Lara Beach Holidays

Lara Beach is like one big movie set on Turkey’s south coast. The clue’s in the name, so unsurprisingly, it’s all about the beach. Hotels back onto the eight kilometres of sand here and some claim private sections for their guests only, giving it a super exclusive feel.

If you’re travelling with kids, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. There are sunloungers and beach bars for the adults and watersports and go-karting for the more adventurous and younger crowd. In the evenings, you don’t have to venture much further than your hotel. Most offer a full line-up of quiz nights, shows and discos for all ages. Stick to your spot or head for the cocktail bars along the beach.

Why pick Lara Beach

The beach

The real star here is the beach – all eight kilometres of it. You can easily get to it from most hotels and resorts in the area – it’s often just a short walk away, and many hotels have their own private stretch. There are also public sections, where sunloungers and parasols are lined up for hire.

Ancient ruins

If you're itching to dive into the area’s history, Lara Beach is perfectly placed for cultural daytrips. The ancient sites of Perge, Side and Aspendos can be ticked off in a single trip from Antalya. You can see the Temple of Artemis, and the Aspendos Theatre, and follow in the footsteps of Alexander the Great.

Natural wonders

Düden Waterfalls are found along the Düden River on the south-east coast and are only a 10-minute bus ride from Lara Beach. The river flows through the Taurus Mountains and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The Upper Düden are the most impressive, falling from 15 metres high and are 20 metres wide – you can watch the cascade from inside a cave and the area is perfect for a picnic.

Authentic adventure

If you're craving an authentic adventure, hop on a bus to Antalya. In less than 30 minutes, you can be in the largest city on the Turkish Med. Head for the bazaars to haggle for souvenirs, then tuck into baklava from one of the food stalls. To continue the culture, visit the museum, where you’ll come face-to-face with Olympian gods. And when you want to stop for a coffee, the harbour is a top spot for cafés.

Getting around

Walking

Walking is the cheapest and most immersive way to soak up some sun and take in the sites. With many resorts and hotels just a short walk from the beach, a leisurely stroll along the promenade is a must-do. It’s all super flat, so you might even want to pack your running trainers…

Taxis

If you're looking for a quick and convenient option, taxis are the way to go. Need a lift to the city centre or a nearby attraction? Just ask your hotel to call a taxi.

Bus

For budget-friendly travellers, hopping on a public bus is a great choice for exploring beyond the beachfront. Buses zip back and forth between Lara Beach and Antalya city centre, taking about 30 minutes each way and they stop at the hotspots in between. You can also catch the 800 bus to and from the airport – it runs every two hours, so a taxi may be better if your flight time doesn’t line up.

The non-touristy pick

Press pause on the fly-and-flop holiday for a sec and try something new. Instead of lounging on the beach, visit Koprulu Canyon for a water rafting adventure. Pick from loads of experiences to explore this national park down rapids and go for a swim in the river.



Picks that don’t cost a penny

Once you’re at Lara Beach, there’s one big freebie… the beach, of course. The public stretch is free to enter so it’s easy to get your sun, sea and sand fix.