- Location: Kemer lies south-west of Antalya, where the Taurus Mountains run straight down to the sea. Side lies east of Antalya, beyond Belek, on a flat coastal plain.
- Beaches: Kemer has pebble and pebble-and-sand beaches with very clear water; the Side area has long, wide sandy beaches that slope gently into the sea.
- Scenery: Kemer – pine forests, mountains and bays. Side – open beaches, river landscapes and Roman ruins.
- Best for: Kemer – couples, walkers, divers, boat-trip lovers. Side – families with small children, beach lovers, history fans.
- Transfer time: similar for both, roughly 70–85 minutes depending on the village.
On this page
Kemer vs Side at a glance
The Kemer coast: where mountains meet the sea
The Kemer coast is a chain of resort villages along the road south-west of Antalya. Heading out from the city, you pass Beldibi and Göynük, then Kemer town itself with its marina and lively centre, followed by Kiriş, Çamyuva and Tekirova. Behind them rise steep, forested mountains, which give the whole coast its dramatic look.
The beaches are mostly pebble or a mix of pebble and sand, and the water is famously clear – good for snorkelling and boat trips to small bays. Highlights nearby include Phaselis, an ancient harbour city set among pine trees between Çamyuva and Tekirova, and the Tahtalı cable car near Tekirova, which climbs to a mountain summit with views over the whole coast. Further south lie Olympos and Çıralı, quieter places with a more natural feel. Our Kemer region travel guide covers the area in more detail.
The Side area: long sandy beaches and an ancient town
Side sits on the coast east of Antalya, in the Manavgat district. The heart of it is ancient Side, a small peninsula where the old town with its shops and restaurants is built among Roman remains – the columns of the Temple of Apollo at the water's edge are among the most photographed sights on the Turkish Riviera, and there is a large Roman theatre too.
Around it, resort villages line the sandy shore. West of Side are Evrenseki, Çolaklı and Kumköy; east of it are Sorgun, with its pine forest behind the beach, and Titreyengöl. The beaches here are long, wide and sandy, with shallow water near the shore – one reason the area is so popular with families. Nearby you can visit the Manavgat waterfall and the river, and Aspendos with its famous Roman theatre lies on the way between the airport and Side.
Transfer times from Antalya Airport
Neither resort is far from Antalya Airport (AYT). Typical road distances and drive times:
- Kemer coast: Beldibi ≈ 38 km / 48 min, Göynük ≈ 45 km / 60 min, Kemer ≈ 58 km / 70 min, Kiriş ≈ 62 km / 75 min, Çamyuva ≈ 64 km / 77 min, Tekirova ≈ 70 km / 85 min.
- Side area: Evrenseki ≈ 60 km / 70 min, Çolaklı ≈ 61 km / 71 min, Kumköy ≈ 62 km / 72 min, Side ≈ 65 km / 75 min, Titreyengöl ≈ 71 km / 82 min, Sorgun ≈ 74 km / 84 min.
The road to Kemer passes the city of Antalya, so heavy traffic in high season can add time; the route east to Side runs along the main coastal road through flatter country. Live prices for both are on the route pages: Antalya Airport to Kemer and Antalya Airport to Side.
Day trips from each base
From Kemer: Phaselis and the Tahtalı cable car are close by, boat trips leave from Kemer marina, and Olympos and Çıralı are within reach for a day out. Antalya's old town Kaleiçi is also an easy trip.
From Side: ancient Side is right on your doorstep, the Manavgat waterfall is a short drive away, and Aspendos and Perge make a fine day of Roman history. Alanya, further east, is another popular outing.
Staying in one and visiting the other is also possible: the drive between Kemer and Side passes Antalya and takes a good part of a morning, so plan it as a full day.
Who should choose Kemer – and who Side?
Choose Kemer if you love scenery and want mountains on one side and the sea on the other; you enjoy walking, snorkelling or boat trips; you do not mind pebbles underfoot (water shoes help); or you are a couple looking for a more dramatic backdrop.
Choose Side if you are travelling with small children who need shallow water and soft sand; you want long beach walks; you like the idea of an evening stroll among Roman columns; or you plan to see Aspendos and the Manavgat area.
Still undecided? Compare other pairs too: Kemer or Belek, Belek vs Side and Side or Alanya.
Booking your transfer to Kemer or Side
Whichever you choose, a private transfer takes you straight from the arrivals hall to your hotel door. The driver meets you with a name sign, your flight is tracked and waiting is free if you are delayed. The price is fixed per vehicle, not per person, and agreed in advance – no night surcharge, no luggage fee.
- Minivan (1–6), VIP Mercedes-Benz Vito (1–7) or Mercedes Sprinter (8–16).
- Free child seats on request.
- Return transfer can be booked at the same time.
Book 24/7 via WhatsApp or the booking form: you get a fixed-price quote within 1 minute, with no prepayment and free cancellation, and you pay in the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kemer or Side closer to Antalya Airport?
They are similar. Kemer town is about 58 km / 70 minutes away and Side about 65 km / 75 minutes. Villages such as Beldibi are closer, while Tekirova and Sorgun are a little further.
Which has better beaches, Kemer or Side?
It depends on what you like. Side has long, wide sandy beaches with shallow water; Kemer has pebble and pebble-and-sand beaches with very clear water and a mountain backdrop.
Is Side or Kemer better for families with small children?
Side is usually easier for small children thanks to its soft sand and shallow water near the shore. Kemer suits families with older children who enjoy snorkelling and excursions.
What is there to see near Kemer?
The ancient harbour city of Phaselis, the Tahtalı cable car near Tekirova, Kemer marina with its boat trips, and Olympos and Çıralı further south.
What is there to see near Side?
The ancient town with the Temple of Apollo and the Roman theatre, the Manavgat waterfall, and Aspendos and Perge on the way towards Antalya.
How do I book a transfer to Kemer or Side?
Message us on WhatsApp or use the booking form, 24/7. You receive a fixed-price quote within 1 minute, there is no prepayment, cancellation is free and you pay in the vehicle.
Is the transfer private or shared?
All our transfers are 100% private; the vehicle is dedicated to your group only, with no other passengers.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
The price is per vehicle. One passenger or six pay the same fare in the same vehicle.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight live and adjust the pickup time to the new landing time, free of charge.
Is prepayment required?
No, standard bookings need no prepayment; you can pay the driver at the end of the transfer.