Kemer is a made-to-order resort carved from Turkey’s pristine pine-shaded Mediterranean coast. Though not as large or elaborate as Mexico’s Cancún, the principle at Kemer is the same: pick a favorable seaside location with little habitation and build a modern resort town.

The majority of people come to Kemer for sun and sea. The beaches are mostly large pebbles and stones, although the ones near the yacht marina and Yörük Parki (an anthropological park with a Turkish nomad theme) are of sand. Kemer can be a base for exploring nearby sites like Olimpos, Phaselis, Termessos, Perge and Aspendos.

Star Flyer calls at Kemer during its seven-night “Secret Turkey” cruises.