Antalya Gay Guide
Everything About Gay TURKEY
Information about gay life in Antalya
Antalya is the tourism paradise of Turkey with a very long summer and offering natural, historical and cultural beauties. Modern and liberal life makes everything easier for gay people too. The city is also known as the capital of Turkish Riviera internationally. Lots of bars, nightclubs on the seafront, restaurants and shops adorn Antalya.
Click here for a brief travel information about Antalya, online maps, videos, tourist attractions, museums, mosques, historical sites, old churches, sightseeing places and more.
Gay Bars and Clubs in Antalya
Even though Antalya is the 5th most crowded city in Turkey, and it is one of the most popular tourist destination, there are few exclusively gay bars and clubs. Currently existing gay venues in Antalya are as follows:
Club Pose (23:00 — 05:00)
Address : Kisla Mah. 59. Sokak, (Barlar Sokagi). Muratpasa, Antalya.
Web: Poseclub.html (Click for guest reviews, location map, videos, pictures and more)
Pose Club was opened in late 2022 in place of Athena Club with a new name and manager, which was the longest lasting exclusively gay club in Antalya. The club is welcoming local and foreign LGBT people. They organize miscellaneous shows and activities on various days of the week. It is located on the «Barlar Sokagi», the small bar-street near historical Marina and Cumhuriyet MeydanД±, the main square of down-town Antalya.
Other Recommended Venues in Antalya
The following venues have been recommended by our website visitors. Please let us know if you also know any LGBT friendly place in Fethiye
«Favori Restaurant in Antalya is a nice restaurant situated in old town-Kaleici; 200 m below the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi). Narghile (water pipe) is also available» (Posted by Janod from Germany on 11/09/2009)
Gay Friendly Cinemas in Antalya
Although there is not a gay exclusive cinema in Antalya although some straight porno-cinemas are frequented by gay men. Because of Turkey’s bisexual culture it’s possible to have some limited action in most of such places. In a few of them gays are really welcomed. But still better be a little discrete , because they are open to the public. Make sure that you are approaching the right person because they are all visited by straight men as well.
Class Sinemasi
Address: Catalkopru Cd. No:10, Sahin Is Merkezi, Muratpasa, Antalya
Class Cinema is a gay friendly blue movie theater, reopened in October 2018 after some 5 years. It is located at the basement floor of the building full of other small shops and called «Sahin Is Merkezi«. Look for that signboard at the entrance to locate the building and walk into the passage (there is no signboard on the street). The street it is located is close to Murtapasa Mosque, somewhere across from Markantalya Shopping Mall. Unlike similar venues, this venue was reported to us as a gay-friendly place by the owners in October 2018.
Click here to share your feedback and read other guest reviews about this venue.
Kent Sinemasi (10:00-19:00)
Address : Ећarampol Cd, KapalД±yol, 461. Sok. No:5, Muratpasa, Antalya, Turkey
From Muratpasa Mosque walk towards old city Kaleici / Clock Tower into the the shopping street closed to car traffic which is known as Kapaliyol, (closed road) a part of Sarampol street. Right after you enter Kapali Yol take the first turn on your left into the narrow street (461 sokak) by the Koton dress shop. You will see its sign-board on your left after walking a few meters. Muratpasa mosque is located at the square in Muratapasa neighborhood of city center, very close to Mark Antalya shopping mall. If you go from Kaleici start from Clock Tower in the opposite direction.
Click here to share your feedback and read other guest reviews about this venue.
Aspendos Sinemasi (11:00-21:00)
Address: Ali Cetinkaya Cad, 1264 Sokak, No: 13, Muratpasa, Antalya.
It is also possible to reach from Ucakapilar (Hadrian’s Gate) via back streets but it is easier via Ali Cetinkaya street. From the Clock Tower walk east following the tram line along Ali Cetincaya Cd -road. Turn to right hand side from street 1264. You will find the cinema on your left hand side in the 3rd block just before the post office. It is in the basement floor with the entrance inside the passageway. It has no visible sign-board and the building’s passageway is hard to notice because of ivies and trees in front of the building, so better look a little carefully. As of 2016 there is a kebab restaurant called Adana Sofrasi across the street with respect to the entrance.
Recent Reviews:
«It is open as of December 2020. »
«I went to Aspendos in January 2019 and it was open» (February 13 2019)
«Re-opened but employees are hassling the clients (November 28 2018)
Click here other guest reviews and to share your feedback about this venue.
Bati Sinemalari (11:00-21:00)
This venue has been closed in early 2010’s.
«Bati cinema doesn’t exist anymore . March 2016.» (Posted by Bernd from Germany on March 5th, 2015)
Gay Friendly Sauna or Bath Houses in Antalya:
Homosexuality is not and has never been illegal in Turkey and individuals can not be punished by any law for homosexual action, but any sexual action (gay/straight) is still forbidden in public venues and can be a reason for periodical closure of the venues by the authorities. Probably for that reason most owners of action places such as cinemas, baths and saunas do not like to be mentioned on gay websites or guide books even if they want them to come to their venues for business reason. The places listed under this category are not gay venues and do not necessarily allow gay action inside. So, it is advised to to be discrete.
Akdeniz Hamami
Address: Hasan Subasi Caddesi, 46. Sokak, No: 22, Muratpasa, Antalya
This is not an exclusively gay venue. It was first recommended by a website visitor as below:
«Walk towards sea side from the street right in front of Murat PaЕџa mosque (possibly Sarampol street), it is inside a small lane. Muratpasa mosque is near the old intercity bus terminal. I haven’t been there personally, but heard from friends that it is a quiet bath, not a gay-friendly place, but it may be possible to see some gay men. (12/01/2009)
Click here to share your feedback and read other guest reviews about this venue.
Gay Cruising Areas in Antalya:
In general, the cruising areas — especially parks and secluded beaches are where gay men should be more selective with the people they meet. It is always possible to come across to some bad guys who want to trap the gay men in such places. Especially, be careful at night time and do not carry very valuable things and a lot of money on you, just in case.
The most visible cruising places in Antalya are these:
Yacht Marina — Google Map
You can see local gay men cruising especially along the breakwater by the Yacht Marina, amphitheatre and its neighborhood. Yach Marina is located in Kaleici, old city district in downtown Antalya. It is usually not very dangerous to walk about as long as you be selective with people you get in touch with. There may be hustlers in the vicinity.
Karaalioglu Park — Google Map
This is a very big park in downtown Antalya somewhere between yacht Marina and Football stadium. Especially the isolated parts closer to the sea side are where most local gay men are walking about. Watch out hustlers and thieves especially late at night, and do not carry valuable belongings on you. Please see visitor reviews below for more detailed information.
Yavuz Ozcan Park — Google Map
Most people would not know the name of the park as Yavuz Ozcan, which is located opposite of Selekler Carsisi, that most people would know better. Selekler Carsisi is a one of the old shopping mall at the junction of Gulluk and Konyaalti streets. The park is more central, therefore safer than Karaalioglan Park to walk around after dark, but you still need to be careful with the people you meet here.
Cumhuriyet Meydani — Google Map
The square at the heart of down town Antalya. You can see few local gay people cruising around especially in the evening, mostly around the monument.
Cam Piramit — Google Map
The street behind Cam Piramit (Glass Pyramid), the exhibition center near the Konyaalti beach has been recommended by a Turkish web site visitor as an evening cruising place especially to meet gay bears in Antalya (August 19th 2020)
Old Lara Road
The walkway and parks between the flag at Fener (the quarter named after the lighthouse) up to Moonlight Hotel along Eski Lara Yolu (old Lara street connecting down-town Antalya to Lara district). This place was recommended as a cruising area by a website visitor in July 2010. (See on Turkey gay map)
Gay Friendly & Other Beaches in Antalya
There is not any peculiarly gay-friendly beach in Antalya, but it is more likely to come across other some gay men in following beaches.
Adalar Beach — Google Map
It is a modest private beach you can try if you are staying in Kaleici. Do not expect any visible gay atmosphere. The entrance is at the far end of the Karaalioglu Park when you walk from Kaleici. Look for a small sign-board on your right walk down the steps to reach the entrance. It is a small beach created on artificial platforms mounted on the rocks and it has no sandy beach. There are sun beds, umbrellas and changing rooms as well as beverage service. This place was initially suggested by a Turkish website visitor as: «When you walk into the Karaalioglu park and reach the place called «balkon» (Balcony) it is right down under. This place is often visited by local gay men as well as gay tourists and even some transgender. It is a secluded place and mostly rocky.»
Konyaalti beach — Google Map
Konyaalti Beach is the nearest public beach with respect to the city center and old city called Kaleici on the west side of Antalya. It is a long strand of pebbles and rough stand backed by park, some hotels, and residential areas. It is a pleasant walk to get to Konyaalti from city center but you can also take the tram westward from Kalekapisi at the center of Antalya to the end of the line near the Antalya Museum and the Falez and Sheraton Voyager hotels, then walk downhill 10 minutes to reach Antalya Beach Park and the eastern end of Konyaalti Plaji. Antalya Beach Park has shade trees, snack stands, restaurants, cafes and bars, showers and other services, as well as beach chairs and sun umbrellas for rent.
Lara beach — Google Map
Lara is the most popular beach district near Antalya city center, about 16 km but easily accessible by frequent public buses and shuttle-like public taxies called «dolmush» in Turkey. Lara Plaji (Lara Beach) east of Antalya is a long beach of gentle waves, darkish sand, and some small pebbles. Most parts of the beach are backed by commercial services offering beach chairs, sun umbrellas, snacks and drinks, showers and perhaps even some entertainment. The beach begins east of Antalya’s falez (cliffs), just past the Lower DГјden Waterfall (Asagi DГјden Selalesi). East of the waterfall a point of land extends into the Gulf of Antalya. Hotels, restaurants and other services host visitors who swim mostly from docks and platforms.
The real sand beach starts on the east side of the point and extends for several kilometers. The first major installation is Lara Halk Plaji, with beach services organized by the city of Antalya.
Guest Reviews About Cruising Places and Gay Friendly Beaches in Antalya
«Karaalioglu park: Few active men looking for sex during the night. You hook up in the park and the action happens in the dark areas of the cliffs. Bring your condoms and don’t bring valuables. » (Posted by Gonzales from Spain on July 25 2014)
«Cumhuriyet meydani: Safe place, go there after 9 pm. only a place to pick up guys take them home, as Police controls at nights are regular. Be selective, lots of young straight crowds. They are friendly — but not gay! Karaalioglu Park: Nice place to go, lots of straight guys as well, so be selective. Walk down AtatГјrk caddesi, straight on into the park, you will end up at the centre turret. At your left there are steps going down to the base. The rest you will find yourself. A safe place to go.» (Posted by Adrew on March 19th 2014)
«Sunbathe daytimes in front of the old, derelict swimming pool on Konyaalti Beach, just past Plaji 8 . Take reef shoes for going in and out of the sea , as the beach is pebbly. See who goes in and out of the swimming pool and follow them. Also , hang around here any time of day as it is a local gay sex spot. At night , cruising and sex below the ramparts in Karaalioglu Park, Antalya City. Watch out though , they will ask you for money after you have had sex, so, best to go there with no money, no watch , no phone , no valuables. Cumhuriyet Square , right next to the clock tower in Antalya City. Local gays meet to chat and cruise. Common sense tells you that if the guy is quite well dressed and western’ish he is probably just a normal gay or bi guy looking for hook-ups. Chatting to the gay tourists here is also a good thing. If a local guy is poor and grubby looking , he is probably only there cruising for sex with the view of receiving payment. He wont be into you , he will be in to your money. Again , go there with no phone , no watch or jeweler and just a small amount of money.» (Posted to our Google group on October 12th, 2010)
«Karaalioglu Park is a large ,public park, located at the sea front on the perimeter of the «Old Town». Three large turrets are built in to the cliffs at the sea and these turrets hold the park level. Cruising and action takes place at the base of the centre turret. It involves quite a treacherous climb down the cliff face in order to achieve privacy. From Antalya «Clock Tower» (famous landmark) walk south down Ataturk Caddesi, for about 10 minutes, until you reach the park. Walk many tourist hotels are located. walk through the park to the sea, where you will find the turrets. Cruise the walls of the turrets or sit on the steps that lead down to the base of the centre turret. Consider taking a look at it in daylight first , since the path down to the base of the turrets and onward down the cliff is treacherous.. Local men may ask you for money or may be pick pockets. The risk is more prevalent at this location as it is remote and dark and has only one entry and exit point. Avoid if there are groups of local youths, leave and come back another time. Go there with minimal money and leave your valuables at your hotel. Most Turkish men consider themselves «tops» so be prepared to bottom.» (Posted to our Google group on August 21st, 2011)
«Konyaalti Beach. From Antalya City Centre it is about 5km to the West, at the junction of 602sk and Akdeniz Boulevard. There is a small park at the sea front opposite the Riviera Suite Hotel at 602sk. Men cruise the 800m boardwalk along here , beginning and ending their walk in this park. At sunset until midnight. Take a seat on one of the benches in the park, catch someone’s eye and strike up a conversation. If no one is here , walk along the boardwalk to the derelict swimming pool and try there. It is cruising and «take away» only». (Posted to our Google group on August 21st, 2011)
«Patara Beach. Patara Beach is one of only three or four official nude beaches in Turkey. Nude sunbathing is permitted some distance away from the clothed section. Cruising and gay/bi sex occurs in the sand dunes behind the beach. Near the town of Patara and Gelemis , Patara Beach is approximately 10 miles west of Kalkan, 230 miles west of Antalya, 75miles east of Dalaman. (Click here for Google map). From the beach car park walk approximately half a mile west (to your right), away from the clothed tourists and cafe. Spot the small , man-made beach shelters, made out of twigs on the shoreline or other nudists and you have reached it. Cruising occurs away from the shoreline , in the sand dunes behind. Take plenty of refreshments. Best Times: 1200 – 1800. At 1900 the beach is closed to the public and patrolled by military as it is a protected area used by sea turtles. Sex between gay and bisexual men is possible in relative secrecy in the sand dunes and shrubbery. Mixture of ages and body types , mostly Turkish locals, few tourists. Mostly «top» men , very few bottoms. It is so remote that there are never many people there, but that is in fact its’ main attraction. It is a 12 mile long , un spoilt beach of worldwide heritage status. A handful of hotels and b+b’s exist within the village of Petara but it is also possible to stay in the tourist resort of Kalkan, which is 10 miles east. Here you can catch the local bus (dolmus) for very little money , and it runs every hour until the beach closes. There will not be dozens of gay/bi men at this location , perhaps just a handful at most. Some days , there might be none». (Posted to our Google group on August 21st, 2011)
«Antalya/Side Town Gay Cruising. Cruising in the sand dunes in the area between the sea on the East Beach (Dolphin Beach Bar) and the main bus station to the north. A nice place to swim and sunbathe is the East Beach. Gays use the western end of East Beach, where an ancient wall encroaches the sea by the Dolphin Beach Bar (closest to Side Town Centre). Behind this area of beach is scrub land containing, as yet, unexcavated historical ruins. There are trees , bushes and sand dunes. Local men come down to the dunes late afternoon onwards looking for sex. From the main bus station , walk directly south towards the sea. A track leads down , which you can see on the map and the dunes and bushes are on your right. Or , walk from Side town , heading East. Action between gay and bisexual men is possible in relative secrecy within old ruined buildings or bushes around the sand dunes. It is a busy tourist town , but there are not many gay and bisexual men there. There will not be dozens of gay/bi men at this location , perhaps just a handful at most. (Posted to our Google group on August 21st, 2011)
Other Beaches Near Antalya.
Kemer Beach — Google Map
Kemer Beach is for those who want to be waited on hand and foot while relaxing in a manicured environment. While other beaches boast of the beauty of nature, Kemer beach is tailored to ensure all travelers are treated like king and queen for the day.
Phaselis Beach — Google Map
West of the touristic town of Kemer is the quiet secluded place of Phaselis Beach. Due to its beauty and calm, serene atmosphere, many of the daily yacht trips will dock here so that their guests can take amazing photographs of a fascinating and eye-catching beach.
Olympos & Cirali Beach — Google Map
This beach is located within the national green park of Olympos and it is easy to realize why Turkish people want to preserve and keep this place free from modern development. If one day is not enough for you to explore the beach and surrounding areas, book into one of the many beach houses that surrounded the golden sands of the coastline
Kaputas Beach, Kalkan — Google Map
Located in the quiet, laid back resort of Kalkan is the Kaputas Beach. It is a very small beach, but it is also very beaitiful so you are advised to go early in the morning to find a good place to lay down under the sun.Calming waters and the yellow sands blend together in amongst the backdrop views to provide a location that can only be nicknamed paradise. In summer season, you can come here with frequent mini buses running between Kalkan. The beach is right by the highway, closer to Kalkan.
Sorgun / Camici Beach, Side — Google Map
This cute little beach can be found in an area called Manavgat, near Side. It is rather popular among the families. There are water sports facilities as well.
Cleopatra Beach, Alanya — Google Map
If you are looking for a family friendly beach, head to the resort of Alanya to see Cleopatra Beach for yourself. Paddle in the clear, blue water with your children or take part in one of the various water sports activities that are happening all day long. This beach is a favorite for many tourists who visit Turkey every year.
Incekum Beach, Alanya — Google Map
This beach in Alanya has often been called one of the best beaches on the southern coastline. The water is crystal clear and blue and due to the shallow depths, it has become a popular choice for families with young kids who want to get in and splash around.
Gay Groups and LGBT Organizations in Antalya:
Pembe Caretta LGBTQ
Web: Facebook
Pembe (Pink) Caretta is a LGBT solidarity group formed by the students of Akdeniz University based in Antalya. There was another group called Antalya Gokkusagi (Rainbow) before which is not active anymore.
BД°Z Antalya
Web: Facebook.com/
A new LGBT solidarity organization founded in Antalya in early 2017. Its full name is «BД°Z Cinsel YГ¶nelim ve Cinsiyet KimliДџi AraЕџtД±rmalarД± TopluluДџu«, which means ‘WE — community for sexual orientation and identity studies» in Turkish.
Click here for more information about Turkish gay life and LGBT solidarity movement in Turkey.
Gay & Lesbian Internet Resources for Antalya:
LGBT Turkey
The meeting point of Turkish & none- Turkish gay men living / visiting Turkey. You can follow activities all over Turkey, including Antalya in this bilingual (Turkish & English) Facebook community page.
Google Group for Turkish Gays
A Google Group to meet Turkish gay men from all over Turkey. You can leave a message to meet Turkish gays and gay tourists living in or visiting Antalya in this group.
Gay Friendly Antalya Hotels
Y ou can make Instant reservation via online & secure system of Booking Com . Best prices and free cancellation options are available .
Click here for gay and lesbian friendly and other recommended hotels in Antalya.
All Antalya Hotels — Best Online Prices
Y ou can make Instant reservation via online & secure system of Booking Com . Best prices and free cancellation options are available.
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Antalya Mini Guide — General Information About Antalya
Click here for a brief travel information about Antalya, online maps, videos, tourist attractions, museums, mosques, historical sites, old churches, sightseeing places and more.
Antalya LGBT Forum- General Comments About Gay Life in Antalya.
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