Lara Beach vs Konyaaltı: Which Beach is Better in Antalya?

Antalya has two main beach areas — Lara Beach to the east and Konyaaltı to the west — and they couldn’t be more different. One is all about luxury all-inclusive resorts and fine sandy shores. The other is a long pebble beach backed by a lively promenade, close to the city center. Which one is right for you depends entirely on what kind of holiday you’re after.

Lara Beach — Sandy, Resorts, All-Inclusive

Lara Beach is Antalya’s most famous beach area, stretching east of the city center toward the Kundu resort strip. The beach itself is sandy and long, with calm, clear turquoise water. The coastline here is lined with some of Turkey’s most celebrated all-inclusive mega-resorts — enormous complexes with multiple pools, waterparks, private beach sections, entertainment programs, and dozens of restaurants all included in the price.

If you want a classic Mediterranean beach holiday where you can switch off completely, Lara delivers it in style. The resort infrastructure is world-class, and you rarely need to leave the hotel grounds if you don’t want to. The downside is that you’re roughly 12–15 km from Antalya city center and Old Town, so exploring requires a taxi or organised excursion.

Best for: Families, couples, all-inclusive holidays, beach lovers who want sand.

Stay in Lara Beach:

👉 Hotels Lara Beach Antalya

Day tours and activities from Lara Beach:
👉Antalya Tours from Lara Beach

Konyaaltı Beach — Pebble, Promenade, Local Life

Konyaaltı is Antalya’s western beach, stretching for about 7 km from the base of the cliffs below Kaleiçi all the way to the Antalya Aquarium. The beach is made of smooth pebbles and shingle rather than sand — which puts some visitors off but actually means the water stays exceptionally clear and clean. The promenade running behind the beach is excellent, with cafes, restaurants, playgrounds, cycle paths, and green spaces.

The big advantage of Konyaaltı is its location. You’re close to the city center, the Nostaljik Tramvay stops here, and Kaleiçi Old Town is just a short tram ride or walk away. It has a much more local, authentic feel than Lara — you’re swimming alongside Antalya residents rather than in a resort bubble.

Best for: Independent travelers, longer stays, city explorers, budget travelers.

Tip: Bring water shoes for Konyaaltı — the pebbles can be uncomfortable for small children and sensitive feet.

Stay near Konyaaltı Beach:

👉Hotels Konyaaltı Antalya

See also: Is Antalya a Walkable City?

Head to Head Comparison

Feature	Lara Beach	Konyaaltı
Beach type	Sandy	Pebble / shingle
Water quality	Excellent	Excellent
Resort hotels	World-class	Mid-range / local
City center distance	12–15 km	1–3 km
All-inclusive options	Many	Few
Local atmosphere	Resort bubble	Authentic local feel
Budget level	Mid–High	Budget–Mid
Good for families	Excellent	Good
Good for couples	Excellent	Very good
Good for solo travelers	Good	Excellent

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Lara Beach if you want a sandy shore, an all-inclusive resort experience, and a classic Mediterranean beach holiday where everything is on your doorstep within the hotel. Choose Konyaaltı if you want to explore Antalya properly, prefer a more local atmosphere, are on a tighter budget, or plan to spend significant time in the city rather than just on the beach.

Many visitors actually find a middle ground — staying in Konyaaltı or Kaleiçi and taking a day trip to Lara Beach, or staying in a Lara resort and spending a day or two exploring the Old Town.

See also: Antalya Where to Stay with Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lara Beach sandy or pebble?

Lara Beach is sandy — one of the few genuinely sandy beaches in the Antalya area. Konyaaltı, by contrast, is pebble and shingle.

Is Konyaaltı beach free?

Yes — the public sections of Konyaaltı beach are free to access. There are also some paid beach clubs along the promenade with sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire.

How far is Lara Beach from Konyaaltı?

The two beaches are on opposite sides of Antalya city center, about 20–25 km apart by road. Getting between them requires passing through the city, which takes around 30–40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.