The Best of Antalya All Year Round
For everyone from young to old, the best things to do in Antalya form part of what is Turkey’s second most popular holiday destination. Roughly 15 million people from around the globe descend on Antalya yearly to enjoy various activities, from historical ruins to beach water sports to picturesque waterfalls or old mosques. Places of interest also run into their hundreds. So, for this article, we recommend our top activities and also the most popular places to visit.
Best Things to Do in Antalya
1: Admire Antalya Old Town and Hadrian's Gate
City centre tours aren’t complete without dropping by the old town section to see Hadrian’s Gate’s archaeological remains. Built to honour the Roman emperor, tourists traditionally have their photographs taken here. The marvellously intact three-arched white marble structure is called Uckapilar by Turks, which translates to three doors. Walk through to find exciting spots, like harbourside cafes, the Iskele mosque, and 19th-century Ottoman houses.
Don't forget to seek out the 14th-century clock tower and civil minaret mosque. Spend the morning wandering cobblestone paths to gain an insight into the history of Antalya, which Alexander the Great failed to conquer. Then eventually arrive at the traditional harbour front, where seafood restaurants and cafes have made this area famous for locals and tourists alike.
2: Roman Ruins at Aspendos Ancient City
Aspendos, 50 kilometres outside Antalya city centre is notably the best historical ruins. Most people visit purely for the marvellous theatre, which historians call the worlds best-preserved. The echo nestles into a hillside, so the Antalya Opera and Ballet Society perform there.
Built during the 2nd century AD and seating up to 20,000 people, this impressive structure sits near the acropolis and aqueduct. Most people book day trips via local tour excursion shops to have a tour guide on hand. Other structures include the agora and collonaded street.
3: Duden, Manavgat and Kursunlu Waterfalls
Lovers of natural beauty landscapes should seek out the separate waterfalls of Duden and Manavgat, the pride of Antalya’s Turquoise coast. Duden, famously portrayed in travel magazines by the dramatic drop in the Mediterranean Sea, is near the city centre. Manavgat, near the small coastal resort of Side, is ideal for relaxing and admiring nature while sitting in traditional tea gardens.
Visit lower Duden waterfalls pouring into the Mediterranean for fantastic sea views. If on foot, you will still get good photographs; however, we think the best way to see it is from a boat. Tour agencies sell mini-day trips, with drinks included, and people swim on the way back. If waterfalls drop your jaw, visit upper Duden, at the end of Antalya-Serik-Alanya highway. During summer, the heat and humidity lessen the dramatic impact, but an excellent time to visit is Spring for maximum flow.
4: Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach
For clear waters, there are many idyllic beaches but the most popular is Konyaalti. Although pebbly, it stretches for 2 miles with several restaurants and dedicated entertainment areas. Otherwise, during summer, Lara Beach famously holds the annual sand sculpturing festival, displaying incredible art pieces produced by amateurs and experts.
The talent of sculptors is evident in the life-size models of iconic mythological figures, cartoons, or historical figures. Other notable stretches of sand with blue waters are Cleopatra’s in Alanya, Kaputas further along the D400 highway, and the blue flag beach of Patara, the country’s largest, with stunning sunsets.
5: Koprulu Canyon for Stunning Views
Koprulu Canyon covers 366 kilometres and is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Most people visit for white water rafting tours sold by excursion shops. After kitting out in your safety gear, prepare for an adrenaline-driving ride on fast-flowing water. Stretching for 14 kilometres, traditional restaurants serve fresh trout dinners at the river end. Other people visit simply for the walk and to see sights like the old Roman bridge. Köprülü Canyon National Park is easily accessed from the Side resort.
6: Tahtali Mountain and Amazing Views
For less physical experiences, ride the cable car up to Mount Tahtali. Here, expect fantastic coastline views and the Taurus Mountain range behind. Restaurants serve food and refreshments, and souvenir shops sell photos of you with the view behind. Often labelled as the sea-to-sky ride, alternative methods to come down are skiing or paragliding. The base camp has leisure facilities, so summer evenings watching the sunset often turn into romantic affairs.
7: Side Open-Air Museum and the Rich History
This quaint town is unique because of something no other place has. The new part, built around the historical part, creates quirky atmospheres. Landmarks include the old gate entrance, a small theatre, and Agora Street. However, visit the Apollo temple on the coastline as the sun sets. Take fantastic holiday pictures, and afterwards, relax and dine in harbourside restaurants. For hotels large, all-inclusive hotels on the outskirts ideally suit families.
8: Alanya Castle and Red Tower for History Buffs
Visit Alanya at the far eastern tip to find this bustling destination full of cosmopolitan vibes. Two historical sites display the city's cultural heritage and are on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites; the Red Tower and Castle. The 13th century Red Tower, displays Seljuk-style architecture and offers fantastic views.
9: Land of Legends Amusement Park & Tourist Attractions
From historical and natural landmarks to Turkey’s version of Disneyland. Sitting in Belek, Land of Legends has much to do and feature themed bedrooms in their hotel. The aqua park section has over five pools and numerous rides the kids will love. Enjoy their adventure section, with rides like the Galeon, Sky Fighter, and finger coaster. Go shopping or enjoy the bowling alley. Enjoy amazing beaches or more food than you can eat.
10: Dimcay River for Natural Landscapes and Culture
As an alternative to beach destinations, Dimcay River in Alanya is great for summer fun. The 60-metre-long river eventually flows into the Mediterranean Sea, but before reaching it, visitors enjoy swimming breaks and lunch in traditional quaint riverside restaurants. The best area to visit is Dimcay Valley because of better facilities and colder water.
11: Antalya Museum - Portraying the Ancient City
Listed on Trip Advisor as the number one thing to do, and sitting in the Konyaalti district, Antalya Archaeology Museum demands fame and recognition by being one of Turkey’s most prominent museums. The 13 exhibition halls and open-air gallery cover an impressive 7000 square metres, used to have 5000 plus works on display and 20,000 in storage, including those from Byzantine times.
Its beginnings stretch back to the end of WWI when the Ottomans lost and found themselves occupied by the Italians. To prevent them from removing priceless historical treasures, the museum was quickly established under legal law. Fast-forward, the museum are now experts in the history of humankind.
12: Road Trips of Coastal Resorts
The coastal D400 road runs alongside all significant resorts and Antalya airport, making it easy to see them all on am exciting road trip. Starting in bustling Alanya, home to the Mediterranean’s Red Castle, the next stop is the historical Side, built around ancient ruins and sitting near the impressive Temple of Apollo. Kemer Beach Resort is renowned for water sports, banana boat rides, and Moonlight Beach.
Further down, the resort of Belek is a golfing haven. The trip could end with an overnight stay in the surrounding Olympus or Cirali, near the burning flames of Chimera and the 7th-century Phaselis ancient city. Road trips can be anything you want, from golden beaches to azure waters, spectacular views, And ancient history.
13: Mediterranean Coast Boat Trips
As a central Turkish Riviera hub, Antalya naturally excels as a yachting expert with natural wonders and pristine beaches. Three-night, four-day cruises to the Fethiye region drop into beautiful beaches and smaller towns such as Kas or Kalkan and visit small islands such as Gemiler, with ancient church ruins.
Alternatively, if cash is in endless supply, hire your traditional Turkish gulet boat, complete with crew and captain. Sailing the Turquoise waters is idyllic, and places like Adrasan-Suluada Island should be on your list. From most harbours, daily boat tours depart every morning in summer if you don't want to do an overnight trip.
14: Antalya City Centre Aquarium and Marine Life
Featuring 40 smaller aquariums and the tropical reptile house, Antalya Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium complex, stretching 131 metres at 3 metres wide. Home to thousands of species of underwater life and an aircraft wreck, the highlight is shark-feeding time by specially trained divers. This attraction is all about nautical life, featuring themes such as the sunken city of Atlantis, pirates, and an underwater aircraft wreck.
15: Lycian Way and Ancient Civilizations
Turkey’s Antalya province starts the Lycian Way, fronting the Taurus Mountains. This 516-kilometre trail runs through the Fethiye region and includes several historical ruins from the Lycian empire and natural attractions. Visit the historic districts separately, but those who like trekking should consider walking the route for stunning scenery. Additionally, there is only one UNESCO World Heritage site on the border with the Muğla province: Letoon and Xanthos.
16: Karaalioglu Park and Hidirlik Tower
Forget about beach clubs because as you exit the narrow streets of Kaleici's old town, your next stop should be this beach park. This is ideal for relaxing and soaking up Turkish culture and the art of doing nothing. The atmospheric district boasts fantastic views of stunning landscapes and several amenities for snacks and refreshments. It starkly differs from the busy city life and is the perfect destination for the kids to run free and enjoy the great outdoors. Another alternative in Konyaalti Beach District is Aktur Park.
17: Golf Courses in Belek
Last on our list of the best things to do in Antalya, the vibrant culture stems through the Belek district, king of leisure activities thanks to world-class golf courses. This beautiful town, an expat stronghold, offers much, including stunning beaches and large resort hotels specialising in spa services. Sitting close to Aspendo's ancient ruins, combine history with breathtaking views and golfing.
Introduction Guide to Turkey: If this is your first time visiting Turkey, our introduction guide to the country will be of great use. Talking about the places, food, culture, history and traditions, we prove why Turkey is one of the most popular countries for tourism, owning a holiday home and expat living.
Antalya
