Antalya City Beaches 2026: Pebble & Sand Guide
"Antalya's two main beaches sit 18 km apart and share nothing in common — Konyaaltı is 7 km of mountain-backed pebble served by tram, while Lara stretches 12 km of golden sand lined with all-inclusive mega-resorts."
Konyaalti
Where else can you swim in 28°C water while staring up at snow-capped peaks 2,300 metres above? Entry info, tram tips and insider advice for Konyaalti Beach.
Lara
One beach hosts a 7,000 m² open-air sand sculpture museum — Lara Beach stretches 12 km along Antalya's coast with golden sand, ultra all-inclusive resorts, and a waterfall that drops into the sea.
Introduction
Antalya city beaches flank Turkey's largest Mediterranean city on two sides — pebble to the west, sand to the east, with the Ottoman-era Kaleiçi old town perched on the cliffs between them. Together, the two shores serve a metropolitan area of 2.5 million and the majority of the province's airport arrivals.
Character & Setting
Antalya's centre sits on a clifftop between the Beydağları Mountains to the west and the Pamphylian plain to the east — the geology shows on the beaches. Konyaaltı lies where the Taurus foothills meet the sea, producing pebble with peaks behind. Lara occupies alluvial coast east of the city, where river sediment built kilometres of golden sand. Hadrian's Gate, the Kaleiçi marina, and the Antalya Museum sit between the two — ancient history and beach access share the same afternoon.
The Beaches
The contrast starts at the surface. Konyaaltı runs 7 km along the western seafront — Blue Flag pebble backed by the Beydağları range, where peaks above 2,300 m are visible from the waterline. The AntRay tram connects the centre to the beach in 15 minutes, and a promenade links Beach Park, the Antalya Aquarium, and the archaeological museum. Water shoes are essential. East of the city, Lara stretches 12 km of fine golden sand — flat, wide, and shallow, with lifeguards and a wall of ultra all-inclusive towers behind it. The Lower Düden Waterfall drops 40 m into the sea at Lara's western edge. Lara sits just 10 km from Antalya Airport — one of the shortest resort transfers on the Mediterranean. The two beaches serve different holidays: Konyaaltı is urban, walkable, and independent; Lara is resort-scale, family-optimised, and self-contained.
FAQ
How many beaches are in Antalya city?
Two — Konyaaltı (7 km pebble) on the western seafront and Lara (12 km sand) on the eastern coast.
Is Konyaaltı Beach sand or pebble?
Pebble. Small-to-medium stones along the full 7 km. Water shoes are essential, not optional.
How far is Lara Beach from the airport?
Approximately 10 km — a 15-minute drive. One of the closest resort beaches to any international airport on the Turkish Riviera.
Can I visit both beaches in one day?
Yes. City bus KC06 connects Konyaaltı and Lara through the centre. Allow 40–50 minutes each way.