Tekirova Beaches 2026: Ancient Harbour & Mountain Coast Guide
"Alexander the Great wintered in Phaselis in 334 BC, received a golden crown from its citizens, and used this 2,700-year-old port city as a base to plan his conquest of Asia Minor — visitors today swim in the same three harbours."
Introduction
Tekirova beaches sit on Antalya's western coast at the foot of Tahtalı Mountain (2,365 m), where a 2,700-year-old port city offers something almost no other Turkish beach can — three turquoise harbour coves among standing ruins, with no modern development inside the archaeological zone.
Character & Setting
Tekirova occupies the coastal strip between Kemer and Kumluca, 55 km southwest of Antalya city. The village itself is a quiet cluster of resort hotels and citrus groves, but the district's draw is Phaselis — a Lycian-Greek-Roman port city founded by Rhodian colonists in 700 BC, set in dense pine forest at the base of Mount Olympos. The Lycian Way long-distance trail passes through, and the Olympos Teleferik cable car to Tahtalı's summit departs nearby. Tour boats from Kemer arrive mid-morning; early and late visitors get the ruins to themselves.
The Beaches
Phaselis is not one beach but three harbour coves inside the ancient city walls. The south harbour — the largest — has a gentle mix of fine pebble and sand with a gradual entry, pine trees for shade, and calm water suited to families. The north harbour is quieter and rougher-edged, with submerged Roman breakwater remains that make it the best snorkelling spot on the Antalya coast. The central harbour, smallest of the three, sits sheltered between the ancient colonnaded street and the harbour wall. Water clarity across all three is exceptional — visibility regularly exceeds 10 metres. Entry requires an archaeological site ticket (Museum Pass accepted), and there are no sunbeds, no umbrellas, and no full restaurant inside. Visitors bring towels, water shoes, and a picnic, then split the day between swimming and walking a 2,700-year-old street that once connected three seas' worth of trade.
FAQ
How many beaches are in Tekirova?
Three harbour coves at Phaselis — south (largest, families), north (quietest, snorkelling), and central (smallest, sheltered).
Is Phaselis Beach free?
No. Entry requires an archaeological site ticket — approximately 200–300 TL as of 2026. Museum Pass Turkey is accepted.
Are there sunbeds or restaurants at Phaselis?
No sunbeds, no umbrellas, no full restaurant inside the site. A small café near the entrance sells drinks and snacks. Bring supplies.
When is the quietest time to visit Phaselis?
Before 10:00 or after 16:00. Tour boats from Kemer fill the beaches between 11:00 and 15:00 in summer.