Research on the recreation patterns of Konyaalti beach in Antalya from the landscape architecture point of view

The recreation patterns of Antalya Konyaaltı Beach, being one of the most important urban beaches in Turkey, was investigated from the landscape architecture point of view. The physical development and actual situation of Konyaaltı Beach was examined. Recreation patterns, visitors' motivations preferences and expectations were investigated and surveys conducted. The collected data were analyzed and Chi-square test, frequencies and ANOVA were used to analyze the differences between groups. Results demonstrated that beach visitors are young, mostly students and having a university degree and the major reason for beach use was found to be water-based recreation acticities. Social norm curves of the visitors derived from the data showed a negative tendency against the crowd. Main reasons of the beach crowding were determined as long visitation hours of the visitors and proximity to the downtown. Some beach sections have used intensively. Recommendations concerning planning, design, implications and management were suggested to improve quality of recreation at the beach.