Deciding where to stay in Antalya shapes your entire holiday. The coastline stretches for hundreds of kilometres, and each region offers a noticeably different setting, beach type, and local pace. While some areas focus on short travel times and expansive all-inclusive resorts, others feature mountain backdrops, ancient ruins, or championship golf courses.
To help you decide, here is how the four main Antalya resort areas compare, including what to expect on the ground and the typical journey time after landing.
Antalya Airport Distance to Resorts
Transfer times vary significantly depending on which direction you head from Antalya Airport (AYT). Lara sits immediately east of the airport, Belek is further east, Side lies down the central eastern coast, and Kemer sits to the south-west past Antalya city centre.
- Lara Beach: 15 to 20 km (approx. 20 to 30 minutes)
- Belek: 35 to 45 km (approx. 35 to 45 minutes)
- Kemer: 55 to 65 km (approx. 50 to 65 minutes)
- Side: 65 to 75 km (approx. 60 to 75 minutes)
Choosing a private transfer ensures you head straight to your accommodation without stopping at other hotels along the coastal road.
Lara: Ultimate Convenience and Sandy Shores
Lara is located just east of Antalya city centre. It is famous for its long strip of large, themed five-star resorts that sit directly on a wide sand beach.
Because Lara is only 15 to 20 kilometres from the airport, you can be at your hotel pool less than an hour after collecting your luggage. This makes it an exceptional choice for families travelling with toddlers or anyone taking a shorter four- to five-night break where every hour counts.
The resort hotels here are self-contained worlds offering extensive water parks, kids' clubs, and multiple dining options. Outside the resorts, shopping malls and local bazaars line the main avenue, and central Antalya is only a short taxi ride away for an afternoon in the historic Kaleiçi district.
Belek: Luxury Resorts, Golf, and Theme Parks
Located roughly 40 kilometres east of the airport, Belek is purpose-built for high-end leisure. The area is surrounded by pine forests and is widely recognised as the premier golfing destination on the Mediterranean coast.
Hotels in Belek sit on substantial private estates. Many feature their own 18-hole championship courses, world-class spa facilities, and private beachfronts. The beaches here are mostly sandy with small pebbles at the water line, sloping gently into the sea.
Belek is also home to major family attractions, including large-scale theme parks and shopping avenues. If you want high privacy, spacious grounds, and premium all-inclusive service, Belek is hard to beat.
Side: Ancient History and Family-Friendly Beaches
Side sits on a small peninsula roughly 70 kilometres east of the airport. Unlike purely resort-led areas, Side is a living historic town built directly over Roman and Hellenistic ruins. The 2nd-century Roman theatre and the Temple of Apollo by the harbour provide a genuine sense of place.
The coastline flanking Side features wide, shallow, soft sand beaches. This gentle water entry makes Side one of the safest and most enjoyable choices for families with young children.
The pedestrianised old town is filled with independent shops, seafood restaurants, and casual bars. If you enjoy stepping outside your hotel in the evening to stroll along a promenade or dine by a working harbour, Side should be high on your list.
Kemer: Dramatic Mountains and Crystal-Clear Waters
Located south-west of Antalya, Kemer offers a stark landscape contrast to the eastern resorts. Here, the pine-covered Taurus Mountains drop straight down to the turquoise sea, creating dramatic scenery along the entire coast.
Beaches in Kemer are predominantly smooth pebbles or coarse shingle. Because there is little sand churned up by the waves, the water here is exceptionally clear, making it the top destination in the region for snorkelling, scuba diving, and boat tours.
Kemer town centre has a modern marina, public parks, and a lively night scene. It suits active travellers, hikers interested in the Lycian Way, and anyone who prefers natural mountain backdrops to flat coastal plains.
Side vs Kemer: Which Suits You Best?
When comparing Side vs Kemer, the main decision comes down to beaches and scenery:
- Choose Side if you want soft, golden sand beaches with shallow water, easy walking promenades, and Roman history on your doorstep.
- Choose Kemer if you prefer dramatic mountain views, deep pine forests, and crystal-clear pebble beaches ideal for swimming and boat trips.
Belek or Lara Antalya: Which Luxury Hub to Pick?
When deciding between Belek or Lara Antalya, consider transfer duration and hotel layout:
- Choose Lara if you want the shortest possible transfer from the airport, dense clusters of themed family resorts, and quick access to Antalya city centre.
- Choose Belek if you want larger hotel grounds, championship golf courses, high-end luxury wellness facilities, and a calmer, gated atmosphere.
Practical Transfer Tips
Whichever resort area you choose, your arrival at Antalya Airport is straightforward when planned in advance:
- Meet and Greet: Your driver waits inside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, ready to assist with your luggage.
- Flight Delays: Flights are tracked in real time, so your driver will be there even if your flight lands behind schedule.
- Child Seats: If you are travelling with children, request age-appropriate child seats during booking so they are installed before you depart.
To secure a fixed price for your private door-to-door transfer, enter your destination and travel dates into our online booking form.
