Favourite view in Antalya city centre? That’s easy: This amazing view along the stretch of Konyaaltı Beach.
Rugged cliffs, the open expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. And the stunning backdrop of the distinctive peaks of the Taurus Mountains to the west…
Stunning!
But we’re not simply taking in the view from above in this article.
On our most recent visit to Antalya, we headed down to sea level to explore more of this 7 kilometre stretch of the Mediterranean coast. Both Konyaaltı Beach and the adjacent neighbourhood of the same name.
Wandering Konyaaltı Beach
From the top road by Antalya Archaeological Museum and the tramline terminus, it’s a curling, winding pathway that takes you on the short walk down to this city of Antalya beach.
And you can take in the natural beauty – and take lots of photographs, too – as you descend this coastal road.
As soon as we got to Konyaaltı Beach and its accompanying park areas, it was easy to see why this is one of the most popular beaches in the area.
Outdoors Is Free
A city beach that is also a great place for getting away from the noise of the busy main road traffic.
A peaceful, yet vibrant atmosphere where you can easily while away the hours.
Because there’s space. Lots of it.
And public beaches like this are hugely important.
In the summer months, people bring their own beach chairs and parasols for shade.
But, as you can see, in springtime, people come down here just to sit on the fine sand and shingle beach. To breathe in that vast sea view.
A Blue Flag beach with crystal clear waters; why wouldn’t you head down here?
Stretch Your Legs
And if you prefer to wander, rather than sit, you can walk – or run – the full stretch of Konyaaltı Beach.
Early mornings in the summer months along here – the perfect place for a bit of a leg stretch
It was a bit of a grey, damp day when we wandered along the pathways. So we’re writing from experience when we tell you that, on a wet day, you’ll need to take care on parts of the pathways.
As you can see in the photo above, in places, the concrete is smooth and shiny. It’s very slippery when it’s raining!
But the beauty of the spaces around Konyaaltı Beach is they’re all there for the public to use.
On dry days, families use the picnic areas and sunbathe on the grassy areas. Kids play on the parks.
On wet days, make use of the grass for a bit of grip. Especially if you’re running!
And do you what we really liked whilst walking the length of Konyaaltı Beach? The facilities for those that are there just to enjoy the outdoor space.
The municipality, here, clearly subscribe to the fact that ‘outdoors is free.’
Arrive at Konyaaltı Beach on foot and you can walk, run, swim, sit, picnic, let the kids play on the play parks, sunbathe, go for a swim, use the public changing rooms and the loos all without spending a single Turkish Lira.
Granted, these free loos/changing blocks are not the height of luxury. They’re concrete bunkers built at intervals along the length of the beach.
But they’re there. And they’re useful!
Spending Some Of Your Turkish Liras
Of course, there are loads of ways to relieve yourself of a bit of cash, too.
This is especially true in peak season where you can pay to use the parasols and sun loungers of the private beaches. And be served food and drink from the accompanying beach bars.
When we’ve been there in summer season, the beach bars at the busier east end of the beach have had DJs providing the musical entertainment.
Head to Konyaaltı Beach Park if you’re adventure seekers who are feeling the need for a bit of an adrenaline rush and some water sports. Jet skiing, parascending and the like.
And along the tree lined Konyaaltı Beach pathways, you’ll also find precincts with shops, bars, restaurants and snack stands. Plus more coffee shops than you can work your way through in one holiday!
Most of these places have ample shaded outdoor seating where you can sit under the trees and canopies.
Exploring The Surrounding Area – Konyaaltı Neighbourhood
If you’re staying in Antalya centre, depending on the type of holiday or base you’re looking for during your stay, you’re likely to want to stay in either Konyaaltı, Kaleiçi old town area or in the bigger hotels along Lara Beach.
Konyaaltı is on the western side of the city. And, as well as the turquoise waters and Blue Flag status of the stunning Konyaaltı Beach and its amenities, there are other nearby attractions within the neighbourhood to keep you occupied.
If you’re on foot and you can’t face walking back up the hill to get back to the main road? You can take the free glass lift that ferries you straight up the vertical cliff face.
At the top, there’s a viewing terrace offering fabulous views over Konyaaltı Beach and the park areas. Plus views out all along the coastline towards Lara.
Cam Piramit – Glass Pyramid
The lift from sea level to road level throws you out into another wooded park area that is home to water features, tea gardens, sea views and the famous Antalya Cam Piramit (Glass Pyramid) Exhibition Centre.
You’ll come to know this building if you take part in the springtime Runtalya Marathon. It is the focal point of the Runtalya Village; the surrounding park area housing the stage and sections of the 5k and 10k routes.
On other days, it’s yet another pleasant escape zone from the busy traffic of the Antalya city ring roads.
Antalya Aquarium
A walk west through this park will bring you to the main road. From there you can use the crossings to get over to the Antalya Aquarium.
It was after noon when we visited so we’d missed shark feeding time.
If you want to go to the Antalya Aquarium, the best time to visit might be late morning. That way you can be in there to watch the shark feeding at lunchtime.
The aquarium is part of a bigger set up. You can buy a combined ticket that also gives you access to the Face2Face Wax Museum, Snow World Ice Museum and Wildpark Tropical Reptile House and XD Oceanride Submarine Adventure.
We just paid for entrance to the aquarium with its claim to fame as the world’s biggest tunnel aquarium.
If you have Turkish citizenship or residency, you get discounted entrance.
If you’re holidaying in Antalya, check locally for any organised trips if you don’t want to go under your own steam.
Aktur Park
Also known as the Heart of Antalya, Aktur Park is a fairground. One that boasts Turkey’s biggest ferris wheel at 30 metres high.
As you might expect, the wheel can be seen from much of Antalya!
We can only imagine the views from the top!
We haven’t been to Aktur Park but online reviews state that entrance is free and the rides are pay-as-you-go.
How To Get To Konyaaltı Beach & Surrounding Areas
There are lots of other things to do in Konyaaltı – including the Migros shopping centre and sports facilities – and along the beach itself, so it makes for a great city beach break as well as a day out.
As you might expect with one of the main beaches of the city, there’s a wide range of accommodation options. From high end hotels with a sea view to the ‘small & friendly’ set ups.
- If you’re arriving from Antalya Airport, you can use public transport. There are bus services to Konyaaltı (Bus 800) or you can take a taxi.
- If you’re arriving to Konyaaltı from Antalya Otogar (the intercity bus station), there are numerous buses. Or, as the area is so close by, you can take a taxi. The driver should be able to give you an idea of the fare before you begin the journey.
If you’re heading to Konyaaltı Beach for the day or staying at one of the hotels at the far eastern side of the beach, you can also take the tram (Museum Line). At the otogar, follow the signs for Antray, the name of the city’s tram system. - As we said, we always stay in Kaleiçi, the old town. If you’re going to Konyaaltı Beach from Kaleiçi, you can either do the scenic walk from the clock tower, along the coast and down to the beach. This will take you around 40 minutes, depending on how many photos you stop to take en route.
- Alternatively, you can take the nostalgic tram along the same route. It takes around 10-15 minutes – and then walk down to the beach from the last stop.
- If you want to get to the western end of the beach but don’t want to walk, the KL08 bus is a really useful service. It plies the route between Lara and Konyaaltı, passing Kaleiçi and the activities mentioned in the article.
Happy explorations!