Mermerli Beach, Antalya

Beach in Antalya

CC BY-SA 3.0 / José Espanca

Mermerli Beach is one of Antalya's most charming and convenient seaside escapes, hidden just below the ancient walls of Kaleiçi, the city's historic Old Town. Nestled between the cliffs and the Old City Marina, it offers calm turquoise waters, soft sunshine, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. Despite its small size, this beach has long been a favourite among locals and visitors for its easy access, peaceful setting, and scenic surroundings.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Information
How to Get There
Is Mermerli Beach Worth Visiting?

History and Significance

As one of Antalya’s oldest public beaches, Mermerli has been welcoming swimmers for over a century. Its name derives from the Turkish word “mermer,” meaning marble, a nod to the stone steps and terraces that were carved into the cliffs to provide access to the sea. Situated just steps from the city’s historic core, it has been a beloved summer retreat since Ottoman times, when it served as a popular bathing area for residents living within Kaleiçi’s walls.

The beach's setting is part of what makes it so special. Enclosed by steep rocky cliffs on three sides and opening into the calm bay of Antalya, it provides a feeling of privacy despite being in the heart of the city. The Old City Marina and Hıdırlık Tower rise above, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop that combines natural beauty with historic architecture.

Today, Mermerli Beach remains one of the best places to see in Antalya for anyone looking to combine sightseeing with relaxation. It’s ideal for cooling off after exploring Kaleiçi’s narrow streets, and the gentle waves make it suitable for swimmers of all ages.

Things to See and Do

The main attraction at Mermerli Beach is, of course, the water. The sea here is crystal clear and calm, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Sunbeds and umbrellas line the small stretch of sand and platform area, offering a comfortable spot to relax with a view of the harbour.

The beach also features a small café and restaurant that serves snacks, drinks, and seafood dishes throughout the day. Many visitors enjoy sitting here with a cold drink, watching boats glide in and out of the marina. The gentle hum of the city above contrasts with the peaceful sound of the waves below, creating an atmosphere that feels both secluded and central.

For photography lovers, Mermerli offers some of the most striking coastal views in Antalya. The combination of the turquoise water, rugged cliffs, and old stone walls makes it a great place to visit on a walking tour of Antalya, especially at golden hour when the sunlight casts warm tones across the bay.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Morning for sunshine and fewer crowds; late afternoon for warm light and cooler air.
Entrance fee: Around 50–100 TL (includes sunbed and umbrella).
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily.
How long to spend: 1-3 hours, depending on your schedule.
Accessibility: Access via stairs near the Old City Marina; not suitable for wheelchairs.
Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, café, and changing rooms.
Photography tip: Capture the beach from above near the marina for a full view of the cove and cliffs.
Nearby food options: Mermerli Restaurant (above the beach), and several harbour cafés within a short walk.

How to Get There

Mermerli Beach is located directly beneath the Old City Marina in Kaleiçi. From Republic Square, follow the signs toward the marina or ask for “Mermerli Plajı.” Once you reach the waterfront, you'll find a staircase leading down to the beach through the Mermerli Restaurant. It's only a five-minute walk from Hadrian's Gate, making it easy to combine a morning of sightseeing with an afternoon by the sea.

Is Mermerli Beach Worth Visiting?

Yes, absolutely. While it’s small compared to Antalya’s larger beaches like Konyaaltı or Lara, Mermerli’s charm lies in its intimate setting and unbeatable location. It’s one of the top attractions in Antalya for those who want to experience the city’s beauty without venturing far. The convenience of being right in the Old Town makes it perfect for a quick swim or a relaxed break during a day of exploring.

For first-time visitors, Mermerli Beach captures the essence of Antalya - history above, turquoise sea below, and a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

3.9 (1,836)

Mermerli Plajı is a small, bustling city-center beach reached by rock steps, with eateries and boat tours nearby; visitors praise its stunning location, clear water and a floating platform to relax or jump from, but warn the entrance can be steep, service and food can be slow or inconsistent, and prices (including drinks and sunbeds) are relatively high so it can be quiet outside peak times or crowded on weekends.

Sophia LaPoint

3 months ago

"The spot is BEAUTIFUL but the entrance is high and the service is a bit slow for food and drinks. With that being said, I spent my entire holidayweekend here and have 0 regrets...."

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SUMMER KIM

a month ago

"1. Antaly landmark. 2. Landscape is nice, and you can also see the view from the other side by taking the elevator(elevator fee is free)"

LaTasha Barnes

2 months ago

"Gorgeous beach! Horrible foodnDecent price to visit the beach and service is decent but the entire experience is not managed the best. Try to goduring off peak times..."

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Daria

3 months ago

"Giving 5 stars because of the amazing location and good service. We’ve been there twice and only the second time we had a bit of inconvenience sinceon Saturday the beach got busy and they were offering the first row sunbeds without umbrellas (very close to the water, where the waves come). In my opinion, such seats should be cheaper because the entrance fee is already quite high (500 liras per person) so you expect an umbrella and normal seat included. But it was cool that the waiter changed our place very soon so it was worth it. Prices for drinks are also insane compared to other beach bars in Antalya but still the beach is located in the historical castle and is truly amazing so you have to go at least once. The water is crystal clear, they have a floating thing you can chill on or jump to the water from it which I liked a lot...."

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Bob Carlson

6 months ago

"It was relativity empty, maybe 6 persons, on a warm su y Saturday. This is probably only because the price has gone way up. People prefer to justsunbathe and swim from the breakwater even though that is outside the designated swim area...."

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The Mermerli Beach appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Antalya!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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