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With 400 miles of gorgeous shoreline giving strategy to the Mediterranean Sea, numerous historical Roman websites, an enthralling previous city and pure magnificence ready to be found, it’s no shock Antalya is a well-liked vacation spot for holidays in Turkiye.
I’ve visited Turkey quite a few occasions since my teen years and even did a highway journey from Marmaris to Cappadocia and again a number of years in the past by way of Antalya.
It’s solely lately that I really delved into the area often known as Turkey’s ‘Turquoise Coast’.
Right here’s my information to one of the best issues to do in Antalya together with the must-visit points of interest, hottest excursions, some restaurant suggestions and my common ideas for the unmissable locations to go to in Antalya.
TIP: I like to recommend hiring a automobile to discover the area, as Antalya’s prime points of interest are unfold out. You’ll be able to verify costs for automobile rent in Antalya right here.
Whether or not you’ve e-book a bundle vacation to Antalya and also you’re on the lookout for a number of enjoyable locations to go exterior of your resort otherwise you’re travelling independently in Turkey, this information will assist you discover one of the best locations to go to in Antalya.
High issues to do in Antalya
1. Discover Antalya Previous City
The primary place to go to in Antalya is the area’s quaint previous city, Kaleiçi. It’s present process fixed renovation to revive the realm to its former glory.
You’ll be able to both do a guided strolling tour or discover by yourself.
A few of the finest issues to see in Antalya previous city embody Hadrian’s Gate, the place you’ll be able to nonetheless see the deep grooves within the floor left by the chariots that traversed the realm in days passed by.
Different Antalya Previous City points of interest embody the previous city corridor (which is now used for images exhibitions), the statue of King Attalos II of Pergamon, the Tradition & Arts Centre, Mawlawi Lodge Museum and mosques: Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii and Sultan Alaadın Camii.
You’ll be able to simply spend a day in Antalya previous city exploring the maze of car-less streets with their Ottoman-era konaks, and there are many bars and eating places to maintain you fed and watered.
I like to recommend venturing into Kecili park to absorb the views over the harbour from the glass balcony.
This can be a great place for sundown in Antalya’s previous city, the place you’ll be able to watch the solar disappear into the Taurus Mountains past.
Make your method right down to the traditional harbour by way of the 40 Steps or utilizing the glass elevate, for a drink in one of many bars overlooking the yachts and day journey boats.
Hıdırlık Tower is one other prime attraction in Antalya Previous City, close to the harbour.
There’s a Roman bathtub beneath the tower which is presently being excavated.
2. Go to The Land of Legends
In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Antalya with children, you’ll earn huge brownie factors with tickets to The Land of Legends.
This big complicated has a theme park, water park, an upmarket procuring avenue that jogged my memory of Dubai, a fairytale fortress and a programme of exhibits and occasions together with a musical boat parade present and a fountain present.
I like to recommend a night meal on the aquarium restaurant, Nemo.
A few of the massive resort resorts in Antalya supply packages that embody tickets, but when your lodging doesn’t, you’ll be able to buy tickets for The Land of Legends on-line right here.
Going to The Land of Legends with children? You’ll be able to purchase day passes for the theme park right here.
The tickets entitle you to limitless rides, slides and admission to the 5D cinema.
3. Set sail on a ship journey
Every time I go to Turkey, I all the time be certain that to plan sooner or later out on the ocean. It’s simply such a vibe!
In the event you’re visiting Antalya Previous City, you’ll be able to take a ship journey from the marina there.
There are many completely different boat journeys accessible in Antalya for each sort of traveller. In the event you’re there for nightlife and events, take a look at this one.
Extra occupied with unwinding on the waves whilst you absorb some unimaginable views? You’ll love a cruise to Suluada Island.
If you wish to see one other of Antalya’s points of interest, you’ll be able to e-book a boat journey to Kekova Sunken Metropolis or do a boat journey to Porto Genoese that features a go to to the mud baths.
Searching for one thing enjoyable to do in Antalya with children? It’s bought to be a pirate boat journey!
4. Spend a day on the seashore
There are many nice seashores in Antalya and greater than 200 of them have Blue Flag standing.
Within the Previous City itself, strive Mermerli Seaside. You’ll pay a charge to make use of the loungers and parasols belonging to one of many eating places, however you get waited on all through your keep.
A few of the hottest seashores round Antalya province are Kleopatra Seaside (good for paragliding), Moon Gentle Parki and Patara Seaside.
I visited Kaputaş Seaside after I did my highway journey by means of Antalya a number of years in the past. I used to be travelling with locals and so they hadn’t warned me how lovely it could be after we pulled up on the cliffside highway!
Kaputas Seaside might be probably the greatest small seashores in Antalya, however there’s a little bit of a climb down the steps to enter and exit so it isn’t accessible for all.
You’ve most likely heard of Lara Seaside as a result of a variety of massive resorts are situated right here. Though a lot of the lengthy stretch is reserved for friends of the person accommodations, the west finish of the seashore is public.
Lara Seaside does get busy within the top of summer time, however the amenities are good for an inexpensive household day trip in Antalya.
5. Store for actual Turkish textiles
Along with the compulsory Turkish Delight, Turkish eye (‘nazar boncugu’) jewelry and attention-grabbing ceramics, one of many extra genuine souvenirs you should buy in Antalya is a kilim.
Anatolian carpets are world-renowned for his or her high quality and for the craftmanship that goes into their creation.
Kilim is a kind of handmade Turkish rug utilizing a flat tapestry-woven methodology of manufacturing, which supplies it a flat floor as a substitute of a deeper pile.
You’ll be able to decide up some actually lovely patterned kilim in Antalya, and most of the higher retailers will even ship them residence for you.
The shopkeeper could even give you a cup of çay whilst you select your design!
6. Go to a waterfall
Guests are sometimes stunned at how a lot pure magnificence is to be present in Turkey, which is unsurprising contemplating many don’t transcend their resort.
One other of Antalya’s prime points of interest is the Duden Waterfalls.
The decrease falls cascade into the Mediterranean sea from a 40 foot drop and might be considered from a coastal park the place you’ll discover loads of distributors and locations to eat lunch.
I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go to each the higher and decrease falls on separate journeys to Antalya, and I’ve to say that I feel the Higher Duden Waterfall is extra spectacular.
Although much less well-liked, the higher falls are very atmospheric and well worth the brief stroll by means of the park they’re situated in. The shaded space additionally gives a refreshing break from the recent Antalya solar.
In the event you’re a eager photographer on the lookout for scenic locations in Antalya to seize, don’t skip the higher falls!
Karpuz Kaldıran waterfalls are additionally value visiting. You’ll be able to go to each on a day tour.
7. Go white water rafting
Do you know you’ll be able to go rafting in Antalya? On the jaw-dropping Köprülü Canyon Nationwide Park, you’ll be able to take to the water on a 15km stretch of river.
Discover out extra about white water rafting in Antalya right here. The tour has very optimistic opinions.
Alternatively, if in case you have extra power to burn you’ll be able to decide to mix your rafting expertise with ziplining and canyoning on this tour. Each journeys have transfers included.
8. Go to Termessos
One factor Antalya has in bucketloads is historic websites, and Termessos is without doubt one of the most well-known websites to go to in Antalya.
It’s slightly tough to get to, so it’s finest to go on an organised tour. Termessos inbuilt between two peaks on Gulluk Mountain, and is named the Eagle’s Nest due to its location within the Taurus mountain vary.Â
Often known as the ‘Turkish Machu Pichu’, it’s the one place Alexander the Nice was unable to beat.Â
In the event you’re on the lookout for actions in Antalya, you is likely to be occupied with climbing at Termessos.
9. Go to Cappadocia
Although not really in Antalya, one of many world’s most Instagram-famous locations is inside simple attain of the area. It will nearly be impolite to not go!
I spent a number of days in Cappadocia and I’ll eternally cherish the reminiscence of waking up at dawn to the sight of a sky stuffed with scorching air balloons.
The area has much more to supply than simply balloon flights although.
Try my information to visiting Cappadocia for inspiration.
In the event you’re in Turkey throughout peak season, you’ll must plan forward. Take the effort out of it with this two-day journey to Cappadocia from Antalya the place you’ll keep in one of many cave accommodations and expertise an iconic balloon journey.
10. See Facet historical metropolis
Searching for historic locations to go to in Antalya? The traditional metropolis of Facet is bigger than Pompeii, and stuffed with Greco-Roman ruins.
TIP: In the event you’re occupied with touring a number of of the traditional ruins in Antalya, it’s value reserving this full-day tour.
Begin at Facet Museum for a powerful overview.
One of many prime websites to go to in Facet is the Hellenistic Temple of Athena. Its majestic white marble columns are finest considered at golden hour.
You’ll be able to really see a variety of historical past simply strolling round Facet Previous City, with out paying the doorway charge!
Past the ruins, Facet is a sleepy former fishing village in Antalya that may allure you.
Get your image taken on the swing seat, get pleasure from a sundown stroll alongside the coast, sip a sundowner at Apollonik Cafe and Bar and eat at Azumare Lounge.
In the event you occur to go to on the tail-end of summer time, you may have the ability to lap up the environment and free leisure on the annual Facet Worldwide Tradition and Arts Pageant.
Staying in Facet? Try day journeys to the close by mountain village of Ormana and Altinbesik, Turkey’s largest cave.
11. Hike the Lycian Approach
Do you know you’ll be able to go climbing in Antalya? In reality, the Lycian Approach is without doubt one of the ten hottest climbing routes on the planet!
On my most up-to-date journey to Antalya, I used to be with an area information who continuously takes explorers on this hikes, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean Sea and due to this fact presents some unimaginable views.
The Lycian Approach stretches for 760 km and has 28 stops in whole, 22 of which have lodging. It takes 35 days to stroll the complete route, however you’ll be able to after all do shorter hikes to get a style of the realm.
12. Eat genuine Turkish meals
I eat a variety of Turkish meals at residence, nevertheless it’s simply not the identical! After I’m in Turkey, I like freshly made gözleme, Adana kebabs and lahmacun.
Antalya has some glorious eating places the place you’ll be able to strive all of this and extra.
Along with those I’ve talked about on this information to one of the best locations to go in Antalya, I additionally suggest Seraser Restaurant in Antalya Previous City for romantic fine-dining and 7Mehmet, a classy place with beautiful views only a brief stroll from the Previous City.
13. Have a standard Turkish bathtub
Mix an genuine native expertise with a second of self-indulgence at a Turkish bathtub. This has bought to be probably the most enjoyable but cultural issues to do in Antalya!
There’s a terrific Turkish bathtub on the spa in Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek, which is the place I stayed on my most up-to-date journey to Antalya.
You may prefer to e-book your hamman initially of your vacation in Antalya so you’ll be able to do away with all of the useless pores and skin and are available residence sun-kissed and glowing.
In case your resort doesn’t have one, otherwise you’d prefer to have a therapeutic massage, you’ll be able to e-book a Turkish bathtub expertise on GetYourGuide.
14. See a present at Aspendos
Don’t miss Aspendos in the event you’re sightseeing in Antalya! Situated close to Facet, the traditional theatre could be very effectively preserved and supplied seating for 7,000 in its glory days.
After all, most of the rich would lie down to observe performances and take up a variety of area so in precise reality, the capability is far better.
You’ll be able to nonetheless attend performances at Aspendos theatre at the moment in the event you go to through the annual Aspendos Worldwide Opera and Ballet Pageant.
Alternatively, purchase tickets on-line for the mesmerising Hearth of Anatolia Dance Present at Aspendos theatre. This is able to be such an exquisite distinctive factor to do in Antalya!
One other of the historic issues to see in Aspendos, the 19 km-long Roman aqueduct and close by stays of a stadium, baths, basilica, agora and nymphaeum.
15. Go to Perge
One other historical metropolis in Antalya, Perge is an unmissable attraction in Antalya for historical past buffs. It dates again to the time of Alexander the Nice.
You will get to Perge from Antalya metropolis centre by tram or e-book an organised tour out of your resort.
The latter choice provides you the advantage of an area information, transfers, lunch and the chance to go to different Antalya websites in sooner or later.
Tip: put on comfy strolling footwear for visiting Perge, as the bottom is uneven.
It was pouring with rain after we visited in February and we have been the one vacationers loopy sufficient to courageous the weather, however I think about it will get busy in the summertime months!
16. Go to Pamukkale
Among the finest day journeys from Antalya is Pamukkale, Turkey’s ‘cotton palace’. I visited throughout my Turkish highway journey and had a variety of enjoyable taking photos within the snowy white swimming pools!
The thermal waters are mentioned to be therapeutic, however don’t spend your entire time there. It’s also possible to see the traditional Greek metropolis Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s pool whilst you’re within the space, on this 2-in-1 tour.
Pamukkale is a three-hour drive from Antalya so in the event you haven’t employed a automobile, it’s finest to e-book a tour on-line.
This tour covers your switch to Pamukkale from Antalya and there’s an choice so as to add a scorching air balloon journey.
17. Go to the Archeological Museum of Antalya
Nonetheless not had your fill of historic websites in Antalya? The Antalya Museum awaits!
With 13 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery, this is without doubt one of the largest and most necessary museums in Turkey.
This can be a good choice in the event you’re on the lookout for locations to go when it rains in Antalya.
18. Hit the roads
In the event you’re bored of ruins and pool days, why not plan a day going off highway by 4WD car? The nationwide park’s forest and gorges present enjoyable terrain for adrenaline junkies, however you can too go quad biking within the Taurus Mountains.
Alternatively, strive a jeep safari within the Taurus Mountains.
19. See Alanya Fort
Constructed within the thirteenth century, Alanya Fort is value visiting even in the event you’re not occupied with historical past, as a result of it’s constructed excessive on a peninsula and so that you’ll be handled to sweeping views of the coast.
In the event you’d prefer to take a brief tour of Antalya Previous City and get your ticket to the cable automobile upfront, you’ll be able to e-book it on-line now.
In the event you go to unbiased of a tour, you may prefer to take a taxi or native bus to the highest and stroll or take the cable automobile again down.
20. Go to Inexperienced Canyon
Most of Turkey’s canyons don’t enable boat excursions, however this one does! The attractive Inexperienced Canyon, aka ‘Oymapınar Dam’, is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains, which means you’ll be able to get pleasure from serene surroundings as you cruise alongside a 17km stretch of the emerald inexperienced lake.
E-book right here.
21. Scuba dive
Discover the underwater world on a scuba diving tour with pickup, two dives and lunch included.
Find out how to get to Antalya
You’ll be able to e-book Jet2 flights to Antalya from all around the UK.
I flew from Manchester lately with Jet2 for some winter solar and it was a really nice, simple flight with a morning departure and night arrival again in England.
The place to remain in Antalya
I can personally suggest Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek in the event you’re on the lookout for a premium all-inclusive resort in Antalya.
Belek is a well-liked space for {couples} and younger households, and the calibre of accommodations there may be robust.
Learn my assessment of Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek for extra info.
When is finest to go to Antalya?
Most individuals e-book journeys to Antalya between June and September. Simply earlier than and after this era is, in my view, one of the best time to go to Antalya.
I’ve visited Antalya in each November and February, which is through the ‘low season’ for holidaymakers. Each visits have been blessed with good climate, with sunshine through the day (shorts and t-shirts completely doable) and a chill at evening that made jackets and jumpers vital.
It definitely beat the chilly temperatures within the UK round that point of 12 months! Except for that sooner or later of fixed rain and thunderstorms after I went to Perge, the climate was nice.
You will get cheaper offers in the event you go to Antalya within the low season, and can discover the most important vacationer points of interest in Antalya blissfully quiet.
Bought information? As an alternative of shopping for your supplier’s extortionate add-ons, purchase an infinite 4G Wi-Fi pack in your journey to Antalya right here.
I hope this information to issues to do in Antalya helps you propose your vacation in Turkey and encourages you to transcend the boundary of your resort and see this culturally wealthy and interesting space!
Need extra Turkey journey inspiration? Learn my mini information to what to do in Dalyan.
This weblog submit was created in collaboration with Jet2 and Go Turkiye. It’s no sponsored and all views are my very own.
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