Antalya to Kemer Coastal Drive: One of Turkey's Most Scenic Road Trips
Picture turquoise Mediterranean waters on one side and the lush, pine-covered peaks of the Taurus Mountains on the other. The Antalya to Kemer coastal road delivers exactly that — a breathtaking drive that ranks among the finest in Turkey. Starting at Konyaaltı Beach and winding through Beldibi, Göynük, and Kemer all the way to the ancient ruins of Olympos, this route captivates nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Stretching roughly 83 kilometres, the journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes without stops — but with all the sights along the way, most travellers happily turn it into a full-day adventure.
In this guide we cover everything you need to plan the perfect Kemer coastal drive: the best stops, top photography spots, distance and timing breakdowns, fuel costs, and practical driving tips. Rent the right car from our fleet and you will be ready to discover one of the Aegean coast's most unforgettable roads.
Step-by-Step Route: Antalya to Olympos
The route follows the D-400 highway westward from Antalya city centre. Every kilometre reveals a new vista, and each of the eight main stops below deserves a visit on its own terms.
- Antalya City Centre (Start): Head west from the city centre toward Konyaaltı. Once the urban traffic fades, the coastal highway opens up ahead of you.
- Konyaaltı Beach: The first major stop — a long pebble shore backed by the Beydağları Mountains. Even if you don't swim, the panorama from the cliffs at the western end is worth the pause.
- Sarısu and Topçam: After Konyaaltı the road begins to climb. The small cove at Topçam offers crystal-clear water and a natural setting ideal for a quick break.
- Beldibi: Beyond the tunnels, the coastal strip of Beldibi appears with family-run hotels and fish restaurants. Beldibi Cave is a pleasant detour for history buffs.
- Göynük Canyon: Do not miss this. A short hike through towering limestone walls leads to an impossibly blue pool — arguably the most dramatic natural highlight on the entire route.
- Kemer Town Centre: The natural midpoint. The marina, promenade, and Yörük Park provide the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch before continuing south.
- Çıralı: A rare gem — a peaceful, car-free village where loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nest on the beach every summer. Nature at its most unhurried.
- Olympos (End): Ancient Lycian ruins half-buried by subtropical forest, a quiet beach, and the eternal flame of Chimaera (Yanartaş) just 4 km away. The perfect finale.
Distance and Driving Time Table
The table below shows segment distances and estimated driving times along the Antalya–Kemer coastal road. Times assume no stops; allow extra time at every location you plan to explore.
| Segment | Distance | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Antalya Centre → Konyaaltı Beach | 10 km | 15 minutes |
| Konyaaltı → Beldibi | 20 km | 20 minutes |
| Beldibi → Göynük Canyon | 8 km | 10 minutes |
| Göynük → Kemer | 7 km | 10 minutes |
| Kemer → Çıralı | 30 km | 35 minutes |
| Çıralı → Olympos | 8 km | 10 minutes |
| Total | ~83 km | ~1 hr 40 min |
If you plan to spend meaningful time at Göynük Canyon and Olympos — at least an hour at each — budget a full day for the round trip. Departing Antalya by 8:00 am lets you hit each stop while the light is good and still catch sunset from Çıralı or the glowing flames of Chimaera after dark.
Best Photography Spots Along the Route
The Kemer coastal drive is a photographer's paradise. Here are the locations you should not skip:
- Konyaaltı Cliffs (Falezler): The clifftop viewpoint at the western end of the beach frames the beach, the city, and the Beydağları in one shot. At sunset the golden tones are extraordinary.
- Topçam Viewpoint: As the highway rises, a roadside terrace offers a bird's-eye view over hidden coves — equally impressive from a drone.
- Beldibi Tunnel Exit: The first bend after the tunnels reveals a classic Mediterranean composition of sea, road, and mountain. Great for a car-with-scenery shot.
- Inside Göynük Canyon: Shafts of sunlight filtering through vertical limestone walls onto the turquoise pool are among the most shared images from this coastline.
- Kemer Marina: Yachts, palm trees, and the snowcapped peak of Mount Tahtalı (2,365 m) in the background — a quintessential Turkish Riviera frame.
- Çıralı Beach at Dawn: The untouched sandy shore backed by forested hills is at its most serene just after sunrise.
- Olympos Ruins: Ancient arches and columns rising through dense subtropical vegetation create an atmosphere unlike any other ancient site in Turkey.
- Chimaera (Yanartaş) at Night: Natural methane flames that have burned for millennia look spectacular in low-light photography. Bring a tripod.
Fuel Cost and Budget Planning
For a full round trip from Antalya to Olympos and back, expect to cover approximately 170 km. The table below gives estimated fuel costs in 2026 for different vehicle types available in our rental fleet.
| Fuel Type / Vehicle | Avg. Consumption per 100 km | Total Fuel for 170 km | Est. Cost (TRY) | Est. Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol – Economy Car | 6.5 litres | ~11 litres | ~690 ₺ | ~13 € |
| Petrol – SUV / Automatic | 8.5 litres | ~14.5 litres | ~910 ₺ | ~18 € |
| Diesel – Mid-Size Saloon | 5.5 litres | ~9.5 litres | ~760 ₺ | ~15 € |
Fuel stations are plentiful between Antalya and Kemer. However, between Kemer and Olympos stations become sparse, so top up your tank at Kemer town centre before heading south. Economy cars offer the best value for a fuel-conscious road trip — browse our vehicle options to match the right car to your itinerary.
Best Time to Drive and Seasonal Advice
The coastal road is open year-round, but some seasons offer a noticeably better experience than others:
- April – June (Spring): The ideal window. Temperatures range from 22–30°C, roads are quiet, and the hillsides are intensely green. Water levels in Göynük Canyon are at their best. Photography light is superb.
- September – November (Autumn): Summer crowds have gone, the sea is still warm (22–25°C), and sunsets arrive earlier with dramatic colours. Accommodation rates drop significantly.
- July – August (Summer): Temperatures can hit 38–40°C. Roads and beaches are at their busiest. Beat the heat by starting before 8:00 am and reaching Olympos before midday.
- December – March (Winter): Comfortable driving at 14–16°C on the coast while snow caps the mountains above — a striking contrast. The Chimaera flames are even more impressive on cold winter evenings.
In all seasons, the hours between 08:00 and 10:00 offer the best combination of light and low traffic. Aim to watch sunset from Çıralı and return to Antalya after dark — just make sure your vehicle's headlights are fully functional before setting off.
Driving Tips and Safety Information
The Antalya–Kemer coastal road is straightforward for experienced drivers but demands steady attention in a few sections. Follow these tips for a smooth, safe journey:
- Tunnels and bends between Konyaaltı and Beldibi: Keep to the speed limit and always use headlights inside tunnels. The sharp corners immediately after tunnel exits catch inattentive drivers off-guard.
- Parking: Göynük Canyon and Olympos both have paid car parks at their entrances. Free street parking is available around Kemer Marina.
- Road condition: The D-400 is dual-carriageway and well maintained throughout. The approach roads to Çıralı and Olympos are narrower and steeper — drive carefully.
- Supplies: The Çıralı–Olympos area is remote. Bring at least 2 litres of water per person and light snacks.
- Navigation: Both Google Maps and Yandex Navigator handle this route well. Downloading an offline map is a sensible backup given patchy mobile signal near Olympos.
- Vehicle choice: Any well-maintained car completes this route comfortably. An SUV or crossover adds comfort on the narrower access roads and canyon car parks.
Ready to plan your coastal drive? Contact us to book the right vehicle and get personalised advice on the best departure time for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Antalya to Kemer along the coastal road?
The D-400 coastal highway from Antalya city centre to Kemer is approximately 45 km, taking 40–50 minutes without stops. With pauses along the way, budget 1.5–2 hours for this leg alone.
What is the best vehicle type for the Kemer coastal drive?
Because the D-400 is a well-paved dual carriageway, any vehicle in our fleet handles the route with ease. For the narrower access roads leading to Çıralı and Olympos, an SUV or crossover adds extra confidence. A small economy car is perfectly adequate if fuel efficiency is your priority.
Can I drive to Olympos and return to Antalya on the same day?
Yes — leaving Antalya by 8:00 am gives you time to explore every stop and return comfortably by evening. Allow 8–10 hours for the complete round trip with all detours. If you are only going as far as Kemer, half a day is sufficient.
Are fuel stations available after Kemer?
Several large stations serve the Antalya–Kemer corridor, and Kemer town centre has multiple options. After Kemer, heading toward Çıralı and Olympos, stations are very rare. Always refuel at Kemer before continuing south to avoid running low in a remote area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excellent asphalt, winding.
Afternoon for sunset.