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Planning a trip to Antalya? Compare 2 tours and activities from licensed local guides, read genuine reviews and book online in minutes. Prices start from €20 per person.
Antalya is one of Türkiye's busiest holiday cities, and it works well for travellers who want a bit of everything in one place. Ancient ruins, a restored old town, mountain waterfalls and a clear, warm sea are all within a short drive of the centre. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants to combine a beach holiday with real sightseeing.
What sets Antalya apart from other Mediterranean resorts is the history. The city was founded more than two thousand years ago, and the layers are still visible: Roman gates, Seljuk minarets and Ottoman houses stand a few minutes apart. Most visitors can see the main sights in a few days and still have time to swim, so it is easy to plan a relaxed trip around them.
Kaleiçi is the historic core of Antalya, built on a cliff above the old harbour. Its narrow lanes are lined with restored stone houses, small hotels, cafes and craft shops. The walk is the easiest way to get a feel for the city, and you can wander without a plan. Go early in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the light is softer and the lanes are quieter. Wear comfortable shoes, because the streets are sloping and the paving can be uneven.
Hadrian's Gate is a Roman triumphal arch built in honour of Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in the second century. It stands at the edge of the old town and is a short walk from the main square. It takes only about ten minutes to look at properly, so it fits well into a stroll through Kaleiçi. Take a photo from the front, then walk on to the clock tower and the harbour.
The Yivli Minaret, which means "fluted minaret", is the symbol of Antalya. It was built in the Seljuk period and its ribbed, twelve-sided shaft is a clear example of the architecture of that time. It stands in the old town, near the older Kesik Minaret. You can see it from the outside at any time, but check the current position on visiting the mosque itself. Women should cover their hair and shoulders when going inside, and everyone should remove their shoes.
The Antalya Museum is one of the best archaeology museums in the country. It has a strong collection from the region's ancient cities, including statues, sarcophagi, mosaics and coins. Most visitors spend between one and two hours here. It is a good idea to visit before or after the ancient sites, because the objects give useful context for what you will see at Perge, Aspendos and Termessos. Check the current opening hours and entry fees before you go, as they can change.
Suluada, also known as Kekova's neighbour in the travel guides, is a small island just off the coast. A day cruise is the easiest way to reach it, and the trip combines swimming, a boat ride along the coast and a seafood lunch on board. Our Suluada Island Cruise with Lunch and Hotel Transfer lasts about 7.5 hours and includes the hotel pick-up. Bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat and water shoes for the rocky sections. If you want to know more before booking, our Suluada Island boat trip page explains what to expect on the day.
The Düden Waterfalls are two cascades that drop straight into the sea, which makes them one of the more unusual sights near the city. The Lower Düden fall is the more dramatic of the two, and the water is cold and fresh even in summer. Plan for half a day including travel, and take shoes with a good grip because the rocks can be slippery near the water. Mornings are usually calmer than the middle of the day.
Konyaaltı is a long pebbly beach with a promenade, cafes and a clear sea. It is a convenient choice if you are staying in the city and want to swim without leaving town. Lara, further east, has wider sandy stretches and a larger number of resort hotels. Both are popular in summer, so arrive early if you want a good spot on the sand. Pebble beaches can be hard on bare feet, so bring water shoes.
Perge, Aspendos and Termessos are among the most rewarding day trips from Antalya. Perge has a long colonnaded street and well-preserved stadium. Aspendos is known for its Roman theatre, which is still used for performances and has excellent acoustics. Termessos sits high in the mountains and is reached by a steep road and a short walk. Each site takes two to three hours to explore, so consider picking one or two for a single day. Our Antalya day trips guide helps you compare routes.
The Green Canyon is a deep gorge with turquoise water, reached by boat from the coast. Most tours combine the canyon with a swim and a stop for lunch. The boat ride is a good option when the sea is calm and the weather is warm. Read our Green Canyon tour guide to choose a boat day that suits your group, as the crowds and pace differ between operators.
The most pleasant months are generally late spring and early autumn. From around April to June, the weather is warm but not too hot, the sea is refreshing, and the sites are less crowded. September and October are also good, with warm days, cooler evenings and calmer conditions for boat trips. Our month-by-month guide to Antalya covers weather and crowds in more detail.
Summer, from June to August, is hot and busy, especially at the beaches and on boat trips. If you come in July or August, plan sightseeing for the morning and swimming for the afternoon. Winter is mild by northern European standards, but many beach businesses and some boat operators reduce their schedules, so check availability before you travel.
Antalya Airport (AYT) is the main gateway to the city. It is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre by car, depending on traffic. Taxis are available from the airport, and most visitors arrive with a pre-arranged transfer. If you want a private car with a driver, you can book an airport transfer in advance so your driver meets you on arrival.
Within the city, the old town is best explored on foot. Taxis and dolmuş minibuses cover the wider area, and the tram and bus network links the centre with the coastal districts. For day trips to the ancient cities or the Düden Waterfalls, a guided tour or a hired car is usually more practical than public transport.
If you are comparing bases, our Antalya or Alanya guide explains where to stay depending on your plans.
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