Your Travel Guide to the Best of Antalya

Is Antalya worth visiting? Besides being one of the world’s top holiday destinations in Turkey and also the gateway to the picturesque Turkish Riviera. It boasts stunning beaches and historical significance with a tranquil atmosphere. With so much to experience on the Turkish Coast, one can get overwhelmed. To assist you in planning your best Antalya Itinerary, I compiled this Travel Guide to Antalya with the best things to do in Antalya, Turkey.

Things to know when visiting Antalya

Answers to frequently asked Questions and travel advice to assist you in planning a perfect trip and where to stay in the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast. Feel free to ask if you have any questions about Antalya and its surroundings.

Where is Antalya Türkiye?

The beautiful city of Antalya is located in Turkey on Anatolia’s southwest coast, bordered by the Taurus Mountains. Located 61 meters above sea level, Antalya operates in the EEST time zone. The Turkish Riviera encompasses a vast coastline between Antalya and Fethiye. If you want to know how to get to Antalya, the best transport options from Istanbul to Antalya, and the best way to travel from Cappadocia to Antalya, visit the best ways to travel around Turkey.

Is Antalya Safe?

Like most countries, you should travel responsibly and not flash around money or other valuables. Always keep your electronics and valuables close by. A money bag is the safest way to carry cash and valuable documents like your passport. But yes, Antalya is relatively safe, and we never felt unsafe during our visit to Antalya and other regions in Turkey.

Best Time to Visit Antalya?

With a very long summer season until November, the best time to visit Antalya, Turkey, is between June and September, when temperatures are high and there is less chance of rain. The low season, from September to October, is a good time with fewer tourists. Visit Best Turkey destination advice to assist you in planning your trip.

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15 Best Things to Do in Antalya, Turkey

1. Explore Kaleiçi Old Town

Most of Kaleiçi city was enclosed within its walls in ancient times, featuring buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Hadrian Gate is a remarkable architectural masterpiece resembling a Roman triumphal arch and has remained intact. Situated within Antalya City’s walls, the Hadrian Gate was the sole entrance to the old town and the port in ancient times.

Recommended: Antalya City Tour with Waterfall, Lunch, & Boat Trip Option.

Hadrians Gate

In ancient times, almost the entire city of Kaleiçi was confined within its walls, with structures dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The Hadrian Gate is an architectural masterpiece that resembles a Roman triumphal arch and has remained intact after all these years. Built into Antalya City’s walls, the Hadrian Gate was the only entrance to the old town and the port in antiquity.

2. Visit the Antalya Harbour

One of the best things to do in Antalya, Turkey, is to visit the Antalya Marina, where you can find a few restaurants with stunning views of the turquoise sea and Antalya Bay. Take advantage of the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean. 

3. The World’s Biggest Tunnel Aquarium

One of the best things for families to do in Antalya is a trip to the most significant aquarium complex in the world. Besides experiencing abundant sea life, it offers inspiration, entertainment and education. Sea life includes fish species varying from poisonous- to tropical reptiles, white whales, dolphins, and even Sea lions. Its 40 thematic aquariums and a 131-meter tunnel aquarium make it the longest tunnel aquarium in the world.

The popular Aqualand features a waterslide, making the exciting outing even more enjoyable for those who travel with kids. To soothe your thirst and taste buds, have something to eat at one of the restaurants in the complex. Go to the Aquarium Antalya Information for the Antalya Aquarium entrance fee and opening hours.

4. Boat Trip Antalya Boat Trips

What can be more energising than sailing on the turquoise sea with the hot Mediterranean sun against your skin, the wind tossing through your hair, and the smell of the ocean on your lips? Embarking on one or more of the many Boat Trips from Antalya is a great way to experience the picturesque coastline of the Turkish Riviera. Some trips include Turkish food served with Turkish hospitality. For a romantic odyssey, book a sunset cruise.

• The boat trips and experiences are endless. Enjoy a relaxing Green Canyon Antalya Boat Cruise and swim along the emerald-sparkling waters surrounding the Taurus Mountains. Take a boat trip to Phaselis Bay, experience the ruins of ancient Phaselis, and savour a BBQ lunch on board the Green Canyon Boat.

5. Take a Trip to Suluada Island

Drive to the port at Adrasan, Antalya, where you will board a boat for a fun cruise to the beautiful Suluada Island with its crystal-clear Suluada Bay. While swimming in the clear blue waters, look out for sea turtles. For a fantastic day trip, book one recommended boat trip: Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Island Small-Group Boat Tour w/ Lunch. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Best Things to Do in Outskirts of Antalya

6. Tour the Antalya Waterfalls

When you visit Antalya, Turkey, take the time to explore the breathtaking waterfalls in the region. The stunning Upper Düden and Lower Düden Waterfalls originate in the majestic Taurus Mountains. They are just a 20-minute drive apart, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of multiple waterfalls in a single day.

To simplify things, book recommended trips: Duden Waterfalls Boat Trip and/or a full-day Adventurous off-road adventure with options for combinations of Jeeps, a rafting session, a zip line experience, a buggy, and a quad bike.

The Upper Düden Waterfalls

Also known as the Alexander Waterfalls, the 15-meter-high Upper Duden Waterfalls are about 12 km northeast of Antalya. They derive their name from Alexander the Great, who passed through the region on his horse between 334 and 333 BC.

Karpuzkaldiran Waterfalls

The splendid single Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall, the Lower Duden Waterfall, is the region’s highest cascade that plunges over a 40-meter-high cliff into the Mediterranean Sea below. Its lush green grass and benches make it an ideal picnic spot. On weekends, there are stalls selling all kinds of handicrafts. 

Kurşunlu Waterfalls

Compared to the other waterfalls, the Kursunlu Waterfalls, located 19 kilometres north of Antalya, took the Antalya-Serik-Alanya highway. Likewise, it is ideal for a picnic and walks on a few pathways and over bridges. Although the venue is not pram-friendly, it is next to beautiful emerald fishponds and ducks swimming around.

7. Explore the ancient city of Perge & Aspendos

Most tourists visit Perge and Aspendos on a day trip, 48 kilometres east of Antalya. The Greco-roman ancient town of Perge and Aspendos, also known as Belkis, built during the 12th and 13th centuries BC, is of great historical and archaeological value. This is also where the apostle Saint Paul preached his first sermon when Romans reigned under Alexander the Great. Check out prices for the best Perge, Aspendos and Waterfalls Guided Tour.

8. Anatolia show at Aspendos Theatre

Treat yourself to the world-famous Fire of Anatolia dance show at the Aspendos Antalya theatre. This show won two Guinness world records and is one of the best shows in Antalya. Book tickets at the well-preserved Roman Gloria Aspendos theatre well in advance to avoid disappointment. Remember that the Aspendos theatre is open daily from 08h00 until 07h00.

9. Tahtali Mountain Cable Car ride

One of the most exciting things to do in the vicinity of Antalya is to take an Olympos Aerial Tram cable car ride to the top of Lycian Olympus, located in the Beydağları Coastal National Park near Kemer. From the top of Lycian Olympos, also known as Tahtalı Dağı, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Mediterranean as far as the eye can see.

Two in one: A great decision is to book the exciting Tahtali Mountain Cable Car ride and the Waterfalls excursion together. Thus, you will experience the Düden and Kursunlu waterfalls and the Tahtali Mountain cable ride on the same day.

10. Explore The Best Beaches in Antalya

By now, you know that whenever I visit a coastal region, I have to experience its beaches. I love to feel the sand under my feet, the warm summer sun on my skin, and the Mediterranean Sea. One of the best things to do in Antalya, Turkey, is to explore its beaches. You can pick between these stunning beaches from over 5,000 miles of spectacular Mediterranean Coastline. Therefore, grab your sunscreen, hat, and towel and visit one of Antalya’s Top Beaches.

11. Explore the Taurus Mountains

Get off the beaten path and explore the outskirts of Antalya on a Jeep Safari, where one visits typical villages and the Ucansu Waterfall. The trip includes Pick-up from your hotel and lunch. For price and to book, go to Antalya Jeep Safari to the Taurus Mountains.

Another big favourite among the adventurous is exploring the Taurus Mountain range in southern Turkey on a Quad bike, a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle. For options, reviews, prices, bookings, and what to expect, go to Bikesbooking Antalya, Turkey.

12. Experience a Turkish bath or Hammam

No one should leave Turkey without experiencing an authentic Turkish hammam. As the famous saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” so why not do as the Turks do? Make sure to include a Turkish bath or a Turkish hammam in your Antalya Itinerary to experience this rejuvenating ancient tradition. Complete your visit to Antalya with a visit to a Turkish bath and experience a full-body peeling treatment with an invigorating massage.

13. Explore Antalya on a Bike

If adventure is for you, one of the best things to do in Antalya, Turkey, is to explore Antalya by bike. See the best prices and special offers for bike renting; Visit Bikesbooking. Besides Antalya’s City centre, venturing into the surroundings on a bike is exciting and a great way to experience nature and scenery fully. Benefits of Biking around Antalya:

• Enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air while exploring Antalya on two wheels.
• Learn the story behind Antalya’s most iconic sights while exploring the region.
• Discover the Old Town’s old Marina while driving along the coast.
• A Bike is one of the best ways to explore the city’s iconic sights.

Whatever you do, don’t miss Turkey’s Fascinating Cappadocia (Kapadokya). To visit Cappadocia is like partaking in a Flintstone movie. The history of Cappadocia is fascinating and reveals where Christians hid in self-made underground cities.