Konyaaltı Beach is one of Antalya’s two main city beaches — a 13-kilometre stretch of pebbles and sand sitting right at the foot of the Taurus Mountains, with turquoise water, Blue Flag certification, and a long promenade packed with cafés, bars, and activity spots. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
Where Is Konyaaltı Beach?
Konyaaltı Beach is on the western side of Antalya city centre, approximately 3 km from Kaleiçi (the Old Town). It starts at the base of the cliffs below the Antalya Archaeology Museum and stretches westward for 13 km toward the Sarısu area. This makes it the closest major beach to central Antalya and one of the most convenient options for city-based visitors.
Is Konyaaltı Beach a Blue Flag Beach?
Yes — Konyaaltı Beach holds Blue Flag certification, confirming high water quality, cleanliness, and safety standards. The water is beautifully clear, and the beach is cleaned and maintained throughout the tourist season.
What Is the Beach Like?
Konyaaltı is primarily a pebble beach — fine stones rather than sand. Water shoes are strongly recommended, as the pebbles can be uncomfortable underfoot and get very hot in the sun.
The backdrop is extraordinary: the Taurus Mountains rise directly behind the beach, and on clear days their snow-capped peaks reflect in the turquoise sea. This view — mountains meeting Mediterranean — is one of the most photographed in Antalya.
The beach is free to enter at all times, with no restrictions on opening hours. You can swim in the morning, sunbathe at midday, or take an evening walk along the promenade. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent from various operators along the beach.
Facilities include:
- Free public showers and toilets
- Changing rooms
- Sunbed and umbrella rental
- Cafés, restaurants, and bars along the promenade
- Children’s play areas
- Beach volleyball courts
- Water sports hire
What Can You Do at Konyaaltı Beach?
Swimming and sunbathing — the sea is clean, calm, and clear. The eastern end of the beach (nearest to the city centre) is more central and convenient; the western end is quieter.
Water sports — jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and kayaking are all available from operators along the beach.
Cycling and walking — the long seafront promenade has dedicated cycling tracks and a wide walking path. Bikes can be rented from stations along the beach.
Nightlife — the eastern end of Konyaaltı has beach clubs and bars that stay open late into the evening in summer.
What’s Near Konyaaltı Beach?
Konyaaltı is surrounded by a cluster of excellent attractions:
- Antalya Aquarium — one of the world’s largest aquariums, a short walk from the beach. Excellent for families.
- Antalya Archaeology Museum — at the top of the cliff above the eastern end of the beach; one of Turkey’s finest museums.
- Aktur Park — a fairground with Turkey’s biggest Ferris wheel (30 metres high), near the beach.
- Tünektepe Cable Car base station — at the far western end (Sarısu area). Currently closed; see our cable car guide for updates.
- Migros and Konyaaltı Bazaar — for shopping close to the beach.
- Glass Pyramid (Cam Piramit) — a free glass lift connects the beach to the clifftop park above, with panoramic views.
How to Get to Konyaaltı Beach from Antalya Old Town
By tram: Take the nostalgic tram from the Clock Tower in Kaleiçi to the Antalya Archaeology Museum terminus, then walk down the path to the beach. Total journey approximately 10–15 minutes.
By bus: Bus KL08 runs from Kaleiçi along the coast to Konyaaltı and beyond. Get off at the beach stop.
On foot: A scenic 40-minute clifftop walk from Kaleiçi to the top of the beach path, then down to the sea.
By taxi: 5–10 minutes from the city centre; very affordable.
Konyaaltı vs Lara Beach — Which Is Better?
The two main beaches in Antalya are on opposite sides of the city. Here’s the quick comparison:
| Konyaaltı | Lara | |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Pebble (water shoes needed) | Sandy |
| Location | West — close to city centre | East — further from city |
| Water temp | Slightly cooler | Slightly warmer |
| Vibe | Local, active, city beach | Resort, luxury hotels |
| Best for | City visitors, day trips | Families, all-inclusive stays |
For a full comparison, see our Lara Beach guide.
Practical Tips
- Bring water shoes — essential for a comfortable experience on the pebbles.
- Arrive early in summer — the central section gets busy by 10am in July and August.
- Bring your own umbrella to avoid sunbed rental costs.
- The beach has no closing time — you can visit any time of day or night.
- The western end is quieter and less crowded than the busy central section.
👉 [Book: Antalya City Tour with Old Town and Waterfalls — Viator] 👉 [Book: Water Sports Package at Konyaaltı Beach — Viator]
FAQ
Is Konyaaltı Beach free? Yes — Konyaaltı Beach is completely free to enter. Sunbed and umbrella rental is optional and paid separately.
Is Konyaaltı Beach sandy or pebbly? Primarily pebble, with some sandy sections. Water shoes are strongly recommended.
How long is Konyaaltı Beach? 13 kilometres — one of the longest beaches in the Antalya region.
Is Konyaaltı Beach good for families? Yes — the beach is safe for swimming, has children’s play areas, cafés, and water sports. Bring water shoes for the children too.
How far is Konyaaltı Beach from Kaleiçi (Old Town)? About 3 km — 10–15 minutes by tram or bus, or a scenic 40-minute clifftop walk.
What water sports are available at Konyaaltı Beach? Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all available from operators along the beach.
Related reading: Lara Beach Guide | Free Things to Do in Antalya | Best Area to Stay in Antalya