Best Things to Do in ANTALYA

Planning a trip to Antalya and wondering what are the best things to do in Antalya?

Turkey has been a popular tourist destination for years already. Especially its resort cities and towns along Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast. And one of the most popular resort cities is Antalya, the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast.

Most people coming to spend a relaxing time in Antalya have bought a package holiday because often it’s cheaper than booking a hotel and a flight separately. And so many of these travellers do not venture outside their hotel, even though there are so many amazing places in Antalya! Do not be that traveller! Explore beyond your hotel!

7 best things to do in TURKEY

But what to do in Antalya? Which places to see? We have created this list of some of the best places to visit in Antalya.

Check it out!

8 Best Things to Do in Antalya

Explore Kaleiçi and the Old Harbour

Explore Kaleiçi and the Old Harbour

Kaleiçi is the historic city centre of Antalya, situated along the Mediterranean coast.

It’s a maze of small cobbled streets filled with structures dating from different eras — the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman as well as modern Turkish republican eras. Many of the oldest buildings are converted into boutique hotels and restaurants. Most of Kaleiçi has been restored, but there are areas that are still undergoing restoration. Thanks to the restoration process, Kaleiçi is a really pretty place to visit. Once, it was walled, but now only one entrance gate remains — Hadrian’s Gate.

Kaleiçi is fronted by a yacht-filled Old Harbour which dates to the Roman era. It is filled with pretty cafes with harbour views. 

Visiting Kaleiçi and the Old Harbour are among the best places to visit in Antalya.

Relax on Konyaalti Beach

Konyaalti Beach

Konyaalti is a famous beach in Antalya, and one of the best places to visit Antalya.

With the Beydağları Mountains in the background, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the city. The beach is located on the western side of the city and is 7 km long. A sidewalk and a bike path run along this beach. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes along the beach. Konyaalti is a popular place for walks, bike rides and rollerblading.

Keep in mind that Konyaalti is covered with pebble stones. It’s not a sandy beach.

Visit Aspendos

aspendos antalya

Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city located 60 km from Antalya.

The main structure of the ancient city is a well-preserved Roman theatre, still used for open-air performances. 

There are other ruins nearby such as Aspendos Aqueduct, Stadium Aspendos, Basilica Aspendos and others. However, the most impressive is the Roman theatre.

You can get to Aspendos from a nearby town, Serik.

Explore the Ancient City of Perge

Ancient City of Perge

Perga or Perge is an ancient Greek city.

It is a large archaeological site with ancient ruins. Some of the ruins date back to the Bronze Age. The most notable ruins are Perge theatre, Pillars of the agora and Roman baths.

Perge can be easily reached from Antalya city centre. You can get there by tram. The tram stop is located 1 km from the ancient city of Perge.

Marvel at Düden Waterfalls

Düden Waterfalls

Düden Waterfalls are a group of waterfalls in eastern Antalya.

Located near Lara beach, Düden Waterfalls are created by water from the recycle station. The waterfalls drop off a rocky cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

Ride Tünektepe Teleferik

Tünektepe Teleferik

Tünektepe Teleferik is a cable car located 4 km from the western end of Konyaalti Beach. 

The cable car ascends Tünek Tepe hill (618 m) and overlooks the Gulf of Antalya, the city skyline and the mountains of the Taurus range. 

Riding Tünektepe Teleferik is one of the best things to do in Antalya. The tickets are cheap — only a few euros for a return trip.

Hike in Köprülü Canyon National Park

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Köprülü Canyon is a canyon and national park located 90 km from Antalya.

The canyon stretches for 14 km along the Köprü River and has a maximum depth of 400 m. It offers some of the best and most picturesque walking trails in the Antalya region. It’s also a great spot for rafting.

Köprülü Canyon National Park is also known for its historic Roman bridge, Oluk Bridge. 

There’s also an archaeological site nearby, Selge Antique City.

Hike the Lycian Way (or a Section of It)

Lycian Way

The Lycian Way is a long-distance hiking trail in Turkey.

It is approximately 540 km long and goes through the cities, towns and villages of southern Turkey. The Lycian Way starts from Fethiye and ends in Antalya. However, you can start in Antalya, and finish in Fethiye.

The trail is known for its dramatic Mediterranean views and ancient landmarks that date back to ancient Lycia.

As the trail passes above valleys, you’ll see a lot of the beautiful Turkish coast.

Other notable sights can be seen when hiking the Lycian way: Lycian rock tombs, the ruins of Xanthos, rock tombs, the ruins of Patera, etc.

If you don’t have time, you can hike only a small section of the trail. You can find the trail in Antalya, just outside of the city.

Best Things to Do in ANTALYA

Antalya travel tips

  1. Antalya is a city in Turkey. Before travelling to Antalya, find out if you need a Turkish visa. Citizens of many European nations do not require a visa to visit Turkey. Several European nations, however, need to apply for an e-visa prior to arrival. Check with your foreign affairs office as to whether you need an e-visa to enter Turkey. 
  2. You can fly into Antalya. There’s an international airport in the city which operates flights to various destinations across Europe.
  3. If you are travelling to Antalya from another major Turkish city, you can take a domestic flight. Long-distance bus travel is also possible.
  4. By far the easiest way to travel in the Antalya region is in a rental car. 
  5. The most popular modes of transportation for tourists in Antalya city are the tram and bus.
  6. You can get to Antalya city centre from the airport by taxi, shuttle bus or tram. The most budget-friendly options are the tram and bus. There are tram and bus stops right next to the airport terminal.
  7. The best time to visit is between April and October.