Antalya Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Antalya

Antalya combines a historic old town, city beaches and a wealth of ancient sites within easy reach of the centre.

• Kaleiçi — The walled old town, with narrow lanes, restored Ottoman houses, boutique shops and a picturesque harbour at the foot of the cliffs.
• Hadrian’s Gate — A triple-arched marble gateway built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian, marking the entrance to the old town.
• Yivli Minare — The fluted minaret that has become a symbol of the city, rising above the rooftops of Kaleiçi.
• Antalya Museum — One of Turkey’s leading archaeological museums, with outstanding statues and finds from ancient sites in the region.
• Düden Waterfalls — Waterfalls set in green parkland, with the lower falls plunging from the cliffs straight into the sea.
• Konyaaltı and Lara beaches — Two long city beaches, one pebbly with mountain views to the west, the other sandy to the east.
• Aspendos and Perge — Ancient cities east of Antalya, with one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world at Aspendos.

Best time to visit Antalya

Antalya enjoys a long, sunny Mediterranean season. Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, are ideal, with warm weather for the beach and pleasant temperatures for exploring ancient sites, the old town and the surrounding mountains.

July and August are very hot and humid, and the coast is at its busiest, with resorts, beaches and boat trips in full swing. Plan sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon, drink plenty of water and seek shade during the middle of the day.

Winter, from November to March, is mild and relatively quiet, though it brings most of the year’s rain. It is a good time for city sightseeing, walks and visits to archaeological sites without the crowds, and the Taurus Mountains may be topped with snow.

Getting from the airport

Antalya Airport lies around 13 kilometres north-east of the city centre and is one of Turkey’s busiest airports, serving the whole Turquoise Coast.

• Tram and bus — A tram line and city buses link the airport with the city, taking around 45 to 60 minutes to reach the centre depending on the route and your stop.
• Taxi — Taxis wait outside the terminals. The drive to the city centre usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, longer in summer traffic.
• Transfers and shuttles — Many visitors travel on to coastal resorts such as Belek, Side, Kemer and Alanya by pre-booked transfer or shuttle; journey times range from around 30 minutes to two hours or more.

Agree on using the meter before starting a taxi journey, and check that your accommodation’s address is clear, as the wider Antalya area covers a long stretch of coast.

Where to stay

Antalya offers everything from historic guesthouses in the old town to large beach resorts along the coast.

• Kaleiçi — Full of charm, with small hotels in restored houses, ideal for couples and travellers who want history, restaurants and the harbour on the doorstep.
• Konyaaltı — A long beachfront district west of the centre, with a seaside promenade and mountain views, suited to families.
• Lara — A resort area east of the city with sandy beaches and large hotels, convenient for the airport.
• City centre — Practical for shopping, public transport and local life, with good access to both the old town and the beaches.
• Belek — A resort area along the coast east of the city, known for all-inclusive hotels and golf courses.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Trams, buses and minibuses known as dolmuş connect the city, its beaches and nearby towns. Taxis are widely available.
• Bazaars — Bargaining is normal in markets and souvenir shops, but prices are generally fixed in supermarkets and chain stores.
• Mosques — Visitors are welcome outside prayer times. Remove your shoes, dress modestly and women should cover their hair.
• Sun and water — Summers are intense, so use strong sun protection and stay hydrated. Most visitors drink bottled water.
• Tipping and payment — Cards are widely accepted, but carry some Turkish lira for small shops and taxis. Around 10 percent is customary in restaurants for good service.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.