Kemer Like many resort towns, Kemer was purpose-built and thus has little local flavour, with all of its amenities aimed at tourists. Kemer's setting, however, is incredibly beautiful, and it supposedly had its origins as a Lycian settlement. The small seaside town is situated in a forested valley surrounded by the western Taurus Mountains, close to the larger, livelier resort of Antalya. It boasts a lovely marina with a promenade down to the beach, and tastefully designed hotels and houses spread along the shore, and there are many bays and coves to explore. An interesting place to visit is the Yoruk (Nomad) Park where visitors can see traditional craftsmen at work under leafy trees. There is not much to do in the town itself, and day trips to neighbouring Beldibi or Antalya are recommended, as are trips to the ancient sites of Phaselis and Olympos, as well as the fascinating, permanent natural vents, known as the Fires of Chimaera, that release burning methane and whose flames were used by sailors to navigate at night. Many hotels in Kemer offer their own entertainment and activities for guests, and several have private beach access. Kemer therefore suits those looking for little else but extreme relaxation.
Kiris Pretty little shops align the main road of kiris which overlooks the sand and shingle beach. An ideal destination for families looking for a relaxing holiday. Kiris boasts a marvelous beach which has a marvelous beach which has a great choice of watersports. A must see when having a holiday in Kiris is a venture into Kemer where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Toros mountains.
SideSituated on a peninsula and flanked by two stretches of golden beach, the pretty resort town of Side is a jumble of old and new, with an extensive range of tourist accommodation, shops, late-night bars and restaurants mixed in among the ruins of the ancient city. In the centre of town is the magnificent 2nd-century theatre with beautiful views towards the sea, and the remains of the Roman Baths houses an impressive collection of artefacts. Busy streets that lead down to the sea are lined with souvenir shops selling typical Turkish handicrafts like carpets, jewellery and leather goods.
Lara & BelekBelek is a sprawling resort town specifically developed for tourism.Boasting 300 days of sunshine and the warm, turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, the area has become a haven for those seeking the luxury of five-star hotel complexes, as well as some great golf courses. Many of the hotels have their own strip of private beach and some visitors never leave the comforts of their seaside accommodation.
Belek is, however, close to a number of interesting sites and there are several exciting activities on offer for those who can bear to tear themselves away. The ruins of the Roman town of Perge is an interesting excursion, as is the well-preserved ancient amphitheatre at Aspendos; its acoustics have stood the test of time and it still plays host to the occasional concert. Jeep safaris into the mountains are another popular outing, as are boat trips, watersports, and visits to nearby Manavgat waterfalls and the thermal baths at Pamukkale. Scuba diving, white water rafting, horse riding and more are also on offer. The town of Belek itself is compact and has a small shopping centre, some souvenir shops and some cafes.
Lara is a developing resort which streaches out along a golden sandy coastline,and has a wonderful beach.
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