Kemer or Side?

Kemer and Side sit on opposite sides of Antalya, and they feel like it. In Kemer, the Taurus Mountains run almost straight into the sea, with pine forest and small coves along the shore. Side lies on a flatter stretch of coast to the east, built around the ruins of an ancient city.

Both are lovely, just in different ways. When guests ask us which to choose, we usually start with a simple question: what do you want in the background of your holiday photos, a mountain or a temple?

Side by side

Distances come from the fact sheets of hotels on our site.

Landscape

Kemer is all about the mountains. In areas like Göynük, Kiriş and Tekirova, hotels sit on a narrow strip between the slopes and the sea. Limak Limra is in Kiriş at the foot of Mount Olympos, and Maxx Royal Kemer is set in pine-fringed coves. If hiking, boat trips or simply staring at mountains from your balcony appeals, Kemer has a strong case.

Side is about history. The old town occupies a small peninsula, and the columns of the Temple of Apollo stand right at the water's edge. Staying here means you can stroll around an ancient site after dinner, which is hard to beat.

Sand or pebbles?

This is a big one for families with small children, and it's best answered hotel by hotel.

Pebble beaches are common in Kemer. The Blue Flag beach in front of Akra Kemer, for example, is pebbly, and the hotel recommends sea shoes. Some of Kemer's larger resorts have several beaches: NG Phaselis Bay has three, and Maxx Royal Kemer has three totalling about 800 metres.

Around Side, Side Star Elegance reports a fine sandy beach in front of the hotel, and Kamelya Selin has a private beach of about 500 metres. Barut Hemera is on the sand but notes that parts of the seabed are rocky.

The drive from the airport

Neither area is as close as Lara or Belek. For Kemer it depends where you stay: NG Phaselis Bay quotes about 52 km and 50–60 minutes, while Rixos Premium Tekirova quotes about 73 km and an hour and a quarter. The coastal road between the mountains and the sea makes the trip pleasant, at least.

Side hotels are roughly 55–65 km away, usually around an hour by car. Our airport transfer guide covers the options, and our season guide can help you pick a month.

Beyond the hotel

From Kemer

• Kemer town and marina. Akra Kemer is about 600 metres from the centre, so an evening walk to the marina and shops is easy.
• Phaselis. Rixos Premium Tekirova puts this ancient harbour city about 6 km away, tucked into pine forest by the sea.
• Çıralı and Olympos. About half an hour from Tekirova, good for a slower, nature-focused day.

From Side

• The old town and the Temple of Apollo. A short ride from nearby hotels; Barut Hemera and Side Star Elegance are both about 3 km from the centre.
• Manavgat Waterfall. Go Türkiye lists it among the highlights around Side.
• Aspendos. It lies between Antalya and Side. The airport's official guidance notes that minibuses from the main bus station serve Aspendos, Side and Manavgat.

Which one fits?

Choose Kemer if mountain and forest views matter, you like the idea of a resort with several coves, or you want to explore ancient sites in a natural setting.

Choose Side if evening walks in a historic centre appeal, a sandy beach is a priority (and your hotel offers one), or you plan to visit Manavgat and Aspendos.

A note for families

Both areas have family resorts. In Kemer, Maxx Royal Kemer offers clubs for ages 1–17 and an aquapark, and NG Phaselis Bay has a heated aquapark and a separate children's restaurant. Near Side, Kamelya Selin's aquapark has slides and children's pools.

FAQ

How far apart are Kemer and Side? They're on opposite sides of Antalya, and the road runs through the city, so it's a long drive. Day-tripping between them is tiring.

Are Kemer's beaches sandy? Pebble beaches are common, but it varies by hotel. Check the beach details on the hotel page.

Can I walk to Side's old town? That depends on your hotel. From hotels about 3 km out, a short ride is more practical.

Which is quieter? It mostly depends on your hotel. Areas outside Kemer town, such as Tekirova and Kiriş, can feel calmer than the centre.