Antalya · 26 Places · Best April, May, September, October
Antalya is Turkey's premier Mediterranean resort province, stretching along the stunning Turquoise Coast and offering a captivating blend of ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The region is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world alongside luxurious all-inclusive resorts and a vibrant old town.
Antalya Province encompasses Turkey's most visited Mediterranean coastline, spanning from the Taurus Mountains to the turquoise sea. The region offers an extraordinary mix of ancient Lycian and Roman ruins, including the world-famous Aspendos Theatre and the ancient city of Perge. Beyond history, visitors enjoy spectacular natural scenery including Köprülü Canyon, the Düden Waterfalls, and hundreds of kilometers of beaches. The city of Antalya itself features a charming Roman-era old town (Kaleiçi) with a picturesque harbor.
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The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Antalya's enchanting Roman-era old quarter features narrow cobblestone streets lined with restored Ottoman mansions, ancient city walls, and a picturesque Roman harbor. The area is centered around Hadrian's Gate, a stunning triumphal arch built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit.
Built in 155 AD by Greek architect Zeno, Aspendos is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators. The theatre still hosts the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival and is remarkably complete with its original stage building intact.
The Upper Düden Waterfalls cascade through a lush park setting 12km northeast of Antalya city, where the Düden River plunges through a dramatic gorge. Visitors can walk behind the main falls through a cave passage for a unique perspective.
The spectacular Lower Düden Waterfall plunges 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean Sea from a dramatic cliff face, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Boat tours from Antalya harbor pass directly beneath the falls for unforgettable views.
One of the most important cities of ancient Pamphylia, Perge features excellently preserved colonnaded streets, a 12,000-seat stadium, well-preserved baths, agora, and city walls dating back to the Hellenistic period. The site is less crowded than Aspendos but equally impressive.
Perched dramatically at 1,050 meters elevation in the Taurus Mountains, Termessos is a remarkably well-preserved Pisidian city that even Alexander the Great failed to conquer. Reached via a scenic mountain hike through Güllük Dağı National Park, it offers breathtaking ruins amid forest and spectacular views.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Europe's largest luxury resort hotel on Lara Beach, the Mardan Palace is an opulent masterpiece with over 560 rooms, 9 restaurants, and a massive lagoon pool that holds 8 million liters of seawater. The hotel features gold leaf interiors, a private beach, and world-class spa facilities.
Check rates on Booking.comAn impressive all-inclusive resort on Lara Beach offering extensive facilities for families and couples, including multiple pools, water slides, a private beach, and a wide selection of dining options. The ultra-all-inclusive concept ensures nearly everything is covered in the price.
Check rates on Booking.comAn extensive all-inclusive luxury resort on Side's beach, offering over 1,000 rooms spread across a beautifully landscaped beachfront property. The resort features multiple specialty restaurants, elaborate pool areas, a spa, and comprehensive entertainment programming.
Check rates on Booking.comA beautifully restored boutique hotel occupying a historic Ottoman mansion in the heart of Kaleiçi old town. The hotel features a stunning courtyard pool, individually decorated rooms with antique furnishings, and excellent service in a uniquely historic setting.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Perched above Kaleiçi with stunning views over the Roman harbor and Mediterranean, Vanilla is Antalya's most celebrated upscale dining destination. Creative Mediterranean-Turkish fusion cuisine is served in an elegant setting.
A beloved local institution near Kaleiçi harbor serving consistently excellent fresh fish and seafood at fair prices. Locals and savvy visitors alike come here for the freshest catch of the day grilled to perfection.
Set in a beautiful historic Ottoman courtyard in Kaleiçi, Hasanağa serves hearty traditional Anatolian cuisine in an atmospheric setting with live Turkish music in the evenings. One of the most charming dining experiences in old Antalya.
One of Antalya's most famous and long-established restaurants, 7 Mehmet has been serving refined Turkish cuisine since 1969. Located on a hilltop park with sweeping sea views, it combines quality food with spectacular panoramas.
A popular local chain serving çiğ köfte, a spicy bulgur wheat mixture wrapped in lettuce and flatbread that is Turkey's most beloved street food. Quick, cheap, and delicious with customizable spice levels.
A hidden gem in Kaleiçi's fish market quarter serving exceptionally fresh seafood in a no-frills setting beloved by locals. The daily changing menu depends entirely on what the fishermen brought in that morning.
Book a food tour in Antalya We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Antalya is served by Antalya Airport (AYT), one of Turkey's busiest international airports with direct flights from across Europe. The city has a growing public transport network including city buses, a tramway, and dolmuş minibuses, while the wider province requires a car or organized tours to reach major ancient sites.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15 | $55 | $200 |
| Food (per day) | $12 | $25 | $90 |
| Transportation | $5 | $10 | $35 |
| Activities | $8 | $10 | $25 |
| Daily total | $40 | $100 | $350 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Antalya.
Always insist that taxi drivers use the meter (taksimetre); BiTaksi app is recommended to avoid overcharging
Keep valuables in your hotel safe, especially when on the beach; theft from unattended belongings is common on crowded beaches
Be cautious of restaurant touts in Kaleiçi who lead tourists to overpriced establishments; always check menus with prices before sitting down
Use official Antalya municipality taxis (yellow with TAKSI sign) rather than unmarked vehicles
Stay hydrated and use strong sunscreen in summer; heatstroke is a genuine risk in July-August when temperatures exceed 40°C
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a headscarf
Be alert to pickpockets in crowded markets, the covered bazaar, and near popular tourist sites
Carry your passport or a photocopy when traveling; Turkish authorities may request ID at checkpoints
Women travelers should be aware that some areas of Antalya are more conservative; dress according to your surroundings
At beach areas, be cautious with alcohol consumption and avoid isolated areas at night
If invited to a 'free' carpet demonstration or tea, understand there will be pressure to buy; it's fine to say no
Earthquake awareness: Turkey is seismically active; familiarize yourself with emergency procedures; Antalya itself has lower risk than eastern Turkey
For medical emergencies, Antalya Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi is a well-equipped public hospital; many private hospitals serve tourists
Water safety: rip currents exist at some open beaches; observe local warning flags and swim at flagged beach areas
When hiking in Taurus Mountains, always carry water, a map, and notify someone of your route; mobile reception can be patchy
Antalya is one of Turkey's safest cities for international tourists and consistently receives millions of visitors each year without major incidents. Standard travel precautions apply regarding petty theft in tourist areas, taxi overcharging, and sun protection. Emergency services: police at 155, medical at 112.
The best time to visit Antalya is April, May, September, October. Antalya has a typical hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35-40°C in July and August, while winters ar
Entry requirements follow Turkey rules. Most nationalities require an e-Visa obtained online before travel. Citizens of some countries may enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check the official Turkish e-Visa portal for your nationality. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Antalya is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Antalya: Turkish, English (tourist areas), German (resort areas). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Antalya include Kaleiçi Old Town, Aspendos Theatre, Düden Waterfalls (Upper), Lower Düden Waterfalls (Lara Falls), and Perge Ancient City. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
