top of Tahtala, there is a gift shop and a cafe where you can enjoy a delicious dinner in the evening to the sound of live music. Olympos Telerifik offers a separate “Sunrise” program, in which travelers go to the mountain early in the morning to have time to meet the dawn and see the slowly awakening nature. Among the entertainment options on Tahtali, there is also a paragliding flight ($200 per person).
The attraction is located 26 km south-west of Kemer, and you can get here yourself by a special regular bus, but it is most convenient to rent a car.
- The ski lifts at this Turkish facility are open from 9: 00 to 19: 00.
- The cost of ascent and descent for an adult is $39, for children from 7 to 12 years – $19.5 to 6 years – free of charge.
- Website: www.olymposteleferik.com/ru.
Do not underestimate the temperature at the top of Tahtala, so when going to the mountain, do not forget to bring warm clothes.
Yanartash Mountain
Yanartaş is a unique natural site in Turkey, which has no analogues in the whole world. If you look at the translation of the name of the mountain (and it translates as “burning stone”), it becomes clear that this is a very unusual attraction. And this is true: after all, in some areas of Yanartash, flames constantly light up. Therefore, if you do not know what to see in Turkey in Kemer, then be sure to visit the mountain, which is often also called the fire-breathing Chimera.
Of course, many people would like to see mystical signs in a self-arising fire on a mountain peak, but there is a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. Natural gas accumulates in the bowels of Yanartash, which seeps through crevices and comes into contact with oxygen, ignites itself and forms a fire. The mountain looks especially romantic after sunset, when fiery tongues play in the wind under the evening cover.
The attraction is located 40 km from Kemer near the green village of Cirali. You can get here on your own by dolmush, following the Kemer-Cirali route, and then walk 3 km from the village to the foot of the mountain. However, it is more convenient to rent a car. There are no ski lifts here, so you will have to climb the mountain slope yourself, and your way to the top will be approximately 900 meters. Therefore, we advise you to wear comfortable shoes and stock up on water.
The attraction is open to the public 24 hours a day, admission for one person costs $1.5. You can also buy tickets at night. If you are going to climb a mountain in the dark, be sure to prepare a flashlight or use your phone, but make sure that you have enough charge to get there and back.
Goyniuk Dinopark
What else can you see on your own in Kemer and its surroundings? If you have already visited all the possible attractions of the resort, then it’s time to take a look at the dinopark. It will be especially interesting for children, but adults will also have a great time here. On the territory of the park there are large figures of dinosaurs, many of which move and make sounds. There is also a small petting zoo where animals are allowed to be fed. There are also 2 swimming pools, trampolines and a cafe on site. All visitors have the opportunity to ride a horse (for an additional fee). Small tourists will also find it interesting to pass an obstacle course and take part in improvised excavations.
- The park is open daily from 9: 00 to 19: 00.
- The entrance fee is $25, for children under 6 years – free of charge.
- The attraction is located 9,5 km from the city of Kemer in the village of Goyniuk, and you can get here independently by dolmush, following the Kemer-Goyniuk route ($2).
- Website: www.dinopark.com.tr.
Some of the attractions presented in the park are subject to an additional fee, so we advise you to ask in advance about the price of this or that event.
Conclusion
Kemer, whose attractions are designed for a wide range of interests, will not make its guests bored. This city in Turkey gives vacationers an excellent opportunity to spend an eventful holiday at a high level. And every traveler here will definitely find something to suit their taste, which gives an additional plus to the resort.
