Rocky mountains, overgrown with a dense pine forest, almost pressed this resort village to the sea. The sea near the beaches with large smooth pebbles is so clean and transparent that even at a decent depth all the pebbles are visible. The air is saturated with the smell of needles, fluffy branches cut the scorching sun rays, and the mountains protect the resort from the winds. The village itself is charming: a picturesque marina with swaying masts of yachts, a beautiful park on the shore, many cottages surrounded by flowers and greenery, and a large Monday bazaar. Next to the resort is the Yurukler National Park with amazingly beautiful caves, and a little further away are the ruins of the ancient cities of Olympos and Phaselis.
Kemer is located 42 kilometers northwest of the city of Antalya . There is no airport in Kemer itself. The nearest airport is in Antalya. Therefore, you can get to Kemer or its resort areas (Beldibi, Heynuk, Kirish, Chamyuva, Tekirova) either by taxi or by public transport from Antalya.
If you arrived on a ticket, then you have nothing to worry about, a representative of the travel agency will meet you at the airport and take you to the bus that will take you to the hotel. If you came to Kemer on your own, it is better to find out in advance how to get from the airport to the city.
Kemer , or rather Antalya, or any other city in Turkey , still needs to be reached. The easiest way to do this is by plane. It is convenient to compare prices and buy airline tickets online, for example on the Aviaseils website .
Sea and beaches in the center of Kemer and regions
The city of Kemer and its surroundings, which are part of the Turkish Riviera, are located at the foot of the Taurus Mountains , which approach the sea itself. Because of this, the resort, unlike the same Antalya, is greener, protected from the winds by mountains. In Antalya, there are often winds. And the coast of Kemer itself is considered a more elite and expensive resort than other cities of the Mediterranean Turkish coast.
The beaches of Kemer are mainly pebbly, the sea water is warm and clean. There are a couple of beautiful sandy bays near the center of Kemer.
The coast of Kemer has access to the sea. In the center of Kemer there are beaches with all the necessary beach infrastructure. There are longer beaches, and there are narrow and small ones. In the high season, the beaches are crowded, sometimes you have to lie almost on top of each other. On some beaches, access to the sea is carried out on equipped platforms immediately to the depth, which is not very convenient, especially for children.
In the districts of Kemer – Beldibi, Heinyuk, Kirisakh, Chamyuva and Tekirova beaches, even the central ones, are wider, the sea water is clearer and cleaner. Personally, we liked to rest in Kirishy more than in the center of Kemer . The beach in Kirishi is wide, there are few people, umbrellas and sunbeds, even on the city beach, were free, and the water in the sea is warm and clean, you can see fish and small squid. Swimming with a mask and snorkel is a pleasure. However, there is a problem with entertainment and walks in Kirishi, there is nowhere to go.
If you are going on vacation only for the sake of the sea and the sun, then it is better to choose not the city center, but its surrounding areas. Excursions can be purchased in hotels from guides or in companies on the streets, you can go for a walk in Kemer itself once or twice, this will be quite enough. But you will probably get more pleasure from a beach holiday in the regions of Kemer than in the city itself.
General impressions of Kemer – city, prices, streets
Although Kemer is located at the foot of the mountains, due to the hot climate, the vegetation is sparse, but beautiful. The nature of Kemer is very similar to the nature of some Ukrainian cities. So you should not look for exotics in Turkey.
The center of Kemer cannot boast of attractions . In terms of entertainment, these are mainly bars, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs, where life rages in the evening.
Turkish liras, dollars and euros are accepted everywhere in Kemer . Of the currency, it is more profitable to carry dollars with you. In most shops or souvenir shops on the streets of Kemer , you can make purchases with dollars or euros.
If you are going to rest for a week, and even to an “all-inclusive” hotel, then it makes no sense to exchange dollars for liras, you will lose more on the exchange rates. And paying for souvenirs, a couple of excursions and fruit is easier in dollars.
Prices in Kemer and the regions are approximately the same, sometimes a little cheaper in the regions, but not by much. For example, ice cream costs 1 dollar, bananas – 1 dollar, figs – 2 dollars (figs in Turkey are big and very tasty), Turkish sweets – 4 dollars, keychains and magnets for 5 dollars, souvenir mugs for 8 dollars, cocktails in bars – 1 , $5-$3, Snickers chocolate bar $1. Advertised snail soap – $11. There’s nothing special about the soap, it’s just like soap, a regular soap.
Alcohol in shops in Kemer is quite expensive, in many all-inclusive hotels it is the cheapest and of poor quality. So, it is better to stock up on alcohol at the airport, in duty free shops, where it is cheaper than in shops in Kemer .
So, for example, a bottle of wine in Kemer stores is worth, on average, 13 dollars, and a bottle of tequila – 45 dollars.
Dinner or lunch in a Kemer restaurant or cafe will cost, on average, $30 for two. But here it depends more on individual gastronomic preferences. You can eat both budget and more expensive.
Meals in Kemer, prices
In Kemer, general food is designed for tourists, so there will be no problem where to eat. There are restaurants of traditional Turkish cuisine, European, fish and small cafes, snack bars with a varied menu and reasonable prices.
A budget lunch will cost from 40 TRY, dinner in a restaurant will cost from 200 TRY for two adult tourists.
Keep in mind that the markets in Kemer are closed every day, the most famous grocery store is located near the parking lot and is open on Mondays. Fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, tea, honey, coffee are sold here. Prices are relatively low.
On Tuesdays, the textile market is open, you can buy scarves and robes at a good price.
Local markets are open on Fridays and Thursdays, where you can buy everything even cheaper.
There are supermarkets in the city, you can easily buy various products and cook yourself.
Over the years of development of the tourism industry, the Turks have learned to anticipate everything that is needed for the comfort of vacationers, which is why their resorts are so popular.
In general, you can relax in Kemer by yourself and with children.
We are going on vacation to Kemer with the child
Kemer is one of the most popular resorts in Turkey among our tourists. The city is good, beautiful, interesting, although small. It is perfect for vacationing with children, and here’s why:
- This is a very convenient city : the main promenade with cafes, shops and restaurants, all within easy reach. Conventionally, the city can be divided into three main parts – resort, commercial and residential. But almost all hotels are on the shore.
- Beaches . True, they are good here. Maybe not the best in Turkey, but they are suitable for a vacation with children! There are many pebbly beaches in Kemer , but it all depends on the location. The most inconvenient in this regard are the beaches in the “sub-Kemer” villages of Beldibi and Heinyuk, but in Chamyuva and Kemer itself, this is sand mixed with small pebbles, probably 90% of the city’s beaches (only part of the private beaches and the beach of Munlay Park are covered with sand). Well, the sand in the village of Tekirova,
it will be very good with children there. Anyway, the pebbles of Kemer are small, so it is easy to walk on them.
- Clean sea . It is believed that Kemer has the cleanest and clearest sea water in Turkey. Maybe that’s even true. This is probably due to the rocky bottom of the coastal zone – the sand does not allow the water to become cloudy! Sometimes, you can even swim 20 meters from the shore and you will have the opportunity to look at the bottom. True, there is practically nothing to look at. There are no corals, no beautiful algae and colorful shoals of fish, although fish sometimes swim by.
- Beautiful nature . Kemer is very green, lush, compared to Antalya. Many citrus trees, the smell of which is especially noticeable on the outskirts of the city.
- Entertainment for children . Yes, there are not as many of them as in larger resorts, but they are still there! For example, the most popular vacation spot is the Moonlight Park with the only sandy beach in Kemer, attractions, a dolphinarium, and more. And standard beach entertainment.
- Family hotels . In all 4- and 5-star hotels in Kemer, you will be offered high chairs for children in restaurants and cots with high sides. Sometimes there is a children’s menu and a children’s corner in the restaurant. Some hotels boast mini water parks, children’s mini clubs and children’s animation. Hotels of the famous chains Papillon, Rixos, Amara offer excellent service – they are considered the best for children’s recreation.
- Convenient location . The resort is just an hour’s drive from Antalya Airport. Therefore, the children will not have to suffer from a tired flight for a short time.
Cons of Kemer :
- Probably, it is possible to single out a not always convenient entrance to the sea – in some places it has large stones, and you can turn around on the boulders. Therefore, you need special shoes – you can buy them in all shops in Kemer . By the way, under the scorching sun, the stones heat up so much that it is difficult to walk on them. Bamboo paths on the beaches and, again, beach slippers come to the rescue.
- There are quite a few bars and clubs in Kemer , where young tourists from neighboring villages and local residents flock (there are actually a lot of them in clubs!). On pleasant summer evenings, the whole of Kemer becomes one big discotheque. There are really a lot of young people here, although for some reason the resort is considered more family than youth resort. Therefore, in some hotels it can be very noisy (young people are preparing for parties), and if your hotel is next to a club, then noise can come from there.
- The heat Yes, this is both a plus and a minus. But sometimes it is very hot in Kemer, and there is also high humidity here. For example, it is especially difficult in July – it is so steamy. You can escape from it only by swimming in the sea, and you can fully move around the city only in the morning or in the evening, when hell cools down a little. Of course, as a rule, children tolerate the heat normally, but parents can suffer. Therefore, it is better to go to Kemer in September or October.
How to choose a hotel for vacation with children in Turkey?
First of all, decide on the type of recreation the hotel is aimed at: youth, family, children’s, business. Mothers with babies can be greatly disturbed by the noise of night discos. And, on the contrary: even in the best hotels for family vacations in Kemer , active young people simply won’t have anything to do. In addition, look at which hotels are nearby: on a summer night, loud music, shouts and illumination of nearby discotheques can be very intrusive.
Secondly, evaluate the category of the hotel taking into account the price, reviews and range of services, because the boundaries between 4- and 5-star hotels in Turkey are very arbitrary.
Keep in mind that the quality of service depends to one degree or another on the season: in the winter, animation and the range of food are reduced, the pools may not be heated and the water slides and attractions may not work.
Pay attention to the location:
- Where is the hotel located: in a busy resort center or a small village; are there necessary shops and interesting sights nearby;
- Is there a private beach (sandy, pebbly), whether there are enough places on it, how close it is;
- How spacious and comfortable the territory is; whether there is natural shade, areas for recreation and games;
- How are the hotel buildings located: will you have to make your way uphill and back every day to reach the sea;
Ask about the quality of food. Most of the hotels in Turkey operate on the “all inclusive” system. However, both the assortment and the taste of dishes can be strikingly different. In addition, hotels offer a special menu: children’s, dietary or the possibility of preparing dishes to order (for example, for babies). For recreation with children, it is important to have snacks between meals, the availability of lunches or afternoon tea. For adults, the availability of a la carte restaurants, as well as the convenient location of snack bars on the territory, may be important.
Ask about other amenities. If you are traveling with a child, find out what the hotel can offer him according to his age.
When choosing a hotel, use official information, reviews of tourists and recommendations of your travel agent.
Pay attention to details. When looking at the photo, do not be tempted by a beautiful close-up of interior items: if you cannot see the adequately photographed premises in the photo, this is a reason to doubt. If the photos were taken a few years ago, they cannot show the “fatigue” of the rooms in the form of worn carpets, faded wallpaper and broken sockets. In addition, photos often visually increase the size of rooms (especially if they are taken empty). If in doubt, it is better to rely on numbers and reviews.
When reading reviews about hotels, do not forget to look at the date: hotels can completely change staff every season, so it happens that old reviews no longer correspond to reality. If the hotel changed its name and passed to a new owner, the conditions for rest may become completely different.
When choosing a tour to Turkey, ask your tour manager about all the details you are interested in. Travel agents know the hotel base very well and constantly communicate with tourists who have just returned from vacation. The manager will recommend the best option and help weigh all the pros and cons.
The best hotels in Kemer for holidays with children
Kemer is a popular resort in Turkey, located at the foot of the beautiful Taurus Mountains, less than an hour’s drive from Antalya Airport. The region has beautiful ecology and a large number of coniferous and citrus trees. Almost all beaches have the Blue Flag – an international award given to the cleanest and safest places for swimming.
The best time for tours to Kemer with children is May, June and early autumn. Compared to other resorts in Turkey, the air humidity in Kemer is slightly higher, so it is quite hot here in the height of summer.
The best 5-star hotels in Kemer for a vacation with children are usually located in the suburbs, while within the city, hotels are more oriented toward youth recreation. If you are looking for a measured pastime, you can choose the surrounding villages: Heinyuk, Tekirova, Beldibi, Kirish. There are many interesting sights in the district, as well as a children’s entertainment complex “Moonlight” , a dinosaur park , a dolphinarium and a sufficient number of shops. In this article, we offer an overview of Kemer 5-star hotels for vacations with children.
Barut Kemer Resort 5 *, Kemer
According to the Tripadvisor website, Barut Kemer ranks second in the region and, according to many tourists, it is the best hotel in Kemer for a vacation with children. In 2016, he was awarded a platinum medal for the excellent quality of his work. Located 10 minutes’ walk from the center of Kemer. Thanks to the small and well-thought-out area, rest in the hotel is comfortable with small children. Guests note the good, but unobtrusive work of animation, as well as the brilliant cleanliness of the rooms and excellent service. The restaurant offers fish and meat dishes, a large selection of side dishes. Milk porridges are prepared for breakfast, soups and broths for lunch. There is a separate menu and tables for children. For adults, there is a spa center, a jacuzzi, a fitness center, and a tennis court. Dance lessons and sports are held during the day, and shows and thematic programs are organized in the evenings. For children’s entertainment, there is a mini club, a cinema, discos and spacious pools with high water slides. The hotel’s beach is pebbly, equipped with stairs for easy access to the sea.
Alkoçlar Exclusive Kemer Otel 5 *, Kemer
A large hotel in a classic style is best suited for a calm and relaxing vacation. Guests can stay in spacious rooms in the main building or bungalows. Adults are offered yoga, Zumbo, and spa services. A full range of services is available for children. The hotel has a spacious beach and 2 swimming pools. Very tasty and varied food, including a separate children’s menu. At the end of 2016, the hotel came under the management of the Alkoçlar chain. Changes in the quality of service can be judged in the new season.
Hotel Garden Resort Bergamot 4 *, Kemer
Mandarin gardens grow on the small territory of the hotel, there is a spacious swimming pool. The hotel is located on the second line, in a quiet, beautiful place at the foot of the mountains. A shuttle bus regularly takes vacationers to the sea, and food is brought to the beach bar at lunchtime. For adults, there is a separate relaxation zone where guests over 16 years of age are allowed, as well as massage rooms, a sauna, a hammam, and a gym. Rabbits and turtles live on the territory. The restaurant offers a variety of food, thematic evenings of Italian, Turkish and other cuisines of the world are held. For those vacationing with children, everything they need is provided: classes with animators, swimming pools, playgrounds, cots, strollers and high chairs for babies. Guests note the atmosphere of comfort and friendliness created by the staff thanks to excellent service.
Other hotels in Kemer for holidays with children:
Orange County Resort Hotels
Grand Haber Hotel
What to see in Kemer
Kemer is a famous Turkish resort located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. They come here for the warm sea, clean air, gentle sun – everything that creates an atmosphere of boundless happiness. What to see in Kemer , and what is there to do here in general, besides trips to the beach and to the pool?
Kemer is a small city. However, it is located in a good place, so in its vicinity you can find natural parks, the mountains of the Taurus range, the slopes of which are suitable for trekking, the ruins of ancient cities, interesting entertainment centers and much more. Inquisitive tourists can spend their entire vacation exploring the resort area of Kemer .
Yuruk Ethnographic Park in Kemer
The Yuruk open-air museum is a place where you can learn more about the history, customs and traditions of the Turkic Yuruk tribe that lived in the vicinity of modern Kemer . Tents are collected here, in which the atmosphere typical of the houses of Turkish nomads is reproduced. In the Yuruk museum, you can see original household items, decor elements, one of which were carpets created by craftsmen from the Yuruk tribe. And in our time, you can watch the work of craftsmen who make bright, beautiful carpets on ancient machines and sell them to tourists right away. In the ethnographic park there is a tent where the Yuruk people’s traditional treat is served. Delicious dishes are washed down with a cup of strong coffee.
Ruins of Phaselis near Kemer
Phaselis was once a beautiful ancient Greek city built on the territory of Lycia in Asia Minor, which now belongs to Turkey. The city, of which only ruins remain, was founded around 690 BC. e. immigrants from the Greek island of Rhodes. It is located on a small peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the Taurus mountain range, 53 km northwest of Antalya and only 18 km from Kemer.
Archaeologists have been working here since 1811, who managed to find out that Phaselis was a rich city with three ports, whose inhabitants traded with the Persians, Egyptians, and Greeks. Wine and rose oil were exported from here on ships. Scientists discovered the remains of a wide street, theater, baths, walls surrounding the harbor, an aqueduct and ruins of Byzantine buildings. After 411 BC Phaselis was in the hands of the Persians. Here he spent the winter of 334-333 BC. e. Alexander the Great.
The ruins of the city of Phaselis are now surrounded by a natural park, famous for its clean beaches and picturesque corners.
Jumhuriyet Square in Kemer
Cumhuriyet Square, which means “Republic Square” in Turkish, is considered the heart of Kemer . It was laid on the site of the old Kemer bus station in 2006. It covers an area of about 7,000 square meters. Around its perimeter are 18 pools filled with water, with graceful bridges. In the center of one of the tanks there is a platform on which a monument to Kemal Atatürk is placed . The sculptor depicted the first president of Turkey with a dove in his hand. Behind the statue of Atatürk you can see a structure consisting of seven dark columns and a light ring. In the center of the square there is also a fountain with a large illuminated bowl. There are also pinwheel fountains that shoot directly from the cobblestones covered with tiles.
The most interesting sight of Republic Square is the high snow-white clock tower . It has a night club and a good restaurant, whose visitors can sit comfortably on the observation deck located right under the clock.
Kemer Dolphinarium
Many tourists come to Turkish resorts with children. So that the kids are not bored, the host side pays great attention to the organization of various water and entertainment theme parks, zoos and aquariums. There is a dolphinarium in Kemer , which can be found on the territory of the “Moonlight” park . 800 spectators can simultaneously watch the play, which takes place twice a day.
What program awaits guests of the dolphinarium:
- first, an employee of this institution talks about dolphins and the need to protect them;
- then two dolphins and a sea lion perform before the public in a deep pool;
- after that, you can swim with the animals or take pictures for an additional fee.
The dolphinarium sells unusual souvenirs: paintings created by the sea lion Phileus. There are also many traditional things (soft toys, magnets, etc.) that will be an excellent gift for family and friends.
Takhtala cable car near Kemer
Takhtala mountain is located a few dozen kilometers from Kemer , the top of which can be climbed directly from the shore of the Mediterranean Sea on the second longest cable car in the world. Its length is 4350 meters. It was built in 2007 by the joint efforts of the Swiss and the Turks.
When planning a trip to the upper platform of the funicular, located at an altitude of 2365 meters above sea level, where there are a restaurant and a number of shops with souvenir goods, you should take into account that from approximately October to April, Takhtala will welcome you with snowy slopes and rather cool weather. Therefore, you need to take warm clothes with you to be able to see Kemer and its surroundings from the observation deck. The funicular cabin is designed for 80 people. It takes tourists to the top of the mountain in 10 minutes.
The ancient city of Olympos near Kemer
The village of Olympos, surrounded by fragrant orange groves, has long been known to tourists for its original hotels – the so-called “tree houses”. The ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos are considered one of the main attractions of this settlement . They can be reached by the only road that connects the village of Olympos with the village of Chirali.
The ancient city of Olympos was founded in the II century BC. e. and quickly became one of the most significant economic centers of the region. In the 1st century BC BC, the settlement was ravaged by pirates from neighboring Cilicia, and soon after that Olympos became part of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the city successively belonged to the Byzantines, Venetians and Genoese, until it was finally abandoned in the 15th century.
Remains of Roman baths and fortifications built in the XI-XII centuries have been preserved to this day. You can also see the ruins of residential buildings and temples in the dense forest.
Tekirova Ecological Natural Park in the vicinity of Kemer
Having chosen Kemer for your vacation , do not limit yourself to walking around the city and taking sea baths. There are many interesting places in the vicinity of Kemer that are worth visiting during your vacation. For example, both adults and children will surely like the ecological park, which was opened in 2005 in the village of Tekirova. It is a botanical garden, on the territory of which there is a terrarium, where there are amphibians and reptiles living in Turkey and neighboring countries. The head of the ecopark is the famous scientist Selama Tomruk , who has been studying exotic snakes for many years.
In 2005, this park was conceived as a center for keeping and researching reptiles. However, people became interested in the work of the center and were ready to pay to visit it. Since then, all funds received from the sale of tickets go to the development of the ecological park. In addition to snakes, giant turtles, frogs of various species, more pleasant representatives of the fauna also live here: birds, rabbits, etc.
Fire mountain Yanartash in Kemer
The unusual mountain Yanartash, from the depths of which fire constantly erupts, is located on the outskirts of the village of Chirali. According to legend, the terrible Chimera monster met its death here from the arrow of the hero Bellerophon. His body was buried on the mountain, and a fire has been burning there ever since. In fact, there is a deposit of natural methane gas close to the surface of the mountain, which flares brightly when it comes into contact with air. From the outside, it seems that numerous torches are burning on the slope of Yanartash. This has been going on for hundreds of years.
The site, believed to be the Chimera’s grave, is a popular tourist attraction. A special path has been laid to it, in which local residents charge a fee for viewing such a unique natural phenomenon.
This part of the mountain looks most spectacular at dusk or at night.
The village of Chirali near Kemer
The village of Chirali is a great alternative to noisy Kemer . It is located on the territory of the reserve, so the construction of high-rise hotels with many rooms is prohibited here. The village of Chiraly consists of only a few streets. For tourists, there is everything you need here: cozy restaurants, cute boarding houses, a long beach where you can see caretta-caretta turtles , a pine forest in the vicinity of the village, several orange groves and a number of wonderful historical monuments. For example, Yanartash Mountain is located very close by, which is called fiery because of the columns of burning gas that erupt from its slope.
At the end of the beach you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, and in the center of the village – a snow-white mosque with a tall minaret. Hikers also come to Chiral. Interesting routes have been developed here, laid along the slopes of the nearby mountains.
Dinopark in Heynyuk in Kemer
If you are vacationing in Kemer with children, then you should definitely visit Dinopark, located in the village of Heinyuk. The park, where life-size models of dinosaurs are installed in the middle of the forest, was opened in 2012. Some figures of prehistoric animals are interactive: they beat their tails and growl at visitors, scaring children and amusing adults. Children are invited to feel like archaeologists and, armed with brushes, free the skeleton of a dinosaur from the sand.
After the work done, you can set a record in jumping on a trampoline or watch a 7d movie about dinosaurs in a small cinema. Dinopark also has a planetarium and a room of fear.
The price of an entrance ticket to Dinopark includes five tokens, which can be used to pay for a session in the cinema or lunch in a cafe.