Planning a trip to Antalya and wondering about the best things to do there? Turkey has long been a favorite destination for tourists, especially its resort cities along the Mediterranean Coast. Among these, Antalya stands out as the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast and one of the most popular resort cities.
Many visitors opt for package holidays since they often turn out to be cheaper than booking a hotel and flight separately. However, a lot of these travelers end up not exploring much beyond their hotel grounds. Don’t be one of them! There’s so much to see in Antalya that it’s definitely worth stepping out and exploring.
So, what should you do in Antalya? Where should you go? We’ve put together a list of some of the must-visit places in Antalya. Check it out!
Kaleiçi is the historic heart of the city, nestled along the Mediterranean coast. It’s a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets lined with buildings from various eras including the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman, and modern Turkish republican periods. Many of the oldest structures have been refurbished into boutique hotels and restaurants. Though much of Kaleiçi has been restored, some areas are still undergoing renovation, adding to its charm. Once surrounded by walls, only Hadrian’s Gate remains as the entrance now. The area also features a yacht-filled Old Harbour dating back to the Roman era, and it’s dotted with charming cafes offering views of the harbor. Visiting Kaleiçi and the Old Harbour should definitely be on your list.
Konyaalti Beach is another top spot in Antalya. Located on the western side of the city, this 7 km-long beach is framed by the beautiful Beydağları Mountains. It’s a great place for walks, bike rides, and rollerblading, thanks to the sidewalk and bike path running along it. Numerous restaurants and cafes can also be found here. Just keep in mind that Konyaalti is a pebble beach, not sandy.
Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman city, is situated about 60 km from Antalya. The highlight here is a remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre, which is still used for open-air performances. Other nearby ruins include the Aspendos Aqueduct, Stadium Aspendos, and Basilica Aspendos, but the theatre is undeniably the most impressive feature. You can reach Aspendos from the nearby town of Serik.
Perga or Perge is another ancient Greek city and a major archaeological site. Some ruins here date back to the Bronze Age, with the Perge theatre, the Pillars of the agora, and Roman baths being the most notable. It’s easily accessible from Antalya city center by tram, with a tram stop located just 1 km from the site.
The Düden Waterfalls, located near Lara Beach in eastern Antalya, are another attraction. These waterfalls are fed by water from a recycle station and drop off a rocky cliff straight into the Mediterranean Sea.
Tünektepe Teleferik is a cable car ride located about 4 km from the western end of Konyaalti Beach. The cable car ascends Tünektepe hill, offering stunning views of the Gulf of Antalya, the city skyline, and the Taurus Mountains. It’s an affordable activity with return tickets costing only a few euros.
Köprülü Canyon, a national park located 90 km from Antalya, is famous for its breathtaking scenery and walking trails. The canyon extends 14 km along the Köprü River and reaches a maximum depth of 400 meters. It’s a fantastic spot for rafting as well. The Oluk Bridge, a historic Roman structure, and the nearby archaeological site of Selge Antique City are also worth visiting.
Lastly, consider hiking a section of the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail in southern Turkey that spans approximately 540 km from Fethiye to Antalya. Known for its dramatic Mediterranean views and ancient landmarks, this trail offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the Turkish coast. Notable sights along the Lycian Way include Lycian rock tombs and the ruins of Xanthos and Patera. If you’re short on time, you can hike just a small segment of the trail, starting from a point just outside Antalya.
There you have it, some of the best things to do and see while you’re in Antalya. Make sure to venture out and explore all the amazing places this beautiful city has to offer!