Mermerli Beach

Mermerli Beach is a small paid cove beach tucked beneath the cliffs of Kaleici, Antalya's old town, reached by a staircase through the Mermerli restaurant. Its sheltered setting, sunbeds and clear water have made it a long-standing favourite with gay locals and visitors after a relaxed, low-key spot near the centre, though it is a public beach open to everyone rather than a dedicated venue. There is an entrance fee that usually includes a lounger, and the restaurant-bar above serves drinks and food with harbour views. It is an easy walk from the Kaleici boutique hotels. Turkey's conservative climate means ordinary beach discretion applies, but Mermerli remains one of the more welcoming stretches of sand in the city.