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İnciraltı Beach: cliffside swimming and sun-soaked hours in Antalya

A favorite local swimming spot in Antalya, İnciraltı Beach offers cliffside views, easy ocean access, and hours of relaxed seaside atmosphere under bright yellow umbrellas.

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İnciraltı Beach is one of Antalya’s most striking places to swim—not just for the views, but for the whole setup. Tucked right into the cliffs just east of the Old Town, this beach isn’t a stretch of sand—it’s a sun deck carved into the rock, with rows of cheerful yellow umbrellas and wooden walkways that lead directly into the sea.

View through greenery of yellow umbrellas and cliffside sun decks at İnciraltı Beach in Antalya, Turkey
From above, İnciraltı Beach looks like a cascade of yellow umbrellas tucked into the rocks just above the sea

From above, the umbrellas look like scattered lemons along the coast. From below, it feels like the water just opens up in front of you.

What makes İnciraltı Beach special

Compared to more well-known spots like Konyaaltı, İnciraltı is smaller, steeper, and arguably more peaceful. You don’t walk across pebbles to get to the water here. Instead, you descend a staircase and climb directly into the sea via metal ladders fixed to the edge of the platform. No beach shoes needed, no stubbing your toe on slippery stones. Just swim, climb out, and repeat.

Swimmers entering the sea via a metal ladder from a rocky platform at İnciraltı Beach in Antalya, Turkey
At İnciraltı, getting into the water is simple—no stones, no waves, just a few steps down into the deep blue

It’s this ease of access, combined with the laid-back vibe, that makes İnciraltı a favorite. While some of Antalya’s beaches can feel a bit chaotic or expensive, this spot keeps things simple and local. It’s the kind of place where you could spend five or six hours without even realizing it.

Rows of yellow umbrellas at İnciraltı Beach in Antalya with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and distant mountains
From a sunbed at İnciraltı, the horizon stretches endlessly—just sea, umbrellas, and mountain silhouettes in the haze

The sound of the sea is constant—waves tapping the rocks below, swimmers plunging into the water with a splash, the occasional gull overhead. Between the scent of salt and sunscreen, the warmth of the wood under your feet, and the filtered light through umbrella canopies, there’s a gentle sensory rhythm here that asks nothing of you but stillness.

How to get there

İnciraltı Beach is walkable from Antalya’s Old Town. It might feel like a long walk under the midday sun, but it’s definitely doable, especially if you follow the shoreline. The walk itself is actually one of the best parts. It takes you along Antalya’s cliffside path, with sweeping sea views and shady benches along the way. You’ll pass people on morning jogs, fruit vendors set up along the stone railings, and other travelers stopping to take in the view. If it’s too hot to walk, a cab will get you there quickly and affordably.

There’s usually a small queue to get in, especially on peak days and during the hottest hours. It’s not unusual to wait 30 minutes or more for a sunbed if you arrive midday. Still, the wait is worth it—and going earlier in the day almost always guarantees a spot.

What to expect once you're there

The beach itself is built into the rock. A series of platforms step down toward the water, each one dotted with bright yellow umbrellas and sun loungers. The view from above is incredible—and worth photographing before you head down the stairs.

Once you’re settled in, the rhythm of the day is easy: swim, sun, snack, repeat. There’s no rush to leave. The 200 Turkish lira chair rental fee covers you for the full day, and there’s no time limit. This is a big advantage over other beaches, especially Konyaaltı, where prices can reach up to 800 Turkish lira and chairs are often rented in timed slots.

People come to İnciraltı for slow days. You’ll see couples, solo swimmers, families, and small groups of friends all settling in for hours. Music is minimal. The soundscape is mostly sea, breeze, and light conversation. A few beachside cafes and stalls nearby offer drinks and snacks, and you’re free to bring your own water or small bites.

You’ll want to take in every detail: the shimmer of the water against the rocks, the gentle creak of the umbrellas in the breeze, the chatter of friends playing backgammon nearby. Swimmers drift just beyond the ladders, floating effortlessly in the cool blue sea that feels clean and calm, even during peak hours.

Why we keep coming back

This was one of our favorite ways to spend a free, slow day in Antalya. The setup is just easy. You don’t need to bring much. You don’t need to plan ahead. Once you’ve claimed a spot, the rest of the day takes care of itself. Between the water access, the sun, and the view, you can spend an entire afternoon alternating between floating in the sea and reading under an umbrella.

It’s also just beautiful. The angle of the sun on the water, the pops of yellow umbrellas against the cliff, and the simplicity of the setting all make İnciraltı feel like its own little world. For photographers, it’s one of the most visually distinct beaches in Antalya.

Swimmers floating in clear turquoise water beside the rocky platforms and yellow umbrellas of İnciraltı Beach in Antalya, Turkey
On calm days, the sea at İnciraltı turns almost glassy—perfect for floating, watching, and forgetting what time it is

We loved how it felt like both a local favorite and a secret—not exclusive, but also not overcrowded with rows of matching chairs and heavy branding. Just enough infrastructure to be comfortable, but still informal and approachable.

Practical tips for visiting İnciraltı Beach

It’s best to go early if you want to skip the line and guarantee a sunbed—spots fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.

Make sure to bring a towel, sunscreen, and plenty of water, since you’ll likely end up staying longer than you planned.

The 200 Turkish lira fee covers your chair for the entire day, and there’s no time limit once you’ve settled in.

You won’t need water shoes here, as you can climb directly into the sea using built-in ladders, making the experience both easy and comfortable.

The beach is walkable from Old Town along a scenic coastal path, and if you’re not up for walking back, taxis are easy to find nearby.

Whether you're in Antalya for a week or a month, İnciraltı Beach is memorable. Not because it’s the biggest or the most famous—but because it’s exactly what you want on a lazy, sun-drenched day by the sea.

Swimmer floating in turquoise water below yellow umbrellas and cliffside sun decks at İnciraltı Beach in Antalya, Turkey

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