visit antalya guide

Once seen simply as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya today is very much a destination in its own right. Situated right on the Gulf of Antalya (Antalya Körfezi), the largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern. At its core is the wonderfully preserved old-city district of Kaleiçi (literally 'within the castle'), which offers atmospheric accommodation in the finely restored Ottoman houses on its winding lanes. The old city wraps around a splendid Roman-era harbour with clifftop views of hazy-blue mountain silhouettes that are worth raising a toast to. Just outside of the central city are two beaches and one of Turkey's finest museums.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Antalya's historic district is a sight in itself and you could happily spend half a day strolling the narrow lanes here while admiring the mix of finely…

Antalya Museum

Do not miss this comprehensive museum with exhibitions covering everything from the Stone and Bronze Ages to Byzantium. The Hall of Regional Excavations…

Yivli Minare

This handsome and distinctive 'fluted' minaret, erected by Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykubad I in the early 13th century, is Antalya's symbol. The adjacent…

Hadrian's Gate

Commonly known as Üçkapılar (the 'Three Gates') in Antalya, the monumental Hadrian's Gate was erected for the Roman emperor's visit to Antalya in AD 130…

Roman Harbour

The Roman harbour at the base of Kaleiçi's slope was Antalya's lifeline from the 2nd century BC until late in the 20th century, when a new port was…

Mawlawi Lodge Museum

Tucked away within the Yivli Minare complex, this fascinating domed structure dates back to 1377 and was beautifully restored in 2018. Its original use is…

Sultan Alaadın Camii

This gem of a mosque is squirrelled away in the back alleys of Kaleiçi. It began life as the Greek Orthodox Panhagia Church in 1834 and was converted to a…

Antalya Culture & Arts

This contemporary cultural centre has a lively program of exhibitions covering artists from local heroes to Picasso and Warhol. There's a cafe and small…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Turkey

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Antalya

Wildlife & Nature

Jan 19, 2017 • 1 min read

A cat village has been set up in Antalya, Turkey, with villa-style houses, hammocks and playgrounds designed exclusively for approximately 100 street cats.

Sep 15, 2014 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Antalya

All You Need to Know Before Traveling to Antalya–A Complete Guide

No matter how many times I visit Antalya, I’m never done with it, and I don’t think I’ll ever be.

I find new things to do every time I go to Antalya. The city is adventurous and peaceful at the same time.

If this is your first time in Antalya or you want to go there with more information about the city beforehand, you may find this travel guide helpful.

This guide consists of information about transportation and accommodations with a few fun activities thrown in .

Pack your hat, camera, swimsuit and don’t forget to bring your energy with you! I hope you enjoy this guide and your time in Antalya!

How to Apply for an E-visa for Turkey

Turkey makes it easy for people coming from outside Turkey to get tourist visas. Please go to www.evisa.gov.tr  and follow the process outlined there.

If everything is correct, you should receive your e-visa instantly . When you fill out the form , be sure to observe the requirements . Pay the fee according to your nationality, and after that, your e-visa will be ready to download.

Good luck with it!

Antalya at a Glance

Antalya is a beautiful, special city, known as the 5th most crowded city in Turkey .

It’s also a bustling metropolis , home to many different kinds of people, from locals to tourists.

You’ll discover that it’s full of culture and a number of fun options. What makes it so special is that it’s been a human settlement for millennia, and there are traces of this historical reality everywhere.

Antalya also has a splendid natural setting . The waterfalls, canyons, and natural beaches will make you forget your problems and live in the moment.

Antalya in History

One of the things that makes Antalya special is that its home to the earliest fossil remnants in Anatolia. Found in Antalya’s Karain Cave, the remains and artifacts have been dated by archaeologists to Paleolithic Age; more on that later in this article.

After the Paleolithic Age, Antalya became a part of the ancient regions known as Pamphilia  (southeast) and  Lykia  (east). Later,  Antalya was home to people in Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman times .

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

Antalya is great and full of many attractions, so you can feel free to enjoy the experience here any time you choose , though your priorities may change based on the season in which you go. For example, if you’re a sea-lover, you should definitely plan to go there when it’s warm out.

Here’s a bit more information about that.

May-September

This is when you’ll be able to enjoy the sun the most. Antalya is the best place for a summer holiday, especially from June to August .

Don’t worry about exploring–the beautiful blue water and clear sky is all you’ll need.

It can still be a bit chilly at night in May, but I assure you that there’ll still be enough sun to enjoy. Keep in mind that it can get really hot  in July and August–too hot some days.

October-November and April

If you don’t enjoy crowds, then October, November, and April are the months for you to visit. You can still enjoy the sea , even in October.

December-March

Antalya’s still nice in the winter. Why not enjoy the history of the city or ski at this time of year?

Antalya has a heavy rainy season that changes from year to year, so don’t forget to check out the weather out before you go.

How to Travel to Antalya

International flights arrive at  Fraport TAV Antalya Airport , 13 km from the city’s center, which is very close. You can organize a transfer from Antalya Airport to your destination point.

There are also two public buses– number 600 (runs every 30 minutes) and 800 (runs every 2 hours –leaving the airport and going to Antalya’s Bus Terminal. You can catch a number of minibusses from the terminal to various points in Antalya.

Depending on where you’re going in Antalya, you can also go to YDA Dalaman Airport in Muğla Region, which is closer to Kalkan and Kaş.

There are shuttles to and from Dalaman Airport. Call 444 0 487 to make a reservation.

If you plan to stay in Kaş or Kalkan, going directly to Antalya Airport would be a better option, saving you almost 5 hours on the way from Dalaman to Antalya.

How to Get Around Antalya

Antalya is a big city, but there are plenty of vehicles with which to get around. You may go there with your own car or rent a car from one of the rental companies with offices at Antalya Airport.

To find their offices on the terminal map, go to https://www.antalya-airport.aero/passengers-visitors/services/useful-applications/floor-plans

Public transportation is another option. If your accommodations are close to the city’s center, go to the bus terminal to find buses or minibusses to every part of Antalya.

Other options for traveling from the airport to your hotel or traveling around Antalya include taxis. You’ll see the yellow cabs–labeled TAKSİ–almost anywhere in the city. It costs around 10USD from the airport, but you can always bargain with the drivers for long-distance trips.

Instead of a taxi, you can arrange for a private transfer with your flight company or hotel. If they don’t have this service, look up transfer companies on the Internet to make reservations.

The transfer companies are really professional and reliable. They speak English and help you carry your luggage. Most companies have drivers who wait for you at the exit, holding a placard with your name on it.

Where to Exchange Currency

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL) .

I recommend not exchanging a large amount at the airport. Exchange only the amount you need for the road and snacks. You’ll find better places regarding exchange rates later.

A better idea is to an ATM to withdraw Turkish Liras, as the rates will be better, and it’s more practical for travelers.

If you have any difficulties, you can still use your foreign currency–the city is known for catering to tourists, and everyone is familiar with USD and Euros. It’s even used in some cases, but you can’t expect it.  

Where to Stay

There are a lot of options for accommodations in Antalya, including luxurious hotels, cozy hostels, camping areas, and wooden houses –there’s a place for everyone in Antalya.

First, decide upon the district you want as a home base, like Kaş, Kalkan, Alanya, or Olympos. Next, start looking for options. (If you’re staying in Alanya, check out My Complete Alanya Guide )

Here are some of the options available according to place.

My first recommendation would be Olympos. It’s very beautiful, and the environment is dynamic with a lot of young people about . It’s right next to the sea, located in an ancient valley.

There are plenty of hostels and campgrounds on the road to the sea. You can stay in private or shared houses–Olympos is most famous for its wooden house tradition.

You can spend your mornings reading on comfortable chairs and join the groups of people gathering in the place’s garden in the evenings.

There are also cafes and gözlemes. You’ll enjoy spending the afternoon under the shade of a pavilion, reading a book.

Olympos is 70 km from Antalya. Take a minibus from Antalya. Don’t forget to tell the driver you’re going to Olympos, so he’ll know to drop you on the way. Be ready for 1-hour drive.

Though you could spend your entire vacation in Olympos, staying in Kaleiçi will make you more mobile . ( Here’s my full guide to Kaleici – Oldtown Antalya )

If it’s your first time in Antalya or you like to explore, you should choose Kaleiçi! Staying here will satisfy your love of culture.

Here, there are more than 100 boutique hotels , so you can choose one that appeals to you. You’ll also be close to Antalya’s many beaches.

If you want to find comfort in the complete service of a luxury hotel, then you should go to Lara.

Most of Antalya’s 5-star hotels are in Lara.  The magnificent sea in the area will also make you so happy and content!

Alanya might be a bit far from the center of the city, but the advantages there will make you happy with your decision to go there.

It’s 130 km to Antalya, which takes around 1.5 hours to get there. You can take a bus or minibus from Anlayna’s city center.

There are both luxurious hotels and affordable hostels in the area.

This hidden haven in Antalya is usually chosen by SCUBA divers, but it can be one of your destinations during your holiday.

There are mostly hostels here, but you can find some nice hotel options in the Küçükçakıl area , too. Çukurbağ Peninsula also has a number of hotels.

Here, you’ll be right in front of the Greek island of Meis and a number of bays and small islands.

Other Options for Stays

The above can help you choose accommodations, or you can find another place from the countless other options, like Kemer, Belek, Kalkan, and Konyaaltı, among others.

What to do in Antalya?

There are countless options when it comes to things to do in Antalya.

Make Your Day at the Beaches

If it’s summer in Antalya, then the beach is the first thing that should come to mind. Here’s my full guide to Antalya’s beaches, including maps. 

Sometimes, I think Antalya’s sole purpose is its beaches. I really adore them, and I’m sure you will, too. There are many options, ranging from natural bays to enjoyable private beaches .

If you and those in your party want to be on your own, then Konyaaltı ‘s the best place to be. If you’re a fan of private beaches who likes colorful cocktails and great music all day long, then you should take a walk on Lara Beach.

If you are in Olympos , you’re already at the beachside. On your way to the beach, you’ll come across the ruins of an ancient city alongside a stream.

If you’re at Kaş , the Büyükçakıl and Küçükçakıl Beaches are there. Kaputaş Beach is close by, and it’s worth the effort to hit the road and embrace its famous blue waters.

Other swimming destinations include Cleopatra Beach, Phaselis, Adrasan, Patara, Karpuz Kaldıran, İncekum, Finike, Ulaş, or Mermerli .

Walk Around in Old Town

The center of Antalya, Kaleiçi, is very rich in culture and art. It’s home to many important historical places to visit, like museums and fun places like zoos. To take a look at the historical places, here’s a guide.

Hadrian’s Gate: Also known as Üçkapılar (The Three Gates) and Mermer Kapı (The Marble Gate), the gate was built in 130 A.D. as a sign of respect to Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city that year.  

It was constructed in the Corinthian style, with 3 arches and 2 colonnaded facades. It’s seen as the most beautiful gate in Pamphylia, and I think it definitely deserves its reputation.

Clock Tower: Another beautiful, interesting building is Antalya’s Clock Tower, located in Kale Kapısı.

The Clock Tower was built by Grand Vizier Küçük Sait Pasha in 1901. It was named after Abdulhamit II, is square in shape, and made of stone. There are clocks on all four sides.

The clocks you see aren’t the originals–they’ve been changed to keep up with the times.

Yivli Minaret Mosque: Also known as Alaaddin Mosque and Ulu Mosque, YivliMinare Mosque (Fluted Minaret) is an interesting, must-see in Antalya, Kaleiçi.

One of the first Islamic constructions in Antalya, it was built by  Seljuk  Sultan  AlaaddinKeykubad I, and its minaret is decorated with turquoise tiles. 

Külliye: Yivli Minaret Mosque is a part of the külliye created by Seljuks. Besides this, there are several other historical buildings around for you to visit. They include Madrasah of Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev, Seljuk Lodge, Mevlevi Lodge,  Dervish  lodge, Türbe of Zincirkıran, and Türbe of Nigar Hatun .

Try Scuba Diving

If you’re a diver, you may already know the beauty of Antalya’s diving spots.

If you’re not a certified diver, there are also options for you to try, called try-diving  (or discovery diving). Even if you don’t plan to go for a dive, you should definitely try it once to experience the beauty underwater firsthand.

You can dive in districts in Antalya like Kaş, Kalkan, Kemer, and many other places.

Rafting can be a good option for adventure-lovers. You can talk to a tourism company to arrange for a day to take one of their tours. You’ll find many good companies that deliver secure fun .

Köprülü Canyon is a good option for rafting. It’s best in the warm seasons, but it’s available from  April to November. Don’t worry about your level of experience because tour companies will arrange for a group suitable for your level of experience.

Köprülü Canyon is 400 m deep at its maximum and 14 km long.  It’s a part of Köprü River, which begins in the Sütçüler District of Isparta and flows into the sea in Antalya.

Go Skiing (Yes, Skiing!)

You might be surprised to learn that Antalya has some great skiing spots. Saklıkent is 50 km from Antalya’s city center . It’s located in the Toros and Beydağları hills, on Antalya’s west side.

A one-day trip to Saklıkent can make you feel kind of dizzy because you’ll experience two different seasons in one day –a warm spring-like weather and a cold, winter day covered in snow.

Skiing season in Saklıkent is between December and April. If this is a priority for you, be sure to check to see if the snow’s arrived before you go.

Try going with an organized tour and spend a nice day in the brisk mountain air.

Take a Tour to the Waterfalls

Antalya is a region rich with waterfalls. Below is a short guide to several of Antalya’s waterfalls .

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is fascinating in that the water runs year-round. You can go there with friends, family or by yourself. It’s enjoyable and peaceful all the time.

Located in Manavgat–Antalya’s second-largest district–the name’s also derived from the district. It’s easy to reach, being 4 km from Manavgat’s center and 72 km from Antalya. Don’t miss the chance to see the Manavgat Waterfall if you’re going to be in Antalya.

Manavgat Waterfall is created by the fall of water over a cliff 3 to 4 meters high in the course of the Manavgat River. The river is an important one, also called Til and Melas in historical texts.

Rafting, Jeep safaris, trekking, boat tours, or taking a nature walk are some of the options you can do here.

Düden Waterfalls

There are two separate Waterfalls at Düden, namely, the Upper and Lower Düden Waterfalls.

They are 8 km from the center of Lara district , where the water falls over cliffs 40 meters high. It’s a marvelous experience.

The Lower Düden Waterfall–also known as Karpuzkaldıran (Watermelon-Lifter) Waterfall–is a haven for those wanting to escape the heat of summer in Antalya.

The Upper Düden Waterfall is also known as Iskender (Alexander) Waterfall since Alexander the Great spent some time there letting his horses drink on his voyage to Pamphylia. That wasn’t, of course, a holiday trip, but rather, a military expedition to Pamphylia.

You can enjoy the waterfall area by taking a walk or while drinking tea in the tea gardens. You’ll find picnic areas and restaurants in this natural park. Go there to take in the cool air, listen to the sound of burbling water, and enjoy the greenery around you.

Kurşunlu Waterfall

With its multiple little lakes and waterfalls, the Kurşunlu Waterfall area promises an enjoyable and peaceful day or a weekend. Here are some accommodation options you might want to check out.

The main waterfall goes over a cliff 18 meters high. There are also several minor waterfalls. Seven small lakes connect within this setting.

The forest flora in the park is very rich,  replete with red pines, eastern sycamores, bay, carob, wild olive, gum, willow, and fig trees. You’ll also find myrtle hawthorn, oleander, blackberry, wild rose, euphorbia, tamarisk, spruce, kermes oak, thyme, wild mint, record, fern, and vines. You’ll also see aquatic plants such as buckthorn, water mint, water reed, water chandeliers, green algae, and waterlilies.

On a walk in the park, you’re sure to meet plenty of wild animals, like foxes, rabbits, squirrels, wild boars, turtles, carp, water turtles, dogs, snakes, and lizards walking, jumping or swimming. Bats, hoopoes, and woodpeckers are in the trees or flying around you, so be alert!

Kurşunlu Waterfall is located 22 km from Antalya’s center. You’ll find it on the Antalya-Isparta main road, or you can take a minibus from the city’s center.

The Sapadere, Değirmendere, Uçansu, and Gömbe Uçarsu Waterfalls are among other options.

Points of Interest for History Lovers (With Map)

As you may already know, Antalya is a region consisting of a number of different areas. Every one of them is home to another point of interest.

In the map above, you’ll see Antalya’s ancient cities. I suggest you to Olympos where you’ll find ancient baths and beautiful graves.

Xantos and Patara are two must-see places, since they were central cities thousands of years ago. Here’s you’ll find giant, well-preserved structures.

Myra is not only the best archaeology-wise, but its also the best, aesthetically. Here, you’ll see some of the most beautiful graves in Turkey.

There are more ancient sites than depicted on the map. My favorites are Aspendos and Side.

Visit the Ancient City of Aspendos

Aspendos was on the Pamphilian side of the map , known as ΕΣΤϜΕΔΥΣ   in Pamphilian. This ancient Greko-Roman city is located in Belkis Village in Serik District, 45 km to Antalya, which is easy to reach.

The city was constructed by Achaeans in 10th century B.C., but the characteristics earning this site its popularity was gained by Roman construction in the 2nd century A.D .

The most important part of the site is the  amphitheater , which is very well-preserved, and provides seating for 12,000 people . The architect behind this wonder was Zenon of Aspendos.

I also find it very interesting that it’s still used as a theater. During the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, many productions are put on in the theater in the spring and early summer.

Other structures that you’ll see here are a basilica, an agora , a nymphaeum , a Roman aqueduct, and the Roman Eurymedon Bridge.

See the Ancient City of Side

Side is the most important port city in Pamphylia Region. Side means “grenade” in Luwian. The site was used as a settlement from 8th century B.C. onward .

Side was within Lydian borders in the first half of 6th century B.C. and was dominated by Persians–who contributed much to the city–in the second half. Alexander the Great conquered Side in 334 B.C.

After that, the adventure continued as the people of Side accepted domination from one empire to the next, but the important city has never diminished. Side is in Manavgat District, 78 km from Antalya. Why not take a tour to see Manavgat Waterfall and the ancient city of Side together?

There are ruins and remnants of many structures here. Side’s main street is lined with the ruins of  houses and shops . There’s also a  hospital dating to the  6th century, and an  ancient Roman theater within the walled remains.

Other structures include 3 temples, an aqueduct, and a nymphaeum.  Evidence from ancient times isn’t well-preserved, prompting visitors to use their imagination while there.

Read my Antalya Tours Guide for more information.

Where to Eat?

There are plenty of options for food in Antalya, from seafood to traditional Turkish kebab houses, cafes serving dessert, and vegan/vegetarian restaurants. All of these are waiting here for you to try!

For more on this, see my Complete Guide to Food and Restaurants in Antalya .

Zaika Meyhane

Zaika has gained popularity very quickly over the past few years. In this village tea garden, colorful garden lamps hang just above you, and the music really makes the atmosphere.

Zaika derives its name from the concept of “ zaika ,” meaning the sense of taste . The food they cook is delicious and appeals to your sense of taste.

They have a number of ways to serve red meat here. Also, the mezes will make your day (or should that be night?). Since it’s a meyhane you might want to have a couple of drinks along with your dinner. Before you go, don’t forget to have their pumpkin dessert– it’s nothing short of delicious! 

Oburus Momus

This is another restaurant in Kaş, but this is the only one serving vegetarian/vegan food . You should certainly try this place if you like experimental foods.

There are some great options on their menu with a good portion size. You will certainly be full when leaving here.

I recommend their colorful bowls, containing a number of different foods. It is satisfying for the stomach, eyes, and taste buds. I think these bowls are the best option here. There are two of them, called “Oburus Bowl” and “Momus Bowl.” A variety of vegan/vegetarian food in a bowl? Delicious!

Handmade ice tea  and  lemonade  will help to make your day if you’re dropping in between swims.

Ramiz Grill House

Ramiz Grill House is for  special nights out . Maybe it’s your birthday or your anniversary–be sure to choose this place for dinner.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find a table in front of the sea. If not,   you’re sure to enjoy the atmosphere inside.

There are a lot of delicious options on their menu, like steak with butter or a Dallas burger. Their professionally cooked steaks are sure to make your night!

Burnt Ice Cream for Dessert

In Antalya Region, they serve a new flavor of cream, called burnt ice cream ( yanık dondurma ). The predominant flavor is vanilla, but the milk is burned during the manufacturing process, which is what gives the ice cream its unique taste.  

When you try it, you’ll realize you’re experiencing something special. I warn you: it can be addictive. You can find this delicacy everywhere in the region, including patisseries.

One of the most popular places for this special treat is Zamora in Konyaaltı.

Finike Orange

Antalya is famous for is Finike oranges. Imported to the region at the end of the 1960s, they’re yummy. Think about adding oranges to your fruit menu.

Budget/ Summary of Expenses

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, there are many nice hostels in the area. These aren’t luxurious, nor are they camping areas. If you chose these accommodations, a 5-day stay in Antalya could cost around 200-250USD.

Included in this trip’ budget are accommodations, a Museum Pass the Mediterranean (7 days–see below for more information), transportation, and meals.

Accommodations

If you stay in a camping area, you’ll pay around 10USD per night. If you stay in a 5-star hotel then you can pay up to 80USD. For a moderate choice–a stay at a nice hostel–you can expect to pay 12-24USD per night. Note that this might also include breakfast.  

It’s possible to limit your meal budget to 12-15USD per person per day, but if you’d rather have dinner at fancier restaurants, it’s likely to cost 20-30USD per person.

I usually spend a couple of nights fine-dining and take my other meals at a more casual place.

On average, 20USD per day for food will probably be sufficient.

Transportation

If you have your own car, your gasoline budget will likely increase the cost of transportation. If you rent a car, expect to pay around 20USD per day plus gasoline expenses.

If you use public transportation and travel from district to district, it will cost about 10-12USD per day.

Tour and/or Museum Fees

If you will spend a couple of days is Antalya visiting museums and archaeological sites, you should definitely opt for a museum pass. Called Museum Pass the Mediterranean and valid for 7 days, it costs 37USD, but it’s worth it.

Since I’ve given you a range of options, it’s hard to come up with an exact total. It’s best to calculate it based on your preference. For a traveler like me, it’s around 50USD per day, which includes good meals and flexible choices.

I hope you’ve found this travel guide useful, and I hope you enjoy your vacation in Antalya.

I’m only a traveler and by no means an expert, but I hope my advice and experiences will work for you, too.

Don’t forget to extend your research to find the best plan for your adventure.

Keep in mind that I could not include everything in a single post. To be truly prepared for a trip, one should read a lot and travel, too. That way, we can all have a better appreciation for the city of Antalya.

Antalya Itinerary: 3, 4, 5 or 7 Day Options

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler. Globetrotter, Adventurer, and Frequent Traveler to Turkey!

This website uses affiliate links. For more information, click here .

Antalya is one of our favorite regions in Turkey because it offers so much to see and do. It’s the perfect combination of historical landmarks, beaches, incredible natural beauty, hiking experiences, and more.

With so much to see and do, it can be a challenge putting together your Antalya itinerary, especially as the attractions you see will largely be determined by how long you have to spend and who you are traveling with.

To help you out, we’ve listed how we would spend 3, 4, 5, or 7 days in Antalya and our preferred route, so you can make planning your trip to Antalya an easy breezy process.

Planning a trip to Antalya last-minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Antalya:

• Airport Shuttle From Antalya Airport To City Center (Best way to get into town!)

Here are our recommended tours in Antalya:

• City Tour w/ Cable Car, Boat Trip and Waterfall (A must-do In Antalya!)
• Suluada Island Boat Trip (Secluded island for swimming and snorkeling)
• Traditional Turkish Bath with Massages
• Taurus Mountains Full-Day Jeep Safari (Great for exploring off the beaten path)

Here are our recommended places to stay in Antalya:

• Sky Kamer Hotel Antalya (Has seaview rooms in the historic center!)
• Megasaray Westbeach Antalya (All-inclusive resort right on the beach!)
• Hostel Vauge (Most famous hostel in Antalya!)

How many days is Enough For Antalya?

The amount of time you spend in Antalya will largely depend on how much time you have on your vacation. 

If you’re planning an extended Turkey itinerary and visiting other parts of the country, you can see the highlights of Antalya in three days.

However, if you have more time at your disposal, do use it. We can think of enough attractions and activities to fill your diary for a week here, maybe even more.

But we would say that the optimal amount of time to spend in Antalya is 5-7 days, which gives you enough time to see the highlights of Antalya and take a couple of day trips.

Where to Stay In Antalya?

Before we get into the attractions and how to organize your Antalya itinerary, let’s quickly discuss the best neighborhood to stay in Antalya to maximize the use of your vacation time.

There are two places in Antalya you might consider staying. The first is the Old Town, which is ideal for first-time visitors, solo travelers, and those traveling on a budget.

The Old Town is the beating heart of Antalya and it’s well connected to many of the top attractions, such as the Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya Clock Tower, and some of the best dining options.

The second place you want to consider is along the coast. There are many world-class beach resorts in Antalya and they are not all located in the city of Antalya.

What many people don’t realize is that Antalya is a province, and has a city named Antalya after the province – I know, confusing right? 

So if you opt for a beach hotel make sure you have booked one in Antalya city OR you’ve hired a car. If you hire a car, it doesn’t really matter which hotel you book.

The Best Antalya Itinerary for 3 Days

We mentioned earlier that three days is the minimum amount of time you need in Antalya, and this is how we would spend those three days…

Day 1: Old Town Antalya

We recommend you spent your first day exploring the Old Town of Antalya and the attractions within Antalya City itself. After that, we can go and explore further afield.

Stop 1: Tünektepe Teleferik (Antalya Cable Car)

Perhaps the biggest attraction in Antalya is the cable car to the summit of Tünektepe, which sits at 1706 meters above sea level.

The cable car takes you to a viewpoint that offers breathtaking panoramic views of Antalya and the Mediterranean Ocean.

Before making your way back down, enjoy the restaurants with a view. You have your choice between a Pizza House, Tea House, or a traditional restaurant in Antalya , each offering incredible views from the building.

Or simply get an ice cream if you’re visiting during the summer. It only takes 10 minutes to reach the top (and back down again) so it’s something you can do either at the beginning or end of the day.

Stop 2: Walk Around the Old Town and Old Roman Harbor

The Old Town in Antalya is simply stunning. Also known as Kaleiçi , the historic center brings Antalya’s rich heritage to life.

 The historical city center, called “Kaleiçi” (or Old Town in English), sheds light on the cultural heritage of Antalya, where you can feel the spiritual and historical influences on the city.

Here you will find centuries old buildings and quaint cobbled streets, with mosques and parks around every corner. Simply wandering around the town is inspiring in itself.

Since the Old Town was built during the days before cars, you don’t see many vehicles here, so it makes for the perfect place to stroll around, delve into coffee shops and boutique stores, bazaars and antique shops, and simply soak it all up.

Of course, the most iconic feature of Old Town is the Roman Harbour, which was built more than 2,000 years ago as the base for the Turkish Navy.

Be sure to check out the glass elevator that connects the old town with the new.

Stop 3: Check Out Hadrian’s Gate

Located in Old Town Antalya, Hadrian’s Gate is one of the most historic landmarks of Antalya. The archway was built by the Roman Emporer, Hadrian, in the year 130. It’s the only remaining entrance from the Roman era.

The gate sits about 8 meters tall and dates back to the Roman era, but the upper part was rebuilt during the early 13th century by  Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I .

The gate is free to visit, but though it is small, don’t rush to see it. The ornate detailing of the gate is beautiful and tells the story of the Emporer and his family through statues and entablature.

Stop 4: Antalya Museum

Antalya’s history is long and storied, and the best place to learn all about it is at the Antalya Museum, otherwise known as the Antalya Archaeological Museum. The museum is one of the largest archeology museums in Turkey and features an impressive collection of ancient artifacts from the region, including Greek and Roman sculptures and mosaics.

One of the standout pieces was the statues from the city of Perge , depicting the Roman Emporers such as Plancia Magna, Emperor Hadrian, the Emperor Septimius Severus. The museum has thirteen halls, but these were found in the Hall of Imperial Statues.

I was also intrigued by the sarcophagi from ancient Roman burial grounds in the Sarcophagus Hall, each with unique carvings and inscriptions. The most beautiful was the Domitias sarcophagus, which is decorated with reliefs showing the twelve labors of Hercules. The hall features the sarcophagi of Heracles, Domitius Julianus, Domita Philiska, Aurelia Botiane and Demetria.

Overall, the Antalya Museum provided a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. I highly recommend a visit for any history or culture enthusiasts. If you only have one day in Antalya to spend looking at museums, make sure it’s this one.

Stop 5: Suna & Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum

Located in the historic Kaleiçi district of Antalya, the Suna and İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum is a combination of two lovingly restored homes from the 19th century, a Traditional Antalya House and the Aya Yorgi Church.

The houses contain a diverse collection of artifacts, ranging from traditional clothing and furniture.

One highlight is the Hagios Georgios Church, which contains Çanakkale ceramics that belonged to the Suna & İnan Kıraç collection.

With its unique blend of cultural treasures, the Suna and İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum offers something for every history lover.

Stop 6: Visit Karaalioglu Park for Sunset

Karaalioglu Park is a large urban park that overlooks the Roman Harbor and Mediterranean Ocean. It’s full of green spaces, with colorful and exotic flowers, squares, and statues.

It also has three terraces overlooking the ocean, which has become a hotspot for locals and tourists alike to gather and watch the sunset.

Pack a picnic and watch the sun go down, after that, head to the famous Bar Street to experience Antalya’s amazing nightlife.

Day 2: Boat Trip from Antalya

For the second day, you’re going to need to pack your swimwear and towel because we’re going on a boat trip! There are many boat trips in Antalya , but we recommend the Pirate Boat Trip to Phaselis Bay because it’s the perfect combination of history and snorkeling, which is what boat trips are all about.

Stop 1: The Ancient Greek and Roman City of Phaselis

If you’re looking for a more historical boat tour, then the pirate boat from Kemer Beach to Phaselis Bay is the bout tour for you. As you discover the stunning bays around the Mediterranean ocean, you’ll be transported by a pirate-themed Gallion, which looks like something out of a Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

The ship will take you to the ancient Greek and Roman city of Phaselis, which is now an open-air  museum in Antalya . The city is now in ruins, which are said to date back to the 7th century BCE.

Wander around the agora and amphitheater, former Roman Baths, and aqueducts, before heading back to the ship to do some more exploring.

Stop 2: Snorkelling at Paradise Bay

You’ll have some time to swim in the shallow waters of Phaselis, before having lunch. Then, you’ll sail to Paradise Bay, which as you can imagine by the name, is a stunning beach. You might also get to see the beautiful Mehmet Ali Bükü bay for swimming if there’s time.

Stop 3: See the coral reefs at Alaca Water

The final stop on your journey is the Alaca Water, a gorgeous inlet filled with coral, which is the perfect spot to do some snorkeling before returning home.

The entire tour takes around 6-8 hours, so do plan for a full day.

Day 3: Beach Day

Bordering the Mediterran Sea, Antalya’s beaches are some of the best in the country. Matter of fact, the Turkish Riviera has the nickname Turquoise Coast. It would be a shame to come to this stunning coastal region in Turkey and not spend a day at the beach. 

Here are a few beaches we recommend adding to your 3-day Antalya itinerary…

Stop 1: Konyaaltı Beach

The first beach we suggest you visit is one that’s close to the city center. Konyaalti Beach is a stunning beach that stretches for 13 km, and gently declines into the clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea, perfect for swimming!

Its gentle waves mean it’s a great beach to visit for families, and because it’s so large, you’ll find even when it’s crowded there is enough room for everyone.

The most magical part of swimming at Konyaalti Beach is having the dramatic Beydağları Mountains in the foreground. At certain times of the year, the mountains are topped with snow, which is a site to behold.  

Konyaalti Beach is a pebble beach, meaning the water stays clean and clear. You will find plenty of bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers available to use here too.

Stop 2: Lara Beach

Lara Beach is one of the most popular blue flag beaches on the Turkish Riviera. Boasting a long, sandy stretch of beach with crystal-clear turquoise waters, it is no wonder why Lara Beach in Antalya is so popular with visitors.

Lined with sun loungers and umbrellas that are available to rent for a low fee, this soft-sand beach is perfect for sunbathing and a must-visit on your trip to Antalya. You will be spoilt for choice with beach clubs and nice dining options to enjoy lunch overlooking the beach. 

Located east of the city center, you can easily reach Lara Beach within 50 minutes using public transport or by car in 30 minutes. There are many facilities nearby, such as showers, bathrooms, and places for you to change. 

Stop 3: Archaeological Museum in Side

To break up the journey from Antalya to Cleopatra Beach, we recommend stopping in Side. There are some fantastic beaches in Side, but it’s also a great place to grab some lunch or visit the iconic Side Museum, the archeological museum here.

Side Museum is a fascinating museum set in a former ancient bath house (Agora Bath) which is thought to have been built in the 2nd century AD.

The rectangular bathhouse is made up of five rooms; a cold room, a sweat room, two warm rooms, and hot room.

Today the museum is no longer a bath, but a museum showcasing the artifacts uncovered during exvacations of sites in the Side region between 1947 – 1967.

The museum contains statues, sarcophagi, ceramics, and glass and bronze findings. You can also see coins belonging to both the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Stop 4: Cleopatra Beach

Lastly is Cleopatra Beach, which is the furthest beach from Antalya city, but is definitely worth the trek.

Named after the Egyptian queen herself, Cleopatra Beach is renowned for incredible blue waters, swimming, water sports, and great facilities. This famous blue-flag beach is situated in the small town of Alanya, a  popular destination for families  and international travelers alike.

The main characteristic of Cleopatra Beach is that it is a white sand beach. As well as the beach, there are many things to do in Alanya that make it worth a couple of days of your time if you can spare it. You will easily find great hotels, restaurants, and bars along the promenade, all of which are located near the beach to maximize the summer holiday experience.

The main beach is around two kilometers from the center of  Alanya  and is reachable by public transport.

If you are looking to partake in some water sports on your summer holiday then head to Cleopatra Beach and try your hand at sailing, kite surfing, or scuba diving.

The Best Antalya Itinerary for 4 Days

If you’re planning a 4-day Antalya itinerary, we recommend following the itinerary above, and on the fourth day, we are going to travel outside the city of Antalya.

We’re going to take a day trip from Antalya to some of the most fascinating historical landmarks in the area, and step back in time (metaphorically) to the Ancient City of Perge…

Day 4: Ancient City of Perge, Temple Of Apollo, and Aspendos Theatre

Visiting the Ancient City of Perge is a full day trip from Antalya, so set aside a full day to explore the city and its nearby historic attractions.

Stop 1: Ancient City of Perge

The Ancient City of Perge is a short distance outside Antalya city and was originally an ancient Lycian city, which later became the ancient Greek city of Pamphylia.

Pamphylia was the capital of the Roman province which is now called the Antalya Province, and so was a hugely important city in ancient times. It was even the birthplace of the famous Greek mathematician Apollonius of Perga.

Today the city lies in ruins, but it’s still possible to make out where buildings, temples, and rooms once were by the remaining columns and walls.

Although you’re tempted to look up at the imposing columns of The Agora or be amazed at the well-maintained amphitheater, be sure to look down, and take a glimpse of the long central water channel that runs through the middle of the main street.

This channel contained a series of pools that were used to keep citizens cool in the arid climate.

Stop 2: Aspendos Ancient Theater 

Located not too far away near the city of Side, is the Aspendos Theater . Aspendos was an ancient Greco-Roman city, and though much of the city is in ruins, the ancient theater is remarkably well preserved.

It is said that the construction of the theatre was the result of a competition by Marcus Aurelius, the Emporer of the time. The competition was to build a structure that would bring prosperity and wealth to the city, and the winner of the competition got to marry his daughter.

According to legend, two competitors made it to the finals, one of them constructed the aqueduct and the canal system which supplied the city with running water, and the other built the theater.

When the ruler came to inspect the theater, he stood at the highest point of the structure and heard a whisper, telling him that his daughter was to be the wife of the builder. When he turned to the stage, he saw the builder standing there and was so impressed by the acoustics, awarded him the winner.

Stop 3: Temple of Apollo

Back towards the city of Side, lies The Temple of Apollo, a Roman temple built roughly around 150 A.D. It was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek and Roman god of music, light, and harmony.

Today only five columns remain of the temple, which stands tall against a backdrop of the Mediterranean Ocean behind.

There is not much to see, but it’s worth swinging by since it’s on the way back to Antalya.

Stop 4: Kursunlu Waterfalls

The Kursunlu Waterfall is the perfect place to cool off after a day of exploring. On your way back towards Antalya, stop off at the Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park, a 587-hectare green space with plenty of trails, picnic areas, and recreation space.

Inside the park stands an 18-meter waterfall that empties into 7 smaller pools, and is surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty. Unfortunately, this is not a place where travelers can swim in.

The water that flows down the river is a deep, rich, blue color and offers visitors a nice backdrop for their photos. Another beautiful feature is a green, mossy wall behind the waterfall.

The walk to the waterfall is around two kilometers. However, for those who are keen hikers, there is a longer option through the national park that takes three hours and follows along the river. Visitors can even go behind the Kurşunlu Waterfall to a hidden cave to take photos and cool off with the spray from the water. 

There is a small fee to enter, but the park is well equipped with toilets, paved paths, free parking, Turkish restaurants, and more for visitors to enjoy.

The Best Antalya Itinerary for 5 Days

If you have 5-days in Antalya, then we recommend following the Antalya itinerary above and spending your fifth-day hiking. Antalya is surrounded by mountains and stunning nature, so go out and explore it!

Day 5: Hiking and Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon

You’ll need to allow a full day to explore the beauty of the Kaprulu Canyon. Make sure you pack a change of clothes as you’re going to need them after you’ve been white water rafting!

Stop 1: White Water Rafting

The Koprulu Canyon National Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty just outside the city of Antalya. It’s filled with pine forests, mountainous hiking trails, and of course, the beautiful Koprulu Canyon with the Köprü River running through it.

One of the most popular things to do at Koprulu Canyon is to engage in watersports, such as white water rafting, kayaking or canoeing.

Whitewater rafting is certainly the most adventurous, and if you have never done it before, this is the perfect place to try it.

The white water rafting route splits into two canyons, one is a narrow canyon with warm water and surrounded by sheer rock cliffs, while the other is wide, with cold water and surrounded by forested cliffs and natural waterfalls.

The diversity of the route makes it incredibly fun. You get the thrill of adventure mixed with the serene beauty of nature around you.

Some of the water is quite rocky and has fast-flowing water, so children under 10 are not allowed with most tour companies.

As you sail down the waters, be sure to keep your eyes on the lookout for the Oluk Bridge and Bugrum Bridge on the Kocadere Stream, which are some excellent examples of Roman engineering.

Stop 2: Quad Bike or Hike in the Pine Forest

After white water rafting, it’s time to explore the natural beauty of the park. Head out on one of the several hiking trails, or better yet, climb on a quad bike and soar through the trails in the pine forest!

Stop 3: Zip Line Experience

If you haven’t had enough adrenaline for one day, finish off with a zip-line experience! The zip line course in Koprulu Canyon has a 250-meter rope that extends over Kopru Cay. 

Whizz through the air and soar above the canopies of the trees and take in the scenes of the river below. The whole ziplining experience only takes about half an hour so it’s the perfect end to an action-packed day!

Seven Day Itinerary for Antalya

If you have a full week at your disposal, then we recommend you follow the itinerary for Antalya above, and on the sixth day go West towards Kemer and visit the Lycia Rock Tombs and The Sunken City of Kekova.

These are two iconic historic landmarks in Turkey and offer a unique glimpse into another era in the past.

Use your seventh day as a buffer day to see the attractions you weren’t able to get to and do all the things you missed. There are always more beaches to see, or you can go and take a refreshing dip in one of Antalya’s waterfalls , such as the Upper Duden Waterfalls.

We all need a little relaxation, and no doubt you’ve got your eyes set on one of Antalya’s world-class resorts. So why not enjoy the facilities a little? 

We’re not the type of traveler to spend the whole time in the hotel, but if you’re paying for the facilities, make sure you use them. Spend the morning splashing in the pool or check out the spa.

Getting Around Antalya

Antalya is very easy to get around. The city of very walkable, since most of the main attractions is located in the Old Town, which is also within walking distance of the main beach in Antalya.

There is a public bus network that takes you out of the main city to some of the beaches in the Antalya region, and it’s also possible to do some of these day trips on the public bus too.

However, we don’t recommend it. Buses don’t run as frequently as you would need them to in order to maximize time and they also run on Turkish time, meaning they might not show up at the time they are scheduled.

If you can, we recommend hiring a car. This way you can easily drive from place to place without having to worry about whether the bus will turn up or not.

Of course, if you don’t drive, it’s entirely possible to do it all using public transport but there may be some attractions on this list you will need to skip – or you just stay longer.

Tips for Visiting Antalya

To help you have the best trip to Antalya, here are a few words of advice:

• Go slow and don’t try to pack it all in. I know these itineraries are jam-packed, but you’re going to exhaust yourself trying to see every beach and historical landmark.
• Hire a car. It will honestly save you so much time and stress by doing everything yourself and driving.
• Download the MapsMe App. This is an offline satellite GPS and is perfect for those who are planning on hiking around Antalya as you can follow the trails offline. 
• Prepare for hot weather. Being by the coast, Antalya has a lovely sea breeze which can often make you forget about how hot it is. Wear sun protection and a sun hat and make sure you drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel like you need it.
• Take out cash . Some establishments in Antalya don’t accept credit cards.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Antalya?

Antalya is an all-year-round destination, so the best time to visit Antalya largely depends on your preferences for weather and crowd sizes.

If you prefer warm weather and don’t mind the heat and big crowds, the best time to visit is between June and September. July is the hottest month with daily maximum temperatures averaging around 35°C.

However, if you’re looking for more mild weather, the periods from March to May and October to November are considered ideal. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant throughout the day and you can enjoy all the things to do in Antalya including swimming in the sea, sunbathing on the beach, exploring the Old Town, and much more.

How To Get To Antalya, Turkey?

There are many ways to get to Antalya, but for the majority of the travelers, you’ll be getting to Antalya with one of the following three ways:

Flying to Antalya is perhaps the easiest way to get to Antalya. Antalya has its own airport called the Antalya Airport (AYT) and it is about 13.5 km (8.4 mi) away from the historic center – Kaleici. It takes around 30 minutes to drive from the airport to the Kaleici, however, it could take considerably longer when there is traffic, which is quite often.

Getting From Antalya Airport To Historic City Center

Getting to Antalya Airport to the historic center is very easy, especially since there is a tram line that takes you within walking distance from the Kaleici. The T1A AntRay Tram departs just outside of Antalya Airport and takes a little over an hour to get to the city center. It is the cheapest and most efficient way to get into the city.

Turkey has an extensive network of long-distance buses and minibusses that can take you to pretty much anywhere you want. If you want to get to Antalya by bus, you’ll need to take a long-distance bus from anywhere in the country to Antalya Şehirlerarası Otobüs Terminali , Antalya main bus station.

From there, you can take a tram straight into the city center.

By Rental Car

If you have rented a car in Turkey, then it is easy to get to Antalya. Turkey’s highways and roads are generally in good conditions, but please beware of reckless drivers. There tend to be a lot of aggressive ones.

Renting a car in Antalya is also a good option, because there are many day trips and attractions in the surrounding region worth checking out. Hidden gems like Kas, Side, Alanya, Aspendos, and Kemer are great to visit for those with a car.

Visiting Antalya FAQs

What is the best month to visit antalya.

The best month to visit Antalya largely depends on your preference. If you want to enjoy a tropical beach holiday, then the months of June, July and August are ideal for that. If you want a holiday with a wide variety of things to do, then the shoulder months of March, April, September, and October are perfect.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Antalya?

While it is not as sunny or warm as the summer, December can be a good time to visit Antalya. The average temperatures in Antalya in December range from 12°C to 16°C with a chance of rain. However, this is considerably warmer and more pleasant than many parts of the world, especially in Europe.

Is Antalya Turkey Expensive?

Antalya Turkey is not expensive, especially when compared to other destinations around the world. Budget travelers can get around with spending only around $40 USD a day per person.

Is Antalya Turkey Worth Visiting?

Antalya is most definiltey worth visiting. The coastal city in Turkey has rich history, beautiful beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, and delious Turkish food. Not to mention, it is very cheap, especially compared to many parts of Europe.

Final Thoughts on Antalya Itinerary

So there you have it, this is how you can spend your days in Antalya, and as you can see, there is a LOT to see and do.

No matter how many days you plan to spend in Antalya, we know you will have a great trip.

Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

Louisa is a professional travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust for exploring the captivating country of Turkey. With a deep appreciation for the country’s diverse history and natural beauty, Louisa has made it her mission to share the wonders of Turkey with the world. Born in the UK and raised by two Travel Agent parents, she was born with a perpetual case of the travel bug and now travels full time as a travel writer. Louisa has embarked on numerous adventures across Turkey, and shares her first-hand expertise and experience about her favorite destinations in Turkey, such as Antalya, Alanya, Fethiye and Bodrum.

2 thoughts on “Antalya Itinerary: 3, 4, 5 or 7 Day Options”

Hi is antalya good to visit in november… beaches can be seen .. what do you recommend for november

Hi Chaya, yes Antalya would be good to visit in November. The weather is usually warm in the day time and good for a couple of hours on the beach, though it can get cold in the evenings. There’s not much chance of rain. It will be quiet in terms of tourism that time of year, but tours will still operate so you can see all the attractions. I definitely recommend visiting the Ancient City of Perge – it was a highlight on our trip to Antalya. If you like walks, it’s the perfect time of year to do hiking. You can hike a portion of the Lycian Way in a day.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. TheTurkeyTraveler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our full affiliate disclosure .

© 2024 The Turkey Traveler

11 Best Things To Do in Antalya, Turkey (2024 Travel Guide)

• Last updated: May 27, 2024

Croatian-Slovenian full-time travel duo, photographers, bloggers and travel journalists for over 4 years. We write in-depth travel guides about destinations we have personally visited, providing practical travel tips and recommendations.

Before visiting Antalya, we didn’t think much of it and thought we wouldn’t like it. But after visiting Antalya during our big Turkey Road Trip it ended up being quite a cool place. It’s a big comfortable city with lots to do and a great base for exploring some of the incredible places in Turkey .

Antalya Turkey, located along the picturesque Turquoise Coast, is a huge city and Turkey ’s top travel destination. It offers an outstanding balance of luxury hotels, stunning beaches, and a city and surrounding area full of history and beautiful nature, ready for exploring. 

Antalya is also an excellent base to visit nearby historical attractions like Aspendos Theater and Termessos Ruins, natural wonders like Pamukkale , and more.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

BEST EXPERIENCES

• Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour
• Suluada Boat Tour (Turkish Maldives)
• Rafting and Canyoning at Koprulu Canyon
• Termessos Ancient City Hiking

WHERE TO STAY

• Adalya Port Hotel – above the old marina of Antalya with free parking
• Lykia Old Town Hotel – charming stay in Kaleici with a pool
• Calista Luxury Resort – beach resort

GETTING TO ANTALYA

• Fly into Antalya Airport – check the flights
• Use a public bus – check the buses
• Drive yourself – check car rentals

DATA: Get a Turkey eSIM to stay connected.

Top things to do in Antalya

Let’s jump right in and show you all the top things to do in Antalya.

Antalya Travel Map

TRAVEL TIP : Check travel requirements for Turkey here

1. Lower Duden waterfall (Karpuzkaldıran)

The lower Duden waterfall, locally known as Karpuzkaldıran, is a breathtaking natural wonder that stands as one of Antalya’s highlights.

Cascading from a height of 40 meters into the Mediterranean Sea, it offers a picturesque scene. Therefore, Duden Waterfall is a must-visit attraction in Antalya.

It’s not often that you see a waterfall falling from a cliff directly into the sea. The last time we saw something similar was in Madeira . 

Good to know: There are two Duden waterfalls, the upper and the lower, so don’t confuse them. The lower one falls into the ocean. (📍 location )

You can easily see this unique sight of Duden Waterfall from a sidewalk in Duden Park. But the best view is definitely from a boat which takes you directly in front of the waterfall from the ocean. Check it out here.

Entrance fee : Lower Duden Waterfall is free to visit.

Getting there: To get to the Lower Duden waterfall, you can use a public bus from Lara Beach and Kaleici, the old town of Antalya. Or you can drive with a car. There’s parking nearby.

Traveling soon? Get insured!

With 24/7 worldwide assistance,  Heymondo  includes comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and baggage loss or delay. Click here for details.

2. Kaleici, the Old Town of Antalya

Kaleici in Antalya is a charming old town district known for its narrow cobblestone streets, historical Ottoman architecture, and lively atmosphere. With its well-preserved Ottoman houses, cozy cafes, and boutique shops tucked away in its alleys, Kaleici offers a delightful mix of history and modernity.

Taking a stroll around Kaleici Old Town is one of the best things to do in Antalya, as you can enjoy the beautiful streets full of stunning architecture and colorful shops.

Check all hotel options in Antalya!

Also read: Istanbul Travel Guide

Check out these important landmarks while wandering around the Antalya Old Town:

• Join the Antalya City Tour (with waterfalls and cable car)

Antalya’s harbor was one of the most important ports on the Anatolian south coast. Today, it serves as a modern marina with restaurants and cafes and is a starting point for many boat tours. 

The Harbor is very picturesque and a must-visit in Antalya.

Travel tip: Start your walk at the harbor, climb the city walls, and walk around the Old Town of Antalya towards Karaaliouglu Park for sunset. You can also park your car near the harbor.

Hidirlik Tower

The 14-meter-high Hidirlik Tower was built during Roman Emperor Hadrian’s reign in the second century. Unfortunately, it is closed to the public, so you can only observe it from behind the park’s fence.

Hidrilik Tower is one of the coolest buildings in Antalya Old Town.

Yivli Minare Mosque

One of the first Islamic buildings in Antalya is the Yivli Minare Mosque, built at the beginning of the 13th century. Its fluted minaret is a perfect example of a minaret in Anatolian Turkish Architecture.

The entrance to the Yivli mosque is free, and you can visit it anytime except during prayer.

Antalya Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower)

Saat Kulesi is a beautiful four-sided clock tower in the historic center of Antalya.

Hadrian’s Gate

On the corner of Kaleici, you can find Hadrian’s Gate or Üçkapılar, also known as “The Three Gates,” the only remaining entrance gate in the walls around the old town of Antalya.

Karaalioglu Park

A must-visit spot in Antalya’s Old Town is also Karaaliouglu Park, a beautiful seaside park full of greenery and statues. It offers stunning views of the mountains and Antalya city.

[ ALSO READ ]

Cappadocia Travel Guide

The best thing to do in Antalya is relax and swim at the beach. The Turkish coast is breathtaking, and Antalya offers beautiful beaches.

The most popular beaches in Antalya are:

• Konyaalti beach : long pebble beach with lots of water activities and rich nightlife
• Lara beach : the closest beach to Antalya airport
• Mermerli beach : a small beach located right next to the marina

4. Waterfalls

Antalya’s surroundings have some beautiful waterfalls that are worth checking out. So, if you’re a nature fan, include these on your Antalya itinerary.

• Kursunlu Waterfalls are about 20 km from Antalya. You can combine a visit to them with a visit to the Ancient City of Termessos.
• Upper Duden Waterfalls , where you can also go behind them in a cave to get a unique perspective.
• Uçansu Waterfalls , located around 60km away from Antalya, where you can even swim in one. There is also an upper waterfall to which you’ll need to trek for about an hour.

April and the rainy months (autumn and winter) are the best months to see Antalya’s waterfalls in full power. They’re pretty small or even dry in the summer, so this is something to remember. 🙂

Important: In many places in Turkey, camels and other animals might be used as photo props, especially around waterfalls, and are not treated well. Please don’t support this. 

Need a reliable mobile package to stay online in Turkey?

We recommend the eSIM packages from Airalo , a trusted eSIM marketplace we’ve been using for over 4 years.

OFFER: $3 off first purchase with code MATEJ1033

5. Pamukkale and Hierapolis

A day trip to Pamukkale, also known as Turkey’s cotton castle, is one of the top things to do in Antalya.

Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a natural wonder known for its stunning white travertine terraces and thermal springs. Formed over centuries by the calcium-rich waters, the terraces cascade down the hillside, creating a mesmerizing, otherworldly landscape.

At Pamukkale , you can explore its incredible white travertines and hot springs, bathe in the pools, or stroll around the ancient city of Hierapolis, once a significant center of trade and culture.

Important: Keep in mind that the photos of Pamukkale going around social media are mostly heavily photoshopped and don’t show a realistic picture of the place. While we think it’s still very much worth seeing Pamukkale and Hierapolis, set your expectations. Read more about our experience here.

Getting there: Pamukkale is around 3,5 hours (approx. 240 km) drive from Antalya. You can drive to Pamukkale by yourself or book a guided tour.

• Join Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

We drove to Pamukkale from Antalya by car and added Salda Lake to our trip.

6. Salda Lake

Salda Lake, or Salda Golu in Turkish, is often referred to as the Maldives of Turkey because of its white sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise water. Locals even refer to it as the “Saldives.”

The bathing season in Salda Lake is between June and September, but you can still visit it outside those months because the scenery is gorgeous, even if it’s too cold and windy to swim.

Getting here: Salda Lake is around 160 km away from Antalya. If you’re driving by yourself, you can combine a visit to Pamukkale and then Lake Salda on the way back. It will be a lot in one day, but it’s manageable and definitely worth it. 

Not many tours include a visit to Lake Salda, but this one seems to stop there on the way to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

The easiest way to get around Turkey?

Rent a car! Turkey is very easy to navigate by car, which allows you to explore at your own pace.

We recommend using DiscoverCars , where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and book your dream car with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to long queues and hidden fees and hello to hassle-free car rentals.

7. Aspendos Theater

Aspendos is an ancient city known for its well-preserved Roman theater, one of the best-preserved in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it could seat up to 12,000 spectators and is one of the best Antalya attractions.

• Must read: Ephesus Ancient City Visitor’s Guide

The theater at Aspendos is still used today for performances and festivals (such as the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival), showcasing its remarkable architectural and historical significance.

Although the theater is the highlight of the archeological site, you can also walk around to see a few more ruins (agora, castle, basilica). 

Entrance fees: The ticket price for the Aspendos Theater is 15 EUR (16.3 USD) for adults and free for children. However, you might go above the theater for free to see a glimpse of it.

Opening times: Aspendos Theater is open every day from 8 am until 7 pm. 

Getting there: Aspendos is 50km from Antalya, and it takes about 40 minutes to get there by car.

Public transport to Aspendos is more complicated but doable. From Antalya, take a bus to Serik and then a dolmuş (local minibus) to Aspendos.

Alternatively, to maximize your time, join a tour that visits Aspendos and a few other attractions on the same day ( like this one ).

We wanted to see Aspendos on the way to Konya, the next stop of our big Turkey road trip . Unfortunately, we only managed to get in front of the theater. We were followed by a storm and heavy rain from Antalya, so we didn’t go in.

Looking for more Turkey Travel Guides?

We spent 1,5 months traveling around Turkey. Read all of our guides here.

8. Termessos Ancient City

Termessos, an ancient city known for its stunning mountain setting and well-preserved ruins, is a great place to visit in Antalya. This archaeological site offers a glimpse into the past with its impressive theater, agora, and necropolis. Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains, Termessos provides a unique and picturesque historical experience.

Termessos is a much less visited attraction than some other archeological places around the area, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for something less crowded.

Good to know: Be prepared to hike a bit. It takes 20 to 45 minutes of a bit steeper hike to reach the ancient city from a parking lot.

Entrance fees: The ticket price for Termessos Ruins is 3 EUR (3.2 USD). 

Opening times: Termessos is open every day from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. (the ticket office closes at 5 p.m.).

Getting here: Termessos Ruins are about a one-hour drive (40 km) from Antalya. The easiest way to get there is by renting a car. There is no public transport to take you there. Alternatively, join this hiking tour from Antalya.

9. Day trip to Alanya

Alanya is another resort town on the Turkish coast with beautiful beaches and historical landmarks. It is a popular day trip from Antalya, located around 130 km away from the city center (about a 2-hour drive). 

A day trip to Alanya from Antalya offers a wide range of activities. 

Start your day by exploring the majestic Alanya Castle, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the Red Tower, an iconic landmark with a rich history. Relax on Cleopatra Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Stroll through the vibrant Alanya city center to shop for local souvenirs and taste delicious Turkish cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to experience the Damlataş Cave, famous for its healing properties.

Scuba diving

Alanya is also famous for scuba diving and has some really cool dive sites ( check it out here ).

Paragliding

Paragliding is the top thing to do in Alanya. While paragliding, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and Taurus Mountains. It’s recommended that you book in advance to secure your spot.

RECOMMENDED TOUR

We tried paragliding in Fethiye, and it was one of our top experiences in Turkey. Read more about paragliding in Fethiye .

10. Boat trips

Boat trips in Antalya offer a delightful way to explore the stunning Turkish coastline. Popular options include day cruises to Kekova Island to see ancient ruins, sailing tours along the Turquoise Coast for swimming and snorkeling, and sunset cruises to enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Joining a boat trip is one of the best things to do in Antalya. Check all the options here.

Suluada Island (Turkish Maldives)

Join a day trip to the beautiful Suluada Island, also known as Turkish Maldives from Antalya, which also includes a few swim and snorkel stops at other beautiful bays of the Mediterranean Sea.

Suluada Island looks beautiful, and we would love to go there on our next visit.

Kekova Boat trip

When we were in Kas ( read our Kas Travel Guide ), the Kekova Boat tour was a highlight of our visit. You can see a part of Kekova by joining a trip from Antalya which also visits some other attractions on the way.

• Check Kekova Sunken City tour from Antalya

11. Fun activities in Antalya

From scuba-diving in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters to hiking through the stunning Taurus Mountains, you can also enjoy paragliding, rock climbing, canyoning, ziplining, and more! Antalya’s diverse natural landscapes provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Joining one of these fun activities is the best thing to do on your Antalya vacation.

Rafting and canyoning in the Koprulu Canyon

One of the most exciting things to do in Antalya is to get your adrenaline pumping on an adventure-filled day of canyoning, rafting, and ziplining at the nearby Koprulu Canyon National Park.

• Secure your spot in advance!

Boat Tour at Green Canyon and Emerald Lake

Head out from Antalya to the fascinating Green Canyon for a stunning boat tour, where you can swim in the beautiful waters of the emerald lake while surrounded by lush nature.

• Check the tour to Green Canyon

Olympos cable car ride

One of the best ways to take in the views of the Mediterranean coast and the mountainous landscape near Antalya is to take the Olympos cable car ride to the top of Mount Tahtali, which is 2365 m high.

The starting point of the Olympos Teleferik (Olympos Cable Car) is about 1 hour and a half drive south of Antalya’s downtown, near Kemer. You can book a skip-the-line Olympos cable car ticket only or buy a combo ticket with a transfer from either Kemer or Antalya. Check all the options here.

At the top of Mount Tahtali, after completing the 10-minute ride with the Olympos cable car, you are rewarded with gorgeous views. There’s also a cafe and a restaurant, and you can even go paragliding.

RECOMMENDED TOURS IN ANTALYA

Best restaurants in Antalya

Antalya offers many restaurants for all kinds and budgets. It’s easy to find something just by walking around Kaleici, the old town, from cheap and tasty food in local restaurants to exquisite meals in fine-dining restaurants.

• Balikci Meyhanesi Kaleici (Seafood, Mediterranean, Turkish)
• Vanilla Restaurant (Turkish, Vegetarian/Vegan Options)
• Can Can Pide Yemek Salonu (Turkish, Vegetarian/Vegan Options – budget friendly)
• Vegan House (Vegan, International, Turkish)

Stay protected on public WiFi

We’ve been using NordVPN for over 5 years now and can highly recommend the tool for protecting your privacy and freedom while browsing the internet.

It encrypts your connection and hides your data from potential hackers . Also, with a VPN, you can access blocked/restricted content like some Netflix movies or booking sites.

TIP: Shipped Away readers get a special deal .

Where to stay in Antalya?

The best places to stay in Antalya are at one of the many beachside resorts or in the old town of Kaleici.

Our recommended stays:

• Adalya Port Hotel – centrally located right above the old marina of Antalya with free parking (usually hard to find in the Old Town)

If you want better deals or bigger apartments with a kitchen, consider going a bit outside the central area. Antalya is pretty big, so there are plenty of accommodations for all budgets.

• Check all hotel options and prices in Antalya

How to visit Antalya?

The best way to get to Antalya is by flying directly to the Antalya International Airport (AYT), which is about 25 kilometers away from the city center. It is easily reachable by bus line 442, or you can book an airport transfer in advance.

• Click here to find the cheapest flight ticket s to Antalya

Getting to Antalya (AYT) from Istanbul (IST) is very easy on many daily flights in just 1 hour and a half. Reaching Antalya from Cappadocia is also easy, as you can fly directly from Kayseri (ASR) to Antalya (AYT) in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Turkey’s cities are also well connected by buses , so you can get to Antalya by direct bus from Istanbul, Izmir, Goreme (Cappadocia), and Ankara, among others.

• Click here to book your bus to Antalya

Turkey’s roads are great , so renting a car and driving to Antalya from Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, Cappadocia, or other places is easy and efficient. 

We rented a car in Istanbul and did a road trip along the Turquoise coast all the way to Antalya. The itinerary for that is coming soon! 

• Check rental car options in Turkey

Getting around Antalya

The best way to get around Antalya is by renting a car. That way, you’re the most flexible and can also make some day trips by yourself. Renting a car in Turkey is affordable, and the roads are great, so don’t hesitate to rent a car if you’re a driver.

• Click here to book your rental car in Antalya.

If you aren’t driving in Antalya, you can always use its public transport or taxis to go around the city. 

Antalya has excellent public transport , and you can take a bus, tram, or a dolmus (minibus) to reach your desired destination. Public transport is also the most convenient way to get around Antalya during peak season, as you don’t have to worry about parking.

Like any bigger city, Antalya also offers bike rental, and you can rent a bike for as low as $0.5 for a few hours. We found one bike rental spot at the Konyaalti beach, and we’re sure there’s plenty around the major spots of the city.

How many days in Antalya?

One or two full days in Antalya is enough to see the city’s main highlights. However, if you plan to base yourself in Antalya and explore some fantastic towns and nature spots, count on spending at least four or five days here. Everything more than that is perfect if you also want to relax a bit.

Costs of traveling in Antalya

On average, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $500-$700 USD for a week in Antalya. This includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.

Check our table to get an idea of prices for traveling in Antalya.

Save money on conversion fees and ATM transactions. Get a Wise card!

Best time to visit Antalya

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and cool and mild winters. 

Therefore, the ideal time to visit Antalya is in spring, from mid-March to June , and in fall, from mid-September to mid-November , when the temperatures are pleasant, and the area isn’t too busy, like in the peak summer season.

June to September are the hottest months in Antalya, Turkey, and temperatures average from 21 Celsius (the lowest) to 35 Celsius (the highest). It’s the peak season in Antalya, which means the area gets crowded and the prices higher.

Colder weather in Antalya starts in November and lasts till the end of March. January is the coldest month in Antalya.

We swam at the Konyaalti beach at the end of October, and we’ve heard of many people enjoying the beaches even further into the end of the year, up until January. So, it’s definitely worth visiting Antalya, even in the off-season.

Is it worth visiting? – Personal thoughts

Antalya is absolutely worth visiting! Beautiful beaches, turquoise water, nature, historical attractions, many fun activities, nightlife, shopping, and closeness to other beautiful coastal cities are just some reasons you should visit Antalya. There’s something for everyone.

Unfortunately, we visited Antalya towards the end of our Turkey road trip , so we were already exhausted. Therefore, we didn’t manage to see everything we wanted from Antalya, but we visited all the highlights. And if you’re unlucky like us and only have one good day in Antalya, you can still see a lot in 24 hours.

However, we want to return to see more of Antalya’s surroundings, especially spots around Alanya and Alanya itself. It looks amazing.

Is Antalya safe?

Antalya is a very safe place and one of the top tourist destinations in Turkey . Many solo travelers, including female solo travelers and families, visit Antalya, so there’s nothing to worry about. Just follow standard safety procedures as you do anywhere else, and you’ll be fine.

Thank you for reading our Antalya Turkey Travel Guide. We hope we helped you plan your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Continue reading

• Kaputas Beach
• Kekova Boat Trip
• Simena Castle
• Paragliding in Oludeniz
• Ephesus Ancient City
• Kayakoy Abandoned Village
• Babadag Cable Car

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you book something through them, we may earn a small commission. But at no extra cost to you! This helps us to keep posting great informational content and keep everything fresh and up-to-date. Thank you for your support! ♥

Full-time travelers, photographers, bloggers and travel journalists.

Read more about us.

We're Arijana and Matej, a couple and travel blogging duo from Croatia and Slovenia who thrive while slow-traveling. And we have been doing it for over 4 years.

During and after our travels, we love publishing in-depth, researched and above-all, useful travel guides, full of personal first-hand information on the places we personally visited.

Our mission with this blog is to help future travelers have an even better vacation or adventure in the spots we write about. > You can read more about our mission and how we go about writing these guides in our Writing Ethics page.

If you found our articles useful, and would like to support our work, you can tip us a coffee. ☕

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Antalya travel guide

Antalya tourism | antalya guide, you're going to love antalya.

With a population of 758.188, Antalya is the largest city in Antalya Province, Türkiye by the number of inhabitants. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Antalya has to offer.

Activities & attractions in Antalya

When to visit Antalya

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Antalya in July, when the average temperature is 80.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 91.4 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 41 °F, with an average temperature of 50 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in December, when precipitation is around 9.8″. In contrast, July is usually the driest month of the year in Antalya, with an average rainfall of 0″.

How to Get to Antalya

When flying to Antalya, you’ll arrive at Antalya Airport (AYT), which is located 8 km from the city center. The shortest flight to Antalya from the United States departs from New York and takes around 12h 55m.

Another option to get to Antalya is to pick up a car rental from Bodrum, which is about 292 km from Antalya. You’ll find branches of Budget and Garenta, among others, in Bodrum.

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Antalya, including FlixBus, Pamukkale Turizm and Kamil Koç. From Dalaman, the bus ride to Antalya takes 410 km and will cost you around $12. From Izmir, the ticket costs about $42 for a journey of 668 km. The most popular bus station is Antalya Büyükşehir Otobüs Terminali, located 5 km from downtown Antalya. Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi is also a commonly used station, and is 0.5 km from the city center.

Airports near Antalya

Airlines serving antalya, where to stay in antalya.

From 5-star hotels such as the Oz Hotels Antalya Resort & Spa Adult +16 to great affordable options like the The Ninova , Antalya offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $67 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $292 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Hotel Twenty and Benna Hotel . There are also lots of vacation rental options in Antalya, with prices from $9 to $675 per night. Konyaalti is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Antalya are about 35% cheaper than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Antalya

Most booked hotels in antalya, renting a car in antalya.

Renting a car in Antalya costs $36 per day, on average, or $143 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 3% cheaper than airport locations in Antalya.

Expect to pay $4.88 per gallon in Antalya (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $58.60 and $78.13. The most frequently booked car type in Antalya is Economy (Kia Rio or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Renault Symbol or similar) are, on average, 85% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Antalya

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

ANTALYA TRAVEL GUIDE & THINGS TO DO

The Antalya Region is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. Famous for its beautiful beaches , historical sites, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine and great hospitality , Antalya is a perfect place to explore for any traveller.

This comprehensive travel guide will provide everything you need to know about planning your trip to Antalya, including the best attractions , places to visit and things to do and also provides a detailed map , photos and an itinerary .

INTRODUCTION TO ANTALYA

Why visit antalya?

Antalya is known for its great beaches along the Mediterranean coast with its crystal-clear waters, lush green mountains and historical sites.

Antalya enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. This makes it an attractive year-round destination for those seeking sun and pleasant weather.

Antya region offers a wide range of beach resorts with excellent amenities. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly all-inclusive resort or a romantic hotel getaway, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Antalya is also a great place to enjoy diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, paragliding and water sports.

The region is also home to numerous ancient ruins , including the well-preserved ancient city of Perge , Aspendos with its Roman theatre, Phaselis, Olympos, Termessos, Xanthos and Patara.

The Antalya region has many interesting towns and places to visit like the capital Antalya with its attractive old town and harbour, the ancient city of Side , Alanya with its great castle, Kalkan and the more relaxed town of Kas .

BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTALYA

The best time to visit Antalya depends on your preferences and what you want to experience.

• Spring: Spring is a fantastic time to visit Antalya. The weather is pleasantly warm, and nature is at its most beautiful with blooming flowers and lush landscapes. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and avoiding the summer crowds.
• Summer: Summer is the high tourist season with hot and dry weather. It’s the best time for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this period. It can be unbearable hot for outdoor activities and visiting ancient ruins.
• Autumn: Early autumn is still warm, and the sea is comfortable for swimming. It’s a great time to visit if you want to enjoy the pleasant weather while avoiding the peak summer season. Late autumn brings cooler temperatures, but it’s still suitable for exploring the region.
• Winter: Antalya has a mild winter, with daytime temperatures that can be quite comfortable, especially for travellers coming from colder climates. Just note that some beach resorts may close during this season and the sea is too cold for swimming.

For me, the best time to visit Antalya is during late spring or early autumn . May, June, September and October are probably the best months for sightseeing and day trips as you can enjoy the sights with comfortable temperatures, but without the large crowds. Also, it is warm enough to enjoy the beach and swim in the sea.

HOW LONG TO STAY IN ANTALYA

One week will be enough to enjoy the beach and cover most of the major sights in the Antalya region, but you would need to stay longer if you want to explore everything that the Antalya region has to offer.

Two weeks will be sufficient to cover the western Mediterranean coast from Alanya to Fethiye at a relaxed pace.

One option is to arrive at Antalya airport and depart from Dalaman airport to avoid returning back to Antalya, although renting a car from one airport and returning to a different airport can be quite expensive. You can see my 7-day itinerary suggestion below.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE ANTALYA REGION

Antalya offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit various preferences and budgets. Here are some popular areas to consider when choosing where to stay in the Antalya region:

• Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town): Staying in the historic heart of Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi, provides a charming and atmospheric experience. You’ll be close to historic sites, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
• Lara Beach: Lara is known for its luxurious all-inclusive resorts right on the beach. This area is great for beach lovers and those seeking high-end accommodations, but It’s a bit further away from the city centre.
• Konyaaltı Beach: Konyaaltı Beach offers a mix of beachfront hotels, budget-friendly options, and a local atmosphere. It’s close to the city centre that can be accessed by tram.
• Belek: If you’re a golf enthusiast, Belek is a popular area known for its golf resorts and high-quality accommodations. It’s further away from Antalya city and you will need your own transport or taxis to get around.
• Side: If you’re interested in historical sites, staying in Side provides easy access to the ancient city’s ruins and it is also close to two beautiful beaches.
• Alanya: Alanya is another coastal city known for its great castle and vibrant nightlife. Most hotels are located close to Kleopatra Beach.
• Kemer: Kemer offers a mix of beach resorts, nature activities in the Taurus Mountains, and a lively nightlife scene.
• Cirali and Olympos: These areas offer a more laid-back and natural experience, with accommodations ranging from boutique hotels to treehouses. They are close to the Olympos Ruins and the Chimaera flames.
• Kaş and Kalkan: These more relaxed towns are located to the southwest of Antalya and close to some great sights like Patara, Xanthos and Kekova.

Best hotels in Antalya

• Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort : A top-notch, all-inclusive resort with golf courses, fine dining, and excellent amenities.
• Rixos Premium Belek : A popular beachfront resort offering a variety of activities and entertainment options.
• Titanic Mardan Palace : A luxurious and grand hotel with impressive facilities, lavish interiors, close to Lara Beach.
• Rixos Downtown Antalya : A luxury hotel with modern amenities, multiple dining options, and a spa close to Antalya Archaeological Museum and Konyaalti Beach.
• The Marmara Antalya : Known for its unique revolving rooms and beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
• Tuvana Hotel : Located in the heart of Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleiçi), Tuvana Hotel offers charming rooms in a historic building
• Dogan Hotel
• Celentano Hotel
• Diamond Luxury Hotel
• Akra Hotel : A modern and stylish hotel offering great views of the sea and the city.
• Delphin Imperial Hotel Lara : A family-friendly resort with water parks and entertainment options.
• Megasaray Westbeach Antalya
• DoubleTree by Hilton Antalya City Centre
• Aqua Princess Hotel : Great hotel within walking distance of Kas town centre with its own pool and private beach, excellent breakfast and private parking.
• Hotel Gardenia :
• Hotel Villa Turka : Located in Alanya
• Crystal Sunrise Queen Luxury Resort & Spa: A family-friendly resort with a beachfront setting, aqua park, and multiple activities, close to Side .
• Doria Hotel & Yacht Club
• Olea Nova Boutique Hotel
• Susesi Luxury Resort
• Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa
• Crowne Plaza Antalya
• Porto Bello Hotel Resort & Spa
• Konyaalti Hotel
• Olympos Lodge Otel
• Titanic Deluxe Lara
• Elysee Beach Hotel
• Sun Beach Hotel
• Royal Alhambra Palace
• Hotel Side Star Beach
• Barut Kemer
• Crystal De Luxe Resort & Spa

Click here to check and compare prices on accommodation for the whole Antalya Region.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Entry requirements/visa.

Most foreign visitors are not required to obtain a visa to enter Turkey for tourism for up to 90 days.

However, tourists from some countries need a visa to enter Turkey. Most citizens can  get an electronic visa (e-Visa).

Tourists who meet the e-Visa requirements are granted either a  single or multiple entry visa , depending on their nationality. The maximum length of stay with the e-Visa varies from 30 to 90 days.

For full details regarding visa requirements check this website .

Antalya is generally a safe place and you shouldn’t encounter any issues during your stay. However, it’s worth being vigilant for pickpockets in crowded places and scams in tourist places. Generally, the crime rate in Antalya is very low.

Travel Insurance

Getting travel insurance before you travel is always recommended. You never know what might happen; better to be fully covered in case of an accident, medical emergency, flight delays or trip cancellations.

SafetyWing is an excellent choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

Antalya enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

• Summer (June to August): Summers in Antalya are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C and reaching their peak in July and August.
• Autumn (September to November): Autumn brings pleasant, warm weather to Antalya with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C. November is a bit colder.
• Winter (December to February): Winters in Antalya are mild and relatively wet. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 16°C, and there is more rainfall during these months. Snowfall is rare on the coast but can be seen in the Taurus Mountains.
• Spring (March to May): Temperatures gradually warm up with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 23°C.

More information regarding the weather and average temperatures can be found here .

Travel Gear

Here’s a list of travel gear and essentials to consider for your trip to Antalya:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for the warm climate.
• Swimsuits, cover-ups, and beachwear
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historical sites and walking in the city.
• Sun protection gear, including sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Universal power adapter (if your devices have different plug types).
• Portable power bank.
• A small backpack for day trips and carrying essentials while exploring.
• Basic first aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes and painkillers.
• Insect repellent, especially if you plan to spend time in nature.

For information on travel gear and what to pack click here .

Turkish is the official language. The Turkish alphabet is based on Latin letters.  Most people in the tourist areas speak some English.

Basic words:

• Hello – Merhaba
• Goodbye – Görüşürüz
• Yes = Evet
• Thank you = Teşekkürler or teşekkür ederim
• You’re welcome = Rica Ederim
• Please = Lütfen
• Excuse me = Pardon
• Good morning = Günaydın
• Good night = İyi Geceler
• Good day = İyi günler
• Cheers = şerefe

The currency is the turkish lira (TL). The currency code for the turkish lira is TRY and the currency symbol is ₺.

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth having some cash with you as some places won’t accept cards.

The best way to get local currency is through an ATM that can be found in most areas. Unfortunately, most banks take a commission, so it’s worth finding an international bank, e.g. HSBC that doesn’t charge.

Turkey is quite affordable; however the prices can get much higher in tourist resorts since many restaurants and tours cater only for foreign tourists. You need to go outside of the main tourist areas to get a better deal on food and shopping. Also, the prices on most tourist sites are more expensive to tourists than locals, who get a special price.

Tipping is customary in Turkey. In restaurants, it’s common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the bill. You can also tip porters, drivers, and other service providers accordingly.

Electricity

The power plugs and sockets in Turkey are of type C & F (with two round pins). The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz.

Internet/Mobile Phone

The best option is to buy a local SIM card, in order to avoid high roaming costs. However, it is not cheap as there is a standard minimum price for tourists, which is more or less the same on all mobile providers, around 30 euros.

The 3 major mobile providers are Turkcell, Vodafone & Turk Telecom (Avea). Turkcell is the largest mobile network operator in Turkey and offers extensive coverage throughout the country.

You can buy a prepaid SIM card in one of the local mobile stores in the city or even at the airport (although better avoided as it is always more expensive). It is straightforward, but you will need to carry your passport as proof of ID.

Another option is to buy an eSIM card instead before you travel. Airalo is a great option that offers eSIM-based data services at reasonable prices without the hassle of inserting a real SIM card; however be aware that it is only compatible with the latest mobile phones.

Local Customs

When visiting mosques, remove your shoes before entering and dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

It’s polite to ask for permission before taking photos.

HOW TO GET TO ANTALYA

Antalya Airport ( Antalya Havalimani ) is the second biggest airport in terms of passenger traffic in Turkey and serves both domestic and international destinations.

Domestically it is connected to Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir & Adana with Turkish Airlines, as well as Pegasus and SunExpress.

It is connected with low-cost airlines to most European countries during the summer months, but predominantly flights from the UK, Germany and Russia are the most frequent and to a lesser extent Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Netherlands and CIS states (ex USSR countries).

There are two terminals which are approximately 2.5 km away from each other and this distance takes approximately 5 minutes by car. You can use the public bus or taxi service that serves both terminals.

In the wider region, there is also Dalaman Airport ( Dalaman Havalimani ), which is located near the town of Dalaman and 40km from Fethiye. It serves domestic and international low-cost flights mainly the UK, Russia and Istanbul.

Getting from/to the airport

Antalya airport is located about 10km to the east of the city of Antalya and it can be reached by car or taxi in about 20-30min depending on traffic.

There are taxis available outside the Arrivals Terminal. The taxi fare from Antalya Airport to the city centre is charged according to a meter. The cost is around  250 – 300 TL , depending on the distance travelled and the time of day. Ensure the taxi is official and uses a meter or agrees on a fare before starting the journey.

Transport is also provided from Antalya Airport to Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal or the city centre by public buses. You can find out the bus departure times from the “Antalyakart” mobile application.

Municipal bus line 600 runs regularly between the airport and downtown Antalya. Buses depart from International Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at 30-minute intervals. The travel time to Antalya is approximately one hour.

AntRay provides a tram service in the Airport – Meydan – Fatih direction, carrying passengers to Antalya Airport, city centre, Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal and Fatih.

If you come to Antalya with a tour operator, you will be most likely transported to your final destination by a shuttle bus. The tour operator’s welcome desks are located right outside the terminal.

Alternatively, you can rent a car in one of the rental offices at the airport. The airport is the best place to book if you haven’t done it before you arrive.

Antalya is well connected with a good road network , and buses to the rest of Turkey. Bus and train travel in Turkey is very affordable and a good option if you want to explore nearby towns but can be time-consuming.

YHT high-speed trains now link Istanbul and Ankara with Konya. Connecting buses run between Konya to Antalya & Alanya in connection with the YHT trains, a much better way to travel than taking the bus all the way from Istanbul or Ankara.

Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel .

HOW TO GET AROUND

I would recommend  hiring a car  if you would like to  explore  the Antalya Region at your own pace as you can make the most of your time and enjoy this beautiful part of the country without having to rely on public transport timetables and expensive taxis.

The best place to rent a car is at Antalya or Dalaman airport if you haven’t done it before you arrive. Car rental is quite inexpensive but it is always better to book in advance before your travel for the best deals. Also in high season, there might be low availability and the prices can be much higher if you leave it until you arrive. Check the link below to book and compare car rental prices.

It is also worth buying excess car insurance in advance. It is much cheaper than buying at the car rental company desk when you pick up the car. Then at least you won’t need to worry about money or hassle if the car gets damaged.

Driving in Antalya

Driving can be a bit intimidating in the main cities like Antalya or Alanya but outside the big cities driving is fine and the roads are in good condition. There is a good dual carriageway for most parts along the Antalya Coast, although there are lots of traffic lights at junctions.

Be aware of the speed limits as there are speed cameras. The speed limit is 90km/h in the dual carriageway, 120km/h for motorways and 50km/h in built-up areas. Often the speed will go down to 50km/h for a small intersection on a major highway. Police roadblocks are quite common as well as the cardboard cutouts of police cars with a warning light by the side of the highway.

It’s worth downloading the offline Google maps for the part of your journey to save any bought data. However, sometimes Google maps can direct you to smaller roads that can be in poor condition as a faster route. It is recommended to stick to the main roads and follow the road signs instead.

Parking is not a problem in most of the ancient sites but in towns and some beaches, parking can be an issue at peak summer months as it can get very busy.

There is on-street parking in most cities but it can be difficult to find so might be worth using a parking garage in cities like Antalya or Alanya where you can park your car for a fee. It is recommended to book hotels with parking in these cities, as well as Side and Kas.

Taxis are relatively inexpensive in Turkey and the price is calculated using a taximeter based on time and distance. Taxis are yellow with a Taksi sign at the top of the car. It is easy to find a taxi from the street or ask your hotel to book you one or go to a taxi stand. It is always best to carry cash on you when taking a taxi as most taxis do not accept card payments. Make sure the taxi has a meter, or agree on the fare before starting your journey. Taxis are a convenient option for short trips or when you need to go to a specific location.

You can also use Uber in Antalya city.

There is no railway connecting the Antalya coast of Turkey.

By Bus & Tram

Tram: There is a tram system in the city of Antalya, the light rail line AntRay, with two main lines, one that connects the north of the city to the centre and the most recent one that connects the Airport, Aksu and Expo 2016 with Fatih to the west.

There is also the nostalgic tram line that runs from Antalya Museum, close to Konyaalti beach through the old town and up to Lara beach. You can get information about the tram including a map here .

Buses: Antalya has an extensive network of city buses operated by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. Buses connect various neighbourhoods and can take you to different parts of the city. You can check the routes and schedules at bus stops or online. The  AntalyaKart  is a card ticket that is valid on all public buses and trams in Antalya and the AlanyaKart is used for all public buses in Alanya. 

Dolmuş: Dolmuş are shared minivans that operate on specific routes and pick up passengers along the way. They are a flexible mode of transportation, but they may not have fixed schedules. They are an economical way to get around and are commonly used by locals.

Cycling is a good way of exploring the city and reaching neighbourhoods further away from the old town. Antalya is becoming more bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and rental services available in some areas. Cycling along the Konyaaltı Beach Promenade or Lara Beach is a perfect way of exploring the area. There is a bicycle rental service,  Antbis , with rental points located throughout the beach and city centre.

WHERE TO EAT IN ANTALYA

Antalya offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Turkish cuisine to international fare. Here are some popular areas and places to eat in Antalya Region:

• Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town): The historic old town of Antalya is filled with charming restaurants and cafes.
• Antalya’s Old harbour: Nice area by the sea with some good seafood restaurants.
• Konyaalti Beach: Lost of choice of restaurants,
• Alanya : There are two main options; the area near the harbour and the area close to Kleopatra beach.
• Kas town centre
• Side Old town

Best restaurants in Antalya

• Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant: Located in the Old Town (Kaleiçi), Seraser offers high-end Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting.
• 7 Mehmet: Chic restaurant with nice sea views close to Konyaalti Beach
• Old Town Restaurant : Good Turkish food on ‘Umbrella Street’ in Antalya Old town
• Castle Cafe & Restaurant : Nice setting with sunset views by the Hidirlik Tower in Antalya
• Arma Restaurant : Nice seafood restaurant by the sea in Antalya’s old harbour.
• Aynali : Another decent seafood restaurant at Antalya’s old harbour.
• BörekçiTevfik : This small spot in Antalya specialises in the traditional börek
• Toprakana Gözleme : Great little place in Antalya to try Gozleme
• Kale Panorama Restoran : A good restaurant near Alanya Castle with amazing views of the coast.
• Elite Restoran : Very popular restaurant by Kleopatra Beach in Alanya with great service plus a dance show.
• Mini Mutfak : Cheap and tasty Turkish homestyle cooking in Alanya city centre
• Magellan Coffee Bistro : A great cafe for breakfast and lunch by Kleopatra Beach in Alanya
• Ravza Restaurant: Good restaurant in Alanya offering authentic homestyle turkish food.
• Elia Restaurant & Lounge : A good seafood restaurant by the harbour in Side.
• Kamer Ocakbaşı Restaurant : Great views, excellent service and lovely food in Side
• Carpe Diem Restaurant & Lounge : A stylish restaurant with sea views in Side
• Saide Cafe & Restaurant : Decent turkish restaurant in Adrassan
• Ehlikeyf Meyhanesi Kaş : Attentive service and good place for fresh fish in Kas.
• Sempati Türk Mutfağı : One of the best restaurants in Kas to try typical turkish food.
• Butka: Cheap homemade turkish food in Kas. The butka dessert is delicious
• Öz Nazilli Restoran : Classic turkish dishes with cheaper prices than the rest of Kas city centre
• Tatlı Dükkanı : A good dessert shop in Kas

You can check the location of these restaurants on this map .

Local Cuisine

Antalya offers a rich and diverse culinary scene, with a variety of delicious dishes to try. Here are some of the must-try foods in Antalya:

• Kebabs: Kebab is probably the most famous Turkish dish that comes in various forms, such as Adana kebab (spicy minced meat kebab), shish kebab (marinated and skewered pieces of meat), döner kebab (thinly sliced, seasoned meat, typically lamb or beef, cooked on a vertical rotisserie and often served wrapped in a flatbread or pita-durum) or Iskender kebab (slices of doner kebab meat served on top of pieces of pita bread topped with a rich tomato sauce and yoghurt)
• Pide: Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients, such as minced meat, cheese, and vegetables.
• Simit : Simit is a popular Turkish street food and snack that’s sometimes referred to as “Turkish bagel” due to its shape and texture. It is a type of circular bread with a golden-brown, sesame seed-coated crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
• Manti: Turkish dumplings filled with spiced meat and usually topped with yoghurt and garlic sauce.
• Lahmacun: Often referred to as “Turkish pizza, lahmacun is a thin, round flatbread topped with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, often served with lemon and parsley.
• Kofte: Spiced meatballs, often made from ground lamb or beef, usually grilled but sometimes boiled and served in a variety of ways.
• Menemen: A Turkish breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, green peppers, and spices.
• Gözleme: Thin, savoury pancakes stuffed with ingredients like spinach, cheese, or minced meat, then cooked on a griddle.
• Dolma : Stuffed grape leaves with a mixture of rice or bulgur, ground meat, herbs, and spices rolled into small parcels
• Kokoreç: Chopped meat pieces usually served in a sandwich mixed with onions. Meat is made of lamb intestines and spit-roasted.
• Börek: Borek is a filled pastry made of thin dough and baked in the oven. Filling is usually minced meat, cheese or spinach
• Güveç: A traditional casserole dish, made of chicken, meat, veg or shrimps, slow-cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions and spices in special clay pots.
• Meze: A selection of small dishes served as appetizers, including items like hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and more.
• Imam Bayıldı : A famous vegetarian dish of stuffed aubergines with tomato and onion mixture cooked in the oven.
• Balık Ekmek: This is a simple and tasty street food consisting of a grilled fish fillet served in a bread roll with vegetables.
• Fresh Seafood: Antalya’s coastal location means there’s an abundance of fresh seafood, like grilled fish, calamari, octopus and other seafood dishes.
• Baklava: The most famous Turkish dessert. A sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
• Revani: A semolina cake soaked in a simple syrup, flavoured with lemon or orange zest, and sometimes garnished with coconut or ground pistachios.
• Tavuk Göğsü: A unique dessert made from chicken breast, milk, sugar, and rice flour, creating a creamy and sweet pudding.
• Kadayif: A dessert made from fine strands of pastry (kadayif phyllo) soaked in syrup and often layered with nuts or clotted cream.
• Kunefe: A dessert made with kadaif phyllo layered with sweet, melted cheese, then baked and soaked in sugar syrup. It’s often topped with crushed pistachios.
• Turkish Delight (Lokum): Soft, chewy confections made from starch and sugar, often flavoured with ingredients like rosewater, pistachios, or pomegranate. Rolled Turkish delights are also popular.
• Aşure: Also known as “Noah’s Pudding,” it’s a sweet dessert made with a mix of grains, dried fruits, nuts, and sugar.
• Dondurma : Traditional Turkish ice cream, known for its chewy and elastic texture. It is made with mastic (resin from the mastic tree) and salep (flour made from the root of a wild orchid).
• Sutlac: Creamy rice pudding flavoured with a hint of cinnamon and often served with a caramelized sugar topping.
• Kazandibi: Similar to Sutlac but with a caramelized bottom layer that gives it a unique taste and texture.
• Turkish Tea (Çay): Turkish tea is a national drink and is often served in small glasses. It’s a popular choice for any meal and any time of day.
• Turkish Coffee (Türk Kahvesi): Traditional Turkish coffee, made from finely ground coffee boiled with water over a low flame and served in a small cup. It is strong and aromatic, often served with a glass of water.
• Ayran: Ayran is a refreshing and traditional Turkish yoghurt drink, made by mixing yoghurt, water, and a pinch of salt.
• Rakı: A traditional strong alcoholic drink, rakı is an anise-flavoured spirit that is often enjoyed with meze (appetizers) during social gatherings.
• Meyve Suyu: Freshly squeezed fruit juices, such as orange, pomegranate, and watermelon, are widely available in Antalya and are delicious and refreshing.
• Local Wines: Antalya is known for its wine production, and you can find a variety of local wines from the region’s vineyards.
• Local Beers: Enjoy Turkish and local beers, like Efes or Bomonti, which are widely available in restaurants and bars.

THINGS TO DO IN ANTALYA

BEST attractions and places to visit

Antalya offers a diverse range of attractions, from historical sites to natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Antalya:

• Kaleiçi (Old Town): Explore the historic heart of Antalya with its charming streets, ancient architecture, and historical sites like Hadrian’s Gate and the Hıdırlık Tower.
• Side: Visit the ancient city of Side, known for its well-preserved theatre and temple of Apollo, as well as beautiful beaches.
• Antalya Archaeological Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts from ancient Anatolia, including Roman sculptures and sarcophagi, most of them from the ancient city of Perge.
• Perge: Explore the well-preserved ancient city of Perge, known for its Roman ruins, including a stadium, baths, and an impressive theatre.
• Aspendos: Visit the ancient city of Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, as well as a well-preserved aqueduct.
• Alanya Castle: Explore the historic Alanya Castle with its impressive walls and towers, offering panoramic views of the coast
• Termessos: Hike to the mountaintop ancient city of Termessos, known for its stunning ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Phaselis: Discover the historical ruins of Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city by the sea with well-preserved streets, an amphitheatre, and aqueducts.
• Olympos: Explore the ancient city of Olympos, known for its ruins and the opportunity to see the Chimera flames on Mount Olympos.
• Düden Waterfalls: Enjoy the beautiful Düden Waterfalls, easily accessible from Antalya or on a boat tour.
• Kursunlu Waterfall: This tranquil waterfall is set in a nature park with walking paths.
• Beaches: Relax at one of the beautiful beaches of Antalya, including Konyaaltı Beach, Lara Beach, or the sandy shores of Kleopatra Beach in Alanya.
• Taurus Mountains: Explore the natural beauty of the Taurus Mountains with activities like hiking, mountain biking, and jeep safaris.
• Saklıkent Gorge: Saklıkent Gorge offers the opportunity to hike through a deep canyon.
• Kekova: Take a boat trip to Kekova Island to see the sunken city ruins and the picturesque village of Kaleköy.

BEST TOWNS & VILLAGES

• Antalya : Antalya has a beautiful old town with well-preserved Ottoman architecture, narrow streets, and a nice old harbour.
• Side: This picturesque coastal town is known for its ancient ruins, including a well-preserved theatre, temples, and two beautiful beaches.
• Alanya: A vibrant town with a historic castle, a lively harbour, and a long sandy beach. It’s a popular destination for tourists.
• Kas: A charming seaside town with a laid-back atmosphere, colourful streets, and access to diving and boat trips to nearby islands.
• Kalkan: A beautiful coastal village famous for its upscale restaurants, boutique shops, and nice sea views.
• Çıralı and Olympos: These two adjoining coastal villages offer a more tranquil experience and access to the Olympos Ruins and the Chimaera flames on Mount Olympos.
• Üçağız: A coastal village on the Lycian coast that provides boat tours to Kalekoy, the ancient city of Simena, and Kekova island
• Belek: A coastal town known for its golf resorts and high-end beachfront hotels.

BEST BEACHES

• Patara Beach : Patara Beach is a pristine, 18-kilometer-long stretch of sand. It’s a protected area due to the sea turtles and is known for its natural beauty.
• Kleopatra Beach : Located in Alanya, Kleopatra Beach is famous for its fine golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s named after the legendary queen Cleopatra.
• Side Beach : A beautiful sandy and shallow beach located at the north side of Side town.
• Cirali/Olympos Beach : Olympos Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and proximity to the ancient city of Olympos. Çıralı Beach is the continuation of Olympos Beach known for its natural beauty, and it’s also a nesting ground for sea turtles.
• Konyaalti Beach : Located very close to Antalya, this beach is known for its pebble shoreline and the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists and offers various facilities and activities.
• Kaputas Beach : Situated between Kas and Kalkan, Kaputaş Beach is known for its turquoise waters and the stunning gorge leading to the beach.
• Suluada Beaches : This island has some amazing white beaches. It can be reached by organised boat tours from Adrasan.
• Adrasan Sahil : A quiet and unspoiled beach with sand, located in a beautiful bay in Adrasan.
• Belek Beach
• Lara Beach : Known for its long stretch of golden sands, Lara Beach is home to many upscale all-inclusive resorts. It’s a beautiful and well-maintained beach with clear waters.
• Kemer Beach
• Camyuva Beach
• Tekirova Beach
• Phaselis Beach: Located in the ancient city of Phaselis, this beach is surrounded by historic ruins. It’s a unique destination for history and beach lovers.

ANTALYA TOURIST MAP

You can click on the map below for the location of the best sights and places to visit in the Antalya Region of Turkey including best beaches, hotels, restaurants and viewpoints.

ANTALYA ITINERARY

It is worth staying in the Antalya region for at least one week , but ideally, you will need two weeks or more if you want to explore the whole region at a relaxed pace.

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for exploring Antalya and its surrounding areas.

Day 1: Antalya City

• Explore the historic Kaleiçi (Old Town). Visit landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate & Hıdırlık Tower,
• Take the tram to visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
• Descend to Konyaalti Beach for a swim
• Visit the Duden Waterfalls by bus or car or you can take a boat tour from the harbour.
• Stroll along the Antalya old harbour and dine at a waterfront restaurant
• Overnight Antalya

Day 2: Perge, Aspendos & Side

• Visit the ancient city of Perge with its well-preserved ruins.
• Explore the ancient theatre in Aspendos, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres.
• Optional visit to Kursunlu Waterfall
• Head east along the coast to the ancient town of Side, known for its Roman ruins.
• Explore the town and visit the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theatre.
• Swim at Side beach and enjoy the sunset
• Overnight in Side.

Day 3: Side to Alanya

• Early visit to the Green Canyon for a cruise
• Go to Alanya for a walk along the harbour enjoying the views
• Explore Alanya Castle, a magnificent fortress offering panoramic views.
• Enjoy a swim at Cleopatra Beach.
• Overnight in Alanya.

Day 4: Alanya to Olympos

• First stop for a swim on Kemer beach
• Visit Phaselis, an ancient Lycian city with well-preserved ruins by the sea.
• Explore the Olympos archaeological site and finish with a swim at the beautiful beach.
• Travel to the relaxed resort of Adrasan.
• Overnight in Adrasan

Day 5: Adrasan to Kas

• Visit Myra Ancient City
• Drive to the coastal village of Üçağız
• Take one of the boat tours to Kekova Island or visit Simena Castle by car for magnificent views.
• Walk along the harbour of Kaleköy
• Drive to Kas and stop at the scenic viewpoint for a magnificent panorama of the bay, also great to see the sunset
• Overnight in Kas

Day 6: Kas & Around

• Explore Kas town
• Enjoy a swim at Kaputas beach
• Visit Kalkan town
• Explore Patara Ancient city and relax at the amazing beach
• Overnight Kas

Day 7: Back to Antalya

• Visit the Ancient city of Xanthos
• Explore Saklikent Gorge
• Drive back to Antalya

PHOTOGRAPHY

You can check the best photographs here .

Here is a list of the best viewpoint locations in the Antalya Region, where you enjoy great views .

• Alanya Castle Panorama Observation Deck
• Simena Castle
• Kas Panorama
• Konyaalti Beach Panoramic View
• Alanya Castle
• Kaleici Panoramic Elevator
• Kaputas Viewpoint
• Kecili Park viewing platform
• Ancient Patara (Kursulu Hill)
• Aspendos Theatre Viewpoint
• Kastellorizo Old Fortress
• Kas Town Viewpoint
• Karaaalioğlu Parkı Batı Seyir Terası
• Liman Viewpoint
• Port Viewpoint
• Path to St George
• Kalkan Viewpoint
• Simena Viewpoint
• Ucagiz Viewpoint

You can check these viewpoints’ locations and the best photo spots on this map .

ANTALYA ACTIVITIES

• Hike in the Taurus Mountains: Discover the natural beauty of the Taurus Mountains with hiking and trekking adventures. The Lycian Way is a famous long-distance trail in the region. One recommended hike is up to the ruins of the ancient city of Termessos.
• Water Sports: Try scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, parasailing, and other water sports along the coastline.
• Boat Tours: Take boat tours to explore hidden coves, caves, and islands. Many tours offer swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation opportunities. Most of the cities along the coast offer boat tours (Antalya, Side and Alanya). A great option is to take a boat trip to Suluada island.
• Paragliding: Experience the thrill of paragliding from the mountains to the coast, offering breathtaking aerial views of Antalya.
• Cycling and Mountain Biking: Enjoy cycling adventures in the mountains or explore the city’s cycling paths and scenic routes.
• White-Water Rafting: Take a white-water rafting excursion on the Köprülü River for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
• Go on a jeep safari:  Explore the Taurus Mountains and discover hidden villages, waterfalls, and historical sites on a fun and adventurous jeep safari .
• Golf: If you’re a golfer, Antalya has several golf courses and resorts, like Belek, where you can enjoy a round of golf.
• Traditional Turkish Baths: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath and spa experience, including massages and steam baths.
• Shopping: Explore local markets and bazaars to shop for souvenirs, textiles, spices, and more.

ANTALYA TOURS

Ancient cities tour.

Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall excursion is an 8hr full-day tour of the ancient city of Perge (2h), the Aspendos ancient theatre (1h), Side Ancient City and the Manavgat Waterfalls (30min). Price: €64.

Antalya City Tour

Antalya Full Day City Tour is a 7-8h tour that includes a walking tour of the streets of Antalya’s old town with a local guide, a visit to the Teleferik (extra fee) and Lower Duden waterfalls (by coach) and an 1h boat tour from the old harbour. Price: €29.

There are also free walking tours with GuruWalk . These tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guide at the end of the tour the amount that he considers appropriate.

Suluada Island Tour

Suluada Boat Tour is a full-day (10-11h) excursion to the small island of Suluada with its amazing water. It includes a 2h coach transfer to Adrassan, a 1h boat ride to the island and 4h free time to enjoy the beaches of the island with its turquoise waters and white sands. The tour includes lunch on the boat and visits to some other coves by the coast. The boat trips are very popular and it can get very crowded on the island. Price: €29.

Pamukkale Hierapolis Visit

Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool Tour is a 12h tour that includes:

• Hierapolis and Pamukkale visit with a small group and a guide
• Visit to the mineral hot springs at Cleopatra’s Pool
• The tour includes transfer, a buffet lunch and entry to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Price: €67.

The Land of Legends Theme Park  

The Land of Legends Theme Park is a large outdoor theme park that opened in 2016 consisting of a wide variety of water slides and roller coasters and a very nice shopping mall. It is good fun for all the family with some great shows, e.g. the dolphin show is amazing. There are several good dining options and cafes. Entry tickets are pricey so might be better to use this tour .

More information about excursions & tours in Antalya can be found here .

You can also search for activities hosted by locals on Airbnb experiences .

WHAT TO BUY

Antalya offers a variety of souvenirs and local products that you can buy. Here are some popular items to consider purchasing in Antalya:

• Nazar Boncuk (Evil Eye):  This amulet is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. You’ll find them in all shapes and sizes, from keychains to magnets to wall hangings.
• Tavla (Backgammon Board):  A popular game in Turkey, tavla boards are often beautifully hand-crafted with inlaid mother-of-pearl or wood
• Turkish Carpets and Rugs
• Spices and Turkish Delights
• Olive Oil and Olives
• Traditional Turkish Tea Sets including cups, and glasses in various designs.
• Handmade Soaps and Bath Products made from ingredients like olive oil, rose and herbs.
• Ceramics and Pottery in various designs and patterns.
• Copper and Brass Items , such as coffee pots, trays, and decorative pieces.
• Jewellery in intricate designs.
• Traditional Clothing and Textiles , like fez hats, scarves, and dresses. You can also find embroidered textiles and fabrics.
• Scented Oils and Perfumes in various fragrances and in beautiful bottles.
• Local Wines and Spirits , including raki and various fruit liquors.
• Turkish Coffee and Accessories , like coffee pots and cups.
• Local Handcrafts , like wooden boxes and mosaic lamps
• Kilim Bags and Accessories
• Nargile (Water Pipe)
• Pistachios:  Turkish pistachios are some of the best in the world. Buy them raw, salted, or roasted.

Two of the biggest malls and good places to shop in Antalya are TerraCity and the Agora Shopping Centre close to the airport.

Bargaining is common in many markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices when shopping in local bazaars.

VIRTUAL TOUR OF ANTALYA

Check the following video slideshow to get further inspiration to visit Antalya 🙂

FURTHER READING

Some websites for more information about Antalya :

• Antalya Tourist Information : A great independent travel portal about Antalya written by friends of the region and influencers,
• iAntalya: This is another good website with lots of information about the Antalya Region.
• GoTurkiye : The official tourist website of Turkey including information about Antalya.

Some good travel guides to buy before your visit Antalya :

• DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Turkey : A great guide about Turkey that includes information about Antalya and the Med Coast.
• The Rough Guide to Turkey : Another good guide for Turkey that includes information about Antalya Region.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

• Flights : I always use Skyscanner as my first choice as it’s so easy to use and you can search best deals by month. Google Flights is another very good search engine.
• Accommodation : I always use Booking.com as my first choice, as it offers a great choice of accommodation at affordable prices and it’s so easy to use. Airbnb   is a great alternative for homes and apartments to rent by real homeowners.  HotelsCombined  is one of the best search engines to check deals from different websites.
• Car Rental : I always check Skyscanner for the cheapest car rental options. Discover Cars  is also a good and easy-to-use website with great prices.
• Public Transport : Rome2Rio is a good website for checking prices & times on train and bus travel.
• Day Trips & Tours : Viator provides the most comprehensive list of day trips and you can book directly with them. GetYourGuide  is also a great website to search for tours & activities to do. Airbnb Experiences is also a good place to find activities hosted by locals.
• Travel Insurance : SafetyWing is a great choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads. Alternatively, you can use one of the price comparison websites for cheaper quotes.

Sharing is caring!

You may also like

Malaysia travel guide and things to do, helsinki travel guide and things to do, wroclaw travel guide and things to do, things to do in kefalonia, kefalonia travel guide, turin travel guide and things to do, madeira towns & villages, things to do in jersey, madeira beaches, jersey beaches and bays, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Get Free Turkey Travel Advice

Antalya Travel Guide: Vacation on the Mediterranean in Turkey

Our Antalya Travel Guide provides all the details you need from when to go, family-friendly activities, where to stay, and favorite local foods to try when you are there.

Antalya is the largest city along the Mediterranean coast with all kinds of fun activities for younger and older kids alike. There are many options for spending time in the water, hiking, or for adventure seekers, paragliding, or parasailing.

If this is just one of your stops in your Antalya trip itinerary while you are in Turkey, we recommend 2 – 4 days depending on how much time you have what you want to do while you’re here. After visiting Antalya, you can head down the coast to other beach towns like Kas or Alanya , or head to the Aegean region of Turkey.

Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps keep this blog running.

When to Go to the Antalya Coast

Summer: june to august.

The peak season for visiting the Antalya coast is from June to August when the weather is hot and humid. The water in the sea or rivers are perfect for taking a swim. You’ll find lots of tourists in the city and on the local beaches. To find less crowed areas, you’ll need to venture outside of the city for the day to Cirali, Kas or head out on a group or private boat trip.

Fall: September to November

When the peak tourist season is winding down, from September to early November, you’ll still have warm weather without the intense heat and humidity of the summer months. This is our favorite time of the year to be outside with our family. Spend the day hiking and exploring, visit a local café patio to people watch or visit the ancient ruins in the city.

Spring: March to May

As Spring arrives, locals are anxious to get outside from being indoors from the cold rainy winter months. The flowers are blooming, the weather is still cool but beginning to warm up as you get closer to the summer months.  While the weather may be warmer, the sea and the local rivers are still quite cold and not ideal for swimming. If hiking and outdoor adventures in the sunshine with less crowds is what you are looking for, this is a great time of the year to be here!

How to Get to Antalya from Istanbul

To travel to the Antalya coast from Istanbul or any other major city in Turkey, you can fly one of the smaller airlines such as Pegasus, SunExpress or Onur Air during the high season. There will be less flights available in the low season. Turkish Airlines flies to Antalya from the Istanbul Airport , but typically you will pay more to fly.

Getting Around Antalya

If you’re staying in or near Old Town| Kaleici or Konyaalti, you will want to plan on walking. There are so many options of things do within walking distance and you can always jump on the trolley or catch a taxi as needed.

There are 2 trams lines in the city that can be used with the pre-paid Antalya Kart. You can pick one up at any tram stop. You need a minimum of 15 Lira to get the card and can refill at any stop.  Antray connects the town center with the airport and bus station.

The nostalgic tram line runs in the town center along the coastline. Its fun ride for the kids to see a bit more of Antalya without having to walk through the entire city. You can use the tram to get to the Antalya Museum and Konyaalti Beach .

If you’re going somewhere further than walking distance in the city, you can take a taxi.  You can expect around 60 TL from the airport to the town center. Ask your driver to use the meter before you go anywhere.

Travel Tip: We don’t recommend driving in the city unless you have nerves of steel and an adventurous spirit. Road trips to smaller locations are doable. You can rent a car at the airport.  

Best Places to Stay in Antalya

Looking for the best places to stay in the Mediterranean city of Antalya with kids ?  There are many types of accommodation options as well as different areas of the city you can stay, and it can get overwhelming.  In this guide we tell you the best areas to stay depending on your type of travel, who you are traveling with and the length of your trip.

A bonus, we’ll share the best all-inclusive resorts , hotels, boutique hotels, pensions, and Airbnb’s for each area.

City Center

Staying in the city center is a great option if this is your first trip to Antalya. You’ll have quick access to get to the Old Town, visit local attractions or head to the beach for the day.

Within the city center, you’ll find Kaleici or Old Town is a buzz with shops, cafes, coffee shops , restaurants which makes a great option for enjoying the local night life. You’ll find boutique hotels, pensions and Airbnbs in this area that are great for couples and singles looking enjoy Antalya anytime day or night.

This is our one of our favorite areas for families that is still close to the city center. If you’re heading to the Antalya coast to enjoy the beach this is the area for you. Konyaalti Beach is just west of the City Center. You can find a hotel right across the street from the pebble beach or a view select 5-star options a stone’s throw away. You can head to Kaleici by taxi and be there between 5-10 minutes.

Lara is located east of Antalya’s Old Town approximately a 30 minute car ride from the city center. Lara boasts 5 start hotels and sandy Lara Beach. This is a great area for an all inclusive beach holiday scheduling excursions from your hotel.

Belek is another beach location a good 45-minute car ride from the city center, hosts high-class all-inclusive 5 star hotel complexes on its beach. This is a favorite for families wanting to enjoy an all inclusive vacation on the beach. You can even enjoy a few golf games too. You can hire a driver to take you in to the Antalya City Center for the day to enjoy shopping, local sites and activities and restaurants.

Luxury Hotels

Alp pasa boutique hotel.

Location: Old Town | Kaleici

Alp Pasa is a luxury boutique hotel located in the Old Town close to the harbor. It has high end amenities and has a nice pool to sit and relax at in between outings.

Mediterra Art Hotel

Mediterra Art Hotel is an Ottoman style house in historical Kaleici. You can easily access local shops and cafes in the Old Town. The hotel hosts art exhibitions, an indoor restaurant, a courtyard, and a pool.

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham

Location: Antalya | City Center

Ramada Plaza is located in the city center just outside of Kaleici. If you’re looking for a place that is has a little more privacy and quiet but still close to the buzz of Old Town, this is a great option for you.

Porto Bello Hotel & Spa

Location: Konyaalti Beach

If you’re looking for a terrific family friendly beach hotel, this is it! Porto Bello is located right across the street from Konyaalti beach and a short tram ride to the city center.

Rixos Downtown Antalya

Location: Close to Konyaalti Beach

A five-star experience overlooking the sea and the Taurus Mountains.  Easily enjoy a day at the beach or take a short 5-10 minute ride on the tram to check out the Old Town, shopping or arrange day tours from the hotel.  

Budget Hotels

Hotel la paloma.

Location: Kaleici

Hotel La Paloma is a cute little boutique hotel located in the heart of Kaleici. I’ve stayed here multiple times when visiting Antalya. It has simple amenities and the perfect location to enjoy the local cafes and shops and easily get to the tram for a trip to the Antalya Museum or Konyaalti beach.

Vintage Family Villa in Oldtown via Airbnb

I’ve stayed in this little gem in the old town. It is a private villa great for couples or a family. It has a private garden and will sleep up to 4 people. You can walk or easily access the tram to the beach, cafes, shops, restaurants and local sites.

Villa Tulipan

Located in historical Kaleici, you’ll be close to the harbor, shopping, tea gardens and café. Enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus mountains.

Pacco Sea & City Hotel Spa

Location: Konyaalti

This little beach hotel is located right across from Konyaalti beach, one of the longest stretches of beach in the region. With personal service and a family friendly atmosphere, you’ll enjoy your beach holiday stay.

What to Do in Antalya

Antalya is a great location for a beach vacation, water activities in the sea or in nearby canyons, hiking, or exploring ancient ruins in and near the city. Below is a list of our favorite family friendly things to do in Antalya:

• Antalya Museum

Visit the area’s largest museum with the most important artifacts found in the Antalya Province. The Antalya Museum is a great stop to learn the history of the area before heading out to explore.

Local Beaches

The most popular beach along the Antalya coast is Konyaalti Beach, the longest stretch of pebble beach in the region. Be sure to take sandals to walk on the pebbles with as they can hurt your feet a bit to walk on. This is a fun beach with lots of activities in and out of the water. In the evening, you can visit a local café for drinks, tea, and playing a few games of okey.

Lara Beach is all sand and  is popular among Turks and foreigners alike.  It’s farther away from the city center but is still a nice beach buzzing with activity in the summer months.

See the Best Beaches in Antalya for more details on our favorite beaches in the area including Patara Beach .

Take a stroll through the streets of Kaleici or Old Town Antalya, down to the harbor. Hadrian’s Gate is one of the entrances into Kaleici that you can’t miss. You’ll see Ottoman style houses, cafés, shops and terrific views the closer you get the water. Once you arrive at the harbor, you can start your boat trip from there.

This is a favorite activity for us! For hiking enthusiasts, hike up to the mountain top ancient city of Termessos . There are amazing views and some a spectacular theater to see. It’s fairly strenuous getting up to the top of the mountain, but there is a well marked trail to get there. Termessos has a fascinating history as being one of the only cities that Alexander the Great couldn’t conquer because of its city walls and mountain top location.

Perge & Aspendos

Take a morning or afternoon and explore the ancient city of Perge and the Roman amphitheater in Aspendos , one of the best preserved architectural sites in the area. Take your time exploring the ancient ruins, mostly dating back to the Roman period.

Rafting & Canyoning at Koprulu Canyon

Go to Koprulu Canyon National Park and raft and swim in the turquoise blue water of the Kopru River. This is a fun all day activity where you’ll enjoy the cool water, 2000 year old Roman Oluklu Bridge, and get your blood pumping in the rapids, rappelling, and natural water slides.

Gulet Boat Trip

Depending on how much time you have, you can take a boat trip sailing along the Antalya Coast for a few hours up to all day. Enjoy lunch, swimming, waterfalls and some magnificent views sailing on the Mediterranean.

Tunek Tepe Mountain

Take a ride in a cable car up to the top of Tunek Tepe Mountain for some breathtaking views of Antalya and the Mediterranean coast.

You can start planning your Antalya travel and find out what to pack in our guides. Our Mediterranean Travel Guide gives you more information on day trips from Antalya or having a more extended stay.

Best 4 day Antalya Trip Itinerary

• Old Town Kaleici & the Harbor
• Visit Historical Sites: Perge, Aspendos & Side
• Visit Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park
• Boat Trip: Demre & Sunken city of Kekova
• Trip to Cirali & Olympos Beach

Day 4 – Day Trips

• Water Day at Konyaalti Beach

Adventure Seekers:

• Hike to Termessos
• Rafting Koprulu Canyon
• Kas with Kids

If you’re up for a drive down the Turkish coast, don’t miss our route guides from Antalya to Ka s, Antalya to Cappadocia and Antalya to Alanya for all our tips for the best road trip. Finally, don’t forget to plan what you’re going to wear during your Antalya trip. Our packing guide will keep you in the loop of all the must-haves for your time on the Mediterranean.

Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, we earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps keep this blog running .

Dania Demirci is your go-to travel expert for exploring Turkey and co-founder of Adventurefolio.com. With her extensive knowledge and personal experiences spanning over 20 years, Dania helps fellow travelers create the ultimate Turkey itineraries. From hidden gems to must-visit spots, she shares practical tips so you can confidently explore Turkey.

10 Places you NEED to visit in Antalya – A complete guide

Known for its stunning beach resorts, Antalya is one of the preferred destinations in Europe for those who want a relaxing holiday by the sea. However, apart from its luxurious 5-stars hotels, Antalya has a lot more to offer.

From historical sites to stunning waterfalls and amusement parks, this region has something for everyone. I was amazed to discover this place’s diversity and in this post, I want to share my 10 favorite things to do in Antalya.

1. Top things to do in Antalya

Antalya is a big region that stretches way beyond the city of Antalya. Depending on where your hotel is located, you’ll have to arrange transport to some of these destinations.

I traveled to Antalya with Hello Holidays and they arranged the transport to each tourist attraction we visited. They also took care of accommodation, plane tickets and transfers.

1.1 Antalya Waterfall – Duden Waterfalls

Duden Waterfalls are comprised of 2 waterfalls – Upper Duden Waterfall and Lower Duden Waterfall. I only had the chance to admire the Lower Duden Falls. The water is falling off a big cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a stunning scenery.

Right near the waterfall, there is a beautiful park with cute alleys and benches called Duden Park. You can walk along the cliff edge for the best view of the waterfall and after that relax for a few minutes in the park while admiring the sea. When planning to visit Antalya, a trip to Duden Waterfalls is a must.

• Opening hours – 24/7
• Entrance fee – Free

1.2 St. Nicholas Church, Demre

Every year, we all wait for Saint Nicholas’ Day. It’s a day of joy, when we share presents with our loved ones, but did you know that Saint Nicholas was born and lived in Antalya, more specifically in the city of Demre?

One of the must-see tourist attractions in Antalya is the St. Nicholas Church, the place where he is believed to be buried. The church was built in 520 and is very well-preserved. You can still admire a few icons painted on the wall, but the main attraction is St. Nicholas’ tomb.

• Opening hours – 8.30 am to 5 pm
• Entrance fee – 70 Turkish lira

1.3 Myra Ancient City, Demre

Myra was originally an ancient Greek town with well-preserved sites such as the theatre of Myra and the rock-cut tombs. When I arrived here, I was impressed by how well the theatre was preserved. The seats were in perfect shape, making it easy for me to imagine the grandeur of the spectacles held here.

After admiring the theatre, we headed to the rock-cut tombs. Even though visitors are not permitted to enter the tombs, they’re still quite impressive. These tombs were discovered in 1840 by a foreign traveller and it is said that at that time, they were still painted in yellow, red and blue. Nowadays, these colors are not visible anymore, but the tombs are breathtaking.

• Opening hours – 8 am to 5 pm
• Entrance fee – 55 Turkish lira

1.4 Perga or Perge

It’s incredible to see the ruins of this ancient Greek city. The site is huge and I recommend planning at least 2 hours to explore it. You can visit the baths, the agora, the stadium, the Roman theatre and many other incredible sights here.

It would be best to visit this ancient city with a guide because there isn’t much information on site. One thing that really surprised me about this place is that this city is believed to have been inhabited by around 200,000 people.

• Opening hours – 9 am to 6.30 pm
• Entrance fee – 60 TL

1.5 The Land of Legends

I spent one week in Antalya and had the chance to spend 2 days at The Land of Legends , an incredible amusement park with both roller-coasters and water slides. I stayed at The Land Of Legends Hotel, located right near the theme park. It’s a great choice for families with children.

The theme park is huge and honestly, I recommend spending 2 days here to fully enjoy it. The star of the park is the Hyper Coaster Ride, a 62-meter high roller-coaster perfect for adrenaline junkies.

You can also enjoy many water slides of different difficulty levels, beautiful pools and also artificial waves.

• Opening hours – 10 am to 5 pm
• Entrance fee – 35 USD

1.6 Antalya Old Town – Kaleici

Antalya’s heart is in Kaleici, a beautiful district with cobblestone streets, countless shops and restaurants, beautiful viewpoints and an impressive harbour.

I loved the glass viewpoint, from where you can see the nearby mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. Another must-see place is Mermerli Beach. Although rather small, I recommend admiring this beach from the nearby pier.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, Antalya Kaleici is the place to go. From carpets to tea, spices and fridge magnets, you can find anything here.

1.7 Tahtali Mountain

One of the best things to do in Antalya region is to climb to the top of Tahtali Mountain, also known as the Lycian Olympus. The mountain has a height of 2375 m and it can be reached by the Olympos Aerial Tram, aka cablecar.

The views from the top are simply breathtaking. You can admire the Beydaglari Mountains, the sea and the coastline.

• Opening hours – click here
• Entrance fee – click here

1.8 Antalya Aquarium

What would you say about visiting the world’s biggest tunnel aquarium, with a length of 131 meters? At Antalya Aquarium you’ll learn many interesting things about the marine life and you’ll have the chance to admire thousands of sea creatures.

• Opening hours – 9.30 am to 6 pm (Saturday and Sunday closed)

1.9 Tunektepe Teleferik Tesisleri

If you’re looking for some of the best views in Antalya, go to Tunektepe Teleferik Tesisleri. This cablecar is easily accessible by public transport and is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

From the top, you can admire Antalya city and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Opening hours – 10 am to 8 pm (Monday closed)
• Entrance fee – 20 TL

1.10 Aspendos Theatre

Located 47 kilometres away from Antalya, Aspendos Theatre is an incredible archaeological site. It was built in the 2nd and 3rd centuries and nowadays the venue is used for concerts and festivals. This is one of the top tourist attractions in Antalya and it’s worth a visit.

• Opening hours – 8.30 am to 5.30 pm (Monday closed)

2. Where to stay in Antalya region

Antalya is well-known for its incredible beach resorts and 5-star hotels. If you’re looking for a luxurious hotel, newly opened, I recommend Ng Phaselis Bay . I loved their spacious and modern rooms and beautiful pools, as well as the stunning beaches.

If you’re traveling with children, I recommend The Land Of Legends. This hotel has many amenities dedicated to children and more importantly, it’s located right near the theme park.

Other options would be Rixos Premium Belek or Spice Hotel and Spa. Of course, there are a few thousand other hotels in Antalya, but I recommend these because I tried them during my stay.

3. Final thoughts

There are many other activities you can try in Antalya, such as a wide variety of water sports. Also, this region is full of tourist attractions suitable for any tourist. It was hard for me to pick only ten, but I hope that I inspired you to visit this beautiful region in Antalya.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below. May the travel bug bite you!

Pin it for later!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Suggested Laos Itinerary 4 Days. 4 days in Laos

Vientiane travel blog. The latest guide to Vientiane for all-kind of…

39+ most popular & best places to visit in Thailand

Sydney blog. The latest Sydney guide for all-kind of travelers

The complete Seoul subway guide: How to use, lines, fares for…

How much does it cost to travel to Korea? Tips on…

The ultimate guide to NETS FlashPay Card: What is it, how…

How much will it cost to go to Singapore? Tips on…

Must-eat in Bali. 25+ best street food in Bali

What to eat in Xinjiang? Enjoy 9 best Xinjiang street food

What and where to eat in Taipei? 20+ top restaurants &…

What, where to eat in Nha Trang? — 11+ best places…

11+ best homestays in Kuala Lumpur near famous tourist attractions

Mövenpick Resort Kuredhivaru Maldives reviews. The detailed review of my vacation…

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa reviews. The resort is highly…

+7 luxury resorts you must stay in Danang, Vietnam

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Antalya travel blog — the fullest antalya travel guide for first-timers.

Antalya is an autonomous and the 5th most populous city in Turkey. The city is located on the Mediterranean coast, south of Turkey and is a popular tourist destination, dubbed the “Tourism Capital of Turkey”, attracting around 30% of international visitors to the country. So, is Antalya worth visiting, what to do in Antalya and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Antalya for the first-time? Let’s check out our Antalya travel blog (Antalya blog) with the fullest Antalya travel guide (Antalya city guide, Antalya guide, Antalya tourist guide) from how to get to Antalya, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Antalya to find out the answer!

• What to do in Antalya? — 8 Must, top & best things to do in Antalya
• What to buy in Turkey? — Top 26+ must-buy & best things to buy in Turkey
• When is the best time to visit Turkey? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Turkey
• Top beaches in Turkey — 17+ most beautiful & best beaches in Turkey
• Izmir blog — The fullest Izmir travel guide for first-timers

Antalya is very important to the Turks and many other countries because it plays an important role in trade from Asia to the Mediterranean Sea, but the great thing is not in the meaning of the city but in Antalya itself. The trading port of a time now gives visitors a special feeling, lightness and relaxation.

The city of Antalya has a typical Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and warm winters, the number of tourists is increasing because they can come to relax at any time of the year. Besides, the ubiquitous presence of traditional Turkish baths, unique cuisine and distinctive flavors that cannot be found anywhere else.

Antalya travel blog: Overview of Antalya

Located on the southwestern coast of Anatolia (aka Asia Minor, is a large peninsula in Western Asia), bordering the Taurus Mountains, Antalya is Turkey’s largest city on the Mediterranean coast with over 1.3 million people in the metropolitan area. Located next to the beautiful bay, Antalya was found around the 1st century BC. As soon as he discovered this land, Attalus II Philadelphus said that this was indeed Heaven. Today, it is the 5th largest city and also the second largest tourist destination in Turkey from all over the world after Istanbul. Sunset in Antalya is a magical image that anyone wants to see.

I don’t know since when, indigenous people have flocked to Antalya, tourists from all over the world eagerly flocked to Antalya to visit, admire and gradually turn this city into a tourist capital with the ability to attracts up to 30% of visitors to Turkey, becoming the 5th most populous city in the Asian-European country with more than 1.3 million people living here (according to statistics from 2022).

Antalya was established around 150 – 135 BC, founded by King Attalus II of the Pergamon empire under the name Attaleia. After its establishment, the city has always been densely populated and under great influence and influence from the culture, history and economy of the Roman empire, the Roman Emperor – Hadrian once left his trace Antalya by the triumphal arch bearing his own name (Hadrian’s Gate), which was renovated and became the entrance to Kaleiçi old town. In addition to Rome, Antalya was also influenced by Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman empires, as well as modern day of Turkey.

Like many other coastal cities, with busy and bustling trade activities over thousands of centuries, Antalya culture not only contains traditional Turkish culture but also blends many other cultures to create a colorful, friendly Antalya, giving all visitors the feeling of being in their homeland with the culture, history, cuisine… very close and familiar.

Or there are colorful gift shops, lively streets and bars that attract tourists. Historical works bearing the imprint of Byzantine or Ottoman Empires, etc. are well-preserved. Festivals, streets with old houses or beautiful beaches… All of these are reasons why you should at least once in your life pamper yourself with this paradise.

Harmony between nature & history in Antalya: The most interesting thing about Antalya is that the city is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and is located on the Silk Road, and is an important seaport of Asia Minor, so Antalya has natural beauty and cultural interferences of cultures, special history.

When to come?

Today, Antalya is one of the most popular resort cities in Turkey and in Europe. In the summer, Antalya welcomes many tourists to relax, in the winter with a mild climate, this place becomes a place to welcome German, Russian or Nordic tourists to escape the cold. But there is no really peak season that makes the city crowded with tourists because Antalya is a new place on the international tourist map.

Most of the year, Antalya is covered with brilliant yellow sunshine and cool air due to the incessant sea breezes blowing from the Mediterranean to the mainland, so travel experts recommend visitors to come here around April to October every year to enjoy cool, pleasant sunny days.

Late winter, early spring (May onwards) is when Antalya’s weather is warm and sunny, the trees are green, the orchards are full of fruit, sometimes you can also see herds of cows, sheep and goats leisurely grazing on green grass. It’s a bustling modern city with luxurious shopping and entertainment centers next to historical heritages and thousands of years old architecture. That’s why, Antalya is always likened to the “tourist capital” of Turkey.

However, if you want to stay in Antalya for a long time or you hate frustrating hot days, remember to avoid to go this city in the summer, the summer weather of the tourist capital is extremely easy to make you upset and tired.

Antalya travel guide: How to get to Antalya?

You can getting to Antalya by some means of transport such as by air, by train, bus, self-driving car or even by boat.

International Antalya Airport is about 14 km from the city center, and you can traveling to the center by Havas airport shuttle bus numbers 600 or 800 but they are not really suitable for passengers with bulky luggage or taxi. You can take flights of Turkish domestic airline Onur Airlines to reach Antalya from all big cities of Turkey and also other international destinations. Some other airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Thomas Cook, The Sun Express, or Condor… also offer cheap flights from and to Europe (UK, Austria, Germany, Switzerland or Italy).

To find the best suitable routes as well as cheap tickets you can hit Google Flights , Skyscanner , or Kayak to find.

Anatlya is quite easy to reach by bus from everywhere across Turkey. The routes of E87, D400, D650 with the final destination is Antalya Bus Station.

From Istanbul bus stations Esenler Otogar, and Alibeyköy Otogar, you can easy take a bus to Antalya. The traveling time is around 11 or 13 hours. Some bus firms operating routes such as Pamukkale Turizm, Metro Turizm, and Isparta Petrol Turizm.

Due to a port city, you also can reach by boat with many ferry services to Antalya. However, almost all tourists come here via Rhodes island of Greece, dock in Marmaris and then continue take a bus to Antalya. To find a ferry as well as schedule you can refer here.

Antalya travel blog: Where to go, what to do in Antalya?

Antalya archeology museum.

Address: Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No:88, 07050 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 8:30AM–8PM

Possessing 13 artifact galleries and an outdoor exhibition area, the Antalya Archeology Museum is a great place to showing the city’s rich history. At the center of a vast peninsula, many ancient artifacts are collected around the vicinity and brought back to the Antalya museum, with more than 5,000 artifacts and works of art that reflect the local identity and perspective through the periods.

When visiting the museum, you will witness Antalya from the Stone Age to Rome, and see many influences of dynasties and cultures that have profoundly influenced this land. The entrance fee is 30 TL.

If you like to do some meaningful visits in the city, the Antalya museum is also an extremely interesting destination. There are more than 10 antique galleries here arranged according to separate themes to help visitors easily admire the antiques according to their liking such as the subject of statues, the theme of ceramics, the furniture in the house. family, work tools…

With a large list of antiquities and an extremely large hall, visitors can take half a day to visit all of them. The antiques are displayed solemnly, the lights are bright, and the description of the antiquities in English is easy to understand to help visitors observe and learn about the antiques more conveniently.

If you are a history buff and want to explore the cultures of Turkey, don’t forget to visit this massive museum in Antalya. It houses thousands of artifacts unearthed from the coast of this country. There are more than 5,000 works of art on display in periods, with English captions that are easy for tourists to learn.

Some rooms are full of pottery, animal galleries date back to the Stone Age, and countless artifacts cannot or have not been displayed. The large number makes visitors overwhelmed, in a spacious and airy space with more than 7,000 m2. But the most prominent of which is the statue of Perge, the exhibition area includes paintings assembled from Seleukeia.

Antalya travel blog: Hadrian’s Gate

Address: Barbaros, Hadrian Kale Kapısı, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey

Originating in the Roman Empire more than 2,000 years ago, this temple gate is one of the main and most important gates leading into the old town of Kaleici. It is divided into 3 aisles with arches, sturdy columns all built of marble, showcasing sophistication and elaborate sculpture, commemorating the visit of the emperor Hadrian to the city of Antalya.

Greek theatre of Termessos

Address: Bayatbademleri, 07800 Döşemealtı/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 8:30AM–5PM

A very famous stone work in Antalya that you will deeply regret if you do not visit before leaving the “Tourism Capital” is the Termessos theater. Although over the years, the theater has lost its splendor and magnificent like the day it was built, but the ruins are still present on the high mountain north of Antalya.

Located in the north of the city, it was formerly an ancient theater built for performing arts. The theater has a stage area, above are rows of seats made of stone, from the highest point can still be heard below. And zoom out to see the vast landscape of nature. In addition, there are temples of goddess Artemis, Emperor Hadrian, and surrounding ancient buildings.

The rows of terraced seats, doors, and stage of the theater were quietly lying there, despite the wind and rain, as if trying to preserve the memory of a glorious time, a time when the theater was still full of visitors. There were noble aristocrats, there were also common people, and there were also lowly slaves whose were looming around the theater.

Pamukkale “Cotton Castle”

A natural landscape that visitors will “Mouth A, Eye O” unable to close their mouth when seeing is Pamukkale cotton castle. It’s the same series of steps as at the Termessos theater, but it’s not the hard stones covered with the dust of time, but the white limestone steps and the blue stream flowing from one step to another. create a magnificent waterfall, beautiful like paradise.

It is one of the tourist attractions that attracts visitors to Antalya the most. The impressive beauty of the white layered limestone steps created, when the water on the stream flows down to form stunning small clear blue pools. From a distance, it looks like it is covered with snow, so it is also called a cotton castle. Visitors coming here not only check in with the unique lake but also soak in the fresh hot springs.

Every year, millions of tourists come here to admire the scenery, take a hot spring bath and, of course, have no shortage of luxurious “check-in” moments. Each spot in Pamukkale can make a unique highlight for your photo.

Roman Harbour

Address: Selçuk, Ayazma Sk. No:206, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey

Also known as the Old Harbor, this place was formed when Antalya was under the domination of the Roman Empire, with its important position, this place became a busy trading port. Today, the harbor is home to countless yachts.

I enjoyed Turkish beer, green mussels sprinkled with delicious lemonade by the sea. Surely the experience of watching the sunset here will give you a feeling of absolute relaxation.

Antalya travel blog: Waterfalls

Dubbed the kingdom of waterfalls, Antalya owns dozens of picturesque waterfalls. The most famous one is Manavgat with 40m width and less than 5m high, falling loud with white foam from the Taurus mountain. Although not a tall waterfall, but the flow is very strong and Manavgat waterfall is considered one of the symbols of Turkey.

Besides, there is also the majestic Duden waterfall located about 10km from the center of Antalya city. I cannot leave Antalya until I have been to the Duden waterfall. As a city located on a high cliff above sea level, with rivers flowing into the sea, Duden waterfall formed as a natural mark dotted on the city. The sunrise here has a beautiful light, here I can also spotting planes landing at Antalya airport every 5 minutes. It is about 20 minutes away from the city center by taxi. Make sure to arrive before the sun rises for the best photos.

The waterfall is formed from the Duden River with the main waterfall Upper Duden 15m high, 20m wide and at the end of the river flowing into the Mediterranean Sea to form the second waterfall Lower Duden. This is a colorful picture of nature, with turquoise water, green leaves and white bubbles.

Kaleici Old Town

Not too impressed by the old town of this coastal city, because the architecture looks somewhat restored. Many restaurants and souvenir shops have sprung up to serve tourists, making the old town lack its rustic charm. But the most visited place of the old town must be Hadrian’s gate where the whole neighborhood begins as mentioned above.

This place is like a maze for you to walk and explore. Villas built in Ottoman architecture are covered with white and red roofs along the cobblestone streets. This neighborhood is home to many boutique hotels, souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Tourists come here both to enjoy the scenery and live in the traditional sounds.

In addition, this old town in Antalya also has a mosque built in Roman architecture with a towering tower. In particular, the clock tower is built entirely of stone, on the top there is a flag, 4 clock faces with ancient scripts. Of the 80 buildings built around the city, it alone remains, as an eloquent witness of the history here.

And an indispensable experience when coming to Kaleici is to sit at the shops and cafes in the port area. From here, enjoy food, sip some wine while watching the sunset with beautiful boats passing by. In the evening, walk on the paved road to enjoy the cool breeze, chat around the beautiful small streets with ancient and rustic houses. Or immerse yourself in folk music on the street.

It is quite interesting that from Kaleiçi, you can take a boat or cruise tour to the Lower Duden waterfall in just 45 minutes, bring your swimsuit, and swim comfortably by this magnificent waterfall.

Near Kaleiçi, there is a small port overlooking the sea, including the mountains in the distance, sitting outside restaurants and cafes near the sea, you can drink wine, enjoy a romantic dinner while watching Beautiful sunset covering the peaceful and beautiful beach.

Karaalioglu Park

Address: Kılınçarslan, Park Sk., 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey

If you do not like to see the sea from the small port near Kaleiçi, you can go to Karaalioglu Park, which also has great sea views but also has rows of stone benches scattered throughout the Karaalioglu grounds, visitors just need to choose their one favorite seating position, sit back and watch the sea all day without disturbing anyone, especially, the seat is completely free.

Coming to Karaalioglu at night, lucky visitors can also immerse themselves in the tune of love songs and folk songs performed by local bands and traveling artists.

The Ancient City of Myra

About 140km from the city of Antalya, Myra is an ancient town located located in Antalya’s Demre County in the ancient Lycia region, now Antalya of Turkey. When the city of Myra was founded is not known, only known that it was formed in the 1st century BC. Myra was also one of the six leading cities of the Lycian League in antiquity (Xanthos, Tlos, Pinara, Patara and Olympos).

Coming to Myra, you will be overwhelmed when admiring the open-air theater built in 200 BC with intact stone steps that can accommodate up to 12,000 spectators. You can also visit another ancient structure, the church of Saint Nicholas, a familiar destination for pilgrims and also one of the most precious architectural heritages of the Byzantine empire that remains today. But the most impressive in Myra are the stone tombs distributed in two main areas: one is in the cliffs west of the open-air theater dating from the 4th century BC, the other is along the river Myros , also known as river cemetery. The richness of Myra is also thanks to the alluvial deposits from the Myros River. The tombs are carved layer after layer into the rugged rock, making the whole cliff look like a mysterious ancient castle.

Antalya Aquarium

Address: Arapsuyu, Minicity and Hillside Su Hotel eastern corner of Konyaaltı Beach, Dumlupınar Blv. No:502, 07200 Konyaaltı/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 9:30AM–8PM

As the largest tunnel aquarium entertainment complex in the world, Antalya Aquarium has 40 themed aquariums with 131m in length and 3m in width. Not only can you admire the marine species in the aquarium system, you can also visit the wildlife park to see reptiles, you can also enjoy playing in the Snow World and unique ice museum, take pictures with Hollywood background and end the trip with full and delicious meals served at restaurants and cafes in the amusement park.

Koprulu (Köprülü) Canyon National Park

Address: Bozyaka, 07550 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey

Covering an area of ​​366 square kilometers, Köprülü National Park is the ideal place for you to experience the lush green beauty of Antalya. It has the Köprülü canyon 400m deep and extends up to 14km along the Köprü river. Around the canyon are forests of cedar, pine, and green cypress dotted with famous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, creating a breathtaking scene. This is the ideal place for trekking, camping or for an even more exciting experience you can go rafting on the Köprü river.

Antalya blog: What and where to eat?

Below are the best dishes worth trying in Antalya

Antalya’s famous Dondurma ice cream (Battered ice cream)

Many visitors have given countless praise words of encouragement to Dondurma ice cream as they roam the streets exploring the city of Antalya. This dessert looks like the other popular ice creams you know but it’s more viscous with the salep ingredient found in the ice cream and so thick and chewy that you’ll need a knife and fork to cut it but the taste is so delectable.

Once try Dondurma, you will immediately put it in the list of the best ice cream that you have tried. Ice cream is widely sold on the streets of Antalya, visitors can buy it in any street while walking.

Locum and Baklava

In addition to Dondurma, Antalya’s tourist streets are filled with Turkish pastries that you should definitely try once in your life. Locum and Baklava are two familiar traditional confections and sweets in any city of Turkey, but if you want to know the taste of Antalya’s own candy and sweets, you should buy and try to feel it.

After Locum and Baklava, find and try Tulumba, a popular dough pastry in the tourist capital made with a unique monosodium glutamate. The shape and size of the cake varies by store, but it is usually cut into small sticks. The taste is great when eaten when the Tulumba is fresh out of the oven, do not buy cakes that have been baked for a long time because the Tulumba flavor will fade over time.

Antalya cuisine also “names” another dessert worth choosing as Pişmaniye, which is the most sold pastry in cafes and street food vendors. It is shaped like a candy, but has more ingredients and is mainly Turkish “specialty” nuts such as pistachios, sesame seeds…

If you are looking for the most authentic Turkish Pismaniye, you should head to the Kaleiçi old town in Antalya, the chefs here specialize in preparing this dessert according to an ancient recipe, the taste of the traditional Pişmaniye is guaranteed to be so delicious that you will not regret it for having to go all the way to Kaleiçi to find it.

Restaurants you should visit when coming to Antalya city

You are not satisfied with sweet confectionery in Antalya yet? Coming to these famous restaurants, you will surely fall in love with the cuisine of this beautiful tourist city right away.

Gizli Bahçe

Address: Selçuk, Karadayı Sk. No.5, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 8AM–12AM

The first restaurant we want to recommend is Gizli Bahçe, which literally means “Secret Garden”. The restaurant is located on a high cliff, facing the Mediterranean coast with a large view for visitors to have extremely romantic dinners on the romantic seaside.

The restaurant specializes in traditional Turkish dishes, but the menu also features many famous delicacies, cooked according to international recipes. In the evening, the restaurant also plays live music for guests to dance, play and relax comfortably.

Antalya tourist guide: Blue Parrot

Address: Yeni Mah. Barbaros Cad. Cebeci Atlantis Sitesi Alti No. 2 Mahmutlar, Alanya Turkey

Blue Parrot restaurant is a great choice for families with large space, often chosen to hold big parties, the restaurant is also equipped with a giant plasma screen that often broadcasts sports events for you, your family to watch more vibrant and exciting matches.

The restaurant menu is also very diverse, in the morning the restaurant serves delicious English breakfasts, in the afternoon is the time for salads, light desserts and in the evening is a feast of savory Turkish cuisine specialties.

China Garden Restaurant & Bar

Address: Bahçeli Evler Mah. Konyaaltı Cad. Atatürk Parkı İçi, 544 Ada, 07100, Turkey

If you want to enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine, go to China Garden, the restaurant has a beautifully designed terrace area. Peking duck is the most famous dish of the restaurant that you should try when coming here, crab soup, hot biscuits made from shrimp and spicy chili sauce are also worth a try.

Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Address: Selçuk, Paşa Cami Sk. No:14, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 4PM–12AM

Enjoying the fragrance of the green garden and the spacious space on the windy Mediterranean coast is the reason why many diners return to Seraser Fine Dining even though the price here is not cheap. In a delicately decorated space surrounded by ancient Kaleiçi stone walls, each dish brought to you is an elaborate work of art from form to content. Seraser Fine Dining is a restaurant and bar of Tuvana hotel that is open all day and night with an indoor space that can accommodate 80 diners, and an outdoor garden that can accommodate 100 diners.

Şemsiyeli Butik (Umbrella Street)

Address: Tuzcular, 2. İnönü Cd. No: 14, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey

Not far from the bazaar of Kaleiçi (Antalya Merkez), just a few hundred meters from Hadrian’s Gate, is a place that no visitor wants to miss to experience the street food space as well as a great check-in point for dining under colorful umbrellas. And the perfect food to enjoy in these lovely streets is the traditional Turkish Kebab. Enjoying a fragrant fish sandwich or a slice of tender grilled lamb and then leisurely strolling around shopping for lovely handmade items is ideal for a beautiful day in Antalya.

Anis restaurant on this Umbrella Street is famous for its Turkish Pizza, or lahmacun – Arabic pizza, güveç stews and traditional Kebap dishes.

Sibel’s Four Seasons Cafe & Restaurant

Address: Merkez, 159. Sk. No:3, 07990 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 8AM–12AM

Sibel’s Four Seasons Cafe & Restaurant impresses visitors with its slate architecture, impressive mountain views, and especially food made with fresh farm produce from the owner’s farm is not far away. This is the ideal stopover before and after trekking the majestic Lycian Taurus mountain. Sibel’s Four Seasons Cafe & Restaurant will treat diners with a menu of soups, Mezzes (appetizers) and special dishes that change daily. The restaurant also organizes trekking tours to explore nearby destinations. Coming here, you should enjoy the restaurant’s famous icli köfte minced meat pies, Beycik salad and goat meat stew in claypot.

Vanilla Lounge

Address: Selçuk, Uzun Çarşı Sk. No:33, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 10AM–1AM

Vanilla Lounge is Antalya’s most famous restaurant just a few steps from Hadrian’s gate. True to the philosophy that the restaurant pursues, it is a place to satisfy all tastes based on cooking techniques that are both classic, modern and full of creativity. You can go from amazement to amazement as you experience all kinds of world flavors at Vanilla Lounge which features appetizers and even main dishes in Thai-style. And Vanilla Lounge’s menu is also inspired by Italian cuisine. All made with the freshest, local, seasonal ingredients.

Ship Inn Marina Restaurant&Bar

Address: Liman Mahallesi, Liman 2 Cadde, 07130 Konyaaltı/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 11:30AM–12AM/Saturday, Sunday: 10AM–12AM

If you are a cheese fanatic, and crave a quiet space away from the tourist spots of Antalya, you can’t miss Ship Inn Marina – a restaurant with a modern style and unique cuisine which presents the diversity of Turkish culinary flavors. The restaurant overlooks the immense lake covered with green trees, nearby is the Setur Antalya marina. Taste traditional Turkish dishes such as yörük (pan-fried veal chops) or grilled meatballs, or let yourself be “immersed” by a menu filled with salads, pizzas, baked foods, seafood, and countless other dishes. Special dishes in the style of Ship Inn are transformed with cheese. The restaurant is about 17km from Antalya city center, about 10km from Atalya Aquarium.

Antalya guide: Shopping in Antalya

Here are good places to shop and best shopping malls in Antalya where you can buy souvenirs and other gifts.

Address: Fener, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:55, 07160 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 10AM–11PM

Rated by visitors as one of Antalya’s best shopping malls, Terra City is like a must-see for travelers on a journey to discover the Mediterranean city, nearly 8km from the city center. 150 stalls selling products of famous brands such as Burberry, Armani, Michael Kors, Adidas and Hugo Boss along with 30 restaurants and amusement parks for children will make visitors not want to leave.

Shemall Shopping Center

Address: Fener, Tekelioğlu Cd. No:3, 07160 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 10AM–10PM

A bit smaller than other shopping centers in Antalya, SheMall Shopping Mall only has about 70 stores. But this place has a special attraction because it regularly organizes cultural events and attractive shows that make visitors come here to have a different shopping experience. In addition, you can also buy quality books, novels, and magazines in English at D&R Books.

Antalya Migros Shopping Center

Address: Arapsuyu, Atatürk Blv. No:3, 07070 Konyaaltı/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 10AM–10PM

Considered as one of the affordable shopping places, Migros Shopping Center gathers 10 stores from many mid-range brands such as 5M Migros, Zara, Mudo, LC Waikiki, Boyner, Mudo with integrated cinema and countless number of restaurants and fast food stalls. From the Migros mall, you can enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Beydağı mountains.

Markantalya Avm

Address: Tahılpazarı, Kazım Özalp Cd. No:84, 07040 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 10AM–10PM

Located in the busy tourist center in the heart of Antalya city, Markantalya Avm shopping center is an ideal shopping and entertainment area located on an area of ​​more than 5 hectares, with the convergence of 155 famous brands, international coffee shop, restaurant chains and modern cinemas. MarkAntalya is only 2km from the center of Antalya, more than 3km from Kaleiçi old town and a few steps from the famous Murat Paşa mosque.

Deepo Outlet Center

Address: Altınova Sinan, Serik Cd. No:309, 07170 Kepez/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 10AM–10:30PM

If you want to shop freely without worrying about your wallet running out quickly, this is the ideal place. Deepo Outlet Center is the largest outlet center in the Mediterranean region with 80 stalls and stores, 5 cinemas, 15 restaurants, coffee shops, and many utilities spread over an area of ​​4 hectares. Enjoy 365 days of discount, shop at the original price at Deepo Outlet Center and you will get bargains from countless famous brands such as Nike, Adidas, Tommy Hilfiger, Koton, Hotic, Vakko, Mavi Jeans, Colins, or Miss Sixty.

What to buy?

Gülizar carpet kilims gallery: turkish rugs.

Address: Tuzcular, Uzun Çarşı Sk. No:17, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 9AM–8PM/Sunday: 10:30AM–7PM

Walking around the old town of Kaleiçi, you will come across very eye-catching traditional Turkish handmade tapestries (Kilims). A tablecloth, a square rug with intricate embroidery will be a precious gift when visiting Antalya. Stepping into Gülizar Carpet Kilims Gallery, you will feel overwhelmed by the colors, patterns and details on the embroidered products that are hung all over the walls, covered with tables and chairs. It can take many hours for visitors to fully explore the a wide range of the products here. Gülizar Carpet Kilims Gallery is also highly appreciated by many visitors for its affordable prices, enthusiastic, cute staff and friendly owner Mehmet Bey. You can learn a lot about the history of this traditional product and what it means to the people of Antalya.

Osmanli Sultan Carik: Handmade leather goods

Address: Barbaros, Hesapçı Sk. No:14, 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 9AM–8PM/Sunday: 10:30AM–8PM

This is a famous and very popular handmade leather goods and jewelry store in Antalya in the central area very close to Hadrian’s Gate. The beautifully crafted collection of bags, purses, shoes, flip flops, and boots in cowhide or buffalo skin will leave you spellbound, although handmade leather goods never come cheap.

Nil Tekel Shop (Pottery)

Address: Yeşilbayır, Atatürk Cd. No:70, 07190 Döşemealtı/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 8AM–1AM

Pottery was born in Turkey several centuries ago. If you are far away, it is difficult to bring back the elaborately heavy pottery items, but just look at the Nil Tekel Shop’s ceramic collection of all shapes, sizes, and colors, it also makes your trip much more enjoyable. In Turkey there are about 300 pottery workshops across the country.

Silver Harmoni: Silver Jewelry

Address: Andifli, İbrahim Serin Cd. 12 A, 07580 Kaş/Antalya, Turkey Hours: 9AM–12AM

Silver Harmoni’s handmade silver jewelry will make you fall in love with its sophistication and intricate. Crafted from silver combined with gemstones and crystals, Silver Harmoni’s silver jewelry is a precious souvenir, crystallized from the love between Karen Henry from Australia and Yusuf Gökben from Turkey. Although born and raised in Istanbul, Yusuf was fascinated by the beauty of Kas and Antalya, so the two decided to settle down and open a silver handmade jewelry shop here. Silver Harmoni products receive praise from almost every visitor who visits.

Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Concorde De Luxe Resort ( Agoda , Booking )
• Crowne Plaza Antalya, an IHG Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Swandor Hotels & Resorts – Topkapi Palace ( Agoda , Booking )
• Sherwood Exclusive Lara ( Agoda , Booking )
• Delphin BE Grand Resort ( Agoda , Booking )
• Ramada Plaza Antalya ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Su ( Agoda , Booking )
• Nirvana Cosmopolitan ( Agoda , Booking )
• Akra Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Antalya on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Tips to visit Antalya

Below are do’s and don’ts when traveling to Antalya.

• Mosques in Turkey are very popular and Antalya is no exception, if you come to these mosques to visit, don’t forget to take off your shoes before going inside and keep quiet during your journey to discover artistic beauty of the mosques.
• In addition, before entering the church, pay attention to wear discreet, non-revealing, light-colored clothes to avoid disturbing the followers and possibly endangering your own safety.
• If you are a person who likes to take pictures, please take arbitrary selfies but do not take pictures of local people on the street, if you want to take pictures, ask for their permission and absolutely do not arbitrarily take pictures of women wearing black shawls, this behavior is prohibited and if you violate it, you may face very severe punishment.
• Coming to Turkey, after dining at restaurants, don’t “tip” to the service staff by adding 5-10% of the total amount of the bill, do not give the tip directly to the staff, this behavior not suitable in Turkey.
• If you want to buy clothes or jewelry in Antalya, it would be unwise to go to the shops and roadside stalls because they are not of good quality, buy them at reputable supermarkets and shopping centers.
• When shopping at traditional markets, retailers remember to bargain, do not ask for a discount because they will not give you a discount, but if you go to a large supermarket, you may get a discount.
• Buying things at the market, remember to bring cash with small denominations to easily pay the seller because many sellers pretend they don’t have change to “force” you to buy things at a high price when they are sure the items they sell “monopoly”.
• Most of the famous attractions of the city are easily accessible by bus, you can also use a taxi service but discuss the price before starting the trip as many taxis do not have meters.
• Alcohol beverage is prohibited on the street, should only be drunk in certain places such as bars and restaurants, but you may not find alcohol on many restaurant menus if coming to the tourist capital on important religious celebrations.
• Like many other Turkish cities, tap water is not safe for health, so it’s best to buy drinking water at stores and supermarkets.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Antalya you can refer to

• Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Kursunlu Waterfalls Day Tour from Antalya
• Kekova Sunken City, Demre, and Myra Day Tour from Antalya
• Fire of Anatolia Show at Gloria Aspendos Arena
• Antalya Aquarium Ticket
• Pamukkale Day Tour from Antalya
• From Antalya or Kemer: Suluada Island Boat Trip with Lunch
• Antalya: City Tour including Waterfalls and Cable Car
• Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour & Lunch
• Quad Bike Fun in the Taurus Mountains
• From Antalya: Perge, Side, Aspendos & Waterfalls Guided Tour
• From Antalya/Kemer: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch
• Antalya City Tour and Duden Waterfalls Visit with Boat Trip
• Kemer Full-Day Scuba Diving Adventure
• Koprulu: Canyoning, Rafting, and Zip Line Adventure
• From Antalya: Taurus Mountains Full-Day Jeep Safari

Read more Turkey guide here . And 8+ best things to do in Antalya here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Vientiane travel blog. the latest guide to vientiane for all-kind of travelers.

What to do & how to spend 4 days in Kuala Lumpur?

Okinawa itinerary 3 days. What to do in Okinawa for 3 days 2 nights?

16+ best places to visit & top things to do in Kobe

Where to shop in Tokyo? 15+ top shopping malls & best shopping places in Tokyo

Where to visit in Melbourne? 15+ best places to visit in Melbourne

Editor picks.

Vientiane travel blog. The latest guide to Vientiane for all-kind of...

POPULAR POSTS

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

What to buy in Korea? — Top +23 cheap, famous &...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1500
• Trip Inspiration 468
• Food + Drink 220
• Thailand 213
• Coasts + Islands 195
• South Korea 174
• Vietnam 172
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Antalya, Turkey

About antalya turkey.

Antalya, Turkey is one of the most popular and frequented tourist destinations in the country, known for its natural beauty and historical riches, including blue-flagged beaches with clear waters. It is often considered a piece of paradise and a preferred holiday city. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sailing, sightseeing, mountain climbing, and family fun activities in Antalya.

For those planning a trip to Antalya, there are many resources available such as guides with detailed information about hotels, beaches, shops, archaeological sites, transportation, and more.

Top 8 Reasons to Visit Antalya

Antalya is a beautiful and charming city that has many reasons to make it on your tourist schedule, including:

Beautiful beaches: Antalya has some of the most stunning beaches in Turkey with crystal clear waters and soft sands.

Rich history: The city has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. There are many archaeological sites and historical landmarks to explore.

Delicious food: Antalya is known for its delicious cuisine, with a variety of traditional Turkish dishes and seafood.

Natural beauty: The city is surrounded by natural beauty, including stunning mountains and waterfalls.

Shopping: Antalya has a wide variety of shops, from local markets to high-end boutiques.

Nightlife: The city has a vibrant nightlife scene, with bars and clubs that cater to all tastes.

Adventure activities: Antalya is a hub for outdoor activities, including hiking, rafting, and paragliding.

Welcoming locals: Antalya is known for its friendly and welcoming locals who are always eager to share their culture and traditions with visitors.

weather in Antalya

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers, and mild and rainy winters. The best time to visit Antalya is from April to November, when the weather is warm and sunny. The peak tourist season is during the summer months of July and August when temperatures can reach up to 40°C. The winter months of December to February are generally mild with temperatures around 15°C, but it can also rain frequently during this time.

Where is Antalya ?

Antalya is situated on the flourishing southwestern coast of Anatolia, bordered by the Taurus Mountains. It is the largest city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey with a metropolitan area of over two million people. The city is located at 36.91° N latitude and 30.70° E longitude, with an elevation of 61 meters above sea level. Antalya operates on the Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) time zone. To the west of the Antalya Gulf are the Bey Mountain group and Toros Mountains, which are located on the northeast side.

How to go to Antalya?

Antalya Airport , located 13 km (8 miles) east of the city center, is the most convenient airport for those traveling by plane. The airport is impressive and offers many shops and dining options. It is quite large, with ample seating areas for passengers waiting for their flights. Be sure to visit the Duty-Free Zones at the airport. Dozens of flights from various airports in Europe connect to Antalya Airport. For more information, you can call (+90242) 330 32 33, (+90242) 330 3600, or fax (+90242) 330 31 30. If you’re looking for a place to stay after a long flight or planning a return trip, browse nearby hotels.

Public buses from the airport: Antalya Airport offers transportation through tour operating companies, transfer companies, Havaş services, public buses, and taxis. Here’s some information about the city buses that go from the airport to the town center and bus terminal:

• Line 600 Airport-Bus Station: This service runs 24 hours a day and departs every thirty minutes. The journey from Antalya Airport to the city center takes approximately 40-45 minutes, while the trip to the bus station takes around 50-60 minutes.
• Line 800 Airport-Lara-Konyaaltı: This service runs between 06:15 and 22:15 and departs every two hours. The journey from Antalya Airport to the city center takes approximately 45-50 minutes, while the trip to the bus station takes around 55-60 minutes.

To use the public buses, you need to purchase a contactless payment card (Akbil) at the bus station, which costs 20 TL. So expect to pay 10 TL when you arrive at the station. To catch the public bus from the International Terminal, you need to go to the domestic terminal (300m away; turn right when you leave the International Terminal). There is a small blue “D” sign beside the taxi stand in front of the International Terminal. Note that taxi drivers may try to convince you that there are no buses leaving from there and offer you a ride.

A taxi ride between Antalya Airport and the city center takes around 20 minutes and costs about 15 USD (250 TL) during the day.

All of the local highways in Antalya are high-quality asphalt roads, and the main highways connect the city to various regions of Turkey. There are four different routes to reach Antalya by road:

• The main highway connects Antalya to Central Anatolia via Manavgat Konya.
• The highway that runs along the Mediterranean coast connects Antalya to Mersin harbor on the east coast.
• The tourist highway along the shoreline connects Antalya to the ancient regions of Lycia, Lonia, and Caria on the west coast.
• The main highway to the north connects Antalya to major cities such as Izmir, Ankara, and Istanbul.

In all of the tourism-focused areas in Antalya, many international and local car rental companies operate, and it is possible to rent a car from these agents. Tours are also organized to important tourism centers such as Ephesus, Cappadocia, Istanbul, and other places to introduce visitors to the Antalya region.

The closest harbors to Antalya that offer scheduled and charter voyages are Kusadasi and Izmir ports on the west coast, and Tasucu

Get around in Antlaya

Antalya, Turkey has a comprehensive public transportation network, which includes public buses, trams, mini-buses, taxis, and dolmush (small buses).

Antalya has an extensive public transportation system with numerous buses serving every destination in the city. The fares are affordable, and most buses provide air-conditioning and TV, even for short routes. The municipality operates 40 buses, while the rest of the fleet consists of 160 privately-owned buses. Additionally, Pamfilya Transportation Company runs 89 buses, and there are over 400 privately-owned minibuses operating in the city.

The buses in Antalya have a system of letters that precede the route numbers on the signs posted on the front of the buses. These letters indicate the destination of the bus. For example, A is for Aksu, a town located to the east of Antalya. C is for Çarşı, D is for Döşemealtı, F is for Tıp Fakültesi, K is for Konyaaltı Beach, which is to the west of the town center, L is for Lara Beach, located southeast of the town center, M is for Masadağı, T is for Terminal, U is for Uncalı, and V is for Varsak. So, if you see a bus with the destination number CK04, it means that the bus runs between Çarşı and Konyaaltı Beach.

“Dolmush” is a Turkish word that means “filled up.” It is a form of shared taxi or minibus that runs on a pre-determined route.

Most major public transportation stations have a dolmus station where you can take a seat in the dolmus that travels to your destination. Unlike buses, the dolmus does not wait until it fills up. Instead, it operates on a schedule. However, if the dolmus is empty and moves slowly in the hope of finding more passengers, it still needs to abide by its schedule and cannot wait for too long.

Antalya operates a two-line tram system which serves as a light rail system.

Line 1: Museum-City Center-Işıklar-Zerdalilik Nostalgic Tram Line 2: Fatih-Bus Station-City Center-Meydan Modern Tram

The trams are comfortable, air-conditioned, and equipped with WiFi, although a Turkish cellphone number is required to register for the WiFi.

Tickets cost 10.75TL and can be purchased at stores around the stations or at specific AntRay counters. Payment can also be made through the Antalya contactless public transport card (Akbil), which can be recharged at vending machines near the tram stops. The vending machines support different languages, including English. If you’re unsure, you can ask for assistance from the station guards.

Car rental start from here

Where to stay in antalya, hotels in antalya, 5 star hotels, 4 star hotels, 3 star hotels, 2 star hotels, 1 star hotels, places to visit in antalya, points of interest.

Antalya draws millions of people with its beautiful nature and historical riches for visiting this city. The combination of the sun, blue sea, the beautiful mountains that covered with trees cannot be seen effortlessly all collectively anywhere.

Here are the top Places to visit in Antalya :

1. Antalya Museum

2. the old roman harbour, 3.antalya aquarium, 5. duden waterfalls, 6. antalya bazaar.

When traveling to Antalya, leave plenty of time for sightseeing – you wouldn’t want to miss out on top attractions like Antalya Bazaar! This historic market area is known for its variable stuff, many shops, especially those selling jewelry.

We advise you to have a visit and enjoy your time there.

7. Antalya Saat Kulesi

8. hidirlik kulesi (the old stone tower).

Antalya’s Hıdırlık Kulesi is a landmark tower of tawny stone where Kaleiçi (Old Town) meets Karaalioğlu Park.

Its 14-meter-high tower, set in a small park, overlooks the cliffs of Antalya, and the Roman Harbor. Its establishment is said to date from the 1st or 2nd century AD The purpose of it is something of a mystery. The common belief is this tower was built as a tomb for a great leader. Bits of fresco within encouraging this conjecture. To the right and left of the portal are 12 axe-like motifs cut into the stone (six stones each side), which indicates the importance of the person entombed. This tower is located on a Hill end of Old Town. You came to a wonderful view of Mediterranean and Mountains. And you can reach there from the Harbor by 10 min walk.

9. Panoramic Elevator of Antalya

Shopping in antalya turkey, where to shop in antalya, food and drink in antalya turkey.

Food is incredibly cheap and delicious. Full meals will cost about 50 to 150 Turkish Lira, Service is amazing and only matched by its genuine friendliness. Antalya has excellent seafood restaurants as well. One thing to be aware of is to make sure the quoted price is the same as the price written on the menu.

Antalya has a lively nightlife in the summer. Many Options include bars with nargile (water pipe), games, live music and sitting around, discotheques with glamorous people, etc. On the Konyaalti’s Beach Park one club follows the next. Some of the traditional houses of Kaleiçi (Old City) has been turned into bars, in which a bottle of ‘Efes’ old Turkish beer costs around 15 or 20 TL depending on the place. The gardens shaded by trees offer a nice environment with a beer from the peak of summer heat. Also, Raki is a traditional alcoholic beverage that tastes like licorice. Make sure you do not drink it fast otherwise you will be out quickly.

“tourism police” section where travelers can report passport loss and thefts or any other criminal activity; they may have become victims of. They have staff multilingual in English, French, German, and Arabic. Tourism Police (Turizm Polisi), Kaleiçi Yat Limanı (at the marina below the old town), Tel: +90 242 243-10-61 (fax: +90 242 345-41-13)

Zelve Open Air Museum In Cappadocia | Best Guide 2023

Love valley in cappadocia | best guide 2023, uzungol lake in trabzon | your best guide, visit bagdat street in istanbul.

• Things to Do Guide
• Places to See Guide
• Top 24 Things to Do
• Top-Rated Excurisons
• Food & Drink Guide
• Nightlife Guide
• Shopping Guide
• Top Best Beaches
• Top Best Museums
• Historical Sites
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Water Parks
• Best Day Trips

Daily Boat Trips

• Duden Waterfalls
• Kursunlu Waterfall
• Manavgat Waterfall
• The Land of Legends Theme Park
• Fire of Anatolia Dance Show
• Antalya Full-Day Boat Tour
• Sunken City of Kekova Boat Trips
• Suluada Island Boat Trip
• Green Canyon Boat Trip
• Alanya Pirate Boat Trip
• Manavgat River Cruise
• Kemer Full-Day Pirate Boat Trip
• Kemer Phaselis Pirate Boat Tour
• Porto Genoese Boat Trip
• Alanya Catamaran Cruise
• Antalya to Cappadocia
• Antalya to Pamukkale
• Ancient City of Perge
• Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo
• Phaselis Archaeological Site
• Olympos Ancient City
• The Ancient City of Myra
• The Sunken City of Kekova
• 4×4 Off-Road Safari
• Koprulu Canyon Rafting
• Hike the Lycian Way
• Antalya Museum
• Antalya Aquarium
• Mt.Tahtali Cable Car
• Chimaera Flames
• Aspendos Roman Theater
• Antalya City Center
• Kemer city center
• Medical & Health Tourism
• Dental Tourism
• Dental Implants
• Dental Veneers
• Hollywood Smile Design
• Hair Transplant
• Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
• Breast Aesthetics
• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
• Liposuction
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
• Dermal Fillers
• Laser Eye Surgery LASIK
• Obesity & Weight Loss
• About Antalya
• Holiday Resorts
• Shopping Centers
• Antalya Airport Guide
• Airport to City Center
• Airport to Lara Beach
• Airport to Belek
• Airport to Side & Manavgat
• Airport to Alanya
• Passport & Visa Info
• Public Holidays
• Climate and Weather
• Plans and Maps

Welcome to Antalya - Turkey

Welcome to iAntalya, your holiday guide to Antalya, Turkey

Antalya , known as the  Pearl of the Mediterranean  and the  Turkish Riviera , is one of the most popular tourist destinations in both Turkey and Europe. Situated on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey, the Antalya region is home to great holiday resorts and towns that all offer a combination of sea, sun, beaches, relaxation, history, culture and nightlife. The region is very ideal for family or beach holidays as it has a year-round sunshine.

Main Attractions & Day Tours

Antalya region has one of the best attractions and sights for every holidaymaker searching for lovely beaches, natural wonders, ancient cities, archaeological sites, day trips, theme parks, and many more. You’ll find loads of joyful things to do in Antalya. Find all things to do, days out, attractions and sightseeing in Antalya, what’s on, festivals and events, tours, restaurants and hotels. Plan your holidays and trip to Antalya with our useful traveler information.

Places to See in Antalya (Main Sights + Insider Advice Guide)

Mount tahtali sea to sky cable car (olympos teleferik, tickets), 15 best day trips from antalya: explore the hidden gems, explore alanya castle: what to see, access, views, tips, church of st. nicholas in demre: best daily tours advice, phaselis archaeological site in kemer: best daily tours advice, goynuk canyon in goynuk, kemer: canyoning, zipline, top-rated tourist attractions, tours, & excursions in antalya, things to do in antalya (main attractions + guru advice guide), destinations & holiday resorts on the antalya region, top holiday destinations & resorts in antalya (insider advice guide), alanya antalya (holidays, top things to do & see + advice), antalya city: holidays, top things to do & see + advice, lara beach antalya: holidays, top things to do see + advice, kemer antalya: holidays, top things to do & see + advice, belek antalya (holidays, top things to do & see + advice), side antalya: holidays, top things to do & see + advice, charming places & beautiful corners in and around antalya, incredible countryside views, beautiful bays, fantastic beaches, valleys, ancient city of side, amphitheater, temple of apollo & athena, sapadere canyon in alanya: activities, access, tips, saklikent gorge: activities, access, best day tours, tips, moonlight beach & park in kemer: top things to do & see, daily boat trips in antalya province: 2024 best boat tours advice, top 16 best beaches in antalya with 2024 local expert help, ancient city of aspendos & the roman theater (tips & tickets), duden waterfalls, antalya (what to expect visiting tips), antalya archaeological museum (what to see tickets advice), the best day trips from antalya, top 24 best things to do in antalya + local help advice, chimaera (yanartas) in cirali (what to expect video tour).

• Sightseeing

Ancient City of Perge, Antalya (What to Expect? Local Expert Guide)

Practical info.

Are you visiting Antalya Region of Turkey for the first time? You’ll find out all the useful information and top insider tips and recommendations to plan your first trip well planned, easy, fun and safe. You can read our guides here the top attractions, sights, daily tours and excursions, boat trips, yacht & gulets, blue cruise, travel tips, and more things to do.

Stock images provided by  Depositphotos

How to Get from Antalya Airport to City Center? (Insider Guide)

How to get from antalya airport to alanya (insider guide), antalya airport transportation options (public bus, tram, shuttle), how to get from antalya airport to lara beach (insider guide), antalya airport (ayt) (2024 master guide with insider advice, tips), how to get from antalya airport to belek (insider guide), how to get from antalya airport to side & manavgat (insider guide), turkish liras & money in antalya, turkey (exchange offices, local tips), variety of plans and maps of antalya, about antalya – brief info + getting to know antalya, how to make phone calls to and from antalya, turkey, medical tourism in antalya turkey.

Find out medical and health tourism services and treatments in Antalya Turkey, including best clinics and surgeons for hair transplant, plastic, cosmetic and aesthetic surgeries, body aesthetics, rhinoplasty, breast aesthetics, obesity treatment, laser eye LASIK surgery, medical check-ups, dental implants, veneers, and dental care, oncological treatments, and organ transplantation.

Best Hair Transplant Clinics in Antalya, Turkey in 2024, Prices

Plastic surgery in antalya, turkey: best aesthetic clinics, doctors, top best clinics & surgeons for botox in antalya turkey, top best clinics & doctors for dermal fillers in antalya, turkey, rhinoplasty in antalya, turkey: best clinics & doctors in 2024, cost, top best dental clinics in antalya turkey for dental implants, latest posts, 8 places to visit in istanbul, why is antalya the perfect destination for your next gulet adventure, best day trips from antalya to pamukkale + expert advice, best day trips from antalya to cappadocia + expert advice, family-friendly alanya catamaran cruise: best boat tours advice, alanya pirate boat trip with lunch and drinks: best tours advice, iantalya.com.

© 2019-2024 Antalya Holidays & Travel Guide - iAntalya.com + Medical Tourism in Antalya

• Main Attractions
• Food & Drink
• Destinations
• Medical Tourism
• Privacy Policy

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

Select Month

• roughguides.com
• mediterranean-coast-hatay
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

One of Turkey’s fastest-growing cities, ANTALYA is blessed with an ideal climate (excluding the searing heat of July and August) and a stunning setting atop a limestone plateau, with the formidable Beydağları looming to the west. In the heart of town, the pretty yacht harbour huddles below the Roman walls, while the crescent of Konyaaltı bay curves to the industrial harbour 10km west. Interest for tourists is largely confined to the relatively tiny and central old quarter within the Roman walls, known as the Kaleiçi (or “within the castle”). The city’s renowned Archeological Museum , however, west of the old town, is home to one of the finest collections in the country.

Brief history

Antalya to alanya, golden orange film festival, the parks of antalya, travel ideas for turkey, created by local experts.

Sensational landscapes of Cappadocia

3 different modes of transportation to explore Cappadocia - by hot air balloon, on the back of a camel as well as on an ATV quad. Why choose if you can have it all? Four days filled with fun and adventure in the volcanic valleys around Cappadocia make an unforgettable trip.

City & culture - Istanbul and Cappadocia

Explore two absolute highlights in Turkey - Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire with its many landmarks. After a few days in the city, fly to Cappadocia and explore the surreal surroundings, either on day tours or from above in a hot air balloon.

Magical Turkey

Visit Gobekli Tepe and Mount Nemrut in Southeastern Anatolia before proceeding to Cappadocia with its volcanic scenery. After a few days in the valleys, continue to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Ephesus. Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

Delightful Turkey

A fast-paced itinerary for those who want to discover as much as of Turkey as possible in under one week. Highlights include the Old Town of Istanbul, the valleys of Cappadocia, the birth of Sufism and the historical city of Ephesus.

Cultural Turkish Odyssey

Embark on a 22-day journey through Turkey's rich tapestry of culture and history. From Istanbul's enchanting blend of Asia and Europe to ancient wonders, coastal gems, and the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia, this tour immerses you in the treasures of Turkey.

Discovering Turkey

Discover Turkey's treasures in 10 unforgettable days. Explore Istanbul's heritage, walk the ancient streets of Ephesus, and soak in the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia. An epic journey through history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes awaits.

Antalya was founded as late as the second century BC by Attalus II of Pergamon, and named Attaleia in his honour. The Romans only consolidated their hold on the city and its hinterland during the imperial period, following successful campaigns against local pirates. Christianity and the Byzantines had a similarly slow start, though because of its strategic location and good anchorage Antalya was an important halt for the Crusaders. The Selçuks supplanted the Byzantines for good early in the thirteenth century, and to them are owed most of the medieval monuments visible today (albeit some built on Byzantine foundations). Ottoman Antalya figured little in world events until 1918, when the Italians made it the focus of their short-lived Turkish colony.

The stretch of coast between Antalya and Alanya is among the most developed in Turkey. With a four-lane highway running right behind many beaches, flanked by all-inclusive hotels and holiday-village complexes, it’s hard to imagine this was once ancient Pamphylia , a loose federation of Hellenistic cities established by incomers from northern Anatolia. Home to a busy international airport, the booming city of Antalya is the gateway to the region. Now a fully-fledged resort, it is worth visiting for its restored old town and marvellous archeological museum. The nearest (and most fascinating) ruined city is Termessos , perched on the saddle of Mount Solymos overlooking the Antalya gulf. East of Antalya, the surviving ruined cities of Pamphylia also rival the beaches as tourist attractions, with Perge and Aspendos the best preserved and most evocative sites. Further along the coast, Side is a major resort, though the striking ruins of its ancient city are fast being overshadowed by package tourist facilities. Alanya , the next sizeable centre, has also seen an explosion of hotel building and tourism-related commerce over the last few years, but has retained an attractive old quarter.

Antalya’s Altın Portakal or Golden Orange film festival runs for a week each autumn, usually at the start of October. It’s a major international film event, screening around 150 films throughout the week. Events culminate with an award ceremony at the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi, where golden statuettes of Venus carrying an orange are handed out. All week, directors, screenwriters and producers of Turkish and Eurasian cinema hold panel discussions and workshops, and parties take place across the city. All films are subtitled in English as well as in Turkish. For the full festival programme, visit w altinportakal.org.tr.

The best place to start exploring Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi , is from the old harbour, where the once-crumbling quays have been rebuilt, gardens laid out and the harbour walls restored. The redeveloped old harbour , now home to day-trip boats, some charter gulets and a few fishing boats, is popular with tourists and locals alike, who frequent the quayside restaurants, cafés and clubs.

From the harbour, head uphill along Uzun Çarşi Sokak, past the eighteenth-century Mehmet Paşa Camii , to Kalekapısı (Castle Gate), the main entrance to the old town. Nearby the Saat Kulesi (Clock tower), a Selçuk tower with inset Roman column drums, is built into a section of the old walls. Kalekapısı is overlooked by the Yivli Minare or “Fluted Minaret”, erected during the thirteenth-century reign of the Selçuk sultan, Alâeddin Keykubad, and today something of a symbol of the city. Facing the Yivli Minare is an early, plain Selçuk han whose crumbling walls have been “restored”, a rather grand term for encasing the ruins in glass and filling the interior with souvenir shops. Above this area, but accessed from Cumhuriyet Caddesi, is an old baths, and a pyramidal mausoleum from 1377.

Bearing right onto Atatürk Caddesi, you’ll soon draw even with the triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate (Üç Kapılar), recalling a visit by that emperor in 130 AD. Hesapçı Sokak, the quietest entry to Kaleiçi, begins here, a cobbled street of restored Ottoman houses that now holds assorted pensions, trinket shops, restaurants and bars. About halfway along, the tower and attendant buildings known collectively as the Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret) form an architectural anomaly that’s done successive duty as temple, church and mosque.

The Mermerli and Karaalioğlu parks, just east of Kaleiçi , offer some well-needed shade and contain a number of pleasant tea gardens, with views stretching along the coast. In the northwestern corner, the Hıdırlık Kulesi , a round Roman tower, is the best place in town to watch the frequently spectacular sunsets over the snowcapped mountains and the gulf of Antalya.

The Hasan Subaşı Kültür Parkı , or the Atatürk Kültür Merkezi (AKM), 3km west of the centre, is a cliff-top park, theatre and exhibition centre and a favourite spot for joggers, roller-bladers and Sunday strollers, with tea gardens and children’s playgrounds on site.

Discover more places in Turkey

• Travel Guide Morocco
• Travel Guide Namibia
• Travel Guide South Africa
• Travel Guide China
• Travel Guide India
• Travel Guide Indonesia
• Travel Guide Japan
• Travel Guide Laos
• Travel Guide Malaysia
• Travel Guide Myanmar (Burma)
• Travel Guide Nepal
• Travel Guide Philippines
• Travel Guide Singapore
• Travel Guide South Korea
• Travel Guide Sri Lanka
• Travel Guide Taiwan
• Travel Guide Thailand
• Travel Guide Australia
• Travel Guide Fiji
• Travel Guide New Zealand
• Travel Guide Belize
• Costa Rica Travel Guide
• Travel Guide Cuba
• Travel Guide Guatemala
• Travel Guide Honduras
• Travel Guide Jamaica
• Travel Guide Nicaragua
• Travel Guide Panama
• Puerto Rico travel guide
• Travel Guide Trinidad and Tobago
• Travel Guide Albania
• Travel Guide Austria
• Travel Guide Belgium
• Travel Guide Bosnia-Herzegovina
• Travel Guide Bulgaria
• Travel Guide Cyprus
• Travel Guide Czechia (Czech Republic)
• Travel Guide Denmark
• Travel Guide England
• Travel Guide Estonia
• Travel Guide Finland
• Travel Guide France
• Travel Guide Germany
• Travel Guide Greece
• Travel Guide Hungary
• Iceland Travel Guide

The Rough Guides to Turkey and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Turkey?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice
• Where to stay

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• Antalya Travel Guide: Plan Your Dream Vacation With Your Loved Ones

29 May 2024

Antalya is heaven’s replica of Earth. From exotic flowers to gushing majestic waterfalls, from glistening beaches to tall breathtaking structures, Antalya is the perfect destination for various reasons. It lets you stroll along the coastline and gets you involved in adventurous thrilling sports such as waterskiing. It lets you in on its cultural heritage and enables you to bask in nature’s beauty among pine forests, avocado trees, olive groves, and banana plantations. With this handy Antalya travel guide , know the best places to visit, how to travel in Antalya, and much more.­ This comprehensive travel guide to Antalya Turkey will answer all the basic questions about Turkey’s paradise.

4 Popular Places To Visit In Antalya

Wondering what to include in your Antalya travel itinerary? This Antalya travel guide will tell you the main attractions you should cover when in Antalya.

Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 for Wikimedia Commons

Side is Antalya’s Old Town. A National Heritage Site, it is a perfect getaway for anyone interested in the historical background of Antalya. The Temple of Apollo is a sight to behold and one of the most famous attractions that is immersed in historical significance. There is also a museum that has a spectacular garden giving you scenic views of the sea. It houses Greco-Roman artefacts and exhibits. Do not miss the Roman amphitheatre that gives you stunning views of the sea and Old Town.

Must Read: Things To Do In Antalya

2. Konyaalti Beach Park

Image Credit: pixamin_com for Pixabay

Do you want to visit one of the most picturesque beaches? With the mountains beautifying the background of the Konyaalti beach park and pebbles creating vibrancy on the ground, the beach is exquisitely gorgeous. It is a haven for sunbathers and swimmers who can enjoy the warm sun and the cool turquoise waters that instantly calm the mind. You can enjoy the watersports here or just relax with the fantastic view of the Mediterranean Sea.

3. Mount Tahtali

Image Credit: by Mustafa KORUCU on Pixabay

Want to experience something with a lot of excitement and thrill? Take a trip to Mount Tahtali in Kemer. Perched at a height of 2,365 meters, you will feel on top of the world. You have two options; climb all the way up or get on a cable car. The ten-minute cable car ride will show you the marvellous surrounding landscapes of the Beydaglari Mountains and Antalya regions. You can enjoy local Turkish delicacies at the restaurants there and take something back from the souvenir shops.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Antalya

4. Antalya Archaeological Museum

Image Credit: Engin_Akyurt for Wikimedia Commons

Your Antalya travel itinerary is not complete without this museum. You will find this place in various types of Antalya travel guide books. With a massive collection of more than 5,000 art pieces and 13 exhibition halls, it is among the biggest museums in Turkey. It provides an in-depth history lesson on Turkey’s human history and other historical data that will be quite interesting for the history buffs. If you have time in hand, take the opportunity to go through every exhibition.

How To Get Around Antalya

Image Credit: Engin Akyurt for Pexels

Once you have reached Antalya you can use the following modes of transportation even if you have 2 days in Antalya.

Public transport: Antalya has a good network of public transportation comprising trams, buses, and dolmus (minibuses). If you are planning to stay for a long time then you can purchase an AntalyaKart transport card for around INR 15 and top it up when you have used up the credit.

Rental car: You can hire a rental car in Antalya to get around. You can hire it directly from the Antalya Airport. Another option is to hire it from downtown. On average, it will cost you approximately INR 390 or more per day.

Taxi: You can hire a taxi to take you to different locations. This is the best way to travel as the driver can take you to various places even if you are staying just 2 days in Antalya. A taxi ride will cost you about INR 30 per trip if you are travelling within the city.

Suggested Read: Istanbul Mountains

How To Travel To Antalya

Image Credit: by hanatour04 from Pixabay

You can travel to Antalya by catching a plane to the Antalya International Airport. The airport is 14 km away from Antalya city centre. You can come to Antalya from Fethiye on a car as the D400 highway connects almost all areas of the Mediterranean coast including Fethiye, Antalya, and Gaziantep. You can also take a bus from the Kepez district’s Serik Otogar to Antalya and other cities in Turkey.

Where To Stay In Antalya

Image Credit: Photo by Max Renard

The following are some of the best regions you can stay according to Antalya travel guide.

• Antalya City Centre

Suggested Read: Theme Parks In Turkey

Best Restaurants In Antalya

Image Credit: Image by Pexels from Pixabay

Want to tickle your taste buds with some mouth-watering Turkish dishes? Here are some of the best food places in Antalya.

• Rokka Pizza Falafel
• Asmani Restaurant
• The Grill House
• Ayar Mehanesi
• Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant

Tips While travelling To Antalya

Image Credit: Tanya Dedyukhina for Wikimedia Commons

The following things must be kept in mind for a hassle-free journey to Istanbul Antalya and other places in Turkey.

• The local currency is Turkish Lira. If you have an international card, you can use it in Antalya without any issues.
• Turks drive quite fast and it can be intimidating to drive on roads that wind around a lot. Roads are also narrow so driving expertise is a must.
• You can wear what you want most of the time except when you enter religious places such as the mosque. Women need to cover their heads, elbows, shoulders, and knees.
• It is prohibited to take any relics from Antalya. If you find something that looks old and valuable, hand it directly to the authorities.
• Photography is prohibited in certain areas such as close to official places and military places. It is best to ask permission to avoid landing in trouble.
• Always carry a travel guide to Antalya Turkey and the most recent map to avoid confusion of where to go. Locals are quite friendly so they will help you out if you feel lost.

Further Read: Snowboarding In Turkey

An Antalya travel guide is necessary to know all the essential details of Antalya on your trip to Turkey . Visit Antalya and its main attractions to truly comprehend why everyone who goes there, raves about it. Go on a solo trip or take your entire family with you because Antalya has so much to offer that it will be a truly enriching experience for every single person. Which part of Antalya are you most excited about?

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Cover Image Source: Pixabay

Frequently Asked Questions About Antalya Travel Guide

When to visit Antalya?

The best time to visit Antalya is from April to June and then from September to November to enjoy all the major attractions.

How to travel around Antalya if you do not have a car?

You can use a bus as public transportation can get you everywhere and covers almost the whole city. The buses run timely and are the cheapest option for traveling in Antalya.

Which currency is used in Antalya?

The Turkish Lira is used.

Which cities are close to Antalya?

Duaci, Guzeloba, Belek, Kumkoy, Dosemealti, Serik, Konyaalti, and Kundu are all close to Antalya.

How close is Istanbul Antalya?

The distance between the two is around 700 km.

People Also Read:

National Parks In Turkey Mount Nemrut Cappadocia Nightlife

Recent Posts

32 Endroits cachés à Goa: explorez le côté inexploré de Goa en 2024

Visit Dhanaulti In December To Witness The Beauty Of Winter In 2024

Visit Napier Museum In Thiruvananthapuram On Your Trip To Kerala In 2024

The Historic Monument Of Raigad Fort Maharashtra Is Packed With Wonderful Views To Witness In 2024

Explore Ke­rala’s Historical And Cultural Charm In Kilimanoor Palace On Your 2024 Vacay

Osman Sagar Lake In Hyderabad Is A Scenic Destination In 2024

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Turkey »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Fun Things to Do in Antalya | Travel Guide (2024) | Best Places to Visit

Antalya travel guide.

Quick overview of Antalya with our expert tips and insights. Jump to any section.

Table Of Content

Antalya travel videos.

• Plan Antalya Trip
• Things To Do In Antalya
• Tours And Activities In Antalya
• Travel Essentials
• Best Time To Visit Antalya
• Added test code Antalya
• Flight Calendar For Antalya
• Best Areas To Stay In Antalya
• Best Hotels To Stay In Antalya
• Hotels Map Of Antalya
• Transportation To Antalya
• Rent A Car In Antalya
• Nearby Destinantion From Antalya

Antalya, a stunning coastal city located on the southwestern coast of the country, is a true gem for travelers seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "Turkish Riviera," Antalya boasts a rich historical heritage, with ancient ruins dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The city is home to numerous archaeological sites, including the well-preserved Hadrian's Gate and the ancient city of Perge. Moreover, Antalya offers breathtaking landscapes, with its turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and majestic Taurus Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient ruins, indulging in delicious Turkish cuisine, or simply relaxing on the beach, Antalya has something to offer for every type of traveler.

We've curated authentic Antalya videos for inspiration and practical tips. Discover all the amazing places to visit and things to do in Antalya in 2024. Make your own Itinerary, like a Pro.

Top Hotel Collections

5 Star Hotels

All Inclusive Hotels

Luxury Hotels

Antalya Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Antalya Tour Package for 7 Nights - Day Excursion to Pamukkale

Antalya family holiday package with duden waterfalls, antalya holiday package with guided antalya old town tour, istanbul antalya package - 6 days 5 nights, antalya special 11 nights turkey tour, turkish delights with antalya- 7 nights/8 days, antalya travel essentials.

Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: April to December Read More

Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question

"Turkish Riveria Town"

Antalya tourism.

Antalya is one of the oldest yet most modern cities in Turkey. It is located in the southwestern region and is bordered by the Tauras Mountains. Antalya is famous as a Turkish resort city since it is home to several stunning beaches flanked by large and luxurious Las Vegas style resorts. It is as popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway as it is with families looking for an unforgettable trip.

Antalya was founded in 150 BC and was initially named Atallia in honour of its founder Attalos II. As it was a part of the Ottoman, Byzantine, Greek and Roman empires, the city is home to many historical architectural attractions. Most of these mosques, masjids, Turkish baths and tombs are centred in Kaleici, the old centre of Antalya. Interestingly, Kaleici is also home to many hotels, bars, clubs, and shopping centres which have retained their historical character. Cumhuriyet Square is the main centre of Antalya and a popular spot for tourists. On either side of the city are two famous beaches, Konyaalti Beach on the west and Lara Beach on the east. Antalya is popular for its vibrant nightlife, besides its many beaches and historical sites. The city comes alive at night with scenic viewpoints, romantic dinner cruises and blustering bars. However, to feel the true essence of Turkey, visit the exotic bazaars buzzing with vendors and locals. With a lovely climate and a friendly vibe, Antalya is one of the cities with it all.

Must Know Before You Travel to Antalya

Accommodation: Stay in Old Town if visiting Antalya for the first time or if you like to explore. Stay in Konyaalti to enjoy the beaches. If looking for all inclusive hotels, stay in Lara and Belek. Kas is another area popular for staying among scuba divers. Museum Pass: It is valid for seven days and covers 40 museums and archaeological sites. It costs 90 EUR. Antalyakart: It is a prepaid card for public buses and trams in Antalya. It can be bought and refilled at kiosks, vending machines, and the airport, costing 65TL in cash. The card can be used by multiple people and refilled as needed. Trams:  Antalya has two tram lines that you can use with the prepaid AntalyaKart. The Antray line connects the city center with the airport and city center, while the nostalgic tram runs along the coast in the city center. This tram is a fun ride for kids and stops at the Antalya Museum and Konyaalti Beach.

Things To Do In Antalya

Konyaalti Beach

Roman Harbour

Antalya Cable Car

Top Hotels In Antalya

₽ 247 onwards

€ 64 onwards

₽ 158 onwards

€ 52 onwards

€ 18 onwards

€ 13 onwards

More on Antalya Travel

Shopping in antalya, nightlife in antalya, exchanging money in antalya.

• The Antalya International Airport has a 24-hour exchange bureau in the arrivals hall. It offers rates comparable to other bureaus in the city and accepts USD, GBP and EUR. These currencies are also accepted at most places in Antalya without being exchanged. The exchange offices are found in every tourist, market and commercial centre.
• There are also doviz exchange offices in the city, most of them located in Kaleici.
• The other convenient way to get money in Antalya is using ATMs. However, they charge up to 2% or 3% fees.

Best Time to Visit Antalya

Top stories about antalya tourism.

Beaches & Islands

Beaches in Antalya

15 Best Places for Shopping in Antalya

Nightlife in Antalya - Best Things to Do in Antalya at Night

Sightseeing

Places to Visit in Antalya

Experiences

Top 20 Spas and Wellness Centres in Antalya for a Relaxing Day

Scuba Diving in Antalya: A Detailed Guide

Nearby Places

Browse Package Collections

Nearby destinations for packages, antalya photos.

+ 48 photos

FAQs on Antalya

What is the local food in antalya, what are the places near antalya, what are the top hotels in antalya, what is the best time to visit antalya, have a question on antalya .

Antalya Reviews

Similar places.

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• Fly To Antalya

Antalya Airport

• Public Transport
• Entry Regulations

Customs Regulations

• Ancient Ruines
• Attractions
• For Children
• Land of Legends Park
• Tünektepe Cable Car
• Manavgat Bazaar
• Lara Beach Guide
• Shopping Guide
• Best Bazaars
• Nightlife Guide
• Lifestyle Guide
• Culture Guide
• Sports in Antalya
• Hiking Trails
• Rafting Guide
• Adults Only Hotels
• Family Resort Hotels
• Honeymoon Hotels
• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Boutique Hotels
• Golf Hotels (Belek)
• High-Class Resorts
• Water Park Hotels
• Conference Hotels
• Amazing Pool Hotels
• Team Building
• Meeting & Conference
• Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery
• Injectable Dermal Fillers
• Skin Renewal
• Non Surgery Operations
• Things to Know
• Exclusive Portfolio
• Top Neighborhoods
• Turkish Citizenship

Antalya Tourist Information

The Complete Guide for Your Holidays

Things To Do in Antalya

100+ things to do in antalya, 26 top-rated attractions in antalya [with tickets], visit ancient ruins in antalya, 25 best beaches in antalya [with map], the ultimate antalya shopping guide, here are unique experiences in antalya, 16 things to do in antalya with children, plan your ideal holidays.

Plan your holidays with expert travel agents from Europe, Turkey and Russia with benefits in selected Resorts.

Start Planing Your Holidays

Plan your holidays in antalya, guide to the antalya airport [ayt]: info on flights, transfers, hotels, and access, guide to the alanya-gazipasa airport [gzp]: flights, transfers, and access, the covid-19 (coronavirus) rules in turkey, how to fly to antalya, the guide to blue cruise voyages in turkey, antalya holidays: get the best deals in 2024, booking service in antalya.

You need a Hotel? Or a place to stay with a group? Contact our booking service with benefits in selected locations. 

Where to Stay?

Recommended hotels in antalya, 16 golf hotels in belek with private golf courses [2024], 5 all-inclusive à la carte resorts in antalya [2024], 15 amazing boutique hotels in kaleiçi, antalya – 2024, 15 best adults only hotels in antalya (over 16 or 18) – 2024, 16 luxurious high-class resorts hotels in antalya [2024], 21 best family resort hotels in antalya [with kids in 2024], antalya newsletter.

Follow our Newsletter for the latest Information, Deals and Benefits in Antalyas Resorts.

Food, Culture & Lifestyle

A guide to the cultural heritage of antalya, the best museums in the antalya province, the antalya guide for foodies, the antalya bazaar guide [date, location & tips], local food in antalya: 22 dishes you should try, real estate in antalya, antalya real estate information & opportunities (2024), 11 things to know before buying property in antalya as a foreigner, exclusive real estate portfolio: antalya projects for sale, top neighborhoods to live in antalya as a foreigner, how to get turkish citizenship by real estate investment in turkey, 8 reasons to buy property in antalya as a foreigner, why buy a property in turkey as a foreigner, tickets, tours and guides, tickets for selected tours.

Tickets, Guides and Tours from selected operators in Antalya Province.

Services offered by Antalya Tourist Information

Antalya Tourist Information is an independent portal lead by friends of the region and influencers.

We cover the needs of travelers in Antalya by informing visitors about any aspect of the Province, starting with the best things to do till rankings of reccomended hotels by guest ratings.

As Wise Tour Travel Agency, licenced in the European Union and with a local branch in Turkey, licenced by TÜRSAB, we are also selling Package Travel from selected tour operators, offer booking services with expert travel agents and B2B services.

Our Services

Talk with a travel agent: start planing your ideal holidays, the ultimate guide to weddings in turkey, m.i.c.e. antalya: group, convention, and event services, incentives in antalya: consultation, support, and inspiration, b2b tourism service in antalya, full retreat organization services in the antalya region, 15 selected conference hotels in antalya.

Tailor Made Travel Service

Plan Your Ideal Trip Today

Call Us: +908504338866

Mail:  [email protected]

Working days/hours:

Mon-Sun / 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Contact Form

B2B Tourism

Media (Press)

Things To Do

Plan Your Holidays

Selected Hotels

Travel Agents

Useful Links

Entry & Visas

E-Visa Turkey

Package Rights

Blacklisted Airlines

Benefits at Hotels

For Package Travel

Trusted Agents

With Expertise

Local support

24/7, 365 Days a Year

Licenced Tickets

For Attractions

Terms of Service

Privacy Notice

© Copyright 2024 . All rights reserved.

Secure payment

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

My First Trip to Norway, With A.I. as a Guide

Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

The assignment was clear: Test how well artificial intelligence could plan a trip to Norway, a place I’d never been. So I did none of my usual obsessive online research and instead asked three A.I. planners to create a four-day itinerary. None of them, alas, mentioned the saunas or the salmon.

Two assistants were, however, eager to learn more about me in order to tailor their initially generic recommendations, which they had spewed out within seconds. Vacay , a personalized travel planning tool, presented me with a list of questions, while Mindtrip , a new A.I. travel assistant, invited me to take a quiz. (ChatGPT, the third assistant, asked nothing.)

Vacay’s and Mindtrip’s questions were similar: Are you traveling solo? What’s your budget? Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Would you rather explore the great outdoors or pursue a cultural experience?

Eventually, my chat sessions yielded what seemed like well-rounded itineraries, starting with one day in Oslo and moving on to the fjord region. Eventually, I locked down a trip that would combine the assistants’ information and go beyond a predictable list of sites.

This time around, my virtual planners were far more sophisticated than the simple ChatGPT interface I used last year on a trip to Milan. Though it offered more detailed suggestions for Norway, I ended up ditching ChatGPT in the travel-planning stage after it repeatedly crashed.

Vacay’s premium service, which starts at $9.99 per month, included in-depth suggestions and booking links, while Mindtrip, which is currently free, provided photos, Google reviews and maps. During the trip itself, each delivered instantaneous information by text and always asked if more specific details were needed. Sadly, only ChatGPT offered a phone app, whose information I found to be outdated (the $20-per-month premium version is more current).

I’m not alone when it comes to turning to A.I. for help: Around 70 percent of Americans are either using or planning to use A.I. for travel planning, according to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the personal finance app Moneylion, while 71 percent said using A.I. would most likely be easier than planning trips on one’s own.

I decided to find out for myself in Norway.

A whirlwind day in Oslo

After I landed at Oslo Airport, all three assistants directed me to the Flytoget Airport Express Train , which got me to town in 20 minutes. I was delighted to find my hotel adjacent to the central railway station.

Choosing accommodations had not been easy. I was looking for a midrange boutique hotel, and the A.I. assistants generated many options with little overlap. I went with Hotel Amerikalinjen , Vacay’s recommendation, which it described as “a vibrant and unique boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo.” Its location was the main draw, but overall the hotel exceeded my expectations, blending comfort and style with the 20th-century charm of its building, which once housed the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line shipping company.

For the one-day Oslo itinerary, the assistants were in agreement, packing in the city’s top sights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace , the Nobel Peace Center, Akershus Fortress and the Munch Museum. I shared my location and asked each assistant to restructure the itineraries to start from my hotel. But when I gave in to my own research instincts and pulled up Google Maps, I saw that the order they suggested didn’t make sense, so I plotted my own path.

By the time I got to Frogner Park at midday, I had already covered half of the sights, and after walking past more than 200 sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, I was happy to sit down and admire his granite monolith of entwined humans.

For lunch, the assistants recommended high-end restaurants in the bustling waterfront neighborhood of Aker Brygge . But I wanted a quick bite in a more relaxed atmosphere, so I ditched A.I. and walked to the end of the promenade, where I stumbled upon the Salmon , a cozy establishment where I started with salmon sashimi that melted in my mouth and finished with a perfectly grilled fillet. How had my assistants not mentioned this place?

Next on my list was the Nobel Peace Center, the Opera House and the Munch Museum. The assistants had not recommended prebooking tickets, but fortunately, I had done so, learning, in the process, that the Peace Center was closed, a crucial bit of information that A.I. did not relay.

It was chilly for mid-June, and as I walked along the harbor promenade toward the Munch Museum, I spotted small floating saunas, which my assistants had not included. I went back to the ChatGPT phone app for recommendations. Even though I was eager to try a floating sauna, where people warmed themselves and then plunged straight into the frigid waters of the Oslofjord, I took ChatGPT’s suggestion and booked the Salt sauna, which is where I headed after spending a few hours at the Munch Museum, with its extensive works by the Norwegian artist and its sweeping views of Oslo’s harbor.

At the Salt cultural complex , a large pyramidal structure on the water, I was relieved that swimsuits were a requirement. In Scandinavia, saunas are usually taken naked , and earlier, I had asked ChatGPT for the etiquette at Salt, but it failed to give me a definitive answer. After sweating it out with around 30 strangers in Salt’s main sauna, I dipped into a cold-water barrel tub and then tried the smaller sauna options, which were hotter and quieter. It was the perfect ending to a long day.

Waterfalls, lush valleys, raging waters

Each of my assistants had different ideas on how to reach the fjord region. ChatGPT suggested taking a seven-hour train ride and then immediately embarking on a two-hour fjord cruise, which sounded exhausting. Mindtrip suggested taking a short flight to Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords,” and setting out on a cruise the next day, which was perhaps more efficient, but would also mean missing one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Vacay also recommended a train ride.

After conversing with the assistants, I decided on a shorter train journey (six hours) that would deliver me to Naeroyfjord , a UNESCO World Heritage site with lush valleys and thundering waterfalls. But to figure out the logistics for transport and accommodation, I needed live train timetables, which I found on my own, and information on hotel availability that none of the assistants had.

At this point, I was desperate for human guidance to navigate the region’s expensive and limited accommodations. This is where the pictures and reviews on Mindtrip were useful, helping me to understand that I would be paying premium prices for the spectacular setting of a mediocre hotel.

The train ride from Oslo to Myrdal was breathtaking: rolling hills, mountain villages, fjords, waterfalls. But nothing prepared me for the majestic one-hour Flam railway ride that followed. Vacay had described it as an “engineering marvel” with a breathtakingly steep descent as it passes picturesque villages, dramatic mountains, raging rivers and pounding waterfalls, complete with a dance performance featuring a mythological spirit known as a huldra.

The next morning I boarded a Naeroyfjord cruise, recommended by Vacay, on an electric, 400-person vessel. I was surprised by the serenity of the fjord. Later I learned from a tour guide that I had been lucky to visit when there were no large cruise ships. It was hard to imagine an ocean liner maneuvering through the narrow, windy fjord, but when I asked ChatGPT, it told me 150 to 220 cruise ships squeezed through the fjord each year, a detail that I felt the travel assistants should warn travelers about.

The cruise ended in the village of Gudvangen, where rain made me cancel a hike to a waterfall and instead try my hand at ax-throwing in the Viking Village Njardarheim. The assistants had told me that there were buses that left town every four hours, a time frame that had worked with my original hiking plan, but now I was stuck. Thankfully, I took note of the A.I. disclaimers to check all information and found an alternative shuttle bus.

On my way to Bergen, I decided to stop in the town of Voss, famous for extreme sports like skydiving and spectacular nature. All the A.I.-suggested hotels were booked, but a Google search led me to the lakeside Elva hotel , which had delicious farm-to-table food. I suspect it didn’t make the A.I. shortlist because it was new.

I ended my trip in Bergen, which, despite being Norway’s second-largest city, maintains a small-town charm with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. With only half a day to explore, I followed Mindtrip’s short itinerary, starting with a hearty lunch of fish and chips at the bustling waterfront fish market and ending with a funicular ride up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords. The A.I. dinner suggestion at the Colonialen was perfect: cozy vibe, live jazz and locally sourced dishes.

The bottom line

None of the A.I. programs were perfect, but they did complement one another, allowing me to streamline my travel decisions.

Overall, Mindtrip — with its polished, dynamic interface that allowed me to cross-check details with maps, links and reviews — was my favorite. While it gave some good recommendations, Mindtrip needed more prompting than Vacay, which offered a wider variety of suggestions in more detail. Unfortunately, Vacay doesn’t save chat history, which I discovered halfway into my planning after closing the website’s tab on my browser.

The biggest drawback was the absence of phone apps for Mindtrip and Vacay, which led me to rely on ChatGPT’s basic A.I. assistant when I needed on-the-spot guidance. Mindtrip, I’ve since learned, is planning to debut an app in September.

Still, there were times when I desperately craved the human touch. Before setting out on a trip, I always contact friends and colleagues for recommendations. This time, as part of the A.I. experiment, I refrained from reaching out to a Norwegian friend until after my trip, only to find out that we had both been in Oslo at the same time.

That’s one element of travel that I doubt A.I. will ever master: serendipity.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .