Antalya is the main gateway to Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It has a historic old harbour, long shingle and sand beaches, snow-capped mountains nearby and some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman sites in the region.
It is a good mix of beach, history and walking. Resorts line the coast on either side of the city, but the old town is worth a visit in its own right.
How many days: 7
A week gives you beach time, the old town and a day or two for ancient sites. A long weekend works for the city and a beach.
The coast is long, and resorts vary a lot. Decide whether you prefer the city, a quiet resort or an all-inclusive.
What to do in Antalya
- Wander Kaleiçi
- The old town of narrow lanes, Ottoman houses, small museums and a Roman harbour. Pleasant in the evening.
- See Hadrian's Gate
- A triumphal arch from Roman times at the edge of the old town. A good meeting point.
- Visit the Düden waterfalls
- Waterfalls that drop into the sea near the city. Walk to a viewpoint or take a boat to see them from below.
- Explore Perge and Aspendos
- Two ancient cities nearby, with a stadium, colonnaded streets and a theatre that is still used for performances.
- Ride the Tünektepe cable car
- A cable car climbs a hill above the sea, with views over the bay.
- Walk in the Taurus foothills
- Mountain trails and villages are an hour or two from the coast. Good for a day away from the beach.
- Take a boat trip
- Day boats go along the coast, with stops to swim.
- Visit the Lycian coast
- Kaş and Kalkan are pretty towns to the west. Roads wind along the sea.
- Visit the Antalya Museum
- A very good archaeological museum with Roman statues and sarcophagi from nearby sites. A good choice for a hot day.
- Walk the cliff-top park at Karaalioglu
- A clifftop park with a view over the bay and the mountains. A pleasant evening walk.
- Hike a short section of the Lycian Way
- A long-distance trail runs along the coast. A short stretch gives views of cliffs, pine woods and sea.
What to eat and drink
- Turkish breakfast
- A spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes, eggs and bread, with tea. A long, slow meal.
- Kebabs and pide
- Grilled meats and baked flatbreads. Look for places where locals eat.
- Piyaz
- A white bean salad with onions, eggs and a sesame dressing. A local dish.
- Fresh fruit and juices
- Oranges, pomegranates and melon are sold from stalls. Fresh juice is cheap.
- Turkish tea and coffee
- Tea is served in small glasses all day. Coffee is strong and sipped slowly.
- Baklava and local sweets
- Layered pastry with nuts and syrup. Buy it from a bakery.
- Fresh orange juice and pomegranate juice
- Antalya is a citrus region, and juice stalls sell it pressed to order.
- Börek and gözleme
- Flaky pastries and flatbreads filled with cheese or spinach, cooked at roadside stalls.
Getting around
A hire car is useful for visiting sites outside the city. Buses and shared minibuses link main towns.
A tram runs through parts of the city. Taxis are plentiful, and apps work in some areas.
The airport is a short drive from the city centre.
Good to know
- Summer is very hot, often above 35 degrees. Spring and autumn are more comfortable.
- Check the current entry rules for your nationality. Rules change, so use the official government site.
- Many resorts are all-inclusive, which suits families.
- Haggling is common in markets. Be polite and relaxed.
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques.
- The old town has a quiet courtyard feel after the day-trippers leave. Staying there gives a different experience from the beach resorts.
- Public transport is cheap and the tram is easy to use.
- The coast stays warm well into the autumn, and the sea is pleasant to swim in until late in the year.