Beach Guide
Çıralı Beach is the Turkish Riviera as it was before tourism — 4 km of golden sand backed by the Taurus Mountains, with no high-rise hotels, no beach clubs, and no development. It's a protected loggerhead turtle nesting site and one of the last truly wild beaches on the Antalya coast. A 40-minute drive from Kemer — no public transport, so a rental car is essential.
Getting there: from Kemer, take the D400 south for 24 km past Tekirova. Turn right at the 'Çıralı' sign and follow the winding forest road for 6 km to the village. The main beach access has a large, free car park. Alternative: park near the Yanartaş trailhead at the north end of Çıralı and walk to the beach (5 min). The beach is accessed via several paths between the village pensions — just walk toward the sea. No entrance fee — Çıralı Beach is completely free.
What makes Çıralı special: (1) The sand — soft, golden, and natural (unlike Kemer's pebbles). (2) The space — at 4 km long, you can always find a quiet spot. Walk 10 minutes from the main access and you're practically alone. (3) The turtles — Caretta caretta (loggerhead) turtles nest here from June to September. Marked-off nests are visible on the beach — don't disturb them. (4) The backdrop — Taurus Mountains rise behind the beach, pine forests meeting the sand. (5) No development — no sunbeds, no music, no jet skis. Just nature. Bring everything you need.
What to bring: towel/mat (no sunbeds), umbrella or beach tent (no natural shade on the sand), water and food (limited cafés at the beach entrances — better options in the village), snorkel and mask, water shoes (some rocky areas at the edges). After the beach: explore the village's family-run fish restaurants along the beach road — excellent grilled sea bass. Combine with Olympos ruins (2 km away) and Yanartaş sunset hike for a perfect Çıralı day.
Yes — soft, golden sand, 4 km long. One of the few sandy beaches near Kemer. Perfect for walking, sunbathing, and children. Bring water shoes for the rocky sections at the edges.
Loggerhead turtles nest from June to September. Nests are marked with protective cages — you'll see them on the beach. Hatchlings emerge at night (usually August–September). Don't use flashlights on the beach at night — it disorients the hatchlings.
Minimal — no sunbeds, no beach clubs, no music. This is the point. A few small cafés at the beach entrances for drinks. The village (5-min walk) has restaurants, small shops, and pensions. Bring what you need and leave no trace.