The fun city with blue water, old buildings and joviality is Antalya Turkey in the Turkish coast. This beach city mixes past stories and pretty nature. Spots like Kaleici Old Town and Duden Waterfalls bring in lots of people each year.
More than 38 million people fly into Antalya Airport every year. The 400-mile shore has clean sand and cool fun. It’s good for kids at Land of Legends Theme Park or pairs strolling Hadrian’s Gate.
This simple Antalya travel guide shows fun things to do in Antalya Turkey. See Antalya beaches like Konyaalti Beach or old spots in Antalya such as Aspendos Theatre. The Taurus Mountains are great for walks and day trips from Antalya.
Check out Antalya’s old Roman and Ottoman sites at places like Perge Ancient City. Try nice stays and yummy Turkish eats at 7 Mehmet Restaurant. Chill on Lara Beach or see waterfalls for a great break. Read on for the top Antalya tourist sights, where to stay in Antalya and when to visit Antalya. You will learn why it makes a beach bow in the Mediterranean. Plan your visit, have fun, Antalya!
Best Time to Visit Antalya
This is a good place to visit as the weather is fantastic throughout the year in Antalya. But, by selecting your moment, you can even make it better. You have plenty of sun and mild days due to its Mediterranean climate. Antalya weather is most comfortable in shoulder seasons, along with reduced crowds, making that the best time to visit Antalya.
Shoulder Seasons: April-May and September-October
These months are warm with around 20 – 25°C long days perfect for taking a walk on the beach and discoveries. April and May see more blooming flowers with less rain than they do in winter. September and October are nice swimming months, although after summer the water in the sea will experience more crowds. Stay away from the summer rush at Lara Beach. It’s good for families, or couples need calm vibes. Hotel and flight prices often drop as well.
Summer and Winter Options
It exceeds 30 o C in summer (June- August) and this is fabulous during visits to Antalya beaches, yet busy and hot. Winter (December-February) is just cool (1015C) when historical places are visited by fewer people; however, rain may occur. Check Antalya weather forecast to pack right. No matter when, Antalya shines with its coast and ruins.
How to Get to Antalya and Around
Getting to Antalya, Turkey, is easy with its busy Antalya Airport. Fly in from Europe in 4-5 hours on budget airlines like SunExpress. Most flights are priced below 200 during off hours. Airport transfers are fast, as it is 13 km radius from the city center.
Arriving at Antalya Airport
Fly into Antalya Airport (AYT) one of the finest airports to go on Turkish Riviera vacation. For shuttles use HAVAŞ and buses or city bus 600 to the bus station. They run often and are cheap. A taxi is approximately 300-350 TL in the city, though negotiate the price to avoid any extras. Book seat shuttles in advance to be comfortable (particularly with luggage).
Getting Around Antalya
Use the AntRay tram to zip from the airport to Kaleici Old Town. It connects key spots like the bus terminal. Buy an Antalya Kart at kiosks for discounted rides tram fares start at 3.20 TL. Buses and dolmuş minibuses cover more areas, which is great for Antalya beaches. Rent a car for day trips, or grab taxis via the BiTaksi app. Walk Kaleici’s streets for the best views. Public transport makes Antalya travel simple and affordable.
Top Things to Do in Antalya
Antalya places to go are memorable owing to their ancient sites, beaches and natural beauties. This Turkish Riviera city offers top Antalya attractions for all. From Antalya Old Town to waterfalls, here’s what to see.
Kaleici Old Town (Hadrian’s Gate)
Start in Kaleici Old Town, Antalya’s historic heart. Walk narrow streets with Ottoman houses and shops. The entrance is marked by Hadrian Gate or Roman arch built in 130 AD. Eat in the cafes and have views of the marina. It’s a top Antalya attraction for photos and culture. Spend a morning here wandering freely.
This UNESCO site is buzzing with history. Boutiques sell souvenirs like Turkish rugs. There is the magic of sunset at the harbor. Ideal for discovering what to do in Antalya, in families or couples.
Duden Waterfalls
Head to Duden Waterfalls for a nature show. Lower Duden falls plunge 40 meters into the sea. Taking a boat tour for close views costs about 50 TL. Upper Duden has paths and picnic spots in green forests.
It’s one of the best things to do in Antalya Turkey for adventure. Take walks to cool pools. It is only 12 km away and is easily accessible by bus. Go early to not be overwhelmed by people.
Konyaalti Beach
Step on to Konyaalti Beach, a 7 km stretch of pebbles and crystal clear water. Backed by Taurus Mountains, it’s stunning. Free entry, with loungers for rent at low prices. Try water sports like jet skiing.
Among top Antalya beaches, it’s great for sunbathing or walks. Families love the parks nearby. Cafes serve fresh fish. A must for beach lovers in Antalya attractions.
Antalya Archaeology Museum
Explore the history of Archaeology Museum of Antalya. Look round at statues, mosaics and artifacts of such ancient cities as Perge. Highlights include Roman gods and Lycian tombs. Entry is 100 TL, open daily.
Things to do in Antalya if you like ruins. Audio guides explain exhibits. Spend an hour learning about Turkey’s past. Kids enjoy the displays too.
Tunektepe Cable Car
Ride Tunektepe Cable Car for epic views. Climb 618 meters over the city and sea. At the top, find cafes and walking paths. Tickets around 150 TL round-trip.
This thrill is a favorite Antalya attraction. View of the coast and mountains from above. Best at sunset for photos. Add adventure to your best things to do in Antalya Turkey list.
More ideas include boat trips and shopping. Antalya keeps you busy with various fun.
Exciting Day Trips from Antalya
Day trips from Antalya let you explore ancient ruins of Antalya and natural spots. These short escapes add adventure to your trip. Head out by car, bus, or tour for easy access.
Perge Ancient City
Just 22 km east, Perge Ancient City wows with Roman theaters and baths. Walking colonnaded streets from 1500 BC. Entry costs 250 TL, great for history fans. Combine with Aspendos for a full day.
Aspendos Theatre
Travel 45 minutes to drive to Aspendos Theatre, where a 7,000 seat Roman gem is found. It has one of the best preserved ancient ruins in Antalya because even now it continues to have shows. Tours often include lunch for 500 TL.
Side Ruins
75 km away, Side ruins mix beaches and temples like Apollo. Stroll seaside columns and theaters. A top day trip from Antalya for sun and history. Boat tours add fun.
Köprülü Canyon Rafting
Koerprolu Canyon is a rafting adventure in the pine forests loved by thrill-seekers. Canyons rapids and swims, 1.5 hour travel to Antalya. Packages start at 300 TL with gear. Perfect for nature lovers.
Where to Stay and Eat in Antalya
Antalya has affordable and luxurious hotels. Hotel in Kaleici where you can enjoy the history or Lara Beach where its resorts. Pair with the best restaurants in Antalya for tasty meals.
Boutique hotels in Kaleici like Tuvana Hotel offer charm from $100/night. Ottoman style with pool and views. For beach vibes, Lara Barut Collection provides all-inclusive resorts at $200/night with spas.
Turkish food, such as kebabs and meze, can be eaten at 7 Mehmet. It is a top location due to fresh seafood and views. More than 1,000 restaurants, and eat local pie as well. The food culture of Antalya fits ever budget.
Final Words
Antalya Turkey wraps up as a dream spot for any traveler. With its beaches, ruins, and food, it leaves lasting memories. Use this Antalya travel guide to plan your best time to visit Antalya and hit all top Antalya attractions. Whether solo or with family, the magic shines through. Head to Bodrum Gumbet for more tips and start your adventure today! (68 words)
FAQs
Is Antalya worth visiting?
Yes! Antalya beaches and ancient ruins in Antalya make it a top Turkish Riviera pick. Great for relaxation and history.
What’s the best Antalya itinerary?
Attempt 4-5 days, day one Kaleici Old Town, day 2 Duden Waterfalls and beaches, Day 3-4 day trips out of Antalya including Perge, day 5 shopping and eats.
How safe is Antalya for tourists?
It is very safe with a low crime rate. Make sure you only travel in populated areas, employ trusted transport and travel in Antalya in a carefree manner.
What is Antalya known for?
Its most known beaches include Konyaalti Beach, Hadrian Gate, and as a destination of attractions in Antalya, including waterfalls and ruins.
Best budget tips for Antalya?
Book cheap Antalya hotels in off-seasons. Use AntalyaKart for transportation and graze on local inexpensive Turkish food.
