Things to see and do on a trip to Antalya

A province in Turkey, Antalya is a Mediterranean coastal resort, known as the Turquoise Coast because of the colour of its waters. In the city today you can still see the remains of an important ancient Roman port. Don’t miss out on what you can see and do on your trip to Antalya, the best beach destination in Turkey.

Travel through ancient Rome, visit its ruins, the archaeological museum or the aquarium that awaits species from the oceans and seas. You can enjoy dazzlingly fresh seafood in the area’s elegant and cheap hotels. We’ll tell you all about it!

What are the best places to see in Antalya?

1. Old Town

Kaleiçi is the old city of Antalya. This part concentrates some of the most important monuments and buildings of the city such as the main square with the fortress gate and the clock tower, the Kale Kapisi, the Tekeli mehmet Passa Mosque or the Kesik Minare Minaret, also known as the broken minaret.

You can wander through the streets while contemplating the ancient buildings such as mosques and structures dating back to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Enter the old town through Hadrian’s Gate, a building that dates back to 130 AD.

You can easily reach it on foot after a stroll through the old town or by tram using the “Nostalji tramvay” line which passes right next to the monument.

2. Yivliminare Mosque

The Yivliminare Mosque immediately catches your eye as you enter the old town of Antalya. It was built on the highest point of Kaleiçi above sea level and is considered one of the symbols of the city of Antalya. With its fluted minaret, the Yivliminare Mosque is an outstanding example of minarets in Turkish Anatolian architecture. It takes its name from the 8 grooves of its minaret built of red brick. It was built in 1372 by Balaban Tavi.

The mosque is free to enter, and can be visited at any time, except during prayer times. The museum is open on Sundays and Mondays from 08:30 to 17:30.

3. Karaalioglu Park

Karaalioglu Park is a great must-see park in Antalya, Turkey. It is just south of Kaleiçi in the city centre, easily accessible on foot or by tram.

The Gulf of Antalya, as well as the cliffs overlooking the harbour, are some of the most popular sights. The city is surrounded by beautiful parks along the entire coastline from west to east.

4. Mermerli Plaji

If we continue along the coastal path, we come across the beach of Mermerli Plaji, built by a business in the style of a beach club.

You can visit Mermerli Beach every day of the week to share the insatiable service with your loved ones, relieve your tiredness and get away from the noise. The entrance fee to the beach operated by Mermerli Restaurant is 20 TL per person. Sun beds and umbrellas are included in the fee. There is also a WC cabin, shower and changing room.

This is a small, sheltered beach next to the marina. 

5. Antalya Archeology Museum

The Antalya Archaeological Museum houses exhibits illustrating many thousands of years of human activity in the Antalya region. The most important sites represented in this museum are: the Karain Cave, the ancient city of Perge and the cities of the Lykian civilisation.

Next to the museum is the terminus station of the so-called Nostalji Tramvay (Nostalgic Tram) line that connects the western districts of Antalya with its historic centre and the eastern coastal district of Lara.

The Antalya Archaeological Museum is open daily, in summer season (April to October) from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. In winter season (November to March) the visiting hours are: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. pm The ticket costs 20 TL (in 2015).

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Antalya

1. Antalya Ruins

The story of Antalya is told in its ruins. And there are several to see in Antalya. Some that you can visit are Aspendos, Phaselis, Myra, the red tower and castle of Alanya or the sunken ruins of Kekova.

• Aspendos Theatre: located in southern Turkey, in the ancient region of Pamphylia, it was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (160-180). To this day, the theatre is still used for its original purpose. Every year since 1994, the Aspendos Theatre has hosted the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, with thousands of people climbing into the stands, just as they did 2000 years ago.
• Phaselis: It lies between the Bey mountain range and the forest of Olympos National Park, 8 km southwest of the resort town of Kemer and 57 km from Antalya. It was the most important port in the west of the Lycian country for centuries, thanks to its privileged position on the sea route linking Greece with Syria and Palestine. You can visit it from 9:00AM until 7:00PM.
• Myra: ancient Lycian city, located 1.5 km north of the present-day city of Demre, in the province of Antalya. The city of Mira, like all the Lycian people, was under Greek influence from the 4th century BC. The city has two monumental cave-tomb complexes, excavated at two different sites: one on the Roman amphitheatre and the other on a nearby hill, the remains of which are known as the River necropolis.
• Kekova Ruins: Most of the historical buildings underwater are in ruins and some have been covered by sand from the sea due to the currents. The village was almost completely destroyed and the remains that ended up destroyed can be seen today through the crystal clear waters.

2. Antalya Aquarium

The Antalya Aquarium houses the largest tunnel in the world with a length of 131 metres and a width of 3 metres. Four themed aquariums, located side by side, showcase species from the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Atlantic and the Pacific. You’ll find this aquarium just 70 metres from Konyaalt Beach, opposite Su Hotel and Dolphin Land, on the right as you continue from the 5M Migros junction towards the sea.

You can visit any day of the week as it is always open from 09:30 to 20:00. If you go by car, be aware that the toll booths close 30 minutes before closing time. Admission costs between 30 and 35 euros and the ride can take from one to two hours.

3. Cable car up Mount Tahtali

Enjoy a ride on the Olympos cable car, available every day, all year round. As you climb Tahtali Mountain, you can enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, pine forests and the Mediterranean Sea. The cable car ride to the top of Tahtali Mountain from Antalya, Belek and Kemer takes about 6 hours. The price per person is around 50 euros. This Tahtali Mountain tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off at selected locations, entrance fees and return tickets on the Tahtali Mountain cable car.

4. Lycian Way

Extending for 500 kilometres to the Fethiye area, this is the longest hiking route in Turkey. It takes an average of 141hrs 50mins to walk. You can do it in a variety of stages and starting points. The route covers all types of terrain, mostly off-road, mountainous and rocky in some areas, unsuitable for mountain bikes.

You can get to the Lycian Way via Dalaman, which is the closest airport to Ölüdeniz (the western starting point) or Antalya (the eastern starting point).

What to do in a day in Antalya?

If you only have one day to visit Antalya, these are the places you can’t miss.

You can start by visiting the old town. There you have to visit the impressive Yivliminare Mosque. Continue wandering the streets and enjoying the buildings of old Antalya, to reach the coast and see the crystal-clear waters of Mermerli Plaji.

Where to stay in Antalya?

• Özgür Hotel: the price per night and room is no more than 20 euros, even 14 euros on some days. Well located in the centre of Antalya and close to public transport. Ten minutes drive from Antalya Old Bazaar and Konyaalti Beach, Ozgur Hotel offers airport shuttle service (available 24 hours) for 55 TRY per vehicle.
• Old Town Point Hotel & Spa Antalya: this is a beachfront hotel with free shuttle service to the beach, close to Antalya’s Old Bazaar. The hotel also offers a cafeteria service where you can end the day with a drink at the bar or lounge. Other amenities include a poolside bar, a sauna and a seasonal swimming pool.
• Famous Family Hotel: If you’re on a family holiday, this is the hotel for you. At just under €60 per room per night, the place is close to Hadrian’s Gate and offers sea views, free breakfast and an outdoor pool
• Ring Downtown Hotel: Situated in the centre of Antalya, a 15-minute walk from the ancient historic city walls, the Clock Tower and the Antalya Museum, the Ring Downtown Hotel is in a fantastic location.

Where and what to eat in Antalya?

• Ayar Meyhanesi: located near the coast, this restaurant serves fresh, well-cooked seafood and fish. Guests also praise the waiters for their friendly service and recommendations for dishes. As well as the free fruit and dessert.
• Famous Kitchen Antalya: A small, cosy restaurant serving a variety of local dishes. It has a terrace.
• Manjoo Burger Restaurant & Coffee: perfect if you want to try local meat in a delicious burger. Vegetarian options are also available
• Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant: This restaurant is noted for its Italian food menus. Tasty, well-prepared and well-dishes are the characteristics that its customers highlight the most.

How to get to Antalya?

Most visitors arrive via the ultra-modern airport, which is also Turkey’s main hub for tourist air travel.

You can also get there via the motorway in January and February, the rainy months make outdoor plans difficult, other months offer an average of 300 days of sunshine. In July and August, the hottest months, temperatures reach the mid-40s, emphasising its position as the ideal place for a holiday.

What you should know before you travel to Antalya?

• During January and February rain makes outdoor plans difficult. That’s why the best time to visit Antalya is in the spring or summer months. In July and August, the hottest months, temperatures reach the mid-40s, which emphasises its position as the ideal holiday destination.
• For public transport in Antalya, don’t forget to get your hands on the AntalyaKart. It is a public transport card that will take you everywhere.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Antalya

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add suggestions from the app to it.
• Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat. You can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference.
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map. You can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post.
• There are restaurants where they only accept credit cards.
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app. Recommend other travellers what to see in Antalya.