Mountains & Crystal Water
Sand & Convenience
Which Region Fits Your Holiday Style?
It is the most common question I get asked: "Should I go to Kemer or Lara?" The answer depends entirely on two things: Do you prefer sand or pebbles? And do you want mountains or city lights?
Kemer is for the romantic and the party animal alike. Located west of Antalya, it is a region defined by its geography. The pine forests roll down the Taurus Mountains and practically touch the Mediterranean Sea.
The trade-off here is the beach. It is mostly pebble (stones). While this might be uncomfortable for walking barefoot (bring sea shoes!), it is a blessing for swimming. The water does not get cloudy with sand; it remains turquoise and transparent all day long.
Resorts here tend to be slightly more compact than in Belek, often nestled into bays. If you want to feel like you are in nature, rather than just a hotel complex, Kemer is your spot.
Lara (often called Kundu) is the "Las Vegas" strip of Antalya. It is flat, sandy, and lined with massive, themed 5-star hotels.
If you have small children, Lara is usually the winner. The transfer from the airport is negligible—no long bus rides with a crying toddler. The beaches are soft sand, meaning kids can play safely in the shallow water.
However, Lara lacks the "nature" feel of Kemer. You are essentially in a hotel district on the edge of the city. But for many, the convenience and the sheer scale of the "Ultra All-Inclusive" facilities outweigh the lack of mountain views.
"If I am going on a romantic getaway or want to feel connected to nature, I drive to Kemer. The food tastes better when you are looking at a mountain. But if I am taking my nieces and nephews, or if I have a flight at 7 AM, I choose Lara. The convenience is unbeatable, and the sandy beach keeps the kids occupied for hours."
You hate sand, love mountains, and don't mind a 1-hour transfer.
You want a short transfer, sandy beaches, and big themed hotels.