What To Do In Antalya, Turkey: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey, and for good reason. This Mediterranean coastal city offers stunning scenery, ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, and wonderful beaches. If you’re planning a trip to Antalya, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the array of exciting activities and attractions. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the top things to do in Antalya to help you make the most of your visit.

Explore Old Town Antalya

No trip to Antalya is complete without a stroll through the charming Old Town, known as Kaleiçi. Wandering the narrow cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era homes, you’ll feel transported back in time. Don’t miss these highlights in Old Town Antalya:

• Hadrian’s Gate – A beautifully preserved 2nd century Roman gateway with ornate stone carvings,

• Broken Minaret Mosque – Dating back to the 13th century this historic mosque has an unusual cracked minaret.

• Kalekapisi Hadrian Gate – The iconic clock tower entrance to Old Town with sweeping views.

• Yivli Minare Mosque – Antalya’s most iconic mosque with its fluted minaret. Built in the 13th century.

• Kesik Minare Mosque – Remains of a Byzantine church later converted into a mosque.

• Kaleici Marina – Browse souvenir shops and relax at waterfront cafes along the peaceful old harbor.

Marvel at Ancient Ruins

The Antalya region is home to spectacular ancient Greco-Roman ruins waiting to be explored. Here are some must-see ancient sites near Antalya:

• Aspendos – Don’t miss the incredibly preserved Roman theater from the 2nd century AD that could seat 15,000.

• Perge – Wander through the ruins of this large ancient Greek and Roman city founded in the 7th century BC.

• Phaselis – Explore well-preserved ruins like temples, aqueducts, agoras, and a theater at this ancient port city.

• Termessos – Discover this mountaintop ancient city with stunning views and an untouched theater carved into rock.

• Olympos – See the flame-scorched ruins and sarcophagi at this ancient Lycian seaport.

Swim at Picturesque Beaches

With its prime location along the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya offers plenty of spectacular beaches to relax on. The most popular beaches include:

• Konyaalti Beach – Antalya’s longest beach at 7km with fine sand and clear, calm waters perfect for swimming.

• Lara Beach – Sweeping golden sands and beach clubs with lively social scenes. About 12km from Antalya center.

• Cleopatra Beach – Pristine white sand beach lined with ancient ruins in the resort town of Alanya.

• Kaputaş Beach – Secluded turquoise bay tucked between dramatic limestone cliffs.

• Phaselis Beach – Swim amidst ancient ruins at this quiet pebbly beach near the site of Phaselis.

Ride the Cable Car Up Tahtali Mountain

For awe-inspiring panoramic views over Antalya, take a ride on the Tahtalı Cable Car. The 8-minute ride whisks you up to the summit at 2,365m above sea level. Up top, you can dine at a mountainside restaurant while soaking in the vistas overcity, beaches and Beydağları Mountains. The cool mountain air offers respite from the summer heat.

Wander Through Colorful Karaalioglu Park

This sprawling 200,000 sqm urban park along the cliffs overlooking Kaleiçi is one of Antalya’s top attractions. Meandering through the beautifully landscaped grounds filled with flower gardens, fountains and artefacts, you’ll always discover something new. Don’t miss the panoramic lookout points with breathtaking seaside vistas. It’s also a great spot for a picnic.

Explore Antalya’s Top Museums

To delve deeper into Antalya’s fascinating history and culture, spend time discovering its excellent museums, such as:

• Antalya Museum – One of Turkey’s best archaeology museums spanning the Paleolithic to Ottoman periods through artifacts and mosaics.

• Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum – Two beautifully restored Ottoman mansions housing a private ethnographic collection.

• Toy Museum – Quirky museum in Old Town with over 4,000 toys and miniatures from the Ottoman period until today.

• Atatürk House Museum – The Turkish Republic founder’s childhood home containing many of his personal effects.

Stroll Along Kaleiçi Marina

The tranquil harbor lined with vibrantly colored Ottoman-era houses is one of Antalya’s most scenic spots. Take an evening stroll along the boardwalk, pausing to window shop at souvenir stores, enjoy harbourfront bars and restaurants, and watch the sunset over the sea.

Indulge in Hammam Treatments

Following in a centuries-old Turkish bathing tradition, head to a traditional hammam during your stay for a rejuvenating scrub and massage. Some top hammams in Antalya include Sefa Hammam, Yivli Minare Hammam and Kesik Minare Hammam set in historic buildings.

Go Rafting at Köprülü Canyon

For an adventurous day trip from Antalya, head to Köprülü Canyon National Park. Raft along the spectacular canyon carved out by the Köprüçay River, flowing through pine forests and rock cliffs. The Class III and IV rapids offer an exhilarating ride. Hiking, ziplining and biking are other popular activities.

Take a Day Trip to Waterfalls

The forests around Antalya are home to breathtaking waterfalls perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day. The top waterfalls to visit are:

• Düden Waterfalls – Dramatic twin falls right at Antalya city center. Upper Düden has pools ideal for swimming.

• Kurşunlu Waterfall – Cascading 18m fall surrounded by nature within a national park.

• Manavgat Waterfall – Powerful waterfall on the Manavgat River with boat tours offered.

Explore Kemer and Olympos

Located west along the coast from Antalya are the resort towns of Kemer and Olympos, offering spectacular scenery. In Kemer, don’t miss the fascinating ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the harbor. The beaches at Çıralı near the ruins of ancient Olympos are also fantastic.

Go Jeep Safari or Trekking

The rugged Taurus Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for adventures into nature. Join a jeep safari to bounce along backroads and take in gorgeous mountain vistas. Many trails also lead to cascading waterfalls and canyons, perfect for day hikes.

Dine on Turkish Delicacies

Make sure to sample Antalya’s scrumptious cuisine during your visit. Top local specialties to try include pide (Turkish pizza), şiş köfte (grilled meatballs), mantı (Turkish ravioli), and baklava for dessert. Be sure to also stop for Turkish tea time and enjoy čay (black tea) with lokum (Turkish delight).

With ancient sites, stunning scenery and a plethora of things to do, Antalya offers something for every type of traveler. Following this comprehensive guide will help you experience the best this Mediterranean Turkish gem has to offer.