The mountains of the Toros (Taurus) Range rise up immediately behind the coast. The entire length from Konyaalti Beach to the Kirlangic Peninsula is a national preserve, the Bey Dagları (Olympos) National Park. The history of this ancient Lycian Peninsula can be traced back to the Neolithic Age to the settlements at Beldibi.

The 42 km of road from Antalya to Kerner pass through spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has been carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding scenery and offers an ideal environment for a wonderful holiday. The fully-equipped Kerner Marina allows yachtsmen to enjoy the unspoiled bays and beaches south of the town. Shoppers will delight in the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs for sale. A beach promenade north of the marina has steps down from its cafes and shops leading directly to the beach.

Kerner Beach is a Blue Flag beach. (The term "Blue Flag" coined by the European Union signifies especially clean beaches.) In the Yörük (Nomad) Theme Park you can watch traditional craftspeople at work. The adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with many sports and daily entertainment facilities discreetly hidden among the pines. April is the month for the colourful Kerner Carnival. Also in the spring are the yacht races between Kemer and Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and between other locations.

Kiziltepe, Göynük (Blue Flag), Beldibi (Blue Flag) north of Kemer, Kiriş, Çamyuva and Tekirova (Blue Flag) to the south are tourist centers that offer various activities. The holiday villages ar e all designed to blend into the forest that encircles them. At the foot of 2575 meter high Mt. Tahtalı (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbours of Phaselis were once a major commercial center. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a theater, Hadrian's Gate and an acropolis reveal the city's historical importance. From the south harbour, look up to Mount Tahtali for a spectacular view.

The sheltered sandy beaches make a superb playground, and the waters are calm and safe for swimmers.

The news aerial cableway to Mount Tahtali

The ancient city, of Olympos is situated on the southern side of Mount Tahtalı. The aerial cableway up to the Mount Tahtali works since May 2007. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley, which can be approached by land or sea. The light playing on the quiet pools of water enhance the mosaics in the bath. A temple gate possibly built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161 – 180 AD), part of a bridge, and a Roman theater also remain from antiquity. The outer walls and towers around the bay date from the Middle Age.

North of Olympos up from Çıralı Beach is Yanartaş (at a height of 300 meters) where Greek mythology tells us the Lycian hero Bellerophon mounted his winged horse Pegasus and slew the fire-breathing Chimaera.
 

Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night at this site, which the Byzantines also considered a religious area.

South of Olympos, tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Çavuş where you can water-ski on calm waters, discover the colourful marine life or explore the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.

Finike, an entry port west of Olympos, is surrounded by citrus trees and gardens. A sandy beach stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and coves.

Limyra, an ancient Lycian city, is 10 km inland from Finike via Turunçova. The fourth-century BC mausoleum of Pericles, decorated with caryatids, is a magnificent example of ancient art. The city walls, necropolis and Roman theater are also of interest.

 

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