Mermerli Beach

If you love the idea of slipping from city sights straight into the sea, Mermerli Beach in Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleiçi) is that rare, easy-to-reach little cove that delivers. Tucked beneath ancient walls and the cliff-top Mermerli Restaurant, it’s a petite pocket of calm right beside the old harbor—clear, swimmable water, a row of sunbeds, and views of bobbing boats that make you forget you’re in the heart of a major city. The beach is private and managed, so expect orderly loungers and ladders into the sea rather than a wild, sandy sweep. It’s also small, which means it fills quickly in summer and the vibe can turn lively by midday. The payoff is convenience: you can tour Hadrian’s Gate, wander Kaleiçi’s patios and lanes, then take a dip before lunch. Facilities are simple but useful, and the cove’s natural protection keeps the water relatively calm—great for an unhurried float. Just know that prices have climbed recently and space is limited; go early if you want a front-row lounger. Still, for a one-day “city + sea” combo, Mermerli Beach is hard to beat.

Where and How to Get There?

Mermerli Beach sits at the edge of Antalya’s Roman-era harbor, inside Kaleiçi (the Old Town). The usual way in is via the stairs beside Mermerli Restaurant on the cliff; you’ll pay at the top desk and descend to the platforms and small crescent of pebbly sand below. If you’re coming from Republic Square, the Kaleiçi Panoramic Elevator is a handy shortcut down to the marina—then it’s a short walk around the harbor to the beach entrance. From elsewhere in the city, trams and buses to the Kalekapısı stop (near the clock tower) put you on the doorstep of Kaleiçi; from there, stroll through the lanes or pass under Hadrian’s Gate and head downhill to the water.

Visit Information

• Type & vibe: A compact, privately operated cove with wooden platforms, rows of sunbeds, umbrellas, and ladders into clear, protected water. Great for a quick dip and a few hours of sun; expect a social scene in peak months.
• What’s included: Entry typically covers a sunbed and shared umbrella; showers and restrooms are available on site. Food and drinks are sold separately and can be ordered to your lounger.
• Opening hours: Summer hours commonly run around 08:00–20:00; shoulder-season times may vary. Arrive early for the best spots.
• Crowds & comfort: Space is tight; loungers are placed close together and mid-day turnover can be low. If you leave the premises for long, re-entry may be charged again—plan snacks, swims, and photo breaks accordingly.
• Water & seabed: Mostly pebbly/rocky with patches of sand; water is typically calm with good clarity—bring reef shoes if you have sensitive feet.
• Best time to go: May–June and September–October for warm water and fewer crowds. In July–August, aim for right at opening. (General seasonality aligns with Antalya’s Mediterranean climate.)
• Who it suits: Couples, solo travelers, and anyone on a tight schedule who wants an easy swim between sightseeing stops. Families can manage, but strollers and very young kids may find the steep stairs and limited space tricky.

Entry Fees

Mermerli Beach is a paid beach, and prices have been volatile in 2024–2025. Recent firsthand reports show fees ranging from ₺500 per person to about ₺1,000 per person, typically including a sunbed and umbrella (towels extra). Food and drink prices are in addition to the entry, and multiple reviewers note higher-than-average menu prices for the area. Because operators and pricing policies can change, treat these figures as guidance rather than guarantees and budget on the higher side in peak season.

Money-savvy tip: If you mainly want a swim with a big-beach feel (and free entry), consider Konyaaltı or Lara and use inexpensive sunbed rentals there; but for “Old Town + quick dip,” Mermerli’s location is unmatched.

Other Nearby Attractions

• Hadrian’s Gate (Üçkapılar): The most photogenic entrance to Kaleiçi—marble arches from 130 AD framed by palm trees and city life. Stroll through on your way down to the harbor.
• Antalya Old Harbor (Yat Limanı): Great for boat-watching, gelato, and sunset photos; short coastal cruises depart from here if you want sea views without swimming.
• Hıdırlık Tower: A Roman watchtower perched at the corner of Karaalioğlu Park; come at golden hour for panoramic bay views.
• Karaalioğlu Park: Breezy clifftop promenades, shade, and sea vistas—an easy cool-down after beach time.
• Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) & Kalekapısı Square: The beating heart of modern-meets-historic Antalya; good for cafes and people-watching before you head back into Kaleiçi’s lanes.

Final Tips for a Smooth Beach Day

• Go early (right at opening) for front-row loungers and gentler sun.
• Pack light and assume no outside food/drink is allowed; plan to order on site.
• Bring water shoes if pebbles bother you.
• Check the day’s price at the entrance before committing; if it feels steep, pivot to Konyaaltı or Lara via tram/bus and you’ll still have a stellar swim day.

If Antalya is on your itinerary, put Mermerli Beach on your list for that effortless “Old Town morning + sea-breeze afternoon” combo. Pop down the steps, claim a lounger, and slide into the turquoise water—then tell me: did Mermerli’s harbor-side charm win you over too?