The ancient settlement of Turkey is one of the country’s famous resorts. The city is located on the Mediterranean coast and is renowned for its attractions, unique nature, and luxurious infrastructure for diverse recreation. According to an ancient legend, Antalya appeared in 159 BC thanks to King Attalus II in the most beautiful bay on earth.
Over time, a paradise for modern tourists has formed here. The beaches of Antalya, marked with the Blue Flag, the blue sea, mountains, waterfalls, and lush vegetation have turned this place into a fairytale getaway. The endless sea shores offer recreational areas for every taste. Among them are paid (the cost of visiting is about 10 Turkish liras) and free sections. Numerous hotels offer entertainment and relaxation on their own territory.
Adalar
Enjoying the amazing silence is offered in a beautiful recreational area, cut off from the noise and hustle by ancient rocks. The necessary tranquility is created by the gentle whisper of the sea waves and a beautiful city park with subtropical plants. Among the exotic nature, benches and gazebos are provided for relaxation and observing the panorama of the city and the sea. Stone stairs lead directly to the water. Several cafes and small restaurants on the shore provide tourists with delicious dishes.
Any sports equipment can be rented on-site. Fun walks on water skis, boats, yachts, and pedal boats are available throughout the day. The shore represents a natural mosaic of small rocky islands, attracting tourists with comfortable conditions. Each island has convenient elements of beach infrastructure organized.
Lara
In the general tourist paradise of Turkey, there is an area that stands out favorably from other places. It’s the golden sand of the Lara district’s coastal strip. The long gentle descent into the water attracts children and guarantees their safety. Access to the recreational area is offered through passages between numerous private zones. Many modern hotel complexes, entertainment centers, pools, and water parks have grown along the shore. All of them are filled and resound with the music of summer vacations.
Concerts and performances by pop stars often take place on the promenade and coastal areas. During the day, lazy relaxation on sun loungers under umbrellas or sports games on land and water thrives on the sand. The length of the coastal recreational area is almost 10 km. The land by the picturesque bay is divided into small sections equipped for the comfortable rest of people of any age.
The most sought-after part is considered to be the section of the coast starting near Lara Kent Park. It’s divided by a special road: on one side is the sand, and on the other are bars, cafes, shops, benches for rest, changing rooms, and showers. This is called the municipal free beach. Other sections are private, but access to them is open to everyone for a certain fee.
Beach Park
In the center of Antalya, there is a green zone protecting the coastal strip about 1.5 km long with many equipped recreational spots. Sun loungers, umbrellas, comfortable showers, and rental services for any sports equipment are available to vacationers. Here you can sunbathe peacefully, relax in the shade of mighty palm trees and eucalyptus trees, engage in water sports, and party all night at youth discos.
Beach Park is known for its abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bars for any financial capability. Vacationers of any age will find entertainment to their liking here. Swings, trampolines, and playgrounds are set up for children. You can always participate in sea voyages on yachts and boats, speed on water skis, and use other sports equipment. For the youth, Beach Park is a popular recreation spot.
Access to certain sections of the coastal strip is paid, but it is available around the clock. The best DJs on the coast hold exciting night parties here. Interesting concerts often take place in the open air. Sightseeing enthusiasts are offered to visit the Archaeological Museum, the old city of Kaleiçi, or Atatürk Park, Big Migros, Luna Park, the dolphinarium, and the water park.
Konyaaltı
You can reach the recreational area by tram while studying the city’s attractions along the way. The coastal zone is covered with fine pebbles and is divided into two parts: a paid one with rich infrastructure and a wild one with toilets and trash cans. Across the road are residential neighborhoods, making it convenient and budget-friendly to rest in this quiet place.
The downside is the large number of people wanting to stay in the private sector along the coast. It is often chosen by youth companies. The paid part has showers, toilets, sun loungers, and umbrellas. There are small cafes and restaurants. You can access the shore via a pedestrian bridge in the city park. Near the recreational area is a park with attractions and a Ferris wheel.
Tokens for visiting it are sold at the ticket office and cost 4 liras. Ten tokens cost 30 liras. While resting with children, it is recommended to visit the dolphinarium and the water park (where discos are held at night). Konyaaltı is located in the western part of the city. Participating in yacht trips along the coast, you can see the old houses of the city center and the modern architecture of the Konyaaltı surroundings.
Mermerli
You can access a small recreational area considered the city’s first through the Mermerli restaurant. The development of beach tourism in Turkey began from this small section of the coast. Descending a beautiful wooden staircase directly to the beautiful sea, bordered by majestic breakwaters, you reach a well-maintained and equipped recreational area.
It is separated from neighboring coastal sections and provides a calm environment for a comfortable rest. Sun loungers, bright umbrellas, convenient changing rooms, and showers are available at every step. The sea entrance is made in the form of a gentle slope, suitable for children to swim. A cold fountain of a natural waterfall beats directly from under the rocks, delivering pleasant coolness on a hot day.
For lovers of spacious entertainment on the sea waves, the small cozy beach created on ancient platforms is not suitable. Nearby is a harbor with busy yacht traffic that does not interfere with complete rest in the clean sea. It’s pleasant to ride them during an excursion and admire from the sea the beautiful Lower Düden waterfall, the old harbor, and the rocks plunging into the sea.
Topçam
Ten kilometers from the center of Antalya, on the territory of the Olympos National Park, is one of the favorite recreational areas for locals. Picnics with the appetizing smell of kebabs regularly take place here on weekends. Vacationers arrive by car. The sandy-pebbly coast, clean water, beautiful surroundings, and extraordinary silence allow the whole family to rest peacefully here.
Noisy entertainment establishments, bars, or cafes with loud music are absent on the beach territory. Water sports enthusiasts do not reach here. However, divers and snorkeling enthusiasts are attracted by the small Sıçan Island, separated from the coast by a narrow water strip. The sea entrance is gentle and safe for children to swim. With them, you can not only swim but also walk through the natural parks of Topçam and Olympos.
Access to the beach area is free. All services (sun loungers, umbrellas, equipment rental) must be paid for. Tables, benches, canopies, showers, and toilets are installed along the shore. Benches are also built on rocky outcrops, allowing you to admire the sea view. Nearby is a pier. You can take a boat trip to the beautiful Sıçan Island.
Kaputaş
Convenient fine pebbles, the golden color of the gentle shore against the background of the turquoise sea make Kaputaş Beach the most beautiful in the country. Hidden in a gorge between high cliffs, it continues to reveal the interesting secrets of the ancient town of Kaş. The mysterious sea has numerous shades of sea azure, changing with depth.
Small islands located opposite the recreational area complement the otherworldly look of this place in Antalya. There are no modern hotels or noisy nightclubs on the small beach. It is offered to be alone with nature in its pristine silence, admiring the surroundings. Only umbrellas are offered here instead of sun loungers. You want to relax on the unique coastal coverage.
Showers, toilets, a small cafe, and a restaurant are available on the territory. The free recreational area is considered the most remote in Antalya. You can descend to the sea by a staircase of 187 steep steps. You need to be careful doing this with children. The sea entrance is also steep. However, you must visit this shore to see the extraordinary color of the sea (with an amazing harmony of blue shades) created by nature.
Mouse Island
You can reach the island located between Antalya and Beldibi by bus and then by ferry. The small piece of land covered with green hills is famous for its rare fauna, flora, natural silence, and tranquility. The uninhabited island has no official name. However, locals call it differently: Mouse, Unfaithful Wives, Turtle Island. Each name is associated with ancient legends.
Listening to them, as well as walking around the amazing island, swimming around it, lying on the golden sand, and diving can be done during a trip on a yacht or pedal boat. Many coniferous trees grow on the island’s unique hilly terrain. The scent of pine mixed with sea air creates a beneficial atmosphere for respiratory diseases. The underwater world represents a real fairy tale loved by divers from different countries. Many people want to see the island.
Choosing the Best Beach for a Family Vacation
The main factor when choosing a beach for a family vacation is the children’s age. All beach areas are excellent, but many have steep descents to the sea, complicating movement with strollers and young children. Therefore, when choosing accommodation, it’s necessary to clarify the type of hotel beach and its distance from the sea. Each resort area of Antalya has its features.
The best beach area for traveling with children is considered to be the Lara district. The coastal strip is wide, spacious, covered with soft white sand. Playgrounds, a park running along the coast. The entrance to the shallow sea is gentle. The resort hotels are distinguished by high-quality service. Excellent conditions are created here for babies.
Older children can participate in water activities on the Lara beach under the guidance of experienced instructors. The Aqua Land water park, dolphinarium, Aktur Park attractions, Ferris wheel, and carousels for different ages. The three-story Balon Park entertainment center with a trampoline, inflatable slides, climbing wall, labyrinth, and arcade games attract children of all ages.
Hotels with Private Beaches
One of Turkey’s largest resorts on the Mediterranean coast is Antalya. During the high season, it is difficult to find an uncrowded recreational area here. The clean sea and developed infrastructure attract vacationers. Paid and free beaches equipped with all necessary amenities are located along the coastal strip. They are easy to visit from any place of accommodation. The city offers about 200 options for temporary accommodation.
Half of them are modern complexes. At a cost of 250 liras per room, they operate on an “all-inclusive” system. This means the system offers full meals, free entertainment, children’s activities, use of necessary equipment on the private beach, and a certain number of bus trips. Among them are the following well-known hotels.
Hotel SU & Aqualand 5*
Located near the famous Konyaaltı recreational area. A private pebble beach occupies part of the first-line coastal strip. Its length is 150 meters.
There is a pier, sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels. You can master sailing, scuba diving, and windsurfing in the comfortable conditions of the recreational area. The nine-story building has 294 bright, spacious rooms. Their stylish design is complemented by original lighting. The rooms feature central heating, air conditioning.
For relaxation, a separate balcony with a sofa and an extraordinary view of the surroundings is provided. Guests are entitled to free entry to Aqualand. The facility includes indoor and outdoor pools, 12 water slides, a gym, a hairdresser, and a shopping center.
Separate children’s pools are organized. The SPA center has six treatment rooms (including aromatherapy and reflexology), a sauna, and a hammam. Sports grounds and tennis courts are located near the outdoor pool.
Akra Hotel 5*
A beautiful ten-story building stands on a cliff overlooking the sea. It offers 471 well-equipped rooms for a peaceful rest and accommodation during business meetings. Air conditioning, modern furniture, central heating, a bath, a toilet, a telephone, and free internet are provided in any room.
The private beach zone, about 200 meters long, is located on a platform and belongs to the first coastal line. Access is organized by stairs. The repair and installation of additional amenities are currently nearing completion. The entrance to the sea from the platform is not very convenient. Umbrellas, sun loungers, and towels are provided for free. From 9 am to 8 pm, a bar operates in the recreational area.
The infrastructure includes 17 conference rooms, three outdoor pools with fresh water, and restaurants with local and international cuisine. For children’s recreation, children’s (indoor and outdoor) pools, a play center, and a kids’ club are provided. The SPA center has a sauna, various types of massages, and a jacuzzi.
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Antalya 5*
A short distance from the historical center of the city is a 17-story building designed for 700 people. Beautifully decorated rooms with all necessary amenities are designed for two or three people. On the 12th floor, there is a royal suite of about 629 square meters with three bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, a billiard room, a SPA zone, and a personal butler. Guests staying on the 9th and 11th floors in “executive suite” rooms are invited to visit the Executive Club Lounge.
The distance to the sea from the private beach area is 100 meters. However, it is not recommended for rest with small children. The sea entrance is organized from a platform. There are many boulders and pebbles on the shore. Sun loungers, umbrellas, and sports equipment for various water activities are provided for adults. Diving is popular.
The luxurious complex is located near the old city of Kaleiçi and Karaalioğlu Park. It has no private territory. Pools, an outdoor terrace, and a restaurant are across the road near residential buildings. For entertainment and rest, SPA and fitness centers with treatment and massage rooms and baths are provided. A convenient playroom is available for children. A hairdresser, laundry, and shops are also available.
Sealife Family Resort Hotel 5*
During a family vacation with children of any age, you want to choose a place to stay where it will be good for the children first and foremost. This means cozy rooms, a beautiful pebble beach with a convenient sea entrance, necessary meals, and numerous entertainments and excursions. This accommodation option fully meets all requirements. It is located near the recreational area in the most beautiful bay of the country, awarded the Blue Flag, Konyaaltı.
The path to it is not via steep stairs but through an underground passage. The staff manages the accommodation on a small private coastal area. There are always places for any company. Paid services of the water sports station are popular. Under the guidance of specialists, you can master diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, ride water skis, and take a yacht, boat, or pedal boat trip.
Guests visit pools, water slides, the SPA center, and the sauna with their children. Children’s rooms and playgrounds are organized. Babies can be left in the care of an experienced nanny.
Crowne Plaza Antalya, an IHG Hotel 5*
Located on the first coastal line of the Konyaaltı recreational area. On a convenient sun terrace, you can admire the beautiful sea landscape. Excursion offers, sea trips, and participation in water sports are always available. A bright, luxurious room with beautiful wooden furniture and necessary amenities is offered for accommodation. It is located in the central part of the city.
Guests can use indoor and outdoor pools and various procedures in an ultra-modern fitness center. Even the most demanding guests will enjoy visiting the local Crowne restaurant, specializing in international cuisine recipes. Tables are inside the premises and on the terrace. The small Ambrosia restaurant operates in the evening. The complex is often chosen by young couples.
Porto Bello Hotel Resort & Spa 5*
Located in the Konyaaltı recreational area with its section on the first coastal line. The distance to the sandy-pebbly beach is about 50 meters. It includes two nine-story buildings with a total of 346 rooms of various levels. Comfortable beach rest is ensured by good infrastructure and the beach zone. Access to the sea is via an underground passage, which is convenient when resting with small children.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are located on the pebble cover. Water skis, bicycles, canoes, bananas, and pedal boats are offered for water entertainment. Diving enthusiasts can explore the interesting underwater realm. Pools, water slides, a gym, treatment rooms, and a sauna operate on the small territory. In the evenings, music discos are held, and the club operates. There is a separate pool, playground, and room for children. Special conditions are created for rest with babies.
Rixos Downtown Antalya 5*
Surrounded by subtropical trees and plants of the Culture Park, 300 meters from the Konyaaltı beach area is an eight-story hotel building with 360 rooms. It houses spacious, bright rooms with private balconies. You can admire not only the sea but also the Taurus Mountains from there.
The establishment, corresponding to the business class, was built for receiving vacationers and holding corporate meetings. It has seven convenient conference halls, seven bars, a SPA center with a sauna, Turkish bath, treatment rooms, a gym, and an outdoor pool.
Every hour, a free bus takes vacationers to the city (pebble) Konyaaltı beach, located 300 meters away. On certain days, it takes guests to the Land of Legends amusement park. A playroom, pool, and paid nanny services are provided for rest with babies. The large territory has lots of greenery, benches for rest, and areas for sports entertainment.
Club Hotel Sera 5*
Lovers of basking in the golden warm sand and plunging into the extraordinary sea are offered this complex. For small children, the private recreation area represents a paradise. There is no problem getting to the sea; it is shallow and warm at first.
Playgrounds, water entertainment for all ages, protective umbrellas, and free sun loungers fill the well-thought-out infrastructure of the beach rest. At the same time, you can always return to the bright room of the 13-story building (or two 4-5 story buildings included in the hotel complex), decorated in the style of the luxurious palaces of the Ottoman Empire.
A fitness center, SPA salon, treatment, massage rooms, gym. Restaurant, cafe, bars. Pools, a mini club for babies are provided for the guests of the hotel complex. On the green lawn of the private territory, you can meet small turtles, which will delight the babies. 430 accommodations are provided for guests (including 42 family and 400 standard rooms). The convenient location allows you to return to the airport in 15 minutes (the distance to it is about 9 km).
Aska Lara Resort & Spa Hotel 5*
It represents the best value for money. Guests can book rooms in one of the buildings located near the Lara beach area. They are in two zones separated by a road.
One offers a quiet rest with refreshing drinks. The other part has numerous sports grounds and places for fun for big companies. The room fund consists of 546 rooms of different classes.
Guests are offered to use several pools located on both sides. Nearby is a themed park with water slides and sports grounds. A children’s playground in the form of a fairy-tale village is built for the kids. The complex is surrounded by a luxurious garden. A SPA center, saunas, a gym, a hairdresser, and restaurants operate on the territory. The private section of the sandy shore has rich infrastructure: showers, toilets, umbrellas, sun loungers, sports, children’s zones, and a sports equipment rental service. The sea entrance is gentle and safe.
Wind of Lara Hotel & SPA 5*
Located in Lara, adults of any age and children receive a complex of harmonious services possible in Turkey. It stands on the second beach line, and the distance to the private beach is about 800 meters. Overcoming it is not difficult (you can walk or take a free bus), and it is always fun and interesting.
Soft sand and the gentle sea with a convenient entrance attract children from afar. Children’s pools, water slides, sports grounds, and animation programs designed for all ages are popular with tourists. All kinds of water entertainment are available in the recreational area. Necessary equipment can be rented from the rental service. The complex consists of 270 rooms.
Among them are 12 family suites. All rooms are furnished with modern furniture and have necessary equipment and a bathroom. The food is always of high quality, with dishes prepared according to local and European recipes. Diet options and delicious sweets and juices can be ordered for the kids in a special sweet café. A bar with drinks is open around the clock.
Best Time to Visit
Beach holidays at the resort peak in the summer months. During this time, the sea water warms up to 25°C, and the air temperature is 10°C higher. From December to April, the Mediterranean coast is cool. Sometimes it freezes. Nearby in the mountains (Saklıkent resort), the ski season begins. At this time, the greatest number of discounts and bonuses are offered. The best time to rest with children and elderly people in the capital of Turkey’s resort life is called late spring and early autumn.
Antalya 17 Best 5-Star All-Inclusive Hotels
