travel advice to antalya turkey

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. The embassy staff cannot travel to areas where FCDO advises against travel to help you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email.

Turkey-Syria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.

Sirnak city

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city.

Hakkari Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari Province.

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
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Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Turkey Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 26, 2023, turkey - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Sirnak province, Hakkari province, and any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Syrian border due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Turkey.  Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

Security forces have detained tens of thousands of individuals, including U.S. citizens, for alleged affiliations with terrorist organizations based on scant or secret evidence and grounds that appear to be politically motivated.  U.S. citizens have also been subject to travel bans that prevent them from departing Turkey. Participation in demonstrations not explicitly approved by the Government of Turkey, as well as criticism of the government (including on social media), can result in arrest.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Turkey.

If you decide to travel to Turkey:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust your plans quickly.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive travel alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report for Turkey.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel. 
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Sirnak Province, Hakkari Province, and Any Area within six miles (ten kilometers) of the Syrian Border – Level 4:  Do Not Travel

Do not travel to Sirnak province, Hakkari province, or any area within six miles (10 kilometers) of the Turkey/Syria border due to the continued threat of attacks by terrorist groups, armed conflict, and civil unrest.  Terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, ambushes, car bomb detonations, and improvised explosive devices, as well as shootings, and illegal roadblocks leading to violence have occurred in these areas. U.S. government employees are subject to travel restrictions in the entire provinces of Sirnak and Hakkari, and any areas within 10 km of the Syrian border.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

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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.

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…

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ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ANTALYA, TURKEY

Antalya is a beautiful city located on the South West Coast of Turkey , along what is known as the “Turkish Riviera”. It was our first taste of the Southern Coast of Turkey, and we immediately fell in love with it. With beaches, mountains, sea cliffs, crystal clear Turquoise waters and incredible History, there is truly something to keep everyone happy in Antalya. So today I have decided to put together my Ultimate Guide to Antalya to give you all the information you need to visit.

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Antalya is a place that we almost didn’t even go to. We honestly knew nothing about it before we arrived, other than looking at a couple of photos. Coming from Cappadocia , we decided to head to the south coast and needed a good place to start, and geographically Antalya seemed to fit the bill. Now, we are SO GLAD we chose it.

We fell in love with Antalya, and found it hard to move on. It is the perfect stop, whether you are looking to explore, discover history, or just to relax. Antalya has you covered.

Table of Contents

Best time to visit, where is antalya, how many days do you need in antalya, how to get to antalya, things to do in antalya, day trips from antalya, where to stay in antalya, how to get around in antalya, where to eat in antalya, about antalya.

The city of Antalya was founded around the year 200 AD, and conquered by the Roman Empire not long after. The city thrived, becoming a very important port in the Empire, and strategic stronghold along the shores of the Mediterranean. Neighboring cities and towns also shared in the bounties that the Roman Empire brought to Antalya.

Today, Antalya is the main attraction along the popular Turkish Riviera. Remnants of the Roman Empire still exist, and along with its beautiful beaches, mountains and other natural features, there is little wonder why it is a favorite among Turkish Holiday makers.

The city has gone a long way toward preserving the relics of its past. Hadrian’s Gate stands as a beacon to the Roman Empire that once ruled, and many Ottoman style buildings still line the streets of the Old Town. Visitors are able to see and experience everything that Antalya has to offer with the use of the wonderful public transport system, and have the ease of coming and going via the modern International Airport.

It is no wonder that Antalya is one of the favorite cities in Turkey.

If you want to get the most out of your Antalya trip, then the best times to visit are in Spring and Autumn. That means April to June and September to October. This is when the seasons are at their best, avoiding the heat of the Summer and the cold of Winter.

Having said that, on my most recent visit we were there at the end of November. I am told it was unseasonably warm, but I got around each day in Jeans and a t-shirt. So you CAN get lucky with the weather, but stick to the seasons listed above and you should get the best of it!

Antalya is located on the South West coast of Turkey, and is a part of Anatolia. It is the 5th largest city in Turkey, and the largest Turkish City located along the Mediterranean Coastline, outside of those in the Aegean.

Geographically, Antalya is bordered by the Taurus Mountains, and the Mediterranean Sea, making it a favorite destination for holiday makers from all over Turkey.

You will need anywhere from 2 days to 4 days in Antalya. This depends upon what you want to do when you are there, and how much of the city that you would like to see. If you are planning to get out of the city and do trips to places such as Olympos, then you should add an extra day.

Most of what you will want to see in Antalya can be found around the central parts of the city. Especially for a first time visitor, and that can be seen easily in a couple of days. Add on an extra couple of days to see sights a little further afield, and possibly for day trips.

On our first trip to Antalya we spent 4 days. That was plenty of time to see everything that we wanted to see, and we even visited old town on several occasions. If you take the information I provide in this guide, it should also let you hit the ground running, without the need to try and discover it for yourself.

Getting to Antalya is easy, as it is one of the larger cities in Turkey, so there are major routes available for travelers to take.

Flying is the number one option for those that are limited for time in Turkey. Antalya actually has an International airport, which has TWO international terminals. It sees millions of passengers pass through each year, as it is a major destination on the holiday coast of Turkey. There are also constant domestic flights arriving and departing from all over Turkey, with the flight time from Istanbul only 1 hour 15 min.

The other popular way to get to Antalya is by bus. There is a major hub located just outside of the city center that caters to every bus company in Turkey. This is an option for those on a budget, and buses are arriving and departing at all times of the day and night. The most popular route is definitely for buses from Antalya to Cappadocia, which only takes around 8 hours. This is how we arrived in Antalya on our first visit.

Guide to Antalya Tip – Both the airport and the bus terminal are connected to the city center by public transport, with the tram line and bus now running to both. So skip the taxi and look at using them to save money!

Antalya is a city with a wonderful history and amazing geography. Therefore it stands to reason that there is plenty to do in and around the city. You don’t have to go far to really begin exploring, and you will probably find that your first couple of days will be spent right within the city itself.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the the Guide to Antalya things to do .

• Walk the streets of Old Town – This is right at the top of the list for any visitor to Antalya. Old Town is a collection of cobbled streets lined with pubs, restaurants, shops and marvelous architecture. I personally spent a couple of days wandering the streets, finding hidden alleys and quaint cafes.
• Visit Hadrian’s Gate – This amazing gate is probably the most well known feature of Antalya. Standing at the entrance to Old Town, it is 2000 years old and still in incredible condition. You can walk right under the arch, and follow the same path as Romans did as far back as the 2nd century AD.
• Stroll around the Ancient Harbor – The absolute center of Kaleici Old Town, this ancient Roman Harbor has been the central focus of the city for 2000 years, and is still a centerpiece in modern day. A great place to lunch, take a cruise or sit and watch the sun set over the mountains.
• Explore Karaalioglu Park – Just a short walk from Old Town you will find this incredible park running along the tops of the cliffs. It’s a great place for a stroll, to have a coffee, or to take in the sunset in the evenings.
• Take a Cruise – Cruises run from the Old Town Harbor, and are very popular with tourists and locals. The most popular of all is the cruise down the coastline to Duden Waterfalls.
• Be amazed at Duden Waterfalls – These amazing waterfalls are located East of the city, and feature a cascade that plummets 50 meters down the cliff face into the Ocean!
• Take in the views from the Telerifik – Take the Cable Car 1700 meters up to Tunek Tepe, a lookout on top of the hills overlooking the city and surrounds. With the most incredible views in the area, this is NOT to be missed. NOTE – the Telerifik is closed on Mondays!
• Stroll through the Ancient streets of Perge – The Ancient City of Perge is located 15 KM East of Antalya, and dates back as far as about 1200 BC. Spend the day wandering through the remains of a long lost civilization, and following the path of those such as Alexander the Great, who once walked its streets.
• Soak up the sun at Konyaalti Beach – This beach is not the classic sand beach you might be used to. Instead it is made of pebbles, however don’t let that put you off. It is a favorite for locals and visitors, is a great place to swim or soak up the sun, and has a huge waterfront area with cycleway, parks and restaurants for miles!

Guide to Antalya Tip – Use public transport. You can get to most of the places on this list by utilising the bus and tram networks!

There is much to do within Antalya itself, but like many places in Turkey, there are things laying just outside, around or further afield that you just don’t want to miss. These are things you will want to visit when you are in Antalya, or could base yourself in Antalya to do them on day trips.

Here are the Guide to Antalya list of the best day trips that you can do from Antalya.

• Perge, Side, Aspendos a nd Waterfalls Guided Tour – This tour is all about history, as you visit the ancient cities of the region. Learn all about the Ancient Romans that built these wonders, before taking a refreshing dip in a waterfall.
• Taurus Mountains full day Jeep safari – This tour is all about adventure. Get off the beaten path into the Taurus mountains in a Jeep. Visit local villages and swim in refreshing natural pools.
• Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch – A full day trip that starts early in the morning with hotel pickup and a few hours drive to incredible Pamukkale, where you will witness the world famous Cotton Castle Pools. From there a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis before heading home again.
• Antalya City Tour and Duden Waterfalls with Boat Trip – This tour will take you all around the city with a local guide, seeing sights such as the famous Hadrian’s Gate, before a boat trip down the coast to witness the Duden Waterfalls plummeting into the ocean from the unique vantage point of the ocean itself.
• Antalya City Tour, Waterfalls and Cable Car – This tour will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the cable car up to the most scenic spot around the city. This is followed by visits to the Duden Waterfalls, and Karpuz Kaldıran Waterfall.
• Kekova Su nk en City, Demre and Lycia Tour – Set sail to Kekova Island where you will board a glass bottomed boat to view the sunken city of Kekova. A truly unique experience!

Guide to Antalya Tip – There are many places that you can book tours in Antalya. Stick with a trusted company like Getyourguide via one of the above links, as they do their homework and only deal with the very best, most experienced operators.

If you are heading to Antalya, then I suggest you to stay around the area in the center of the city, near Old Town. Especially if you are a first time visitor to the city. It is easy to get around, you are close to everything, and only a short bus or tram ride from the beach.

Here are the Guide to Antalya suggestions for where to stay in Antalya.

CASA SUR ANTALYA

The Casa Sur Antalya is a little piece of paradise right in the middle of Antalya. Featuring wonderful garden areas that guests love and constantly rave about, this hotel will leave you wanting more. Amazing service, attention to detail and staff who go above and beyond makes this the place you will want to book on your next visit to Antalya.

GIGES KING BOUTIQUE HOTEL

What could be better than a highly rated boutique hotel located right in the heart of Kaleici Old Town? Walking distance to everywhere, getting spoiled with tailored breakfasts, a refreshing pool, all set in a classic Ottoman Style Hotel. Could it get any better?

LA CASA CARINA BUTIK HOTEL

With kind and accommodating owners who will oversea your every need with minute detail, it will be hard to believe you are in a budget hotel. Located right in the middle of Old Town, this place is in the perfect choice, close to everything but still away from all the noise.

Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK .

Getting around in Antalya is easy. Despite being the 5th largest city in Turkey, the part that you will be visiting is not that big. And to get to outlying areas, the city of Antalya has you covered with Public transport options.

Firstly , there is the good old getting around on foot option. If you stay central, then your first couple of days will probably see you walking nearly everywhere. There is so much to see and do in the central part of Antalya that you won’t need to worry about anything else.

Second , there is the bus. They run everywhere in Antalya, and are easy to find and catch. The bus routes are even made easy for you as well. For example, two places we wanted to go were the Cable car (telerifik) to the West, and Duden Waterfalls to the East. The same bus took us to both!

The third option is the tram. There is a great tram system in Antalya that connects the airport and bus terminals to the city center. This tram is used by locals and visitors to get swiftly around the city as well. There is also a nostalgic tram that runs from the city center along the coast, which is a great way to move about as well. In particular for getting from Old Town to the Beaches to the West of the city.

Guide to Antalya Tip – If you are going to be using the Public Transport system, get yourself an AntalyaKart. It is a swipe on card to use on all public transport that can be easily topped up with cash at the handy machines. It works the same way as IstanbulKart.

There are many great places to eat around the central mall and surrounding streets of Antalya. If you are on a budget, then you can also find many places that sell cheap kebabs and Pide as well. These MAY be a little more expensive in the center of Antalya City than a little further out though.

On our most recent visit to Antalya, we found a few great places to eat that really fit a low budget. They were mostly around where we were staying, but I will list a couple of our favorite places here.

• Sariyer Borek Simitevi – We first found one of these shops on the morning we arrived and were walking from the tram stop to our apartment. They sell incredibly tasty Borek that we continued to eat for breakfast every day we were there. This is cheap, filling and very good food! They are a chain, and we ate at several different stores and they all had the same quality. HERE is a link to one so you can see what to look for.
• Baris Cafe and Fast Food – One of the best and cheapest kebabs we found outside of Istanbul is at this cafe. It’s a bit outside of the city center, but if you are in the area it’s worth stopping by! Click H E RE for a location.

Food in Antalya is not that expensive when compared to other places along the coastline such as Fethiye. You will pay a little more than somewhere like Istanbul, but still a reasonable price.

Guide to Antalya tip – get away from the main strips for cheap food. Along the walking malls keep a look out for the bread carts which sell bread for only 5TL each. They are a cheap breakfast that you can eat on the go.

Well, that’s if for my Ultimate Guide to Antalya – for now. I am constantly updating my guides, and will continue to add information on each visit to the city.

I highly recommend Antalya as a place to visit along the south coast of Turkey. It is a charming city, with plenty of history, places to see and things to do. You cannot help but fall in love with Antalya!

If you have any questions or anything to add that would be helpful for visitors, then feel free to drop it in the comments!

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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, Dania helps fellow travelers create the ultimate Turkish itineraries. From hidden gems to must-visit spots, she shares practical tips to empower you to confidently explore Turkey.

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Antalya travel guide

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

There are many reasons to visit Turkey's most famous resort town. With old historical monuments and a rich modern nightlife, Turks and foreigners alike love Antalya's calming location along the Mediterranean Sea.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Antalya

1. luxury resort life.

There are two main resort districts to choose from in Antalya: Belek and Lara. Prices generally are all inclusive and vary between 300-3,000tl a night.

This old historic center is filled with shops, hotels and beautiful architecture.

3. Duden Waterfalls

These falls, due to a water recycling station, drop dramatically over a cliff into the Mediterranean sea.

4. Hadrien's Gate

The three arched gates were built to celebrate emperor Hadrian's visit to the city in 130 A.D.

5. Köprülü Canyon

This National Park of Turkey, opened in 1973, offers many trails, swimming holes and canyons to explore.

What to do in Antalya

1. old city marina: board a boat with a view.

Also known as the Kaleici Marina, the old city's harbor features more than quietly docked boats waving gently and waiting to be sailed. There are many local restaurants that provide stunning views of the marina, where travelers can rest up and enjoy fresh seafood. Board one of the boats, manned by commercial crews ready for hire. Choose from private, luxury boats, or public boats that offer shorter, 2 hour trips ideal for visitors. Take advantage of the elevator shuttling visitors from the main street level down to the harbor, which features a viewing platform for a truly panoramic view.

2. Hadrian's Gate: Entering A Wrinkle In Time

The gates of Hadrian is a stunning monument dating back to 130 CE, built to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian. Besides being a beautiful relic, Hadrian's Gate marks the entrance to Kaleici, Antalya's charming, historic quarter. The beautifully constructed gates used to be a part of the city's outer walls and proves that history is more than just words in a book - that ancient citizens once lived here, whose monuments have survived the test of time. The gates are connected to two towers, built independently in different eras, during the rules of Seljuk sultans.

3. Duden Falls: Feeding Into the Mediterranean Sea

Located just 7.5 miles northeast of the city of Antalya, this picturesque collection of waterfalls are more than just natural wonders. They are a haven for local wildlife and birds that nest by the water, and the Lower Düden Falls feed directly into the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. The group of waterfalls are part of a local recycle water station and feed into artificial cascades and irrigation trenches facilitating the distribution of water to the region. To view the waterfalls up close and personal, visitors can take a boat trip from the Antalya harbor and visit the surrounding park.

4. Antalya Müzesi: Putting the "Muse" in Museum

With over 5,000 works of art covering an area of over 7,000 m², the grand Antalya Archaeological Museum is not only one of Turkey's largest museums but its richest as well. It features a combination of exhibition halls, gardens, and open air galleries, as well as live excavation sites along a long coastal strip of the Mediterranean. This means that beauty spreads as far as the eye can see and the smell of history is thick in the air. There are 13 permanent exhibitions on display featuring art, crafts, statues, ruins, artifacts, maps, and more.

5. Aspendos: An Evening of Theater

Viewed from the upper gallery, a traveler's sense of just how vast and well-preserved the Roman amphitheater of Aspendos truly is hits home. Today, the theater features the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, with international collaborations between opera and ballet companies from across the globe. However, during Roman rule and periods of conquer, the ancient city played a battle stage to Persian navies and Alexander the Great himself.

Activities & attractions in Antalya

Where to Eat in Antalya

Mermerli restaurant sits overlooking a small bay, serving both traditional and turkish dishes. A typical sit-down meal will cost you between 50-60tl.

When to visit Antalya

Antalya experiences very hot and humid summers, meaning that the best times to visit are from April to June and September to November. These times are also out of season and tend to be cheaper for tourists.

How to Get to Antalya

The Antalya International Airport is 13km outside of the city. Direct tickets from Europe are around 300euros in the peak summer season.

There are currently no trains servicing Antalya.

The D400 highway services most of the Mediterranean cost from Fethiye in the West all the way through Antalya to Gazianteppe in the East.

The Serik Otogar is located in the Kepez district and can connect you to other cities within Turkey.

Airports near Antalya

Airlines serving antalya, where to stay in antalya.

The Eski Masal Hotel is close to the beach and right in the center of the popular Kaleici historical district. Prices start at 930tl a night.

Popular Neighborhoods in Antalya

Kaleici – This area features both historical architecture and the center of Antalya's nightlife scene.

Lara – This area has the highest concentration of luxury hotels and is popular for a stress-free, all-inclusive family vacation.

Belek – Also a resort town, but more adult focused and with a mountainous green landscape.

Where to stay in popular areas of Antalya

Most booked hotels in antalya, how to get around antalya, public transportation.

Trams, buses and minibuses (dolmus) are the most common form of transit. A reusable AntalyaKart transport card can be bought for 5tl and topped up with money credit as necessary.

Taxi tariffs start at 3tl and will generally cost you around 10-15tl per journey within the city center.

Rental cars can be picked up at the airport or downtown for around 150tl a day.

Car rental agencies in Antalya

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

The Cost of Living in Antalya

Shopping streets.

Shop at Kaleici bazaar for traditional textiles, pottery and other souvenirs. MarkAntalya has a more traditional mall set up, with recognizable brands and fixed prices.

Groceries and Other

The main grocery stores in Antalya are Migros, Sok and Carrefour. A dozen eggs will cost you around 6tl.

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye overall due to the threat of terrorism.

Higher levels apply.

Turkiye (PDF 895.52 KB)

Europe (PDF 2.62 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital.

In major cities, call 155. English speaking officers aren't always available.

In rural areas, call Jandarma on 156. English speaking officers are rarely available.

English-speaking officers may be available in police departments at:

In Istanbul, call the dedicated Tourist Police unit on (+90) 212 527 4503.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye overall.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye overall due to the threat of terrorism.

See Safety .

Do not travel to within 10km of the border with Syria.

Do not travel  to within 10km of the border with Syria due to serious threat of terrorism, violence and acts of war in this area. 

Reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak.

Reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Hakkari and Sirnak due to the unpredictable security situation.

• There's an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks in Türkiye. Possible targets include tourist areas, transport networks, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship and diplomatic premises. Be alert to potential threats, especially in locations frequented by foreigners. Avoid crowds, keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings. Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Demonstrations and protests can occur and may turn violent. Avoid protests and large public gatherings. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
• There is an ongoing risk of earthquake in parts of Türkiye. Know the dangers of a major earthquake in your area and where your local shelter is.
• There's an increased threat of military and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interests across the region and ongoing military action in the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the region. Demonstration and protest activity may occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests. 

Full travel advice:  Safety

• Malaria is a risk from May to October in Amikova, Çukurova Plain and the southeast. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Other insect-borne diseases include leishmaniasis and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent.
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases include tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis, measles and rabies. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked foods.
• Alcoholic drinks could be mixed with toxic substances, including methanol. Drink only at reputable venues. Avoid homemade alcohol. Get medical help straight away if you suspect poisoning.

Full travel advice:  Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences.
• By law, you must always carry a photo ID. You should carry your passport with you at all times. 
• It's illegal to 'insult' Türkiye, the Turkish flag, the President or government, and the country's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Don't make insulting comments, including on social media.
• It's illegal to photograph military sites.
• Many parts of Türkiye have conservative dress and behaviour standards. Dress modestly, particularly at mosques and shrines. Respect religious and social traditions. Avoid public displays of affection.

Full travel advice:  Local laws

You'll need an e-visa for tourism or business if you're staying for less than 90 days in a 180-day period.

• If you're travelling to Türkiye for medical services, you should apply for a medical visa through the  HealthTürkiye  online portal.
• Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Türkiye for the latest details.

Full travel advice:  Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the  Australian Embassy in Ankara , the Australian Consulate in Istanbul, or the Australian Consulate in Canakkale.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

There's an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks in Türkiye.

Most terrorist attacks have taken place in the southeast of the country, Ankara or Istanbul. 

Attacks could take place anywhere and at any time, including in places visited by foreigners. Possible targets include:

• tourist sites
• public transport and transport hubs
• markets/shopping malls
• government facilities
• diplomatic premises
• hotels, clubs, restaurants
• places of worship
• courts and the judiciary
• political parties
• major sporting and cultural events
• educational institutions

Terrorists have also previously targeted Western interests and places associated with the Turkish security forces, such as military barracks and police vehicles.

Previous methods of attack have included armed assaults, suicide bombings, car bombings, rocket attacks, arson, and improvised explosive devices left in garbage bins, crowded areas, shops, and public transport.

To protect yourself:

• be alert to threats, especially in public places and around significant dates
• keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new and emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there is an attack, leave the affected area immediately if it's safe to do so.

If you plan to travel to Türkiye to commemorate Anzac Day, understand the risks and plan ahead. Read our ' Travel overseas for Anzac Day'  page for further information on attending the event.

Border regions

The threat of terrorist attacks, violence and acts of war is high along the borders with Syria and Iraq. In the past, rockets have been fired from Syria and Iraq into Turkish territory.

South-eastern provinces

The south-eastern and eastern provinces see occasional clashes, particularly between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist group and Turkish security forces.

Attacks by the PKK on government institutions, infrastructure and other sites have affected civilians.

More information:

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

Terrorist groups operating in Syria and Iraq kidnap and murder westerners. These groups may extend their operations into Türkiye.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information:  

• Kidnapping  

Civil unrest and political tension

The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate with little or no warning.

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations occur regularly in major cities in response to:

• domestic events
• international events
• political developments

Events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to heightened tensions in the region. Large demonstrations have been reported outside diplomatic missions connected to the conflict in major cities, particularly Israeli diplomatic missions in Ankara and Istanbul. 

There are nearly 4 million Syrian and other refugees in Türkiye. Anti-refugee sentiment can be a source of tension and occasionally violence. 

Demonstrations can happen without warning. 

Extremists have targeted political protests.

Peaceful events can turn violent.

Protests in Istanbul have centred around:

• Taksim Square
• Istiklal Street
• streets surrounding Istikal as far as the Galata Tower and down to Karakoy
• Okmeydani on the European side
• Kadikoy on the Asian side

Protests in Ankara often centre around the Kizilay and Tunali areas. They have targeted diplomatic missions.

Protests also happen in other districts of Istanbul and Ankara and other cities and towns, including:

May Day rallies on 1 May can become violent, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul.

Mass rallies often occur during the Persian New Year, 20 - 21 March.

Police break up crowds using the following:

• water cannons
• plastic bullets

Tear gas can spread to surrounding areas.

Local authorities can ban events, such as public gatherings, celebrations, demonstrations and protests, with little warning. 

They may also impose or extend curfews without warning.

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid political gatherings, protests and demonstrations
• obey curfews
• monitor the media and other sources
• be alert around key dates, such as 20 to 21 March and 1 May 
• plan your activities to avoid possible unrest on significant dates

Be prepared to change your travel plans. Contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help if there are transport disruptions.

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Theft and assault

Common crimes include:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching

Crime is especially common in the tourist areas of Istanbul, including:

• Sultanahmet
• the Grand Bazaar
• the Spice Bazaar

To stay safe, monitor local sources for information on crime and:

• pay close attention to your personal belongings, particularly on public transport and in crowded places
• avoid secluded parks and unlit areas
• avoid ATMs on the street, especially at night
• use ATMs in banks, shops and shopping centres

Drink and food spiking

Foreigners, including Australians, have been drugged by English-speaking strangers who steal their belongings and passports.

Drugs can be present in:

• chewing gum
• confectionery

These drugs can cause you to become disoriented and compliant. You may even become unconscious.

To reduce your risk of food or drink spiking:

• be wary of overly friendly strangers
• don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers or new acquaintances
• never leave food or drinks unattended

Sexual assault

Women may experience physical and verbal harassment. This is more common in regional and conservative areas.

There's been an increase in violent  sexual assaults  against women travelling alone or in small groups. Assaults have happened in popular tourist areas, including Istanbul and coastal resorts like Antalya. The assailant is often a person the victim has just met.

There have been reports of sexual assaults on minors alone in public toilets.

If you're a woman:

• avoid travelling alone, especially after dark
• avoid isolated locations
• be wary of new friends and acquaintances
• stick with people you trust

If a child in your care needs to use a public toilet, go with them.

• Advice for women
• Sexual assault overseas

Scams  commonly target travellers.

Friendly English-speaking locals may try to scam you out of thousands of dollars.

Typically, these scammers take you to a bar for food or drinks. You're then presented with an inflated bill, often thousands of dollars, and threatened with violence if you don't pay. These scams are regularly reported, particularly in Istanbul.

Scams involving inflated taxi prices or taxis taking longer routes than needed have also been reported. These are particularly common to and from airports in Istanbul. 

Scams are also common among carpet traders.

To protect yourself from scams:

• insist your taxi driver uses the meter
• pay attention to your surroundings
• be wary of deals where your carpet trader arranges to send you goods by post

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities such as diving and ballooning.

If you plan to do a tour or  adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
• if proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Türkiye experiences  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

• earthquakes

If there is a natural disaster or severe weather event:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with friends and family
• monitor the media and other sources, such as the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Bush and forest fires often occur during the summer months, from June to September. Conditions can change quickly. Monitor the local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Read our advice on what to do if you're overseas and  there's a bushfire near you .  

These are most common in heavily forested areas with high temperatures and low rainfall.

Fires have burned close to holiday areas, including:

• the Aegean coast
• the Mediterranean coast
• the Gallipoli peninsula

Earthquakes

Earthquakes  are a constant risk in Türkiye. There have been major earthquakes in recent years, including in February 2023, when 2 earthquakes occurred in Kahramanmaras province, close to Gaziantep, causing mass fatalities.

The North Anatolian fault runs 20km south of Istanbul and is one of the world's most active. Know the dangers of a major earthquake in your area and where your local shelter is.

Large, damaging earthquakes could happen at any time. Aftershocks can continue for days or weeks.

When an earthquake happens, you should drop, cover and hold. If an earthquake is long or strong and you're near the coast or other large body of water, you should go to higher ground immediately.

If you're indoors during an earthquake:

• move no more than a few steps to a heavy, solid object you can get underneath, and hold onto it
• don't try to run outside
• stay indoors until the shaking stops
• stay away from windows, chimneys, and shelves with heavy objects

If you're in bed:

• hold onto the bed and stay where you are
• protect your head and body with a pillow and blankets

If you're outdoors:

• move to the nearest clear spot
• keep away from buildings, trees and power lines
• drop to the ground

If you're in a car:

• drive to a clear place away from buildings, trees and power lines
• stay in the car with your seatbelt on until the shaking stops

If you're in a lift:

• stop at the nearest floor and get out

After the earthquake finishes:

• be aware of possible tsunami risks
• prepare for travel delays
• reconfirm your travel arrangements
• check your accommodation with travel agents and tour operators
• let your family/friends know that you're safe

During a crisis, local authorities are responsible for helping people living or travelling within their jurisdictions.

More information

•  Read our  advice on earthquake risk and response .

Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides across Türkiye. This can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Severe drought conditions can affect the water supply to several cities.

Running water may not be available in many places, including hotels.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location .

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Türkiye. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Medical tourism.

Each year, many Australians travel for medical tourism. 

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. We're aware of several cases in recent years where Australians have experienced serious complications after their procedures in Türkiye.   

If you're considering undertaking medical treatment in Türkiye, you should do your research including on whether your insurance will cover you. Read our advice on travelling overseas for medical tourism before you go. 

The  HealthTürkiye  portal lists the medical providers authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health .  We can't provide recommendations or endorsements for any particular health providers. You should discuss your plans carefully with your Australian doctor, dentist or hospital specialist before committing to any procedure overseas.

• Health Services General Directorate
• Authorised Healthcare Providers 
• International Health Services Call Center  

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria  is a risk from May to October in:

• Çukurova Plain
• the south-east

There's no malaria risk in the main tourist areas in the west and southwest of the country.

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including:

• leishmaniasis
• Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF)

CCHF is common in:

• central Anatolia to the north
• east of Ankara

Seasonal summer outbreaks of CCHF have been fatal.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Bird flu (avian influenza)

Human deaths from  bird flu (avian influenza)  have been confirmed in Türkiye.

Talk to your doctor about bird flu as part of your pre-travel health checks.

Measles cases routinely occur in Türkiye, with the country experiencing increased measles activity. Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel.

• Measles Outbreaks 2019 (Department of Health and Aged Care)
• Measles immunisation service (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, and other infectious diseases occur, including:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

• Infectious diseases

Poisoning from alcoholic drinks

Locals and travellers have reported poisoning from alcoholic drinks. Drinks may be contaminated with harmful substances, including methanol.

Locals and travellers have become seriously ill after drinking contaminated alcohol.

Consider the risks when drinking alcoholic beverages, particularly drinks made with spirits.

Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

To stay safe:

• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks

Symptoms of  methanol poisoning  can be similar to the effects of drinking too much. This includes fatigue, headaches and nausea.

If you suspect that you, or someone you're with, has been poisoned, get urgent medical attention. It could save you from permanent disability or death.

• Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.

Medical care

The standard of medical facilities in Türkiye varies.

Private hospitals with facilities comparable to those in Australia exist in major cities. Services can be limited outside of major cities.

Private hospitals usually need confirmation of insurance or a guarantee of payment before admitting a patient. Costs can be high.

Decompression chambers are available near popular dive sites and major cities in:

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may be able to receive treatment at a private or teaching hospital in Ankara or Istanbul. However, medical evacuation could be necessary. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Australians who reside in Türkiye for more than 12 months may have access to Türkiye's Universal Health Insurance (UHI).

• Republic of Türkiye Social Security Institution  (in Turkish)

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian government will do what it can to help you under our  Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Following the end of a State of Emergency in 2018, local authorities continue to have increased legal powers.

Authorities have detained thousands of people suspected of having links to alleged terrorist groups. Detainees have limited rights.

Authorities may prevent foreigners and dual nationals from departing Türkiye.

Penalties for using or possessing drugs are severe. They include long jail sentences.

• Carrying or using drugs

Hiking Mount Ararat

Mount Ararat, between the eastern provinces of Agri and Igdir, is designated a 'special military zone'. You must hire the services of a locally licensed guide if you intend to hike in the area. A licensed company will obtain the necessary permits and assign you to a registered Mountaineer to accompany you throughout your hike. Visiting Mount Ararat without the Turkish government's permission is an offence that could incur severe penalties.

By law, you must always carry a photo ID. Carry your passport with you at all times. 

Illegal activities could result in severe penalties including:

• taking photos of military installations
• searching for historical artefacts without authorisation
• defacing or destroying Turkish currency
• failing to comply with Turkish visa conditions or immigration regulations
• supporting terrorist organisations in Türkiye, including expressions of support on social media

It's also illegal to 'insult':

• the Turkish flag
• the Turkish President or Government
• the founder of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

This includes making insulting comments on social media. Penalties can be severe.

Selling or exporting antiquities and cultural artefacts without a permit is also illegal. You'll need a receipt and an official certificate to export these goods legally.

If you're arrested or detained, you may be deported from Türkiye. This may happen after your court hearings or after completing your sentence. You may be deported even if you're not convicted.

If you're arrested, ask the local authorities to tell the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs  

Dual citizenship

The Turkish government recognises dual citizenship.

However, Turkish-Australian dual nationals are treated as Turkish citizens in legal matters. If you're a dual citizen, this limits the  consular services  we can give if you're arrested or detained.

If you are a male Turkish-Australian dual national, you could be forced to complete military service when you arrive.

Check your obligations with an  embassy or consulate  of Türkiye before you travel.

• Dual nationals

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Türkiye. Some regions are more conservative than others.

Avoid offending locals by respecting religious and social traditions.

Dress modestly, particularly at mosques and religious shrines.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Türkiye. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day may not be culturally appropriate in some areas. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. 

Some areas are more tolerant of travellers and locals who don't fast. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our  Ramadan  page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

LGBTQIA+ information

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted in Turkish society.

LGBTQIA+ events and gatherings may be subject to local government bans.

Avoid public displays of affection.

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ t ravellers

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Use the official Turkish government site to  apply for an e-visa  online.

Be wary of using unauthorised websites. They may charge for information on e-visas.

Apply for a medical visa through the  HealthTürkiye  online portal if you're travelling to Türkiye to seek medical services (see 'Health').

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document.

If you're not eligible for an e-visa, you'll need to arrange a visa through an  embassy or consulate  of Türkiye before you arrive. If you don't, authorities may refuse entry.

If you're a tourist and arrive by sea, visiting the surrounding areas for up to 72 hours without a visa might be possible. Check your visa requirements with your travel operator or local authorities at the port of entry, and make sure you get entry and exit stamps in your passport. 

If you don't abide by your visa or permit terms, you may be fined, deported and banned from re-entering Türkiye.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  nearest embassy or consulate  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

• Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture information on COVID-19

Entry into Türkiye

Before travelling to Türkiye, check if you'll be able to return to your country of origin or if you can travel onward to your next destination. Some countries may impose quarantine or other restrictions on travellers coming from Türkiye.

Travel with children

If you're  travelling with a child  aged under 18 years, you may need to provide proof that you're the legal parent or guardian. Check with the  embassy or consulate  of Türkiye before you travel.

Border Crossings

All border crossings from Syria are currently closed.

Crossing the border to or from Iraq is difficult. Military activity in the region is ongoing. The Turkish Government tightly controls entry and exit.

Other formalities

If you enter or leave Türkiye by land or sea borders, make sure immigration authorities process you correctly. This applies even for a short trip, such as visiting the Greek Islands.

Make sure your passport is stamped for every exit and arrival. If you don't, you could face difficulties when departing, including:

• possible fines
• future travel bans
• deportation

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you are just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you are not sure it will be valid long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It is attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers  

The local currency in Türkiye is the Lira (TRY).

Most services accept credit cards, but carry a small amount of cash just in case.

EFTPOS and ATMs are widely available.

Local travel

Anzac cove and gallipoli historical site.

The weather can change suddenly in the Gallipoli region.

Winter storms and heavy traffic seriously affect many coastal roads around Gallipoli. This includes roads in the Gallipoli Historical Site.

• be prepared for a range of weather conditions
• obey safety signs and directions
• don't wander off marked roads and tracks
• don't separate from your tour group

More information: 

• Travel overseas for Anzac Day

Driving permit

You can drive in Türkiye for up to 6 months if you have a valid Australian driver's licence

You must get a Turkish driver's licence if you plan to drive for longer than 6 months after your arrival in Türkiye.

• Turkish Security Directorate (Turkish)

Road travel

Travelling at night on country roads can be hazardous due to poor lighting and local driving practices.

Drink-driving carries a minimum penalty of:

• an on-the-spot fine
• confiscation of your driver's licence

Get to know the local road rules and practices.

Check if your travel insurance will cover you before driving.

In the event of a car accident:

• For accidents with only vehicular damage, exchange insurance information, take photos of the accident before moving the vehicles, and depart if both sides agree. Turkish law requires drivers to fill out a Turkish-only form and provide pictures of the damage. Non-Turkish speakers should call and wait for the police.
• For accidents involving an injury or a disagreement, remain at the site of the accident. Do not move the vehicle – even out of the way – until the Traffic Police arrive. Report the accident to the Traffic Police (dial 155) or Jandarma (dial 156). Get a certified copy of the official report from the Traffic Police office (this can take several days).
• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Avoid using motorcycles due to the poor standard of driving.

Check whether your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Use only licensed taxis or reputable limousine services. Arrange these through your hotel.

Taxis in major cities are generally professional, metered and charge according to set rates.

Insist your taxi driver uses the meter.

In rural areas and small towns, you may need to negotiate rates.

Public transport

Türkiye has an extensive inter-city bus and train network. 

• Transport and getting around safely

International and domestic flights fly out of the new Istanbul Airport instead of Ataturk Airport.

Turkish airports and commercial aircraft have been the subject of terrorist attacks. See  Safety

Enhanced security measures are in place at major airports.

Airports are often crowded, and security checks can cause delays.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Türkiye's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when reporting a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For  consular assistance in Türkiye , contact the:

• Australian Embassy in Ankara
• Australian Consulate-General in Istanbul
• Australian Consulate in Çanakkale

You'll need to make an appointment in advance.

Australian Embassy, Ankara

88 Uğur Mumcu Caddesi  Gaziosmanpaşa Ankara 

Phone: +90 312 459 9500  Website:  turkey.embassy.gov.au Email:  [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Türkiye X: @AusAmbTürkiye

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, Istanbul

Süzer Plaza (Ritz Carlton Hotel), Askerocaĝı Caddesi No. 15, Elmadağ Istanbul

Phone: +90 212 393 3300 Email:  [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Çanakkale

Kolin Hotel  Kepez 17100 Çanakkale

Phone: (+90 286) 218 1721  Email:  [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Turkey?

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• 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.

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• Sightseeing

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.

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

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© 2019-2024 Antalya Holidays & Travel Guide - iAntalya.com + Medical Tourism in Antalya

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Things To Do

Plan your sightseeing and activities with our recommendations. explore attractions, book tours, and immerse yourself in the local culture., places to stay, find the perfect place to stay. whether you prefer boutique hotels, luxury resorts, or budget hostels, we have recommendations for you., guides & tips, get expert guidance for your trip. from tips on packing to cultural etiquette, our travel advice will help you make the most of your journey..

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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)

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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
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• 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 .

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Is Antalya Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Turkey : Safety by City

Antalya is the largest city of the Turkish amazing Mediterranean coast, where you can find a perfect mix of summer experience and traditional Turkish culture.

It is also the biggest international sea resort in Turkey.

If you’re planning on visiting Antalya, you probably won’t be able to decide whether to bask in its gorgeous white-sand beaches surrounded by beautiful nature or to immerse in the unique shopping experience in Turkish bazaars and shops.

This doesn’t mean Antalya doesn’t boast historical sites, because it does: Roman baths, Byzantine basilica, the ancient city walls of Kaleiçi are just some of them.

The northern part of Kaleiçi is mostly touristy shops and restaurants lining the narrow mazelike streets.

And don’t forget that, apart from the amazing beaches, you can also visit Aqualand, a large complex of waterpark and beach park combined.

• Warnings & Dangers in Antalya

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Antalya is safe to visit. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, restaurants, shops, and public transportation are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists here, too, though they're not common.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Generally, transport in Antalya is rather safe and reliable, though if you're driving you should keep in mind that local drivers in the country are reckless and tend to ignore traffic rules and signs.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

As for pickpocketing, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Antalya, which is a popular tourist destination, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Keep your eyes on your belongings near beaches and crowded places.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, earthquakes have been known to hit Turkey, as well as severe droughts causing the lack of tap water in some parts of this country.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings aren't common in Antalya at all, but you are advised to stay away from dark and deserted areas and not take unsolicited drinks or food from anyone you don't know.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorism is the greatest worry for tourists, as it's been active in Turkey in recent years. The last terrorist attack happened in January 2017. This is why you should be aware of your surroundings everywhere in Turkey and never let your guard down.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The common scam in Antalya is locals befriending tourists, taking them out for a drink, or dinner and then expecting the tourist to pay for it. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

If you're a woman traveling solo you should avoid walking alone after dark in this city. There have been reports of sexual assaults and verbal insults. These can happen even if you are accompanied by a group. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas.

• So... How Safe Is Antalya Really?

Antalya is very safe to visit, with a low crime rate and a safe index of 74.5%. Still, you should take standard precaution measures as you would in any other city.

Turkey, in general, is mostly safe when it comes to crime and its biggest risks stem from their political situation and terrorism risks.

All this doesn’t mean that petty crimes don’t exist in Antalya, because they do.

Snatching, pickpocketing, and mugging are the most common kinds of petty crime and you should be especially careful around beaches.

Another advice that might come in handy in Antalya is that you should take every precaution while driving, as drivers in this city can be reckless and completely ignoring traffic signs, commonly causing traffic accidents.

Apart from this, transport is mostly safe in Turkey and works quite well.

The real danger in Turkey and the reason many tourists are a skeptic when it comes to safety in this country are the continuous and frequent terrorist attacks all around Turkey that have to do with the political situation in the state.

This applies to Antalya too, so when you arrive in this city, keep in mind that you should be aware of your surroundings at all times and take maximum precaution.

• How Does Antalya Compare?
• Useful Information

Some nationals do need a visa to enter Turkey, but they can be purchased online at http://www.evisa.gov.tr/ before traveling to Turkey. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival to Turkey. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

The Turkish lira is the official currency in Turkey. ATMs are widespread throughout the country and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments.

The coastline bordering the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot and dry summers and mild, wet winters. The summer months from June through to September are very hot.

Antalya Airport is an international airport in Antalya located 13 km northeast of the city center of Antalya, Turkey.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Antalya, because it would cover not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Antalya Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Turkey - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

8 Reviews on Antalya

Turkey best countery with kind trastabul people every where you have to be carful but very safe no gang or street pickpakeat no drog dealers & no dengers for any woman we are always travel visit our familys &for new year stay2 months🙏❤️

Romance scammers

It feels like a safe place to stay. Don’t be flattered by any approach. Turkish romance scammers are suave to sweep you off your feet. Keep your boundaries, dont let your guard down for even a second, be aware of your surroundings. This friendly hospitalary people are mined with people with dubious intentions. Enjoy Turkey, enjoy the hospitality, stay away from romance.

EVERYBODY IS HAPPY IN ANTALYA

Turkey is good and safe country to visit I am an artist from Africa(Musician) this iş my this time to come and work in Antalya,Turkey. For real Antalya is a HOLIDAY PARADISE what elde can i say about Antalya i am speechless,all i seewherever i go is that-EVERYBODY IS HAPPY IN ANTALYA. I strong recomend Antalya as the best tourist destination. Are you searching for your next HOLIDAY destination,no more seaching any more CHOOSE ANTALYA,i can guarantee you 100% you will have WONDERFUL,MEMORABLE HOLIDAY that you ever have in your life,you will enjoy every moment of your entire HOLIDAY.Especially the little ones ooh my God bellieve me that will love Antalya.

Antalya ...a beautiful safe and welcoming place.

Antalya and its many beach resorts such as Lara beach, Kemer and Belek and many others are absolutely beautiful. The city of Antalya, the amazing high quality, world class hotels and the paradise coast lines. The people are very friendly and hospitable. Food cuisine is some of the best in the world. This is a safe and positive holiday destination for everyone. A wonderful experience for all.

I was in Antalya in April 2019 and it was an amazing trip. Lovely people, great food, wonderful culture, fabulous view, and breathtaking beaches. I would love to go back soon and I highly recommend everyone to visit Antalya. Love it.

Be aware of Turkish gigolos. They will approach you and you wont see it coming. You are a tourist and they see the potential to romance you and have a long distance relationship to ask for money later. You are better off a avoiding this situation. They are persistant and they dont hive up. Its not that you are irresistible, it is that they know it will flatter you and eventually give in.

Antalya is a beautiful and pretty safe place in my experience. There are some areas that weren’t as “safe feeling” but I enjoyed it. The reason I wanted to comment though is because this happened to me as well! I had gone with a group of co-workers and I was one of 3 women in the group and each one of us was approached several times by different men trying to romance us. I am married, and one of the other women is as well. The third is a lesbian. So needless to say, it didn’t work on us! lol

Turkish Lover Scam

For women traveling alone, beware if that men that is flattering you. Romance scam is becoming a very popular approach from Turkish younger men. Its a business. They will tell you how beautiful you are, that they love you, that you look soo young. Later on after building that relationship and making you believe that you are the love of their live, they will tell you they have to pay the military exemption or they will have yo go to war. And how they are terrified of killing people or even holding a gun in their hands. They will ask you for $31,000 tl and beg you to save. Do not fall for it. It is all a scam. When people ask you for money, tell them to go to the bank.

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Article Contents

• Antalya : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Antalya: Top 19 Things To Do (Travel Guide)

• Last updated: January 31, 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.

About Antalya

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

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Top things to do in Antalya

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

1. See Lower Duden waterfall (Karpuzkaldıran)

Lower Duden waterfall, or Karpuzkaldıran in Turkish, is one of Antalya’s highlights and a top thing to do because it falls directly from the cliff into the ocean.

You can easily see this unique sight from a sidewalk in Duden Park.

Location of Duden Waterfalls

To get to the Lower Duden waterfall, you can use bus lines KL08, KL21, LC07, and LC07A from Lara Beach and Kaleici, the old town of Antalya.

Tip : There are two Duden waterfalls, the upper and the lower, so don’t confuse them. The lower one is the one falling into the ocean.

The coolest way to see the Lower Duden waterfall is by boat tour, which takes you directly in front of the waterfall from the ocean. 

Book your tour: Antalya City Tour & Boat Trip to Lower Duden Waterfalls .

RECOMMENDED TOURS

We had to skip the boat trip this time, but it seemed like a fantastic experience, judging from the boats approaching it on the water.

Photo tip: There is a fence along the cliff for safety reasons, and you need to cross the fence to get the best photos. Many people do this, and it’s not dangerous because there are a few meters of grass between the viewing platform and the cliff’s edge. If you’re comfortable with stuff like this, go ahead, but we didn’t do it. 😀

2. Explore Kaleici, the Old Town of Antalya

Kaleici, the Old Town of Antalya, has a long, rich history and many preserved ancient ruins and artifacts from the Roman era.

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

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

Hidirlik Tower

The 14 meters high Hidirlik Tower was built in the second century during Roman Emperor Hadrian but is unfortunately closed to the public, so you can only watch from behind the park’s fence.

Yivli Minare Mosque

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

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

Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower)

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.

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Karaalioglu Park

Karaaliouglu Park is a beautiful seaside park, full of greenery and statues, which offers stunning views of the mountains and Antalya city.

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

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

3. Enjoy the beaches of Antalya

The Turkish coast is breathtaking, and Antalya offers beautiful beaches. However, to enjoy the best ones, you’ll need to stay in a resort with a private beach or drive outside the city.

The most famous beaches in Antalya are:

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

RECOMMENDED

4. Explore the waterfalls

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

• Kursunlu Waterfalls , located about 20 km away from Antalya. You can combine it with the 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.

We had these waterfalls on our list but didn’t have enough time, so we decided to skip them. However, they’re pretty small or even dry in the summer, so this is something to keep in mind. 🙂

The best month to see the waterfalls of Antalya in their full power is in April and during more rainy months (autumn, winter). 

5. Day trip to Pamukkale and Hieropolis

Pamukkale and Hierapolis are two fascinating attractions in Turkey and are easily reachable from Antalya.

Pamukkale is a natural site known for its incredible white travertine terraces and hot springs, while Hierapolis was once a significant center of trade and culture.

In addition, the ancient city sat atop hot springs which release mineral-rich water into pools below, forming an unusual structure that looks like a cotton castle! These two wonders have been attracting tourists for centuries.

Read more: Pamukkale: Ultimate Guide to Turkey’s Cotton Castle

Pamukkale is around 3,5 hours (approx. 240 km) drive from Antalya. You can drive to Pamukkale by yourself or book a tour that includes Hierapolis and a buffet lunch.

Book your tour: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis from Antalya

A day trip to Pamukkale is absolutely one of the top things to do in Antalya.

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 Hieropolis, if you only plan to visit for “the Instagram shot,” it’s better to skip this place.

6. Day trip to Salda Lake

Salda Lake, or Salda Golu in Turkish, is often referred to as the Maldives of Turkey because of the white sandy beach and crystal clear turquoise water. Locals even refer to it as “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 with being too cold and windy to swim.

Salda Lake is around 160 km away from Antalya, and 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. 

There are not that many tours that you can book online that include a visit to Lake Salda, but we have found one Lake Salda & Pamukkale tour on GetYourGuide (choose pickup in Antalya).

Remember: Joining an organized tour from Antalya means you will be picked up very early in the morning, around 4 am, and dropped back at your hotel late in the evening, around 10 pm. And you can’t really avoid that.

7. Day trip to Kas

Kas is one of the cutest coastal towns in Turkey and should definitely be added to your Turkey itinerary.

It’s home to one of the most stunning beaches in Turkey – Kaputas beach. The drive from Antalya to Kas is also spectacular, and you can add Kemer to stop at as well.

Read our Kas travel guide to see all that Kas offers.

If you visit Kas, make sure to take one of the fantastic boat tours through the stunning bays. 

Read more about the Kekova & Sunken Cities Boat Trip in Kas.

8. Day trip to Aspendos

Aspendos holds one of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters. Even though it’s the highlight of the archeological site, you can also walk around to see a few more ruins around (agora, castle, basilica). 

Book your tour: Aspendos Tour (includes Perge and Side)

The ticket price for Aspendos is 60 TL, or around $4.

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

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

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9. Day trip to Termessos

Termessos Ruins are 40 km away from Antalya. It’s a much less visited attraction than some other archeological places around the area, but there is no public transport to take you there.

The easiest way to get to Termessos is to drive there in a car or on tour.

The ticket price for Termessos Ruins should be approximately $2.

Book your tour: Termessos Tour

10. Day trip to Alanya

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

We didn’t manage to visit Alanya the last time we were there, as we plan to visit the city next time and stay for a few days to enjoy the area thoroughly.

Alanya is famous for scuba diving, and we plan on doing that on our next visit, as there are some really cool dive sites to check out.

Book your tour: Scuba Diving in Alanya

11. Go paragliding

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, you will be thrilled to know that you can even go paragliding on your visit to Antalya.

Although the paragliding is actually done in Alanya (about 2 hours away), you can arrange a transfer from Antalya with the paragliding company (paid extra, about 50 euros one way). Or you can add a night or two in Alanya and do it from there.

12. Go 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.

Book your tour: Rafting and canyoning in the Koprulu Canyon

13. Have fun at the Land of Legends Theme Park

Visit the famous Land of Legends Theme Park, an immense complex near Antalya full of thrilling roller coaster rides, an exciting water park, over 150 stores, and restaurants and bars.

RECOMMENDED TOUR

And if you stay in one of the Rixos Hotels, you also get free shuttle service and free admission tickets to the Land of Legends Theme Park.

The Land Of Legends Kingdom Hotel

(located inside Land of Legends)

Rixos Premium Belek Hotel – All Inclusive

(10-minute shuttle to Land of Legends)

Rixos Downtown Antalya – All Inclusive

(located in downtown Antalya and offers a free shuttle service)

14. Sail to the beautiful 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.

15. Visit the Green Canyon and Emerald Lake

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

16. Hop aboard one of the boat trips on the Mediterranean

Antalya is famous for boat trips to nearby Mediterranean bays like Phaselis, and there are different options you can choose from.

The most famous one is the Pirate Boat Trip to Phaselis Bay, but it’s more like a party cruise and is mostly quite crowded, so it might not be the best option for families.

On the other hand, cruises like the Mega Star Cruise are a better option as they’re much more comfortable. And they also visit the same beautiful spots and offer plenty of snorkeling and swimming opportunities.

And if you’re looking for a more private experience, you can charter a private boat trip around Kas with a pickup from Antalya.

Click here to read all about our Kas Kekova boat trip. (we went on a shared boat)

17. Explore the Taurus Mountains

The glorious Taurus Mountains are another must-do thing in Antalya, and they’re the easiest to explore on a full-day Jeep Safari.

Note: This is not an actual safari, and you won’t see any animals except some chickens or goats, but you will get a sightseeing trip to the charming mountainous landscape.

18. Get a traditional Turkish bath and massage

While in Antalya or anywhere in Turkey, pampering yourself with a traditional Turkish bath and massage is an unmissable thing to do.

19. Take in the views from the 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 by taking the Olympos cable car ride up to 2365m height on top of Mount Tahtali.

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 online or buy a combo ticket that includes a transfer from either Kemer or Antalya.

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

Note: The top of the mountain is much colder than the area below, so even in summer, it’s wise to take a light jacket!

By the way: If you’re visiting Fethiye/Oludeniz, take a ride on the Babadag Cable Car! You can have spectacular views of the turquoise waters of Oludeniz bay below and can also go paragliding.

Click here to read all about the Babadag Cable Car.

Click here to read all about Paragliding in Oludeniz and Fethiye.

Best time to visit Antalya

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate which means summers are hot and dry, and winters cool and mild.

Therefore, the ideal time to visit Antalya is in spring, from mid of 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). Summer is the most popular time for tourists to visit Antalya, which means the area will be crowded and the prices will be the highest.

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.

Where to stay in Antalya?

In Antalya, you can stay at one of many beachside resorts or base yourself in Kaleici, the old town.

If you want some better deals or bigger apartments with a kitchen, opt for going a bit outside the central area.

Antalya is pretty big, so there are plenty of accommodations for all budgets.

The bigger beach resorts are mostly found along the Konyaalti and Lara beaches, and there are plenty of resort hotels with great amenities. And budget hotels are also easy to find, especially in the old town.

Best-reviewed hotels in Antalya

5 stars, right next to Muratpaşa Beach

Big complex with pools, spa, and tennis court + more

10-15 minutes from Kaleici by taxi/public transport

Zemira Garden Hotel

Great value for money

Beautiful rooms and suites

Right inside Kaleici, the old town of Antalya

Sealife Family Resort Hotel

5 stars with great amenities

Easy access to Konyaalti beach

Best-reviewed resorts in Antalya

Lara Barut Collection (Lara Beach)

Calista Luxury Resort (Lara Beach)

Concorde De Luxe Resort (Kadriye/Belek Beach)

Best-reviewed budget stays in Antalya

Patron Hotel

Central location in Kaleici

Budget, clean rooms

Great view from the terrace

1207 Boutique Hotel

Clean, spacious, well-equipped rooms

Flaneur Hostel

Central location, right outside Kaleici

Private and dorm rooms

During our trip, we chose Arya Apart Hotel with a big kitchen, living room, and bedroom. It also had a parking lot and a washing machine for only $35 per night (end of October).

Arya Apart Hotel

Book your stay: 

• Antalya Hotels
• Antalya Resorts

Where to eat in Antalya?

Antalya offers a lot of restaurants of all kinds and for all 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.

There are even a few vegan options in Antalya, such as Vegan House . We really wanted to go, but it was closed on a Sunday when we wanted to visit, so we didn’t manage to. If you’re vegan (or not) and you go there, let us know how you liked it. 😉

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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.

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How to get to Antalya?

The best way to get to Antalya is by flying directly to the Antalya International Airport (AYT), located about 25 kilometers away from the city center, easily reachable with bus line 442.

Click here to find the cheapest flight tickets 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.

Pre-book your Private Transfer from Antalya Airport .

Cities in Turkey are also well connected with buses, so you can get to Antalya with a direct bus from Istanbul , Izmir , Goreme ( Cappadocia ), and Ankara, among others.

Click here to book your bus to Antalya .

Roads in Turkey are great, so it’s easy and efficient to rent a car and get to Antalya from Istanbul , Izmir , Ankara, Cappadocia , or other places. 

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

How to get around Antalya?

The best way to get around Antalya is by renting a car. That way, you’re the most flexible, and you can also make some day trips by yourself.

Click here to book your rental car in Antalya.

Renting a car in Turkey is pretty cheap, and the roads are great, so don’t hesitate to rent a car if you’re a driver.

If you aren’t driving while 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 get to 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 long should I spend 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. But, of course, everything more than that is perfect if you also want to relax a bit.

Prices in Antalya

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 make sure to follow standard safety procedures as you do anywhere else, and you’ll be fine.

Is Antalya worth visiting?

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

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Türkiye travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: May 6, 2024 10:24 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, türkiye - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country.

Border region with Syria - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria, due to a deteriorating security situation.

Earthquake-affected provinces - Avoid non-essential travel

• Kahramanmaraş

Southeastern provinces - Avoid non-essential travel

• Bingöl

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Protests related to the situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Since October 17, 2023, protests have been taking place throughout Türkiye due to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Some protesters have targeted and vandalized popular Western-branded businesses and foreign diplomatic missions in Ankara, Istanbul and Adana, especially those of the United States and Israel. The protests have led to confrontations between protesters and security forces, road closures and traffic disruptions.

Additional protests at various locations cannot be ruled out and could pose a risk to your safety, regardless of your nationality.

Turkish authorities have employed enhanced measures to respond to demonstrations, including:

• deploying additional security forces
• using crowd dispersal methods

If you are near an affected area:

• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times
• expect heightened security measures
• avoid all demonstrations and gatherings
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• plan and use alternative routes

Armed attacks

Turkish authorities remain on alert following armed attacks in Istanbul at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church on January 28, 2024 and the Caglayan Courthouse on February 6, 2024.

If you are in Istanbul, you should:

• exercise increased caution
• expect a heightened security presence
• monitor local media

Border with Syria

Extremist groups have carried out attacks at border crossings and other locations in Syria close to the Turkish border. The Turkish government has declared some areas in villages along the border with Syria special security zones as part of cross-border military operations. Expect a heightened military presence and movement restrictions in these areas.

The security situation remains unpredictable.

• Exercise extreme caution
• Review your security measures regularly
• Monitor these events very closely

Southeast region 

Terrorist groups have launched deadly terrorist attacks against Turkish security personnel in several cities and regions in the south and southeast of the country.

• Remain vigilant
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local and international media

There is a risk, particularly to foreigners, of kidnapping in the area (see Kidnapping, below). Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Avoid overland travel. If you must, drive during the day and stay on major roads. Don’t use public transportation.

There is an ongoing threat of terrorism from domestic and international terrorist groups in Türkiye. Many attacks have occurred throughout the country. Although most have occurred in the south and east, some also took place in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

Attacks have targeted:

• Turkish military and government facilities
• places of worship
• tourist attractions and popular public places
• nightclubs and entertainment venues
• public transportation

Further attacks may occur, and terrorists may also target:

• crowded places
• places with high pedestrian traffic and where foreigners may gather
• commercial establishments
• local government offices
• public transit stations
• busy streets
• long queues at tourist attractions

Turkish security officials may set up roadblocks or close streets when they receive reports on specific threats. It is common to have a proactive police presence.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places
• Avoid large crowds
• Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times

Mountaineering and hiking

Mount Ararat, between the eastern provinces of Agri and Igdir, is designated a special military zone. You must hire the services of a locally licensed guide agency if you intend to hike in the area. A licensed company will obtain the necessary permits and assign you a registered Mountaineer to accompany you throughout your hike.

If you intend on engaging in mountaineering or hiking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Accurate information on mountain conditions can be difficult to obtain. Weather in mountainous areas can also be unpredictable.

Identification

Random ID checks and ‎roadblocks may take place in large cities and on intercity roads.

Cooperate during ID checks and always carry your passport and visa or residence permit. Failure to produce these documents or non-compliance with Turkish officials during identity checks could result in fines, detainment or deportation.

Turkish authorities have detained and prosecuted large numbers of people over social media posts criticizing the government, state officials, president, military operations, etc. You could be subject to scrutiny if you posted similar comments, even if a post was published years ago or outside of Türkiye.

• Keep in mind the sensitivities
• Think twice before posting or reacting to online content criticizing the government
• Restrain and limit your social media footprint

There is a threat of kidnapping-for-ransom along Türkiye’s borders with Syria and Iraq. Extremist groups take advantage of porous borders and an unpredictable security situation to carry out operations and use kidnapping as a means of raising funds.

They may target the local population, foreigners and even foreign aid workers.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur throughout Türkiye.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Ensure that your belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times
• If travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked

Muggings, assaults and sexual assaults occur.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, even if the wrapping or container appears intact.

Don’t go to down-market bars and neighbourhoods. One scam, particularly common in Istanbul, involves locals inviting tourists to bars for food and drinks and then forcing them to pay a steep bill.

Don’t accept letters, parcels or other items from strangers. Drug traffickers sometimes attempt to convince foreigners to deliver packages and messages into and out of Türkiye.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

If you’re travelling to Türkiye to meet someone you’ve only met online, or the person in Türkiye asks to wire money, you may be the victim of a scam. Don’t send money to someone you have never met in person.

Overseas fraud

Women’s safety

There is a risk of sexual assault.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Be aware of your surroundings.

Dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts.

Advice for women travellers

Stray animals

There are numerous stray dogs and cats in Türkiye. Dogs often travel in packs and could attack pedestrians and joggers.

Don’t attempt to feed or pet stray animals.

Road safety

Türkiye has a modern road network. However, uneven surfaces and poorly marked lane changes near construction zones, are common.

Exercise caution, especially when driving in the rain. Severe weather conditions may seriously affect road conditions.

Ensure that your vehicle is in good repair. Avoid driving after dark outside of major cities or major roads.

Accidents are common. You may face the following hazards when driving in the country:

• reckless driving
• vehicle breakdown due to poor maintenance practices
• dangerous road conditions
• inadequate lighting
• poor signage
• high-volume traffic congestion

If you come across an accident, don’t slow down or stop to observe.

If you are involved in an accident, lock your doors and windows and call 112 to notify the police.

Don’t move your vehicle until advised to do so by the police, even if your accident results in:

• blocked traffic routes
• injuries to those involved
• a disagreement
• a crowd starting to form

You may be permitted to move your vehicle after communicating with the police if you are on a busy road, once you have taken pictures of the scene.

Although pedestrians officially have the right of way, it may not be the case in practice.

General Directorate of Highways

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Turkish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of stay indicated on your visa, e-Visa, visa exemption or residence permit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Work visa: required Tourism visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period Business visa: required Student visa: required Medical visa: required

If you are travelling to Türkiye to seek medical services, apply for a medical visa through the HealthTürkiye online portal. You should also consult our advice on medical tourism under the  Health  section before applying for a medical visa.

If you are travelling to Türkiye and need a visa, use the official Turkish government site to apply online and purchase an e-visa before entering the country. Be cautious of third-party websites that offer help in getting any type of visa, as they charge additional fees to provide information and submit applications for you. They are not operating on behalf of the Government of Türkiye.

If you plan to study or work in Türkiye, you must obtain a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate before arriving in Türkiye.

To qualify for a subsequent visa-exempted entry for a 90-day period in Turkiye, you must leave the country for at least 90 days before being allowed to re-enter for another 90 days.

If you wish to remain in Türkiye for longer than 90 consecutive days, you must obtain a residence permit from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province in which you reside. If you overstay, you might be fined, deported or banned from future travel to Türkiye for a specific period of time.

• E-visa application system  – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye
• Residency permit applications – Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye
• HealthTürkiye online portal – Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye

Entry stamp

Ensure Turkish immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival. Failure to produce a stamped passport is punishable by a fine, detention and deportation, and can lead to significant delays at departure.

Dual citizenship

Dual Turkish-Canadian citizens must present a valid Turkish passport or piece of identification to enter the country.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is common in Türkiye. Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following surgeries abroad. The Turkish government recommends that all travellers seeking medical services select healthcare providers authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, especially on:

• the health and financial risks
• medical facilities performing the intended procedure
• language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings about your medical care and conditions
• travel insurance that includes coverage for the type of medical procedure you will be undergoing

The Turkish authorities established the HealthTürkiye online portal, which provides information to foreigners about medical tourism in Türkiye.

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. 

• Make sure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Turkish health authorities.
• Ask to see the credentials of the healthcare providers
• Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure.
• Receiving medical care outside Canada
• If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
• Authorized healthcare providers  - Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye (In Turkish)
• International Health Services Call Center  - Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye
• HealthTürkiye – Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available in major cities but may not be in remote areas. Immediate cash payment is often required.

Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in the coverage offered abroad. 

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Universal health coverage

Foreigners with residency permits must register for universal health coverage under Turkish Social Security (SGK). Although Canadian citizens are exempt, you may enroll if you have no other coverage and you have been a resident in Türkiye for at least one year.

Universal Health Insurance  - Türkiye's social Security Institution

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Authorities can request to see your ID at any time. If you fail to present valid identification documents upon request, you could face:

• deportation
• entry ban for future travel into Türkiye

During your stay:

• carry the original version (not only photocopies or digital versions) of a valid government-issued ID, such as your passport, at all times.
• keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents in case it is seized or lost
• follow the instructions of the local authorities requesting the documents

If you are temporarily in Türkiye, you should carry a valid passport that contains a Turkish entry stamp and a valid visa.

If you reside in Türkiye, you should carry your Turkish resident ID (Kimlik and/or Ikamet) and a valid passport that contains a Turkish entry stamp and a valid visa.

The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Don't agree to carry any baggage that is not yours.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Lèse-majesté

It is illegal to denigrate, desecrate or insult the following:

• the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye
• the president of the Republic of Türkiye
• the Turkish flag and the national anthem
• Turkish currency
• State organs and institutions and its judicial bodies
• the police and the military

Religious proselytism

Although religious proselytism is not illegal, some activities may be considered illegal and could lead to detention.

Political discussions

Avoid discussions (including on social media) on historical and religious issues as well as on politics.

• Restrain/limit your social media footprint.

Online activities

Turkish authorities have detained and prosecuted people over social media posts criticizing the government, state officials, president, military operations. You could be subject to scrutiny even if a post was published years ago or outside of Türkiye.

Authorities have also targeted people and groups for:

• publishing statements
• organizing news conferences
• organizing or participating in nonviolent activities
• critical writing and online activism protesting the government, its policies, decisions and actions

Even if a case does not go to trial or ends in acquittal, people can be labelled as terrorism suspects and face adverse consequences due to investigations and criminal proceedings, including possible loss of employment and social exclusion.

Photography

It is forbidden to photograph military or public installations. Avoid photographing public demonstrations or members of police or security forces. Cameras may be confiscated. Do not photograph people without their permission.

Turkish antiquities and other cultural artifacts that are considered of historical value or of national importance cannot be exported. Seek advice from Turkish authorities prior to departure from Türkiye. If the item can be exported, you will require a sales receipt and the official museum export certificate issued by the Turkish customs office.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Turkish law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Türkiye.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Türkiye, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Türkiye.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Türkiye, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Turkish court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Türkiye to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in many parts of the country.

In all places of worship, women should cover their head with a scarf and all visitors should cover their arms and legs.

• Dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts
• Behave discreetly
• Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency of Türkiye is the Turkish lira (TRY).

Earthquakes

In February 2023, severe earthquakes struck several provinces in southeastern Türkiye resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and significant damage to critical infrastructure, buildings and private houses. There are reports indicating that most of the affected local populations live in temporary shelters or settlements awaiting reconstruction.

The authorities revoked the state of emergency on May 9, 2023. Recovery work is underway, but the situation remains precarious in the following southern provinces affected by the earthquakes:

If you are in the affected area, you can expect:

• continued telecommunication and electricity disruptions
• frequent aftershocks
• limited food, water and hygiene options
• limited accommodations
• extremely limited transportation options from the disaster area

If you are planning to travel near an affected area despite this advisory:

• monitor local media for the latest developments

Avoid non-essential travel to the provinces affected by the earthquakes as our ability to provide consular assistance to Canadians in that area is severely limited. If you need assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Ankara: 90 (312) 409-2700.

Türkiye is located in an active seismic zone. Landslides are possible in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial earthquake.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Severe rainstorms occur in various regions around Türkiye, especially in the Black Sea region and coastal areas. Heavy rainfall can cause severe flooding and landslides, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and hampering the provision of essential services in the affected areas. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Droughts and snowstorms can also delay travel and disrupt essential services.

Forest fires often occur during the summer months, particularly in provinces on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Türkiye.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of major fire:

• stay away from the affected areas, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye, in Ankara, or the Consulate General of Canada to Türkiye, in Istanbul, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Britons given Turkey travel warning as some areas are off limits with 'heightened risk'

Holidaymakers have been issued a warning about travelling to the popular holiday destination Turkey.

There are several areas Britons have been advised against travelling to, with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) giving guidance on this.

The FCDO said: "Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice.

"The embassy staff cannot travel to areas where FCDO advises against travel to help you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email."

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Turkey-Syria

The UK Government advised: "FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria.

"Fighting in Syria continues in areas close to the Turkish border and there remains a heightened risk of terrorism in the region.

"Due to the ongoing conflict in Syria, roads in Hatay Province leading towards the border may be subject to closure."

Sirnak city

Britons were told that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city.

Hakkari Province

Holidaymakers were advised: "FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari Province.

"This advice is due to the heightened risk of terrorism in the region. If you’re undertaking essential travel to Sirnak city or Hakkari Province, take extreme care."

The UK Government also issued guidance to Britons on visiting Mount Ararat.

Mount Ararat

The FCDO stated: "Mount Ararat, in Ağrı Province, is a special military zone. You must have permission from the Doğubayazıt government office, and pay a fee in the local Governor’s Office.

"If visiting with a travel agent or tour group, confirm with them whether you need an individual permit.

"Take extra care if you’re travelling to this area. Keep up to date with local media and follow the advice of the local authorities."

Before travelling, tourists must consult the FCDO for information on visa requirements, customs rules, outdoor activities and adventure tourism, and health.

This provides crucial information for Britons that they must be aware of before going to Turkey.

Britons were given an important warning about terrorism in the country. The FCDO said: "Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Turkey.

"Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities."

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The Government stated that attacks can be done at random including in places visited by foreigners, including public buildings, places of worship, airports and large public gatherings (including major events, public holidays, religious occasions). Britons should remain vigilant.

The FCDO told Britons what to do before they visit Turkey. They said: "No travel can be guaranteed safe.

"Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks, and information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers.

"Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

"If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency."