Things to Do From Your Lara Beach Hotel

Lara and Kundu are popular coastal areas just east of Antalya, known for their large resort hotels and long stretches of coastline. If you are staying in this part of the region, you are well positioned to explore both the natural landscape and the historic sites of the Antalya province.

The journey from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Kundu is 10 km and takes about 15 minutes by car, while the drive from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Lara is 13 km, taking roughly 20 minutes. If you want to head into the main urban areas, the distance from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Antalya City Centre is 15 km, which takes about 25 minutes by car. This proximity makes the resort zone an easy starting point for day trips and afternoon excursions.

Coastal Sights: Sandy Beaches and Waterfalls

The shoreline of Lara is famous for its dark, fine sand, which contrasts with the pebble beaches found on the western side of the city. The main beach area stretches for several kilometres, offering shallow waters suitable for families and gentle swimming. While many sections are managed by the large resorts, there are public beach areas where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for the day.

As you travel west from the hotel zone towards the city centre, the sandy shore gives way to high limestone cliffs. Here, you can visit the Lower Düden Waterfall. This is the point where the Düden river drops directly over the cliff edge into the Mediterranean Sea. There is a public park at the top of the cliffs with viewing platforms, walking paths, and green spaces, making it a pleasant spot for an afternoon walk. You can observe the water rushing into the sea from the safety of the railed park edge.

Historic Antalya: Kaleiçi and Perge

For those interested in local history, the old town of Antalya, known as Kaleiçi, is located 16 km from Antalya Airport (AYT), which is about a 25-minute drive. This historic quarter is a maze of narrow streets, traditional Ottoman-era houses, and ancient stone walls.

Key sights within Kaleiçi include Hadrian's Gate, a monumental triple arch built to honour the Roman emperor's visit, and the historic old harbour, which now hosts local excursion boats. The streets are pedestrianised, filled with small shops, cafes, and historic mosques. It is a highly walkable district, though the stone streets can be steep as they slope down toward the harbour.

If you wish to explore older ruins, the ancient city of Perge is located in the Aksu district. The distance from Antalya Airport (AYT) to Aksu is 12 km, taking about 15 minutes by car. Perge was an important city of ancient Pamphylia and features a large Roman theatre, a stadium, a colonnaded street, and impressive city gates. It is an ideal day trip for visitors who want to walk among standing ancient architecture without travelling too far from their hotel.

Further west, near the city centre, the Antalya Museum houses many of the statues and artefacts excavated from Perge and other nearby classical sites. It is widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological museums in Turkey, containing an impressive collection of Roman imperial statues and sarcophagi.

Family Outings and Shopping

On the western side of the bay lies Konyaaltı, which is 22 km from Antalya Airport (AYT), or about a 30-minute drive. This area is home to several major family attractions.

The Antalya Aquarium features one of the world's longest tunnel aquariums, showcasing various marine species, themed sections, and a snow world. Right next to it is the Beach Park, a leafy seaside recreation area with cafes, restaurants, pebble beaches, and walking paths.

For shopping, the Lara district itself has numerous boutiques and markets. The largest shopping mall in the immediate area is TerraCity, located between Lara and the city centre. It features a wide range of international and Turkish brands, a food court, and department stores, offering a modern shopping experience out of the midday sun.

Getting Around the Region

While public buses and local taxis are available, arranging a private vehicle is a straightforward way to travel between these sights, especially if you are travelling with family or in a group.

To reach your resort, you can arrange a private vehicle to meet you after landing. Our service operates with a driver who waits for you inside the terminal at Welcome desk No:36 Hana Travel, holding a sign with your name. Because we follow your flight details, any delay to your landing time is managed automatically, and your driver will be there when you exit.

We charge a single price for the vehicle, which is confirmed in writing before your holiday begins. You can ask for child seats during the booking process; we have options for babies, toddlers, and older children. These seats are a paid extra, with the cost added to the price we agree before you fly.