Konyaaltı Beach

What makes it special

The Beydağları rise behind the coastal plain and the city. For the best view of them, stand at the water's edge and turn to face the shore. In the late afternoon the sun drops toward the western end of the coast and lights the slopes from the side.

The beach starts below Antalya's coastal cliffs and runs west as one long strip, mostly fine pebble with patches of sand. It is one of the best-known beaches in Turkey and the city's own, with Konyaaltı Boulevard running along behind it.

The pebbles keep the water clear. They stir up less fine sediment than sand, so the shallows stay clean, and as each wave pulls back you hear the small stones rolling against each other.

The beach has held a Blue Flag in most years since 2007.

Visiting

Konyaaltı Beach is split between the free public shore and more than 30 sections run by private operators. On the public stretch you spread a towel on the pebbles; at an operator's section, sunbeds and umbrellas are set out for hire.

For the fullest facilities, look for a section with free toilets, showers and changing rooms. Swim, then dry off in whatever shade you have brought or hired.

A paved promenade runs behind the whole beach, with bike lanes, public art and cafés. Walk or run it early, when the beach is calm. At golden hour, walk toward the western headland for an open view of the sunset.

On summer evenings the seafront hosts concerts and the cafés stay open late, so you do not need to swim to spend an evening here.

Tips

The pebbles soak up heat and can burn bare soles by the afternoon, so bring water shoes, a hat and sun cream. Shade matters more here than on sand.

Keep valuables with you rather than on your towel. Snorkellers should pack a mask and fins.

In many sections the seabed drops away quickly, so weak swimmers should stay near the shore and within their depth.