Compare Lara Beach holidays

Souvenir shopping is a short shuttle bus away at Sultan Bazaar. Look out for Turkish delight and golden honey, as well as cheap branded clothing and jewellery you’re welcome to haggle for. Many of the hotels also have shops with similar goods, which you will have to pay more for, but you can trust it’s genuine.

A Lara Beach holiday is perfect for those wanting to indulge in a spot of pampering – unwinding at an authentic hamman is a popular way to spend an afternoon. Not staying at a hotel with a spa? Simply pay for a day pass or individual treatments at the door.

If there’s only so much luxuriating you can take, you’re in a good position to explore the rest of Antalya – and taxis and tours are widely available and affordable. Visit ancient ruins on the side of a mountain in Termessos, and Lycian tombs of Myra in Demre. For a spot of nature, head to Olympos Coastal National Park.

For a good compromise between price and heat, book your Lara Beach holiday in March (19C is normal), or wait until November for pleasant 22C days.

In September, nearby Antalya hosts several festivals such as Antalya Festival (expect local honey, street dancing and music), Golden Orange Film Festival and a Painting Festival that all ages will love. Plus, temperatures can still reach 32C, so it’s a great time to visit.

Much like America’s Sin City, Lara Beach’s hotels are an attraction in themselves. Watch a spectacular theatre show at the Titanic Beach hotel, which is shaped like the famous ocean liner, or enjoy a massage and hamman session at Delphin BE Grand Resort’s world-class spa while the kids try out all seven slides at the waterpark.

Oh, and be sure to stop by Limak Lara Deluxe to see the pretty poolside teahouse.

Perge

Take a half or full-day trip to what’s left of the ancient town of Perge (or Perga). Stroll through an imposing Roman gate and see almost-intact baths and a large agora (marketplace), followed by column-lined streets and a theatre for 12,000 spectators.

Atop the acropolis hill, there’s evidence of Bronze Age buildings. Make Antalya Archaeological Museum your next stop to see the impressively preserved statues and sarcophagi excavated here over the years.

Düden Waterfalls

There are two sections that make up Düden Waterfalls: Upper and Lower Düden Waterfall. It’s well worth visiting both (via public transport, if you’re looking to travel for less).

The former is a lush, green paradise where the water drops into caves. A pleasant picnic area surrounds it. The latter has a greater drop and falls directly into the sea. If you can, take a boat tour to watch it from the water.

Hadrian’s Gate

Around a 30-minute drive away, in Antalya, is Hadrian’s Gate. The 2nd-century triumphal arch commemorates the Roman Emperor’s visit to the city.

Expect ageing marble, grand pillars and ancient inscriptions, as well as an intricate frieze. The almost-intact gate was part of the city’s outer walls and today acts as an impressive welcome to Antalya’s old town.

Sandland

Lara Beach takes its sand sculptures seriously. At Sandland, over 10,000 tons of river sand are artfully sculpted across by professional artists. There’s no telling what will be there when you visit, since the works are often demolished mere weeks after they’re made.