Things to Do in Lara, Antalya: Beach, Düden Waterfall and Day Trips

Lara is Antalya's main beach district. It runs along the coast east of the city centre, from the clifftop promenade at Lara to the long sandy beach and the big resort hotels towards Kundu. It is one of the easiest places on the coast to stay: Antalya Airport is a short drive away, and the old town is close enough for an evening out.

This guide covers what to do in Lara itself, what is close by in Antalya, and the best day trips when you are staying in a Lara hotel.

Where Is Lara?

"Lara" is used for two things:

• The Lara district, the residential and hotel area east of the city centre, along the cliffs and Lara Caddesi.

• Lara Beach, the sandy coastline further east. It continues into Kundu, where most of the large all-inclusive resorts are.

For planning purposes:

• Antalya Airport: Lara is the closest resort area to the airport, typically a 15 to 25-minute drive depending on your hotel.

• Kaleiçi (the old town): about 20 to 30 minutes by car or taxi.

• Belek: about 30 to 40 minutes further east along the coast.

Things to Do in Lara

Lara Beach

The main reason people stay here. Lara Beach is a long stretch of fine, golden sand with gently sloping water, which makes it popular with families. Much of the beachfront belongs to hotels, but there is also a public beach with sunbed hire, cafés and water sports: jet skis, parasailing and banana boats in season.

Tip: the sea is usually calmest in the morning. By mid-afternoon in summer the sand gets very hot, so bring beach shoes for children.

Lower Düden Waterfall

At the western end of Lara, the Düden River pours off the cliffs straight into the Mediterranean. The Lower Düden Waterfall sits in a small park with viewing terraces and paths along the clifftop, and it is free to visit. Late afternoon is a good time to go, when the light is softer.

The best view is from the sea: boat trips from Antalya's old harbour sail right up to the falls. Maxtoria's Antalya relax boat tour stops at Düden, with a swim break at Lara Beach.

Sandland

Sandland is an open-air sand sculpture exhibition on Lara Beach. Artists create large themed sculptures each year, and they are lit up in the evening. It usually opens from late spring to autumn and is an easy outing with children. Check the current season before you go.

The Clifftop Promenade and Lara's Cafés

Between the city and the beach, the Lara cliffs are lined with parks, viewpoints, cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea. It is a popular place for an evening walk, with sunset views across the bay to the mountains behind Konyaaltı.

Shopping: TerraCity

TerraCity, in the Lara area, is one of Antalya's large shopping malls, useful for brands, a cinema and air-conditioned breaks on hot days.

Close By in Antalya

Kaleiçi and the Old Harbour

Antalya's old town is an easy trip from Lara. You will find Hadrian's Gate, Ottoman houses on narrow lanes, the fluted Yivli Minaret and the old Roman harbour, where short boat trips leave for the waterfalls and sea caves.

Maxtoria's Antalya city tour with falls, sea and old town combines both Düden waterfalls, a guided Kaleiçi walk and a harbour cruise, with hotel pickup in the Antalya area. See our guide to places to visit in Antalya for more.

Antalya Aquarium

Antalya Aquarium is on the Konyaaltı side of the city. It is a good choice for a hot or windy afternoon, with a long glass tunnel under the shark tank. The aquarium ticket with hotel transfer includes pickup from Lara hotels.

Antalya at Night

Lara has plenty of restaurants and beach bars. For clubs and live music, most people head into the centre. See our Antalya nightlife guide.

Easy Trips East of Lara

Lara's position on the eastern side of the city puts several major sights within a short drive.

• Perge: one of the region's most important Greco-Roman cities, with colonnaded streets, a stadium and Hellenistic towers. It is only a short drive inland from Lara. Go early in the morning, as there is little shade.

• Aspendos: the best-preserved Roman theatre in the region, about 40 minutes' drive east of Lara.

• The Land of Legends night show: the free evening shows and boat parade at the Land of Legends in Belek. Maxtoria's night show with return hotel shuttle picks up from Lara.

Full-Day Trips from Lara

• Rafting in Köprülü Canyon: rafting on the Köprüçay River, combined with a buggy safari and zipline. See the rafting, zipline and buggy combo.

• Paragliding in Alanya: a tandem flight over Alanya Castle, landing on Cleopatra Beach. The trip from Antalya picks up from Lara.

• Demre, Myra and Kekova: Lycian rock tombs, St Nicholas Church and the sunken city by boat. See the Demre Myra Kekova boat tour.

Browse all tours in Antalya. Pickup areas vary by tour, so check that Lara is listed on the tour page before you book.

Getting Around Lara

• Taxis are easy to find and the quickest way into the centre.

• City buses connect Lara with the city centre along the coast road.

• Hotel pickup is included on most organised tours. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking and depends on where your hotel is along the coast.

Tips for Staying in Lara

• Late arrival or early flight? Lara's closeness to the airport makes it an easy first or last night.

• Summer heat: plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and keep the middle of the day for the beach or the pool.

• Beach days vs outings: the beach and Düden are on your doorstep, so save organised tours for the sights that are hard to reach on your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lara part of Antalya?

Yes. Lara is a district of Antalya city, on the eastern side of the centre.

How far is Lara from Antalya Airport?

It is one of the closest resort areas to the airport, typically a 15 to 25-minute drive.

How far is Lara from Kaleiçi (the old town)?

About 20 to 30 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic and your hotel.

Is Lara Beach good for children?

Yes. The sand is fine and the water shallows gently, although the beach can get busy in peak summer.

Can you see Düden Waterfall from Lara?

Yes. The Lower Düden Waterfall is at the western end of Lara, and you can see it from the clifftop park or from a boat.

What is the difference between Lara and Kundu?

Lara is the district closer to the city, with its clifftop promenade and public beach. Kundu continues east along the same coastline and is where most of the large resort hotels are.

Do tours pick up from Lara hotels?

Many do, including Maxtoria's aquarium, Land of Legends night show and paragliding trips. Pickup areas vary, so check each tour page.

More to Explore in Antalya

See also our guides to the best bays in Antalya and the best time to visit Antalya.