Antalya Travel Guide: Beaches, Old Town & Things to Do

Antalya is much more than a gateway to Turkey's famous Turquoise Coast. The city combines a beautifully preserved historic old town, Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, waterfalls and the dramatic Taurus Mountains.

As one of Turkey's most popular destinations, Antalya offers something for almost every type of traveller. You can spend the morning exploring Roman history, the afternoon swimming in the Mediterranean and the evening enjoying restaurants and cafés in the old town.

Whether you're staying for a few days or using Antalya as a base for exploring southern Turkey, there is plenty to discover.

Where Is Antalya?

Antalya sits on Turkey's southwestern Mediterranean coast and is one of the main gateways to the Turkish Riviera.

The city is backed by the Taurus Mountains and surrounded by a coastline of beaches, cliffs and historic sites.

Antalya Airport (AYT) is located close to the city and receives international flights from many European destinations and other parts of the world, making Antalya one of the easiest entry points for holidays along Turkey's southern coast.

How to Get from Antalya Airport to the City

Antalya Airport is relatively close to the city centre.

The journey to your hotel generally takes around 15–30 minutes, depending on where you're staying and current traffic conditions.

Public transport, including trams and buses, is also available.

If you're travelling with luggage, arriving late or want to go directly to your accommodation, a private airport transfer can be a convenient alternative to public transport.

Top Things to Do in Antalya

1. Explore Kaleiçi Old Town

Kaleiçi is the historic heart of Antalya.

Its narrow streets are lined with Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, restaurants, cafés and small shops. The streets eventually lead towards the historic Roman harbour, where you can enjoy views across the Mediterranean.

Kaleiçi is particularly enjoyable early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower and the streets are less busy.

2. See Hadrian's Gate

Hadrian's Gate is one of Antalya's most recognisable Roman landmarks.

Built in AD 130 to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city, the three-arched gateway remains remarkably well preserved.

The gate stands directly at the entrance to Kaleiçi, making it easy to visit while exploring the old town.

3. Visit Antalya Archaeological Museum

The Antalya Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of artefacts from ancient cities throughout the region.

The exhibits cover several periods of Anatolian history, including Roman and Greek antiquities.

The museum is particularly worthwhile if you're planning to visit archaeological sites such as Perge, Aspendos or Termessos, as it provides useful historical context before seeing the ruins themselves.

4. Visit the Düden Waterfalls

The Düden Waterfalls provide a refreshing break from the city and are among Antalya's most popular natural attractions.

The Upper Düden Waterfalls are surrounded by greenery and walking paths, while the Lower Düden Falls plunge dramatically over the cliffs directly into the Mediterranean.

The Lower Falls are particularly impressive when viewed from the sea, and some boat trips from Antalya include views of the waterfall from the water.

5. Relax at Konyaaltı Beach

Konyaaltı Beach is Antalya's main city beach and stretches along the western side of the city.

The Taurus Mountains create an impressive backdrop, while the area around the beach has restaurants, cafés, parks and other facilities.

Its location makes it easy to combine a beach day with sightseeing in the city.

6. Spend a Day at Lara Beach

East of the city centre, Lara Beach is known for its long sandy shoreline and large resort hotels.

The area is particularly popular with travellers looking for an all-inclusive beach holiday while remaining relatively close to Antalya Airport.

Lara is also a convenient base if you want to combine a resort holiday with occasional trips into central Antalya.

7. Explore Perge and Aspendos

Antalya is an excellent base for exploring some of Turkey's most impressive ancient sites.

Perge features impressive Roman streets, columns, baths and a large stadium, while Aspendos is particularly famous for its exceptionally preserved Roman theatre.

Both sites can be visited as day trips from Antalya and are well worth considering if you're interested in ancient history.

8. Hike to Termessos

High in the Taurus Mountains, Termessos offers a completely different experience from the coastal resorts.

The ancient city is surrounded by pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery. Its elevated location helped preserve a spectacular setting for the ruins.

The journey through the mountain landscape is almost as memorable as the archaeological site itself.

Best Beaches Near Antalya

Konyaaltı Beach

A convenient city beach with spectacular views of the Taurus Mountains and easy access to restaurants and other facilities.

Lara Beach

A long sandy beach surrounded by large resort hotels and popular with all-inclusive holidaymakers.

Kılıçarslan Beach

A smaller coastal area close to Kaleiçi, offering a different experience from the larger resort beaches.

Belek Beach

Located around 45 km east of Antalya, Belek is known for long sandy beaches, luxury resorts and golf courses.

Side Beach

Further east along the coast, Side combines sandy beaches with an impressive ancient town and Roman ruins.

Where to Stay in Antalya

Kaleiçi

Best for travellers who want history, atmosphere, restaurants, cafés and nightlife directly outside their accommodation.

Konyaaltı

A good option if you want to combine a city holiday with easy access to the beach.

Lara

Ideal for large resort hotels, all-inclusive holidays and easy access to Antalya Airport.

Belek

A good choice if your priority is luxury resorts, golf and long sandy beaches rather than being in the centre of Antalya.

Where to Eat in Antalya

Antalya has a strong local food culture, with everything from traditional Turkish restaurants to modern restaurants and international cuisine.

Look out for local specialities such as piyaz, köfte, fresh seafood and Antalya-style breakfast dishes.

Kaleiçi and the old harbour are particularly enjoyable for an evening meal, although restaurants away from the busiest tourist streets can often provide a more local experience.

For something casual, explore the smaller streets and local neighbourhoods outside the main tourist areas.

Best Time to Visit Antalya

Antalya has a long warm season, with hot summers and mild winters.

April–May: Around 20–25°C. Excellent conditions for sightseeing, walking and exploring ancient sites.

June: Around 28–32°C. Warm and increasingly suitable for swimming and beach days.

July–August: Around 35–40°C. Very hot and the peak summer period.

September–October: Around 25–32°C. Warm and comfortable, with good conditions for both beaches and sightseeing.

November–March: Around 12–18°C. Cooler and much quieter, although Antalya remains a year-round city.

For exploring the city and ancient sites, April–June and September–October are particularly comfortable. If your main priority is hot beach weather, July and August offer the highest temperatures.

Getting Around Antalya

Tram: Useful for travelling between Antalya Airport, the city and major areas.

Bus and dolmuş: Affordable connections throughout Antalya and the surrounding area.

Taxi: Widely available and convenient for shorter journeys.

Car rental: Useful if you're planning trips to Perge, Aspendos, Termessos or destinations further along the coast.

Private transfer: Convenient for airport arrivals and longer journeys, particularly if you're travelling with luggage or a group.

Antalya Travel Tips

• Explore Kaleiçi early in the day during the summer to avoid the strongest heat.
• Take plenty of water when visiting ancient sites in hot weather.
• Don't limit your trip to the city centre; the surrounding region contains some of Turkey's most impressive archaeological sites.
• Consider visiting the Antalya Archaeological Museum before exploring the ancient cities.
• If atmosphere and history are more important to you than a large resort, consider staying in Kaleiçi.
• If you're visiting in July or August, plan outdoor sightseeing around the hottest part of the day.
• A rental car can be useful if you want to explore several archaeological sites independently.
• Allow extra time for airport journeys during busy summer periods.

Getting to Antalya Airport

Antalya Airport is close to the city, but traffic can still affect journey times, particularly during busy periods and summer evenings.

Planning your airport journey in advance can make the end of your holiday considerably easier.

If you prefer to travel directly from your hotel to the airport, TTTurs provides private airport transfers to and from Antalya Airport, as well as transfers between destinations across Turkey.

A private transfer can be especially convenient for families, groups and travellers with luggage, allowing you to avoid changing buses or arranging multiple connections.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antalya

Is Antalya worth visiting?

Yes. Antalya combines beaches, history, nature, restaurants and nightlife, making it one of the most versatile destinations on Turkey's Mediterranean coast.

What is Antalya famous for?

Antalya is famous for its Mediterranean coastline, Kaleiçi Old Town, ancient ruins, Düden Waterfalls, beaches and spectacular Taurus Mountain scenery.

How far is Antalya Airport from the city centre?

Antalya Airport is relatively close to the city. Depending on your accommodation and traffic, the journey usually takes around 15–30 minutes.

Is Antalya good for families?

Yes. Antalya has family-friendly beaches, resorts, parks, museums, boat trips and attractions suitable for different ages.

How many days do you need in Antalya?

A 3–5 day stay is a good starting point for exploring Kaleiçi, the beaches, waterfalls and some of the city's main attractions. A longer stay is ideal if you want to visit Perge, Aspendos, Termessos or other destinations around the region.

What is the best time to visit Antalya?

For comfortable sightseeing, April–June and September–October are excellent choices. July and August are better suited to travellers who want very hot summer weather and long beach days.