Things to do in Antalya
Antalya is the capital of the Turkish Riviera: an old town of Roman gates and Ottoman wooden houses, long beaches on either side and the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop.
Kaleiçi
The old town and harbour of Antalya. Photo: Ant Rozetsky / Unsplash
Antalya: more than all inclusive
Many people know Antalya as the airport on the way to an all-inclusive hotel in Belek, Side or Alanya. But the city itself deserves a couple of days. The old town of Kaleiçi sits within old walls above a small harbour, with narrow lanes, restored wooden houses and Hadrian's Gate from Roman times.
Just outside the city are long beaches, and within a day trip are some of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, such as Aspendos and Perge. The season is long, and it is warm from spring to late autumn.
Antalya lies on the south coast of Turkey. For a big city instead, see Istanbul.
Konyaaltı
Photo: Erik Karits / Unsplash
The best things to do in Antalya
Kaleiçi: walk through Hadrian's Gate, down the lanes to the old harbour and take a boat trip along the cliffs.
Konyaaltı and Lara: the city's two long beaches, with mountains to the west and sand to the east.
Aspendos: a Roman theatre so well preserved it is still used for performances.
Perge: the ruins of a large ancient city, a short drive from the centre.
Düden Waterfalls: falls just outside the city, where the lower cascade drops straight into the sea.
The Taurus Mountains: the cable car from Konyaaltı takes you up to a view over the whole bay.
The old harbour
Photo: Igor Sporynin / Unsplash
Where to stay in Antalya
Kaleiçi: for the old town and restaurants, in small boutique hotels.
Lara: large beach hotels east of the city, close to the airport.
Konyaaltı: beach and mountains, and a short trip to the centre.
Belek: golf and big all-inclusive resorts, around half an hour east of the airport.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Akra Antalya
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Akra: the city hotel with sea views
A modern hotel on the cliff between the centre and Lara, with a pool facing the sea and a swimming platform below. You get both the city and the beach.
Book your stay: See rooms at Akra Antalya
Tuvana Hotel: a small hotel in the old town
A hotel in old Ottoman houses in Kaleiçi, with a garden and pool among the lanes. For those who want to stay in the old town and walk out to dinner.
Book your city break: See rooms at Tuvana Hotel
Adam & Eve, Belek
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Adam & Eve: design and beach in Belek
A large adults-only design hotel in Belek, known for its striking architecture, long pools and private beach.
Book your sun break: See rooms at Adam & Eve
When is the best time to visit Antalya?
Antalya has a long season from April to November. May, June, September and October are often best, with a warm sea without the fiercest summer heat. July and August are very hot. See also where is hot in October. Check the current entry rules for Turkey before you travel.
Frequently asked questions about Antalya
Where should I stay in Antalya?
Stay in the old town of Kaleiçi for atmosphere and restaurants. Lara and Konyaaltı have beaches and large hotels, and Belek suits those who want golf and all inclusive.
What is Antalya known for?
The old town of Kaleiçi, long beaches, ancient cities such as Aspendos and Perge, and a long season with plenty of sunshine.
When is the best time to go to Antalya?
May, June, September and October bring warm weather and a warm sea without the fiercest summer heat. The season runs from April to November.
Does Antalya city have a beach?
Yes. Konyaaltı lies west of the centre and Lara east of the city. Both are long beaches with plenty of hotels and beach clubs.
How far is Belek from Antalya?
Belek lies east of Antalya, around half an hour by car from the airport.