Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast in a forested valley surrounded by the Taurus Mountains, the small seaside town of Kemer is a purpose-built holiday resort which boasts one of the most picturesque settings in the region. Situated close to the larger, busier resort of Antalya, Kemer boasts a delightful marina with a promenade down to the stunning beach, as well as boutique hotels and quaint houses spread along the shore.
The closest international airport to Kemer is Antalya airport, which is about 45km away, and connects to a vast number of cities across Europe.
There are no shuttle buses direct from the airport to Kemer, so instead you need to take a taxi into Antalya city centre and then catch a bus to Kemer from the central bus station.
Kemer enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate all year round. In the summer, the town is hot and dry with average temperatures between 25-30C. Respite from the heat is offered by breezes from the sea.
Average sea temperature in the summer season are 26C. As a pleasant bonus at this time of year, flowers, palm trees and all kinds of citrus fruit come to bloom, lending the resort a lush, green natural landscape.
Kemer is surrounded by deep blue waters on one side and beautiful mountains on the other. The resort’s picturesque views and beautiful, sandy beaches make it an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday, or for exploring if you feel more energetic.
The two most popular beaches are the main town’s shingle beach, which has restaurants, cafes, boat trips, and a nearby sand/pebble beach. Beyond the town is a long stretch of stunning coastline, along which little coves can be found.
Watersports are also available for those with further energy to burn, including parasailing, windsurfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, water-skiing and jet-skiing.
Kemer and its surrounding region also boasts several historical places of interest, including the old port city of Phaselis, where the famous site of Hadrian's Gate can be found. A little further out lay the towns of Olimpos and Cirali, the latter of which is known by locals as the “burning mountain” owing to its fire-based Greek mythological origins.
The resort is also home to a popular rustic park, known as Yoruk Park, which boasts attractive lawns and shady trees.
If you feel the urge to further explore Kemer’s surroundings, you may want to visit the smaller and quieter neighbouring resort of Camuyya, or head north along the coast to bustling Antalya which has more of a ‘bit city’ feel.
As there is little in the way of nightlife in Kemer, Antalya would definitely be a good choice if you fancy hitting the town to enjoy some late night drinks, live music or dancing until the early hours.