Discover Antalya
Turquoise Coast Paradise. Explore Kaleici Old Town, Duden Waterfalls, Konyaalti Beach, ancient Termessos, and find the best beach hotels with our complete guide.
Pearl of the Turkish Riviera
Antalya is the shining gem of Turkey's Turquoise Coast, where the Taurus Mountains plunge dramatically into the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea. Known as the Turkish Riviera, this stunning coastal city offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and beach relaxation — making it one of Turkey's most popular holiday destinations.
At the heart of Antalya lies Kaleici, the beautifully preserved Old Town with its narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era wooden houses, boutique hotels, and cozy cafes. Wander through the old harbor where wooden gulet boats bob in the turquoise water, or walk the ancient city walls that still enclose this historic district. The Roman-era Hadrian's Gate marks the grand entrance to the old city.
But Antalya is far more than just beaches and old towns. The region is dotted with ancient cities — Termessos perched high in the mountains, Aspendos with its remarkably preserved Roman theatre, and Perge with its colonnaded streets. Waterfalls cascade directly into the sea at Duden, while the Konyaalti and Lara beaches stretch for miles along the coast.
Antalya also serves as the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Turkish Riviera. Day trips to Side, Alanya, Pamukkale, and the ancient Lycian sites are all easily arranged. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach holiday, a history-filled adventure, or a mix of both, Antalya delivers in style.
Must-See Places in Antalya
Discover the unmissable sights and experiences that make Antalya special.
Kaleici Old Town
The historic heart of Antalya with cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, art galleries, and a picturesque old harbor filled with wooden yachts.
Hadrian's Gate
A magnificent triumphal arch built in the 2nd century AD to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Beautifully preserved with three arched passageways and intricate carvings.
Duden Waterfalls
Stunning waterfalls that cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the upper falls for a walk behind the water, or take a boat to see them from the sea.
Konyaalti Beach
A long pebbly beach stretching for miles along Antalya's western coast. Clean water, beach clubs, cafes, and stunning views of the Taurus Mountains make it a local favorite.
Termessos Ancient City
A dramatic ancient Pisidian city perched high in the Taurus Mountains. Its well-preserved theatre with mountain backdrop is one of Turkey's most spectacular archaeological sites.
Antalya Museum
One of Turkey's finest archaeological museums, housing incredible artifacts from the region's ancient cities including stunning Roman statues and sarcophagi.
Taste of Antalya
Indulge in the local flavors and culinary specialties of the region.
Grilled Sea Bass
Fresh from the Mediterranean, sea bass is grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs — the perfect seafood dish for a coastal holiday in Antalya.
Piyaz
A refreshing Antalya specialty — white bean salad with onions, parsley, sumac, and a tahini dressing. Served cold as a meze or side dish.
Kunefe
A heavenly Turkish dessert of shredded pastry layered with melted cheese, soaked in sweet syrup, and served warm with pistachios — absolutely addictive.
Fresh Orange Juice
Antalya is famous for its juicy oranges. Freshly squeezed orange juice is available everywhere — the perfect refreshment on a hot Mediterranean day.
Dining Tips & Where to Eat
For the freshest seafood, head to the harbor area in Kaleici or visit fish restaurants along the coast. Don't miss piyaz — Antalya's signature white bean salad. For kunefe, look for a dedicated kunefeci shop serving it hot from the brass pan. Breakfast spots along the beach promenade offer great views with your Turkish kahvalti.
Plan Your Antalya Visit
Choose your trip length and explore our recommended day-by-day itinerary.
- Morning exploration of Antalya's main attractions
- Visit the most iconic landmark and surrounding area
- Local lunch at a traditional restaurant
- Afternoon museum visit and cultural exploration
- Sunset at the best viewpoint in Antalya
- Dinner with local specialties
- Full-day exploration of nearby historical sites
- Visit archaeological ruins and ancient monuments
- Traditional lunch at a local village
- Afternoon nature excursion to nearby natural wonders
- Sunset hike or scenic drive
- Dinner featuring regional cuisine
- Leisurely morning with Turkish breakfast
- Browse local bazaar for souvenirs and handicrafts
- Visit a hidden gem you missed on day one
- Final lunch with all your favorite local dishes
- Relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee
- Departure or onward travel to next destination
Top Hotel Recommendations
Handpicked accommodation for every budget — book your perfect stay on Trip.com.
Rixos Downtown Antalya
Luxury resort with private beach, stunning pools, spa, multiple restaurants, and easy access to both the old town and beach areas.
Kaleici Marina Hotel
Boutique hotel in the historic Old Town harbor with sea views, elegant rooms, and a perfect location for exploring Kaleici on foot.
Konyaalti Beach Hotel
Comfortable beachfront hotel on Konyaalti Beach with clean rooms, a pool, and direct beach access — great value for money.
Antalya Backpackers
Friendly budget hostel in central Antalya with dorm beds, private rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a social atmosphere for travelers.
Know Before You Go
Essential details to help you plan a smooth Antalya trip.
Getting There
Antalya Airport (AYT) is well-connected with domestic flights from Istanbul and international flights from Europe and the Middle East. The airport is about 30 minutes from the city center by bus or taxi.
Local Transport
Tram and bus networks cover the city well. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available. Rental cars are great for exploring the region. Walking is best for Kaleici Old Town.
Best Time to Visit
May to October for beach weather. April, May, and October offer the most pleasant temperatures for sightseeing with fewer crowds. Peak season is July and August.
Budget Guide
Budget: $35-65/day (budget hotels, street food, public transport). Mid-range: $90-180/day (beach hotel, restaurants, day trips). Luxury: $250+/day (resorts, private tours).
Antalya Travel Questions
Answers to the most common questions about visiting Antalya.
What is the best time to visit Antalya?
The best time to visit Antalya depends on what you want to do. For beach holidays, June through September offers hot sunny weather and warm sea temperatures perfect for swimming. May and October are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities — warm but not scorching, with fewer crowds and lower prices. April and November are still pleasant but the sea is cooler for swimming. Winter is mild (10-15°C) and great for exploring ancient ruins like Aspendos and Termessos without the crowds.
How many days should I spend in Antalya?
3-4 days is a good amount of time for Antalya. You'll need a day to explore Kaleici Old Town, the harbor, Hadrian's Gate, and the Antalya Museum. Dedicate another day to Duden Waterfalls, Konyaalti Beach, and Lara Beach. Use the remaining days for day trips — the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side are all within 1-2 hours. With a week, you could add a multi-day trip along the Turquoise Coast to Fethiye and Kas, or relax at beach resorts like Belek or Kemer.
Can I visit Ephesus from Antalya?
Yes, Ephesus is about 4 hours by car from Antalya and makes a popular day trip, though it's a long day. Many tour companies offer guided Ephesus day tours from Antalya with a professional guide, entrance fees, and lunch included. A more relaxing option is to break up the trip — drive to Pamukkale first (about 3 hours), spend the night, then visit Ephesus the next day (2 hours from Pamukkale to Selcuk). If you're short on time, there are also organized tours that combine both Ephesus and Pamukkale in a 2-day trip from Antalya.
Is Antalya good for families?
Absolutely! Antalya is one of Turkey's top family destinations. Lara Beach and Belek are packed with all-inclusive resort hotels with kids clubs, water slides, and entertainment. The city has the Antalya Aquarium (one of Europe's largest), Duden Waterfalls, a zoo, and easy access to ancient ruins that kids find fascinating. The beaches are mostly sandy and the Mediterranean water is warm and calm. Day trips to Side, Aspendos, and the Manavgat Waterfall also appeal to families. Many restaurants have high chairs and child-friendly menus.
What is the nightlife like in Antalya?
Antalya has vibrant nightlife, especially in the summer months. The harbor area in Kaleici has countless bars, restaurants, and clubs with live music and sea views. Lara Beach has luxury hotel bars and clubs. Konyaalti offers a more laid-back waterfront bar scene. For a Turkish night out, try a traditional meyhane (tavern) with live folk music and meze. The city also hosts the Antalya International Film Festival and various music festivals throughout the year. Summer nights come alive — many places stay open until dawn.
How do I get around Antalya?
Antalya has a good public transportation system. The Antray tram connects the airport, city center, Konyaalti, and the museum area — it's efficient and affordable. Local buses cover most destinations and use the Antkart card, which you can buy at kiosks. Taxis are readily available but always use the meter or agree on a price beforehand. For exploring outside the city, renting a car gives you the most freedom to visit ancient sites, waterfalls, and beaches at your own pace. Ride-hailing apps like Bitaksi also work in Antalya.