Cleopatra Beach
Possibly one of the best beaches in Antalya, though it is definitely one of Turkey’s most popular yachting destinations. Cleopatra Beach, also known as Manastir Bay has its beach sweep back to the skirts of the peninsula, warm crystal-blue water and golden sand. As rocks surround the clear waters it gives an impression that the beach is a lagoon. According to legend, this beach was where Cleopatra came to honeymoon with the love of her life, Mark Antony. There is also a curious mystery about the sand, allegedly thought that it was brought all the way from Egypt and that one cannot leave the beach with the smallest speck of it upon your skin!
Ruins of one of her palaces were uncovered on the hillside and it features a secret passage that leaves from the main building to the beach, perhaps for evening dips! Cleopatra Beach has sun chairs and umbrellas available for rent as well if you want to just kick back and relax on the super-soft sand. Or if you're feeling energetic, explore the half-submerged ruins of a Greek monastery or take an hour’s hike to Lydae where you will see mausolea, statue remnants and Corinthian columns from the Roman and Byzantine eras.
If your beach hopping mood strikes make your way to Adrasan Beach, Cleopatra’s Beach, Alanya and Dankatas Beach.