Lara Beach is where Turkey’s all-inclusive resort industry was born — and it’s still the best. Long golden sand, calm turquoise water, world-class resort hotels, and a public beach section that’s genuinely one of the finest free beaches in the Mediterranean. Here’s everything you actually need to know before you go
📋 Lara Beach — Quick Facts 2026
| 🏖️ Beach type | Golden sand — one of the few sandy beaches in Antalya |
| 🌊 Water depth | Gradually deepening — very safe for children |
| 🚩 Blue Flag | Yes — certified for water quality and cleanliness |
| 🆓 Public beach | Yes — free sunbeds, showers, toilets, shade available |
| 🏨 Resort beach clubs | Yes — day use packages available at most hotels |
| 🛒 Nearby amenities | Limited — come prepared with food, water and sunscreen |
| ✈️ Distance from airport | ~18 km — about 20 minutes |
| 🏙️ Distance from city centre | ~12 km — about 25–30 minutes |
What Is Lara Beach Really Like?
Lara Beach stretches for several kilometres along Antalya’s eastern coastline — a wide, golden-sand beach backed by some of the most impressive all-inclusive resort hotels in the entire Mediterranean. The sand here is fine and genuinely golden, which is unusual for Antalya where pebble is far more common.
The sea at Lara is exceptional for families. Unlike some beaches where the depth drops quickly, Lara’s seabed deepens very gradually — children can wade a long way from shore in shallow water. This makes Lara one of the safest swimming beaches in Turkey for young children, and one of the key reasons families consistently choose it over alternatives.
The water is warm, clear, and Blue Flag certified — tested regularly for quality. In summer the sea temperature reaches 27–29°C.
Public Beach vs Resort Beach — What You Need to Know
This is where Lara Beach gets interesting — and where most guides leave out the important details.
🆓 Lara Halk Plajı — The Free Public Beach
Lara has a genuine, well-equipped public beach (halk plajı) that is completely free to use. And it’s not a basic municipal patch — it has:
- Free sunbeds — proper loungers, no charge
- Umbrellas and shade structures — free
- Showers — free, available on the beach
- Toilets — free, maintained throughout the day
- Benches and seating areas — free
This is genuinely one of the best free public beach facilities in Turkey. Many visitors don’t know about it and assume Lara Beach is entirely resort-controlled. It isn’t.
Local tip: The public beach section is west of the main resort zone. Look for the Lara Halk Plajı signs.
🏨 Resort Beach Clubs — Day Use Option
If you’re not staying at one of the Lara resorts but want to use their facilities — pools, beach clubs, restaurants, waterparks — most hotels offer günübirlik (day use) packages. This means you pay a day rate and get full access to the resort’s facilities exactly as if you were a guest.
Prices vary but typically run €30–60 per person per day, often including food and drinks. It’s an excellent option if you want the full all-inclusive experience for just one day without booking a multi-night stay.
This is a genuine option that many visitors don’t know exists. If you’re staying elsewhere in Antalya but want a day at a world-class resort beach — just call the hotel and ask about their günübirlik package.
Important: Come Prepared to Lara Beach
Here is the honest practical advice that matters:
If you’re using the public beach, Lara is not like Konyaaltı — you won’t find cafes, markets, and restaurants a few steps away. The resort zone is somewhat self-contained and the public beach area has limited food and drink options nearby.
Before you go, bring:
- Enough water for the whole day — the sun is strong and dehydration happens fast
- Snacks and food if you’re not eating at a resort restaurant
- Sunscreen — SPF 30+ minimum, reapply every 2 hours
- Cash for any beach rentals or emergency purchases
This is not a criticism of Lara Beach — it’s just different from Konyaaltı where everything is immediately at hand. Know what you’re going to and plan accordingly. Visitors who come prepared have a wonderful day. Visitors who arrive assuming there’s a supermarket around the corner can have a frustrating start.
| Feature | 🏖️ Lara Beach | 🌊 Konyaaltı |
|---|---|---|
| Beach type | Sandy ✅ | Pebble |
| Water depth | Gradual — very safe ✅ | Drops quickly — be careful ⚠️ |
| Free facilities | ✅ Sunbeds, showers, toilets, shade | ✅ Good facilities |
| Nearby shops/cafes | ⚠️ Limited — come prepared | ✅ Excellent — cafes, markets steps away |
| Resort day use | ✅ Available at most hotels | ❌ Limited options |
| For families with kids | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very good |
| City access | ⚠️ 25–30 min by taxi | ✅ 10 min by tram |
Important water safety note for Konyaaltı: The sea at Konyaaltı deepens very quickly just a few steps from shore. This is significantly different from Lara where the depth increases gradually. Families with young children should be especially careful at Konyaaltı — always supervise children closely in the water. Lara’s gradual depth makes it considerably safer for young swimmers.
What’s Around Lara Beach
💧 Düden Waterfall — Right at the Beach
One of the world’s rare waterfalls that cascades directly into the sea — the Lower Düden Waterfall drops 40 metres from a clifftop directly into the Mediterranean at the western end of Lara Beach. You can see it from the beach and even swim close to it. One of the most spectacular natural features of the Antalya coastline.
🛍️ Terra City Shopping Mall
A 5–10 minute drive from Lara Beach — Terra City has a wide range of shops, restaurants, a food court, and cinema. Useful for picking up supplies or for a midday break from the sun.
🏛️ Perge Ancient City
20–25 minutes by car — one of Turkey’s most impressive ancient Roman cities. An excellent half-day trip combined with a morning or afternoon at Lara Beach.
How to Get to Lara Beach
From Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi): Bus KL08 from Atatürk Caddesi — approximately 35–45 minutes. Get off at “Lara Plaj” stop.
From Konyaaltı: 20–25 km by road — 30–40 minutes by taxi or about 50–60 minutes by bus (with a city centre transfer).
From Antalya Airport: About 18 km — 20 minutes by taxi (~300–400 TL) or private transfer.
By taxi: From anywhere in central Antalya, taxis to Lara are metered and reasonable.
Staying Near Lara Beach
Lara Beach has some of the finest all-inclusive resort hotels in the Mediterranean — Titanic Mardan Palace, Rixos Premium Lara, Barut Lara, Limak Lara. These are world-class properties with multiple pools, private beach sections, waterparks, and everything included
→ Best Hotels in Lara Beach — Full Guide
→ Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Antalya
🔍 Compare Lara Beach hotel prices on Agoda →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lara Beach free? Yes — Lara Halk Plajı (the public beach) is completely free. Free sunbeds, showers, toilets, and shade are provided. No entry fee.
Is Lara Beach good for children? Excellent — one of the safest beaches in Antalya for young children. The sea deepens very gradually, allowing children to wade a long way in shallow water. Combined with the sandy beach, it’s ideal for families.
Can you use resort facilities without staying there? Yes — most Lara Beach hotels offer günübirlik (day use) packages for non-guests. Typically €30–60 per person including access to pools, beach, and food and drink. Call the hotel directly to enquire.
What should I bring to Lara Beach public section? Water, food, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else you need for the day. Unlike Konyaaltı, there aren’t many shops and cafes immediately at hand near the public beach. Come prepared.
Is the water safe at Lara Beach? Yes — Blue Flag certified, clear water, and the gradual depth makes it very safe for swimming. Significantly safer depth profile than Konyaaltı for young children.
How far is Lara Beach from the city centre? About 12 km — 25–30 minutes by taxi or 40–45 minutes by bus.
Is Lara Beach sandy or pebble? Sandy — fine golden sand, which is relatively rare in Antalya where pebble beaches are more common