Lara Plajı (Lara Beach), 10 km (6 miles) east of Kaleiçi (map), is a long beach of gentle waves, darkish sand, and some small pebbles. It is next to the lovely Mediterranean Sea.
Lara Beach is a great place to explore for people visiting Antalya for the first time. It is located east of the old part of Antalya and is very popular. The beach has many high-quality hotels by the sea, which makes it a perfect spot for summer beach holidays. Also, it is a Blue Flag beach, which means it is clean and safe.
Most parts of the beach are backed by commercial services offering beach chairs, sun umbrellas, snacks and drinks, showers, and perhaps even some entertainment.
The public area of the beach is free. There are showers, toilets, and changing rooms. You can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a small charge.
Activities at Lara Beach
Lara Beach has lots to offer for tourists. You can relax on the warm sand or try exciting water sports like jet-ski, parasailing, or banana boat rides. If you prefer something calm, it is also great for walking along the beach and finding nice shops, cafes, and bars. Beach clubs provide food, drinks, and lively nightlife.
Lara Beach is also a part of the Turkish Riviera, a beautiful coast with lots of things to see and do. There are other amazing beaches, ancient ruins, and exciting activities, making it a wonderful place for a holiday.
Location of Lara Beach
Lara Beach is located near Antalya Airport and Antalya City Center, which offers rich history, culture, and fun activities. Before heading to the beautiful Lara Beach, you can learn and enjoy exploring the city. This way, you can make the most of your holiday and enjoy both the city and the beach.
The beach begins east of Antalya's Falez (cliffs), just past the Lower Düden Waterfall (Aşağı Düden Şelalesi). East of the waterfall a point of land extends into the Gulf of Antalya. Hotels, restaurants, and other services host visitors who swim mostly from docks and platforms.
The real sandy beach starts on the east side of the point and extends for several kilometers. The first major installation is Lara Public Beach, with beach services organized by the city of Antalya.
Beyond this municipal beach are various private commercial installations which bear numbers (1 to 8) and fantasy names. It would be nice for you to have a look at Lara Halk Plajı (public beach) first, and if this doesn't fit your needs, go farther east to find one that does.
If you don't want to rent a beach chair and umbrella, or use the other services available, find one of the vacant parts of the beach, spread your beach towel, and soak up the sun.
Transportation to Lara Beach
You can reach Lara Plajı from the center of Antalya by City Bus KL08. The ride from Atatürk Caddesi near Kalekapısı to the beach takes about 45 minutes, a few minutes less if you're only going as far as Lara Halk Plajı.
From Antalya Airport, it takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can use a rental car, a taxi, or a hotel shuttle.
Having a car in Antalya is also helpful, especially if you want to explore the region independently. We recommend renting a car in Antalya. Antalya's other beach, Konyaaltı Plajı, west of the city, has coarser sand and more pebbles, but better beach installations, and is quicker and easier to reach by Nostalji Tramvay (Nostalgic Tramway) from Kalekapısı.
Nearby Places to Visit
- Lara Beach is close to many interesting spots in Antalya.
- Just a short distance away, you can explore the old town of Kaleiçi, filled with ancient ruins, lively nightlife, a market, and a charming marina.
- There are also many shopping options nearby, like the Terra City Shopping Mall.
- Don't miss the chance to see the Lower Düden Waterfall or take a trip to the Taurus Mountains.
- A popular attraction is the sand sculpture museum, Sandland Antalya, right on Lara Beach.
- You can also visit The Land of Legends Theme Park in Belek.
- Taking a day trip to the submerged city of Simena or visiting the ancient city of Aspendos, known for its remarkably preserved amphitheater, is also an excellent idea.
- Beach clubs provide food, drinks, and lively nightlife. A beach walkway has a public barbecue spot, a go-kart track, and more. Nearby, you'll find restaurants, cafes, and shops.
History of Lara Beach
With its beautiful shoreline along the Mediterranean Sea, Lara Beach has a rich history that adds to its charm. In ancient times, this coastal region was part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, which left their mark on the surrounding area. As you stroll along the beach, you can imagine the stories of the past and appreciate how the landscape has evolved over time. Visiting Lara Beach offers a relaxing seaside experience and a chance to connect with the fascinating history of the Turkish Riviera.
-by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Can Turan
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