What Is There to Do in Kemer, Turkey?

Kemer, located on Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, is one of the country’s most popular resort towns—and for good reason. With its dramatic Taurus Mountains backdrop, crystal-clear turquoise waters, lively promenades, and numerous attractions, Kemer offers a perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a beach lover, a history enthusiast, or someone who just wants a scenic holiday with great food and fun activities, Kemer has plenty to offer. Below is a detailed guide to what you can see and do in Kemer, Turkey.

Explore Kemer’s Beaches

Kemer is home to a stretch of Blue Flag beaches known for exceptionally clean water and well-maintained shorelines. Most beaches here are pebble beaches—something to keep in mind for footwear—but the water is incredibly clear and ideal for swimming.

Top beaches include:

• Moonlight Beach (Ay Işığı Plajı): One of the most popular and family-friendly beaches, located next to a well-kept park and marina. It offers shallow water, sunbeds, cafés, and plenty of shade.

• Kemer Public Beach: A long pebble beach with excellent water clarity, located near the town center. Great for anyone staying in central hotels.

• Camyuva Beach: Quieter than central Kemer, ideal if you prefer a more peaceful day.

• Tekirova Beach: Known for its lush surroundings and wide coastline—perfect for couples and nature lovers.

If you love swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing with a view, Kemer’s coastline won’t disappoint.

Visit Phaselis Ancient City

Just a short drive from Kemer, Phaselis is one of the area’s most fascinating attractions. This ancient Lycian and Roman city sits beside three idyllic bays, making it a fantastic mix of history and nature.

Highlights include:

• Ruins of a Roman bathhouse

• A well-preserved theater

• An ancient aqueduct

• Shaded walking paths lined with pine trees

After exploring the ruins, visitors often swim in the nearby coves, which are known for calm, shallow, and warm waters. It’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful historical sites on the coast.

Olympos Cable Car Experience

For one of the best views on the Turkish Riviera, don't miss the Olympos Cable Car (Tahtalı Teleferik). It takes you to approximately 2,365 meters (7,759 feet) above sea level and offers panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding mountains. At the summit, you can take photos from various lookout platforms, hike along the mountaintop, enjoy a small cafe and relaxation area, and in winter, spend time in the snow-covered landscape overlooking the warm Mediterranean. Adventure seekers can book paragliding flights from the summit; this is one of the region's most exciting activities.

Enjoy Kemer’s Nightlife

Kemer has a lively nightlife scene, especially during the summer season. The town is known for its beach clubs, bars, and outdoor dance venues.

Popular nightlife spots include:

• Aura Club Kemer: One of the largest and most famous nightclubs in the region

• Club Inferno: A spacious open-air club known for DJs and themed nights

• Kemer Marina area: Filled with laid-back bars, pubs, and restaurants

Whether you want to dance until sunrise or enjoy a quiet cocktail by the sea, you’ll find a place that suits your mood.

Go on a Boat Tour

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Kemer is from the water, with daily boat trips departing from the marina and offering relaxing itineraries that typically include swimming stops and visits to scenic bays such as Phaselis Bays, Cennet (Paradise) Bay, the Three Islands, and Cleopatra Bay. Many tours also provide onboard lunch, snorkeling equipment, and music, ensuring a cheerful, comfortable, and memorable day on the Mediterranean.

Visit Goynuk Canyon

Located just a short distance from Kemer, Goynuk Canyon offers a refreshing escape into nature, renowned for its turquoise pools, towering cliffs, and accessible hiking routes. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, swimming in natural pools, zip-lining, and guided canyoning tours—an excellent option for adventure enthusiasts. It’s a perfect way to balance relaxing beach days with invigorating outdoor exploration.

Explore Olympos and the Chimera Flames

Located about 40 minutes from Kemer, the ancient city of Olympos is set amid lush forests and a long, unspoiled beach, while the nearby Chimera (Yanartaş)—eternal flames emerging naturally from rock crevices—offers a uniquely captivating nighttime experience. Many visitors hike up at sunset, sit near the flames, and enjoy the serene, mystical atmosphere. This rare natural phenomenon is considered one of the most memorable experiences in the Kemer region.

Relax and Shop in Kemer Town Center

Kemer’s town center is compact, walkable, and ideal for relaxed evening strolls, offering a charming marina, a palm-lined pedestrian zone, and numerous shops selling souvenirs, leather goods, textiles, and jewelry, along with a wide selection of restaurants serving both Turkish and international cuisine. Be sure to try local favorites such as gözleme, pide, freshly grilled seafood, and traditional Turkish ice cream.

Final Thoughts

Kemer offers an excellent combination of beach life, nature adventures, historical sites, and modern entertainment. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or an active trip filled with outdoor activities, Kemer has something for every type of traveler. Its beautiful scenery, warm climate, and variety of attractions make it a destination worth visiting at least once.