Excursions in Kemer – a Brief Overview

Turkey has long been known as a destination for package tours, and regardless of what anyone says, there are far fewer independent travelers in this country. Besides, what is the point of organizing a self-planned holiday or searching for “cheap” options when a standard package tour will still cost less (unless you compare it to trekking through several countries on foot)? Kemer, in turn, is one of the popular resort towns with numerous hotels, resorts, and plenty of tourists – and where there are travelers, there is a demand for excursion programs. In this article, we will explain which excursions in Kemer are worth your attention and which ones you might want to skip. But let’s start from the beginning.

Contents

Where to Buy an Excursion
Phaselis
Cappadocia
Demre-Mira-Kekova
Excursion to Pamukkale – Hierapolis
Rafting
Jeep Safari
Hammam (Turkish Bath)
Excursion “Tour to Istanbul from Kemer”
Mount Tahtalı
ATV Safari in the Göynük Valley
Fishing in Ulupinar
Aquarium
Fire of Anatolia Show
Dolphin Swim
Turkish Night (Excursion from Kemer)
Burning Mountain (Yanartash, Chimera)
Water Park

Where to Buy an Excursion

A vacation in Kemer, Turkey, is considered very standard in terms of “lazy tourism.” In this area there are no historical attractions that will leave an indelible impression deep in your soul. All excursions in Kemer in recent years (prices and descriptions are presented below) involve trips outside the town.

So, where should you buy an excursion tour? This question troubles both seasoned travelers and newcomers alike. There are two options:

Purchase it at your hotel from your guide.
Buy it on the street.

Here is everything you need to know about vacationing in Kemer, Turkey, and organizing excursions there:

Most small companies (tour bureaus) organize excursions only to certain locations (for example, if a company specializes in rafting, they only take tourists there). And where do they get their customers? Correct – they gather them from hotel guides. Naturally, the price of the tour from the organizer is lower – sometimes even half the price – while the hotel guide sells the same excursion with their own markup. Why is the markup so high? That is a complicated question…

So, when you purchase an excursion at the hotel, you will end up in the same bus as those who bought an excursion from a street agency. The choice is yours.

However, do not rush to the first ticket booth you see – ask other travelers, as scams do happen and, unfortunately, no one is completely immune.

Phaselis

When vacationers – especially young people, but not only them – begin to feel bored, the question arises: what to see near the town? Immediately, the ruins of the ancient city of Phaselis come to mind, located just 10 kilometers from Kemer.

You can either organize the excursion independently or purchase a ready-made package that includes both transfer and a guided tour of the city.

Phaselis is located at the foot of Mount Olympus – the very mountain Homer described. Moreover, according to legend, Alexander the Great is buried here. As you can imagine, local tour operators use this information to their maximum advantage.

Besides the beautiful legend, there are plenty of photo opportunities with the ruins of the ancient city (amphitheatre, necropolis, baths, etc.). The fact that the list of attractions is available in the local language says a lot about the priorities of the tour guides.

The excursion costs about 20 US dollars when purchased from a street agency, and about 35 US dollars when arranged through the hotel – so you decide which priorities are more important to you.

In the case of a self-guided trip, the entrance ticket is only about 5 US dollars plus a 1,5 US dollar bus ticket (the bus stop is located in the town center near the clock tower – you need to take the bus marked “Phaselis”).

Opening hours: during the high season from 8:00 to 19:00; in the low season (from October to April) from 8:00 to 17:00.

Note: In Phaselis, payments are accepted in local currency only.

Cappadocia

If you are not particularly enthusiastic about ancient ruins and prefer natural beauty, you can head to the Cappadocia region. Excursion to Cappadocia from Kemer is, in our opinion, the star of all excursion spots in Turkey. The region is home to a huge number of fascinating sites, including:

underground cities;
The Valley of Love;
An open-air museum;
ancient churches.

The main attraction of Cappadocia is the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride (this is not included in the excursion price and must be paid for separately). The photos and videos you capture there are simply otherworldly.

The main drawback is the distance. It’s about 580 km from Kemer to Cappadocia, so it’s best to purchase a two-day excursion because the journey takes up a significant part of the time.

Price-wise, the excursion costs around 120 US dollars when purchased on the street and approximately 180–220 US dollars when arranged through a guide. And by the way, there is plenty to see even in winter – whether it’s November or December, the time of year does not matter.

Demre-Mira-Kekova

We highly recommend the excursion to Myra from Kemer for anyone who loves antiquity, ruins, ancient history, and legends. Demre-Mira-Kekova is essentially three excursions in one. They had to combine the three into one tour because taken separately, they would have been too dull.

In short – during the trip you will see an ancient necropolis carved into rocks, the Church of St. Nicholas (the inspiration for Santa Claus is said to have been derived from this figure), and the sunken city near Kekova.

The excursion costs about 35 US dollars when bought on the street, compared to 70 US dollars when arranged through a guide.

The trip takes no longer than 2 hours, so you won’t have time to get too tired.

Excursion to Pamukkale – Hierapolis

Another natural reserve (if one may call it that) is the excursion from Kemer to Pamukkale (Hierapolis). What can nature surprise you with? Believe us, you have not seen anything like this!

A vast plateau, on the slopes of which it seems as if a giant has scattered cotton. By the way, this is the legend that surrounds Pamukkale.

In fact, thanks to frequent earthquakes on Mount Chal Dag, mineral water has gradually flowed down the slopes, transforming it into what you see in the photos. You can only walk on the white terraces barefoot, and staff on site ensure that the rules are followed.

Besides this natural wonder, you will also find the famous Cleopatra’s Pool – not just a separate spring, but an entire complex where you can stroll around and take several photos. Of course, you can also take a dip in the water. It is recommended to book tickets early during the high season; in winter, there is generally no issue with availability.

The excursion lasts about 14 hours and comes in several variations (with or without shopping). We recommend not getting distracted by unnecessary trips to souvenir shops, as you can buy those in Kemer. In any case, you are guaranteed an early start, so be prepared.

Ticket prices range from 45 to 60 US dollars; if arranged through a guide, the cost can increase up to around 160 US dollars. Also note that the price depends on the number of days (a two-day tour is definitely more expensive).

Rafting

For lovers of extreme activities, Kemer offers several options – including river rafting or a mountain river trip. The excursion is not so much extreme as it is wet and, at times, tiring for the lads (there is a chance that they may have to carry the rafts on their shoulders).

The excursion takes place within the confines of the Keprülü National Park. In this area the current is relatively calm and there are fewer rapids, but that does not mean that rafting will resemble a gentle boat ride on a river – not at all. Compared to Marmaris, rafting in Kemer is generally milder.

The boats are generally nine-seaters, although there is an option to pay extra for two-seaters; however, these get booked quickly, so it is better to reserve them at the time of booking.

The excursion costs about 20 US dollars when purchased directly on the street, and if you book through a guide at your hotel, be prepared to pay around 50 US dollars.

Jeep Safari

One excursion we highly recommend in Kemer is a jeep safari (to be precise, in a jeep). This is essentially a sightseeing tour that includes a visit to a mountain stream, the ruins of a fortress, and an orchard. At first glance it may not seem unusual, but in reality, the excursion is worth every penny.

Cruising through Turkey in an open-top jeep, seeing an ancient bridge, a ruined fortress, tasting ripe fruits (if in season), swimming in a mountain stream, taking some impressive photos, and trying freshly squeezed pomegranate juice (for an extra fee) – yes, this excursion is definitely worth it.

The jeep seats four people, which makes the experience even more appealing (fewer people means a more intimate experience).

The trip lasts about 6 hours and costs no more than 25 US dollars if booked directly, or around 45 US dollars if arranged through a guide.

Hammam (Turkish Bath)

What is a holiday in Turkey without a visit to a traditional Turkish bath – the hammam? We highly recommend experiencing the miraculous effects of the warm, humid air. Do not assume that a hammam in Kemer is just a standard set-up with a steam room, plunge pool, shower, and a small seating area. No – in Turkey, a visit to the hammam is comparable to a full SPA treatment.

Depending on the ticket price, you can choose from several types of relaxation – ranging from a standard massage to a honey or foam massage. Naturally, you also get a scrub, a steam bath, and afterwards a chance to relax on a comfortable bench. Yes, for many women this is an experience they will remember for a long time.

The price depends on the package of services you choose. A standard package costs about 18 US dollars, while a guide may charge roughly 2.5 times that amount.

If you’re not sure whether to try a particular hammam, here’s a tip – while strolling by the sea, head towards the Crystal Night Club area where you will find several four- and five-star hotels that also offer their bath facilities. It may cost 3–5 US dollars more, but there are definitely fewer tourists.

Excursion “Tour to Istanbul from Kemer”

Naturally, an excursion to Istanbul from Kemer is a must-see for true connoisseurs of history and beautiful architecture – after all, what is the point of going to Istanbul otherwise? Note that this excursion is not the cheapest, but it is one of the most memorable (when it comes to tours of this kind).

There are two ways to get to Istanbul – by plane or by bus. The former is more expensive, the latter takes longer. Comfort is very subjective, but rest assured that the buses on the Kemer–Istanbul route are quite comfortable.

During the visit to Istanbul you will see several popular tourist attractions – a standard program that includes:

The Blue Mosque.
The site of the emperors’ coronation (Hagia Sophia).
Topkapi Palace.
A yacht cruise along the Bosporus.
A visit to a Turkish market.

Of course, you can visit Istanbul independently, especially given Turkey’s excellent transportation network, but we recommend booking a tour as the guide will provide a lot of useful and interesting information. Yes, this is a standard tourist program, but if it’s your first time in Turkey, it’s just right.

And be prepared to encounter “the best vendors in all of Turkey,” as every guide has their own recommendations. You know what we mean.

The tour costs between 180 and 450 US dollars, depending on the mode of transportation.

Mount Tahtalı

Not climbing Mount Tahtalı while vacationing in Kemer is practically a tourist crime, as in terms of both physical effort and cost, this excursion ranks among the easiest. The mountain is one of the main attractions near Kemer (just 15 km away) – after all, legend has it that the gods once feasted here. Climbing the mountain takes only about 20 minutes, thanks to the “Olympus” cable car, despite its height being over 2,000 meters.

A stunning landscape, fresh air, and the sensation of touching the clouds – these three elements perfectly describe the excursion to Mount Tahtalı.

The excursion costs only about 55 US dollars if booked with local operators and more than 70 US dollars if arranged through a guide. Note that if you book through a guide, you may not have the option to reschedule the excursion – the service is provided on the scheduled day. However, street agencies typically offer a rescheduling option if the weather is unfavorable.

Don’t understand why this matters? It’s very simple – you’re heading to the mountains, right? And what is most important in the mountains? The surrounding scenery! And if the weather turns bad – say, cloudy – a guide won’t mind; their main concern is selling the tour, whereas an agency will allow you to reschedule. The mechanism is as follows: you pay a deposit, and if in the morning the sky is overcast, you can shift the date until the weather suits you.

ATV Safari in the Göynük Valley

Continuing with the theme of adventure, it is worth mentioning an ATV safari. Here, anything that involves a ride on equipment not meant for everyday use is dubbed a safari – and there is something appealing about that.

So, an ATV safari is not about wild extremes or speeding with the wind – it is simply a leisurely ride in a long column, ensuring that, heaven forbid, no one gets injured. The point of the excursion is primarily to ride an ATV, and secondarily to once again admire the Turkish landscapes.

There is nothing particularly dangerous – even a child can learn to operate an ATV. Moreover, before you are allowed on the “big road,” you will be trained on an improvised course for about an hour.

Of course, you cannot race – it is very dusty, and the ATVs do get dirty… These are the main drawbacks noted by tourists; overall, reviews of this excursion are very positive.

A few tips:

Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty;
Choose non-slip footwear;
Bring some cash;
Don’t aim for racing – it’s just a leisurely ride.

The price is about 30 US dollars for a motorcycle (or less if shared by two), while a guide will charge noticeably more. Also, note that children are offered a reduced rate of around 20 US dollars.

Fishing in Ulupinar

For those who enjoy fishing, Kemer also offers a fishing excursion. Specifically, you can try your luck at catching fish. Among the many paid lakes, fishing in Ulupinar stands out; it is not very far from Kemer and offers a full range of services.

The excursion includes fishing, complimentary beverages in the park, a swim in the pool (the water is cold), and unlimited use of the park’s facilities (gazebos, benches).

Fishing is done for trout. The area has been designed to mimic a mountain stream with several small dams from which the trout can be caught. The set-up is such that tourists rarely catch much fish. For example, the instructions finish at around 9:45–9:50, and the trout tend to bite only until about 10:00 in the morning (it is not entirely clear how they are “trained,” but by 10:00 the fish are as good as dormant and do not respond to bait). This means you only have roughly 10 minutes to catch fish – after 10:00 it becomes very difficult.

All the fish that are caught are handed over to the organizers and cooked over an open fire.

For children, there is a dedicated play area, and there is even a pony available (for an extra fee).

The excursion costs about 35 US dollars when purchased on the street and around 50 US dollars when arranged through a guide.

Aquarium

Be sure to visit the local aquarium. By “local” we mean in the region – not in Kemer, as it is located in Antalya (which is not far away). This impressive aquarium is known for having the largest panoramic tunnel in the world, stretching up to 131 meters. Aside from that, it offers the standard array of exhibits: several mini-aquariums in a row, souvenirs, and subdued lighting.

Children will definitely enjoy it, and adults will be pleased as well – especially when it’s hot outside in June and the cool interior of the aquarium is a welcome relief.

The entrance fee is around 40 US dollars per adult, with a combined ticket costing about 80 US dollars. Young children are free, and discounts are available for older kids. There is no point in booking an excursion here since it is easier and cheaper to get there on your own and purchase a ticket – not much different from other similar destinations.

Fire of Anatolia Show

After a busy day, treat yourself to the legendary dance show “Fire of Anatolia.” The performers of this troupe currently hold two Guinness World Records – for the fastest dance (241 dance moves per minute) and for the largest audience (400,000 people).

The program includes several types of performances, varying from day to day. This is definitely worth seeing, as you might not get another chance.

The show costs around 50 US dollars for an adult, and approximately 20 US dollars for a child aged 7 to 12.

Dolphin Swim

Kemer even has its own dolphinarium – a place that is worth visiting not so much for the show as for the chance to swim with dolphins in a dedicated pool. It is a standard procedure; it is not the cheapest option, but if you’ve long dreamed of getting close to these mammals while on vacation, now is the time.

The dolphin swim costs about 75 US dollars (when purchased from street vendors); inside the dolphinarium you may be able to negotiate a lower price – even around 55 US dollars. Naturally, during the swim you will be photographed and persuaded that you need the photos and videos. A photo package recorded onto a disc will cost an extra 20 US dollars, approximately.

Turkish Night (Excursion from Kemer)

Another option for an evening out is the “Turkish Night” show. Note that “night” is a bit of a misnomer here since the program starts at 21:00 and ends at midnight.

The essence of the excursion is a visit to a caravanserai where a colorful show featuring dance performances, fire displays, oil wrestling, etc., is organized for tourists. The show concludes with a buffet dinner.

Many of the dances can be seen during one of the hotel’s animation programs (belly dancing, for example), so if you are tired of such shows, you might want to skip this one. Overall, it is a typical tourist show, much like those found at many Turkish resorts.

The price for the show is around 30–35 US dollars when arranged on the street, and about 45 US dollars when booked through a guide.

Burning Mountain (Yanartash, Chimera)

Among the more unusual excursions is the climb up Burning Mountain (locally known as Yanartash, or Chimera). It is located near Kemer, and it is recommended to visit at night – with one big caveat: the ascent is steep and can be dangerous in places, so if you decide to climb in the evening, make sure to bring a flashlight.

An evening ascent better conveys the full charm of the mountain, as the flames emerging from beneath the earth at night look both eerie and mesmerizing – there is something mysterious about it.

In reality, there is nothing extraordinary – it is simply natural gas emerging from the ground and igniting on the surface.

If you wish to take photos, we recommend visiting the mountain at sunset, since nighttime photos will not capture all the emotions of the place.

The excursion costs about 30 US dollars if you go independently (by renting a car), or around 40–45 US dollars, plus an entrance fee to the mountain (5$).

Water Park

There are thousands of water parks around the world, and “Aqualand” is one of them. It is located in Antalya rather than in Kemer and can accommodate up to 6,000 visitors. The entrance fee is approximately 6.5 US dollars for an adult and about 3 US dollars for a child.

This is a standard large water park – a great place to visit when you are on holiday and can afford a little extra fun. Aqualand operates from April to October.

In summary, excursions in Kemer are incredibly diverse. Everyone will find something to suit their taste – the key is not to spend all your time idly lying on the beach, but to explore, experience nature, and try new things. Have a great vacation!

Excursions in Kemer: What to See and a Brief Description

Where to Buy an Excursion

Phaselis

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Cappadocia

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Demre-Mira-Kekova

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Excursion to Pamukkale – Hierapolis

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Rafting

Jeep Safari

Hammam (Turkish Bath)

Excursion “Tour to Istanbul from Kemer”

Mount Tahtalı

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

ATV Safari in the Göynük Valley

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Fishing in Ulupinar

Aquarium

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Fire of Anatolia Show

Dolphin Swim

Turkish Night (Excursion from Kemer)

Burning Mountain (Yanartash, Chimera)

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos

Water Park

Attraction Information

Reviews

Photos