travel to antalya

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

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

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

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

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

Planning a trip to Antalya last-minute?

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

Here is our recommended airport transfer in Antalya:

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

Here are our recommended tours in Antalya:

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

Here are our recommended places to stay in Antalya:

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

How many days is Enough For Antalya?

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay In Antalya?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Antalya Itinerary for 3 Days

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

Day 1: Old Town Antalya

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

Stop 1: Tünektepe Teleferik (Antalya Cable Car)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 3: Check Out Hadrian’s Gate

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

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

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

Stop 4: Antalya Museum

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

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

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

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

Stop 5: Suna & Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum

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

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

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

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

Stop 6: Visit Karaalioglu Park for Sunset

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

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

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

Day 2: Boat Trip from Antalya

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

Stop 1: The Ancient Greek and Roman City of Phaselis

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

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

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

Stop 2: Snorkelling at Paradise Bay

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

Stop 3: See the coral reefs at Alaca Water

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

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

Day 3: Beach Day

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

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

Stop 1: Konyaaltı Beach

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Lara Beach

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

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

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

Stop 3: Archaeological Museum in Side

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 4: Cleopatra Beach

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Antalya Itinerary for 4 Days

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

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

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

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

Stop 1: Ancient City of Perge

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Aspendos Ancient Theater 

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

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

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

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

Stop 3: Temple of Apollo

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

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

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

Stop 4: Kursunlu Waterfalls

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Antalya Itinerary for 5 Days

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

Day 5: Hiking and Whitewater Rafting in Koprulu Canyon

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

Stop 1: White Water Rafting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Quad Bike or Hike in the Pine Forest

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

Stop 3: Zip Line Experience

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

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

Seven Day Itinerary for Antalya

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

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

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

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

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

Getting Around Antalya

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Visiting Antalya

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

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

When Is The Best Time To Visit Antalya?

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

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

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

How To Get To Antalya, Turkey?

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

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

Getting From Antalya Airport To Historic City Center

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

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

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

By Rental Car

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

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

Visiting Antalya FAQs

What is the best month to visit antalya.

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

Is December a Good Time to Visit Antalya?

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

Is Antalya Turkey Expensive?

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

Is Antalya Turkey Worth Visiting?

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

Final Thoughts on Antalya Itinerary

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

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

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

Co-Founder of The Turkey Traveler

Louisa Smith

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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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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.

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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!

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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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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.

Looking for more travel guides and Turkey travel inspiration?

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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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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.

Historical Sites in Antalya: Ancient Cities, Archaeological Sites

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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)

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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.

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Antalya, Turkey Guide

Last Updated on January 28, 2024

Antalya is the most popular destination along the Turkish Mediterranean Coast . It is a sprawling modern city with a small, charming historic center that tells of its past as an ancient Greco Roman city. It has a good archeology museum, many malls, and family-friendly activities, and it is a great base to explore the Mediterranean region since it has the Turquoise Coast's busiest airport.

Antalya is a popular tourist destination for locals and tourists alike, synonymous with beaches and rich history. Visitors have many choices when planning a vacation here. It is full of the region's living history, with some sites located inside the city center of Antalya and others in the nearby beach towns of the region.

Konyaaltı, Lara, & Mermerli Plajı

Konyaaltı Plajı has a swath of rough sand and pebbles running west for several kilometers. The sand is somewhat softer along Lara Plajı (Lara Beach) to the east. There's also the private beach of Mermerli Plajı , both excellent places to enjoy the Turkish Riviera.

Kaleiçi, Roman Harbor, & Hadrian's Gate

The historic center of Antalya, called Kaleiçi  (Old Antalya), surrounds the Roman Harbor. There are many entrances to Kaleici, but the most stunning is walking under the three large arches of Hadrian's Gate , which was built for the Roman Emperor Hadrian for his visit in 130 AD. Many of the buildings here date from Ottoman and Roman times. Wander down more of the narrow streets to discover hotels, restaurants, and other historical sights.

Standing atop the cliff of the old town, you get panoramic views of Antalya Marina ( Kaleiçi Yat Limanı ) and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a stroll in the cobbled streets of the old city before enjoying the delicious local cuisine or exploring the stunning beaches nearby.

Antalya Aquarium & Archeology Museum

Antalya Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is near other amusement parks and the Antalya Archeology Museum . There are abundant options for shopping, whether you have a preference for a traditional bazaar , one of Antalya's many modern shopping malls, or shops selling souvenirs and traditional handicrafts that line the cobblestone streets inside Kaleiçi .

Hosting a large percentage of domestic and international tourists, Antalya has many accommodation options, ranging from five-star hotels to budget hostels.

Many visitors opt for boutique hotels within Kaleiçi or nearby Turkey's Mediterranean coast. There are many all-inclusive hotels that offer easy access to the sea. Budget-conscious travelers may opt for a pension , but if you are looking for an upscale stay, there are also many luxury accommodations .

By far, our favorite place to stay is the Tuvana Hotel , an Ottoman-style inn with carefully decorated interiors, a swimming pool, three restaurants, and a gorgeous inner courtyard.

What to See & Do in Antalya

Transportation

Antalya is the transport hub of the region, served by a big, modern airport 10 km (6 miles) east of the city center and a bus terminal ( otogar ) 4 km (2.5 miles) north. The city is near Turkey's most popular beach towns and historical sites and has a well-developed network of roads and highways that connect it to other parts of Turkey and other smaller towns along the Mediterranean coast.

There are several options for accessing the airport. There are also many options for getting around the city and touring some of the nearby sites, such as renting a car , taking a tour bus, or using the local dolmus (shared minibus) service. If you want the cheapest option, it's best to take public transportation.

If you are wondering how to get around in the city center, you have several options to choose from. Antalya has many ways of getting around the center as well as Antalya province. Public transportation methods such as buses , dolmushes , and trams are ready to serve your day-to-day trips. If you are looking for a more private experience, there are many private transportation companies, guided tours with vehicles, rent-a-car offices , and taxis to opt from. Check out our main Antalya transportation page here for detailed information.

Distances & Travel Times

Bodrum : 422.4 km (262.47 mi), 5.30 hours.

Çeşme : 537.5 km (333 mi), 6.30 hours.

Fethiye : 200 km (125 mi), 3 hours.

Marmaris : 318.4 km (197 mi), 5 hours.

Antalya is the tourism hub of Turkey, so it is no wonder there are so many five-star restaurants offering the best meals all around the world.

While in Antalya, we recommend enjoying the best Mediterranean cuisine. Read our recommendations for the best cafes , ice cream , and restaurants . For a taste of local flavor, try our recommendations on the best places to try kofte, piyaz , and more.

If you prefer to try your hand at cooking, check out our handy shopping list and enjoy our simple and delicious recipe for baba ganoush .

Top Experiences

Antalya is a prime holiday destination, offering everything one might expect from a vacation. There are beaches, nightlife, natural wonders, water sports, five-star restaurants, and exceptional cafes. 

Go for a Swim

Antalya is known for its pristine private and public beaches nestled around the seashore. While in Antalya, go for a swim on one of the beaches. We recommend going outside the city lines for a more calming experience.

Try Water Sports

Those who prefer an active lifestyle can always go for water sports in Antalya. There is rafting , diving, sailing, and a lot more to experience. Also, many five-star hotels will include these water sports in their programs, and the professionals will guide you through every second.

Sail in the Old Marina

Sailing along the shore in Antalya Marina ( Kaleiçi Yat Limanı) is one activity that has formed the foundation of Antalya's tourism industry for years. The programs provide music, food, and tours of natural caves around the shore. It also gives you a different perspective on the city.

Take a Walk

Antalya is also a very walkable city with many pedestrian roads, hiking routes, and natural wonders to stroll through. Try going for a walk in the famous Atatürk Park , Manavgat Şelalesi , or near the wonderful hiking routes of Olimpos and Çıralı for a more serene experience. Don't forget to go to Konyaaltı and Beach Park for a nice stroll along the seashore in the evening. 

Enjoy Nightlife

Antalya, in the summer, is known for its lively nightlife. Turkish people know how to have fun; the weather is hot, and the clubs are open throughout the night. It is a popular option for anyone who wants to get to know the locals better.

Tours & Excursions

Antalya is also a good base for day trips to explore the surrounding region. The city is located centrally in the resource-rich Mediterranean region, which has been the birthplace of many civilizations throughout human history. As a result, there are numerous sites with archeological significance nearby that you can choose to explore. Since Antalya is one of the major hubs served by international flights, it's often the best option to fly here first before exploring other parts of south west Turkey.

Perge was an ancient Lycian settlement that was also used by the Greeks and Romans in the region. Today, just outside of the city, sits the ancient ruins of Perge . Here, you can see the ancient Agora, stadium, gates, and other remains of the settlement. A bit further out of the city limits, Aspendos features a well-preserved Roman theater.

Side is an ancient port town founded in the 7th century BCE. It has a sparkling beach alongside large marble columns, as well as a large theater and a museum. Today, near the popular resort destination Manavgat , Side is one of the prime destinations to visit near Antalya and well worth at least a half-day trip.

Olimpos & Çıralı

To the west, the ancient cities of the Lycian Empire, Olimpos & Çıralı are quiet towns set between the mountains and sea, where you'll also find eternal flames burning since antiquity. It is a well-known gateway, comparatively near the city center. It is famed for its traditional lodging options, ranging from camping to tree houses, as well as its well-preserved authentic appearance, offering a serene holiday away from the busy city life.

Phaselis, Selge, Termessos & Sagalassos

  Phaselis has smaller ruins set in a fragrant, green park. There are many other sites, such as Selge ,  Termessos ( map ), and the ancient city of Sagalassos , which feature ruins further into the mountains behind Antalya. They are best paired with Roman road hiking trails.

Köprülü Canyon National Park & Adrasan

Köprülü Kanyon National Park and Adrasan are the natural havens of Antalya, offering a deeper dive into the nature of the region. Those who are into adventure would enjoy river rafting in Köprülü Kanyon National Park or a boat tour to Suluada Beach via Adrasan .

When to go to Antalya

Antalya enjoys a Mediterranean climate and has hot and sunny weather throughout the spring, summer, and fall. This means the city is lively, and you can even swim for almost seven months of the year.

However, the temperature is mildly cold in the winter, and the tourism sector takes a break to prepare for the upcoming high season. During the winter season, despite having relatively mild winters, some resorts will not be running as in other seasons. So, you can visit Antalya throughout the year except for the winter period of three months: December , January , and February . For the best experience, aim for the summer period starting in late March and lasting until late November.

Visit Antalya

Antalya invites you to explore its fascinating blend of history and modernity. Wander through the charming streets of Kaleiçi or soak up the sun on Konyaaltı and Lara beaches. Whether you’re diving into the Antalya Aquarium or savoring local cuisine, this coastal gem promises an unforgettable experience.

—by Tom Brosnahan , updated by Kimberly Price & Can Turan

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Your Antalya Vacation

From its highlights to its hidden treasures, this city is best experienced with an Antalya vacation package. Find a place to stay in Kaleici, which is good for festivals, dining and gift and craft shops. Want to venture out and explore? Antalya Clock Tower , Düden Waterfall and Hadrians Gate are three of the leading places to visit during a trip to Antalya. That dream Antalya vacation is only clicks away. Explore flights, accommodations and more on Expedia for a getaway that's tailored to suit your style.

The Latest Antalya Vacation Packages

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Where to stay in Antalya

Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Lara district boasts luxury-themed hotels, such as replicas of Topkapi Palace and Titanic Beach Lara. Enjoy beach clubs, water sports, and the Blue Flag-certified Lara Beach.

Antalya City Centre

Central Antalya offers everything from pretty Ottoman architecture and lively bazaars to performing arts venues, beaches, boat trips and waterfront parks.

Historic city center Kaleiçi boasts a mix of structures from various eras, with traditional Turkish homes converted into boutique hotels, restaurants, and handicraft shops. Must-see sights include Hadrian's Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, and Yivli Minare.

Muratpaşa is known for its luxurious spas, and you can make a stop by Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach while in the area.

Eski Lara is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, abundant dining options, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like Lara Beach or Terra City Shopping Center while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Antalya Beach Vacation

Whether you're on the road by yourself or with the family, it'll be easy to find rest and relaxation on your Antalya vacation. Hunt for unique seashells or laze on the shore and watch the seabirds fly overhead. Whatever you're in the mood for, your trip to Antalya is sure to be memorable. Konyaalti Beach Park, located 2 miles (4 km) from the town center, is a top choice for those after convenience. Many travelers also lock in Antalya vacation deals closer to BLM Beach, another excellent option.

Things You Should Know About Antalya

• Listening to the calming sounds of the ocean is one of life's little pleasures. See what's available among our Antalya beach hotels and get ready to relax.
• Many travelers also choose to spend their getaway in hotels around these parts. Porto Bello Hotel Resort & Spa and Crowne Plaza Hotel Antalya are a few options that'll make your stay comfortable.
• Alternatively, go for one of our All-Inclusive hotels in Antalya . They make budgeting a breeze. Leave your credit card in your room and enjoy the freedom that comes with the all-inclusive way of vacationing.
• Our Antalya things to do page is a great place to begin planning your escape to Antalya. Once you arrive, start up a conversation with one of the 758,200 locals to find out more.
• Save on experiences by booking our Antalya vacation deals. With terrific attractions like Clock Tower to discover, this popular destination will keep you on the go.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in antalya, konyaalti beach park.

Walk on the multicolored pebbles and feel the warm waves tickle your feet in this scenic beach park with views of distant mountains.

Hadrian's Gate

This 2,000-year-old portal to the ancient city is a fine example of Roman ingenuity, with elegant columns, three arches and a marble frame.

Antalya Clock Tower

The last survivor from the 80 towers that made up the ancient walls is the portal to the ancient structures of Antalya’s Old Town.

What to do in Antalya

Suluada boat tour with lunch & roundtrip transfer from antalya, 3 in 1 whitewater rafting, buggy/quad ride and zipline with lunch, other vacations you might like.

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Flights to antalya - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to antalya to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest day to fly to antalya, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to antalya is sunday where tickets can be as cheap as $1,305. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is thursday, where prices are $1,426 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to antalya, the cheapest month for flights to antalya is october, where tickets cost $1,126 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $1,858 and $1,745 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is december with an average price of $913., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to antalya, the cheapest time of day to fly to antalya is generally in the afternoon, when flights cost $1,187 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to antalya is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,284., how far in advance should i book a flight to antalya, to get a below average price, you should book around 0 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 5 days before departure., how long is the flight to antalya, the duration of your flight to antalya depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to antalya on kayak are from newark , which takes 13h 15m, miami , which takes 14h 00m, new york , which takes 14h 55m, and los angeles , which takes 17h 05m., good to know, when to book flights to antalya, faqs - booking antalya flights, where can i change the currency at antalya airport.

Upon landing at Antalya Airport, you can conveniently change American dollars into Turkish lira. Several banks, such as Akbank, Garanti Bankası, Türkiye İş Bankası, and Denizbank offer this service in Terminal 1 International Arrival Terminal Hall, after the baggage claim area.

Are there restaurants at Antalya Airport?

Those who are hungry after being cooped in a plane for long hours will find several dining options at Antalya Airport to choose from. Starbucks and Burger King can be found in Terminal 2 Arrival Hall and offer a variety of grab-and-go options, such as hot beverages and sandwiches.

Is there a tourist center at Antalya Airport?

Each terminal at Antalya Airport has an information desk in the arrival and departure halls. The courters are served by multilingual staff speaking Turkish, English, Russian, and German. The friendly and well-trained personnel will be happy to answer all your questions.

What are the passport/visa requirements upon arrival at the Antalya Airport?

Every US citizen entering Turkey via Antalya Airport must have a valid United States passport, valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the country. If you are coming as a tourist or on a business trip, you can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days, after which you can apply for a visa.

Can I store luggage at Antalya Airport?

If you have extra luggage you would like to store, you can utilize the luggage lockers located in T1, and this way you can have a better relaxing time while waiting for your travel.

Does Antalya Airport have facilities for disabled passengers?

All terminals have escalators and elevators to ensure those with reduced mobility and various disabilities can find their way around the airport with ease. Antalya Airport also has accessible restrooms and designated parking spots for disabled passengers. If one needs wheelchair assistance or any special kind of aid, they can request the service through their preferred airline before arriving at the airport.

Can I leave my vehicle at Antalya Airport?

Whether you are flying out for a few hours or a couple of weeks, you can leave your vehicle at the airport’s parking lots. The parking rate for 1h is around $1.50. However, you will be charged around $5 if you leave your car for one day and around $25 if you park for a week.

Which car rental services are available at Antalya Airport?

If you wish to drive yourself around Antalya, you can rent a vehicle at the airport. Several companies provide car rental services, including famous brands like Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Avis. You will find the car rental counters at the passenger terminals in the airport’s arrivals halls.

How far is Antalya from central Antalya?

You’ll need to travel 5 miles to reach the Antalya city center from Antalya.

What is the name of Antalya’s airport?

Antalya is served by Antalya, also commonly referred to as Antalya or Antalya Airport. The airport code is AYT.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Antalya?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Antalya.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Antalya?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Antalya is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Antalya?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Antalya with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Antalya?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Antalya up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Which airline offers the most flights to Antalya?

Of the 4 airlines that fly to Antalya, Pegasus Airlines offers the most flights, with around 118 per week, followed by Turkish Airlines with 116 flights per week.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Antalya

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Antalya flight deals.
• Several airlines offer one- or two-stop flights from the US to Turkey’s Antalya Airport (AYT). For instance, when booking your flight from John F. Kennedy, British Airways operates through London Gatwick Airport (LGW). At the same time, Turkish Airlines has a layover at Istanbul Airport (IST), while Lufthansa transits through Frankfurt Airport (FRA).
• As journeys between the US and Antalya Airport (AYT) entail long-haul flights, it might best to check with your airlines for available upgrades. Usually, this option is offered during bookings, check-ins, and at the departure gate.
• Antalya Airport (AYT) has one lounge with two locations at the airport where travelers looking for a quiet and relaxing place to unwind can pass the time before their flights. This cozy lounge is situated at the domestic terminal on the second floor and in international terminals 1 and 2. Travelers can access the lounge at a walk-in rate of around $54.50.
• If you are traveling through Antalya Airport with young children, you can utilize the baby care facilities at the terminals. If you have plenty of time to kill before your flight, let the kids burn off the extra energy at the children’s playground located in the domestic and international terminals right next to the gates.
• If you are looking to save on transport costs, hop onboard bus 202 from the terminals. You can also use the number 600 bus, a public shuttle bus that operates from the terminals to the bus terminal in Antalya City. The bus trip takes approximately 45min and costs around $2.40. Finally, if it's comfort and convenience that you seek, you can take a taxi outside the main terminal building to the city. A taxi ride takes around 25min and costs around $6.
• Business travelers looking for a quiet place to work should purchase the CIP lounge pass. The lounge has business facilities like copiers, printers and internet. The CIP lounges in the international terminals also have conference facilities.
• You can send some last-minute mail or postcards to your family members or friends from the post office located at the departures area in T2.
• Antalya Airport serves Serik, located approximately 19 miles away, Kemer, located approximately 24 miles away, Manavgat, situated approximately 42 miles away, and Bucak, which is approximately 37 miles away from the airport.
• Travelers experiencing any health issues while at the airport will receive medical attention at the health clinic located at the departures area of T2.

Prefer to fly non-stop to Antalya?

Find which airlines fly direct to Antalya, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to Antalya

AZUR air, Aeroflot, Air Algerie, +41 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +42 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, Air Algerie, +46 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +47 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, Air Algerie, +42 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +43 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, Air Algerie, +45 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +46 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, Air Algerie, +38 more

AZUR air, Aeroflot, +39 more

Nonstop returns

Antalya to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to antalya.

We had issues with upgrading our seats. The flight itself was fine.

Horrible experience. They "GAME" with seats they decided to play where you can`t select or get seat during check-in without paying and then forcing you to stay long line at the Customer Service at the gate to get a boarding ticket with seat assigned is pathetic. Will never fly with United again!

So terrible. They would not rebook me for a flight until 2 days. I had to spend so much money to get my own flight. They were rude and not helpful.

Overall a good experience, the flight was on time, the crew very attentive and friendly. However the seats are too cramped, there is no space, and as soon as the person in front reclines the seat, it's literally in your face.

Bag lost. Lost bag recovery process is an unsatisfying customer experience. Because 1) bag is still lost but also 2) the process is outdated and form-heavy and 3) in our case also involved a long line.

We were very impressed with Swiss Air. The service was exceptional. Unfortunately, we had a baby behind us that screamed for hours. , It was a nightmare, though I completely understand that it was not Swiss Airs fault.

We had to move to terminal 5 for the next part of our trip. Very un-organized and difficult.

Missed connecting train since flight was late into Zurich and I had to stay at airport hotel because of it as well as I had to repurchase train ticket

Operated by American Airlines. Very chaotic and the crew was bit rough responding any enquiries. Restricted leg space.. Qatar would have been better

Qatar airways from Doha to guangzhau was excellent big bird Boeing 777 more room and smoothly flight, I Love it

It was good no problems made it on time for the next flight overseas!

The made us waiting and held our passports and boarding pass making us miss our flights

Not impressed. Only allowed one carry on on such a long flight.

The flight was good but my neighbor had the vent open full power for the whole flight and because the air was blowing from the side instead of from the top and I got very cold and ended up with a sore throat.

Bad experience with the delay n long wait time for connecting flight after missing the connection flight from Doha.

Wore experience due to delay and took me 3 days to reach my destination.

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

Excellent will be flying again in May with Qatar. to Botswana.

Excellent service and comfort from the moment you check in. Flight crew is hyper focused on making passengers comfortable and at ease. It’s like a flying hotel!

Only chicken as a meat dish through out the flight

Nothing really was great as such. Seen other no name airlines perform better.

Quality of service on board was very inconsistent. FA service primarily seemed robotic and they barely engaged with passengers

I’m unclear why I had to pay extra for assigned seats as Turkish airlines did not honor the seating. We were placed across the aisle from each other on TK 34, and were seated behind one another on TK 694. Because my name was misspelled on e-ticket (Klawiter, instead of Klawitter) I could not log onto website to get the connection gate number in Istanbul. The monitors in the airport were a jumbled mess 1/2 Arabic and 1/2 English.

On line check in needs a lot of improvement. I tried and gave up.

Food not good, flight attendants not the best, not accommodating very ruff

the female flight attendant was racist towards me. I could tell she treated the two other passengers next to me with more softness.

Oh my god! For an13 hour flight they serve you food just one time. Also don’t be thirsty they give you a little small cup of soda to drink. They seem like their goal is to feed you one so they don’t have to be bothered with you. It quite surprise for such a long flight there are several times to eat at least three and the food was well lackluster. The food and lack of offering drinks which were always hot no ice provided.

We were traveling first class. Checkin counter lady and her manager, both were in bad mood and did not treat us well about checking in the handbag. The gate agent took care of it right away. I travel Turkish twice a year in first class. No one has ever refused to check in the hand bag. Not sure, why this agent and her manager refused. Everything else was excellent.

Everything could be better. The plain was in Orlando for 3 hours prior to boarding. After boarding all the passengers they found out that plane has a mechanical problem. After an hour the problem was solved, the pilot comes on and states, (We have to go back to the gate and take on more fuel!) Are you kidding me???? Who they have for pilots, Boy scouts?? I barely made my connecting flight to Vienna, but my suitcase did not. I'm still waiting for it, in Gyor, Hungary. Am I having fun yet?? Other passenger were in the same binned. I travelled all over the world both for business and pleasure with all types of airlines. By far of all the carriers I travelled with, Discover is the worst. I'm contemplating to bight the bullet and go back to the US with a different carrier. For International flights, the seats are made for little people. The person in front of me had his seat reclined the whole way, I felt like he was sitting in my lap. For closing, I would not let my dog travel with Discover, yet alone recommend it to an other person. Does it sound like I'm frustrated, Think about having to travel back to the US with them. I'm sure I'll not hear back from you, because nobody wants to hear about bad news, but with all the hype Discover puts out there about their services, nothing could be further from the truth. Joseph A. Nagy

Only problem we experienced was not anything to do with Lufthansa. When changing planes in Frankfurt we spent over an hour on passport control line. Lufthansa did a marvelous job on everything from keeping me informed via texts, to terrific cabin crew.

Bordón could be bettet if the company say before boarding the order of the different groups.

Checked in is easy and it was a smooth flight from LAX to Munich

There is no recline on flight from DFW to FRA. Middle eastern airways provide better recline option for the same class. FRA to Bangalore has better recline option. I bid 100$ for premium economy, my request was declined. But staff handled it without issues.

The Lufthansa part was wonderful. The short connection flight was not.

German crew were very kind. Food was okay but can be better, especially bread was not good, Garbage collection was very poor.

Awful Terrible staff poor communication Flight delayed for an hour with no apology or explanation and no help re missing connecting flight. Resulted in a 7 hour layover at Munich waiting for another connecting flight. Only 15 euros refreshment voucher given. Will not fly Lufthansa again

Both flights were late for what appeared to be the airline’s not having the planes ready. Arrived over 6 hours late.

The most horrific experience we had with the airline that we had in our life Everything was substandard at best. For just one hot tea they charged 4 euros We paid for Lufthansa months in advance ,to get there they didn’t have us in record and after 4 and a half hours layover we almost we got one seat at the first row and one in the back of the plane On top of that our suitcase was seriously damaged and it’s unusable. Here we are halfway around the world in foreign language having to fix this on our vacation time Would you kindly and quickly resolve this matter

Better food and more space in the seats. Also when doing the web check in both times I was going in to your site the minute you open it and there is not really many seats to choose only to buy!!!

It was ok, not as good as it used to be. The Heathrow connection was a disaster - complete anarchy, unknowledgable and skimpy assistance and signage. Gate crew at next flight was great, held the flight while my wife struggled through security.

It was great! The seats were comfortable, and they fed me during the transatlantic flight, something which I have been missing out on for the past 3 years as I travel to and from school.

This flight was cancelled at the last minute. We were rebooked on another flight but a day later. We lost a day of our vacation and paid for a night in a hotel we couldn’t use. The flights we were rebooked on (both American) messed up our seating on both flights-we didn’t get the seats we had paid for. All in all, a terrible experience.

Lost our bags in Heathrow, We didn’t receive bags in Mallorca for 3 days, out of a 7 day cycling vacation. Really inconvenient and disappointing!

We missed the flight to Barcelona because the flight from Baltimore was delayed. We flew on Vueling VW6653. Our luggage didn’t arrive. Please help us get our luggage. We are staying at Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona

The seats were tiny, being of a fairly petite build, I don’t usually expect to feel crammed and cramped in a seat, but I definitely was on this flight. I couldn’t even bend over to get anything out from under the seat in front and getting up to go to the bathroom at night with the seat backs reclined was nearly impossible. I had to do gymnastics to get over and out. For an airline that does long flights overnight, it’s kind of ridiculous.

Not connecting flights. Missed my flight from Dublin to Liverpool because I arrived at Dublin one hour too late. For this mistake, they offered me a flight from Dublin to Manchester. Thats great and all, but I waste time and money to commute to Liverpool. Be sure to check the time of your connecting flights, because they sure don’t when they sell it to you

Excellent! Great flight attendants, good food (in business class, at least), very comfortable. Touchscreen and remote wasn’t great.

In economy and food was ok, but with limited leg space (and I was in a 2 seat configuration) it was difficult to eat with a tiny seat tray. I spilt wine on my trousers. First time on British Air (I usually fly Turkish Air) and in a 777. Heathrow was pleasant but changing terminals awkward.

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From Istanbul to Antalya: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Jess Lee Updated May 26, 2022

Istanbul and Antalya are two of Turkey's most popular vacation destinations. With so many travelers wanting to combine a visit to both on their Turkey trip, there are plenty of transport options between the two cities.

With Istanbul's glut of Ottoman and Byzantine monuments and Antalya's dramatic Mediterranean coastal scenery, beaches, and nearby historic ruins , time split between these two cities is a great introduction to what Turkey has to offer.

Whether you're on a quick visit and concentrating your focus only on these two cities, or want to take a little more time seeing some sights along the way, here are the best ways to get there.

On This Page:

• From Istanbul to Antalya by Airplane
• From Istanbul to Antalya by Direct Bus
• From Istanbul to Antalya by Train & Bus
• From Istanbul to Antalya by Car

1. From Istanbul to Antalya by Airplane

Both Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines offer services from Istanbul to Antalya Airport. If you're on a short Turkey trip schedule, catching a flight between these two cities makes sense and leaves you more time to explore on the ground.

Turkish Airlines usually operate 27 flights daily with services from both Istanbul International Airport (on the city's European shore) and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (on the city's Asian side).

The flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport are operated by Turkish Airlines' subsidiary airline AnadoluJet, but there is often little to no price difference between flights on this popular route, so choose your flight on the best scheduled time and the airport that is most convenient for you.

Pegasus Airlines is Turkey's main budget airline. It also offers 11 flights every day from Istanbul to Antalya with all services operating from Sabiha Gökçen.

Pegasus flights usually cost less than Turkish Airlines, and there are often promotion fares offered, but know that, when purchasing the cheapest Pegasus seat options on this route, you will have less baggage allowance (15kg instead of 20kg) and won't receive a complimentary snack onboard.

The flight time from Istanbul to Antalya is between 75 and 90 minutes. Both Istanbul airports are connected to the central city by regular, good value airport buses.

From central Istanbul pick-up locations at Taksim and Beyazit (near the Grand Bazaar) Havaist airport buses to Istanbul International take approximately two hours. To Sabiha Gokcen, Havabus airport buses from Taksim are normally a 90 minute journey.

Antalya Airport is handily connected to the central city by tram . You need to buy an Antalya Kart (a transport card that can be topped up with credit) to use the tram. There are dispensers at the airport tram stop where you can buy cards and pay for credit.

If you're staying out of the city, in one of the beachfront hotels, an airport pick-up arranged by your hotel is the easiest transfer option.

2. From Istanbul to Antalya by Direct Bus

Several intercity bus companies run direct bus services from both Istanbul's main bus station, Esenler Otogar, and Alibeyköy Otogar to Antalya.

The journey takes between 11 and 13 hours (depending on how many stops the service makes), so the vast majority of services operate this route overnight.

Major bus companies offering this route include Pamukkale Turizm , Metro Turizm , and Isparta Petrol Turizm.

The buses used on this route offer comfortable airline-style seats, usually incorporating individual entertainment systems and charging power points for your phone, and an onboard conductor who hands out complimentary tea, coffee, water, soft drinks, and snacks at points along the journey.

Most intercity bus services in Turkey also offer Wi-Fi.

Buses don't have onboard bathrooms. They stop every three to four hours at either a bus station or a well-equipped and modern highway service station for bathroom and dining breaks.

In Istanbul, Esenler Otogar is directly above the "Otogar" stop on the metro system, so it's very easily accessed by public transport.

Alibeyköy Otogar is in Istanbul's northern suburbs. Buses departing from here usually have a quicker journey time, as they don't have to spend time winding through the city's traffic at the start.

Alibeyköy Otogar is now easy to get to by public transport, thanks to the opening of Istanbul's new T5 tramway, which runs all the way up the Golden Horn, direct to the bus station.

Antalya's bus station (Antalya Otogar) is connected to the central city by tram, so it's very simple to transfer from the bus station to Antalya's old town (where all the boutique hotels are) by public transport on arrival.

If you're staying at one of the beach resorts, there are plenty of taxis at the station.

3. From Istanbul to Antalya by Train & Bus

If you've got some time up your sleeve and want to see some of inland Turkey's main tourist attractions and towns on your way down to Antalya, using a combination of trains and buses can be a great idea.

The most interesting route using this transport method, begins by taking the high-speed train service from Istanbul to Eskişehir (11 departures daily), where you can spend a day exploring its vibrant art scene and old town district.

The next day, hop aboard the Pamukkale Ekspresi train service (one daily early morning departure), which takes a relaxing eight hours to chug from Eskişehir down to Denizli.

You're now on the doorstep of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pamukkale , with its famous white calcite terraces and the Roman ruins of Hierapolis. Minibuses zip between Denizli's bus station (just across the road from the train station) and Pamukkale village every 20 minutes.

After a day touring the sights, simply catch a bus from Denizli's bus station (regular departures) for the four-hour bus ride to Antalya.

An alternative train-bus combo would be to catch the high-speed train from Istanbul to Konya , home of the Mevlana Museum and with a city center brimming with preserved Seljuk-era monuments and mosques. After you've finished exploring, catch a direct bus from Konya's bus station to Antalya.

Turkey's high-speed trains are super modern, with brand new rolling stock and comfortable seating. Normal long-distance trains such as the Pamukkale Ekspresi are well-maintained but have older amenities. Both offer drinks and snacks for purchases through the carriages along the way.

Purchase train tickets in advance, particularly in summer, as they do sell out. Because of the amount of bus services available, you can normally just buy your bus ticket on arrival at the bus station.

4. From Istanbul to Antalya by Car

Hiring a car in Turkey to journey from Istanbul to Antalya is a good option for travelers who enjoy road trips, don't want to rush, and don't want to be tied to public transport timetables.

This option gives you the freedom to stop off at towns and heritage sites as you toddle your way down the country at your own speed. Allow a chunk of time and make the road trip a main focus of your travels.

The most direct route (694 kilometers) between Istanbul and Antalya is inland, cutting a swath through western Anatolia.

It passes through the historic cities and towns of Bursa, Kütahya (where you could side trip to the Roman site of Aizanoi or to the Phygian ruins of the Midas Monument); Afyonkarahisar, with its craggy castle; and Isparta, gateway to Turkey's "lake district" and the phenomenal mountaintop ruins of Sagalassos.

Main roads in Turkey are in excellent condition and have clear signage. Be aware, though, that gas is expensive, and getting in and out of big cities such as Istanbul and Antalya can be frustrating due to the sheer amount of traffic.

More on Turkey

Travel to Antalya

The online travel guide for the city of Antalya and districts with information about sights, historical places, ancient cities, events and Antalya hotels.

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• Köprülü Canyon
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Foreign Office warns UK tourists in Turkey 'can be dangerous' and to 'be aware'

B ritish holidaymakers visiting Turkey have been warned to exercise caution when using public transport and while out and about in major tourist areas. The UK government advises against travel to certain parts of Turkey, while safety advice has been shared for tourists visiting safe-to-travel regions like Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum.

The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria and advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city and Hikkari Province. All other parts of Turkey are considered to be generally safe for travel, although the UK Foreign Office has issued warnings relating to crime, terrorism, as well as local laws and customs that tourists are expected to follow.

Travellers have been urged to be careful when using transport in taxi as accepting lifts from non-registered taxis can prove dangerous. The UK Foreign Office warns: "Accepting lifts from strangers can be dangerous. Find a registered taxi and note the registration number before entering."

Read more: Foreign Office updates Turkey travel advice as UK tourists told 'leave the area'

Holidaymakers have also been warned to 'be aware' of their personal belongings as pickpocketing is an issue in some areas, particularly major tourist spots in Istanbul. The Foreign Office says: "Be aware of your personal belongings and make sure they are always secure."

Tourists should not accept drinks or food from strangers as there have been some reports of people being spiked in this way. "Buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them," the government advice reads. "Be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, taking you to a restaurant or nightclub [or] offering you food and drink - these could be spiked."

According to the Foreign Office, terrorists are 'very likely' to try and carry out attacks in Turkey. Most terrorist attacks have occurred in southeast Turkey, Ankara and Istanbul. Travellers are urged to 'remain aware' of their surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Conflicts in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories have led to increased tensions in Turkey and protests are ongoing across Turkey and occasionally become violent. Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters and Brits have been warned to 'avoid all demonstrations' and 'leave the area if one develops'.

Meanwhile, cultural customs in Turkey require people, including tourists, to dress modestly when visiting mosques or religious shrines to avoid causing offence. Taking photographs is prohibited near military sites.

Tourists must always carry photographic ID in Turkey as it's illegal not to do so. The Foreign Office urges British travellers to 'always carry your passport' as authorities may stop people for random ID checks, particularly in busy areas like Istanbul. There are also several police checkpoints on main roads across Turkey.

Planning your next holiday? Travel Republic is offering up to 67% off the price of package holidays to Turkey. If you're looking to upgrade your luggage for your upcoming trip, luxury suitcase brand Antler has dropped the price of its popular Ryanair and Jet2-approved Logo Cabin Bag from £160 to £96 in the sale, while the Brixham Cabin Bag is down from £170 to £102.