Located on the edge of the Mediterranean, Antalya is a stunning city filled with activities and sights to see. Whether you visit Antalya for its stunning beaches, numerous historical sites, or its beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout the landscape, you're sure to leave with long-lasting memories of an amazing journey.
Discovering the city's ancient essential is a great way to start getting to know it, and relaxing with a Turkish coffee while taking in the scenery is heaven. This amazing city, dripping with history, will introduce you to the many of civilizations that have come and gone through this region of the world throughout the years, in addition to modern-day Turkey. In this article, we'll guide you through the top 15 must-visit attractions in Antalya for an unforgettable travel experience.
1. Tunek Tepe
Tunek Tepe is a massive hill that rises over Antalya's western side and provides breathtaking views of the city, the Antalya Gulf, and the coastline that goes into the distance.
Taking a cable car up the hillside is one of the greatest ways to reach the summit. If you want to dance the night away in a unique setting, there is a restaurant and nightclub at the top. Even if you're not into clubbing, Tunek Tepe is still worth seeing for its breathtaking views.
2. Lara Beach
Lara Beach, which is about ten kilometers east of the historic center, is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. You can easily grab a drink or sit down for a meal at one of the nearby restaurants. It's a peaceful place with lots of tourist opportunities, and you can enjoy the sun while the Mediterranean Sea circles at the shore.
If you would prefer to stay in Antalya even closer to the beach, there are many different types of hotels and other accommodations available a little further back.
Also, if you are into horse riding, you have a chance riding through Lara Beach with the help of a knowledgeable guide
3. Old Marina
Situated among steep mountains in a beautiful little scenic harbor, the Old Marina is crowded with boats floating upon its turquoise waters. It's an attractive spot to visit, with narrow, winding streets wending away from the marina, and a ton of little cafes and restaurants lining the shore.
It was once Antalya's main economic center, but these days it's the ideal spot to have dinner or a coffee while taking in the breathtaking views. You can also explore the neighboring Turkish coastline from here by boat.
4. Yivli Minaret
The stylish Yivli Minaret, one of Antalya's most recognizable landmarks, stands tall above its surroundings and is an amazing example of Seljuk architecture. Yivli, in the historic center, is an area of the mosque from the 13th century that is still in use today.
Gorgeous views over the surrounding red roofs can be seen from the summit. Yivli, which translates to "fluted minaret" in Turkish, is a 38-meter-tall structure that is currently home to the Antalya Ethnographic Museum, which features a ton of interesting and ancient items for you to view.
5. Karaalioglu Park
Karaalioglu Park is an area that is ideal for picnics and walks, and it is located just outside the city center. In a corner of the park is the historic Hidirlik Tower.
Admire breathtaking views of the Gulf of Antalya and the ancient Roman harbor from the top of the ancient Roman fortress. Karaalioglu, which is home to a number of statues and monuments, is a great park to visit when you need a break from all the touring.
6. Kursunlu Waterfalls
The Kursunlu Waterfalls, which is located in the same-named nature park approximately 12 kilometers from Antalya, are definitely worth seeing. The water comes from the Aksu River, travels through the countryside, and empties into the turquoise pool below Kursunlu.
The pool is surrounded by greenery, and the water wall just completes the picture-perfect setting. A distant and peaceful location with a great deal of wildlife that almost makes you feel as though you are in a fairytale.
7. Antalya Aquarium
Antalya has one of the biggest aquarium complexes globally, with over 40 themed aquariums that provide an entertaining and informative experience for the whole family.
There is so much to see and do, including the longest tunnel aquarium in the world, and the tropical reptile house is definitely worth a visit. The complex also includes an Ice Museum and Snow World, where visitors can play in the icy wonderland and take part in snowball fights.
8. Termessos Ancient City
The incredible ancient city of Termessos stands at a height of more than a thousand meters on the hillside of Solymos Mountain. Exploring the well-preserved old buildings and remains of Termessos is an amazing experience, with amazing views over the surrounding area and the distant Taurus Mountains; the colonnaded street and agora are just two of its many highlights.
The people living there were Pisidian, fierce, and prone to war; they were neither Greek nor Lycian. The site's great state can be partly related to its isolated position, which allowed it to withstand invasions by armies.
With a stunning outdoor theater available as well, visitors to Termessos are sure never to be disappointed by the amazing sights they have seen.
9. Konyaalti Beach
This wonderful seven-kilometer pebble beach is situated west of the city and is a great place to go if you just want to kick back and enjoy the sun. There are lots of cafes, snack bars, and restaurants close by. If you'd rather hide from the sun, Antalya Beach Park is right behind it and offers plenty of shaded areas.
Konyaalti Beach is a great place to relax by the sea and enjoy the scenery, especially in the distance when the breathtaking Beydaglari Mountains come into view. Consider giving jet skiing a go or visiting the nearby Aqualand waterpark if you're feeling a little more energetic.
10. Perge Ancient City
You simply must visit Perge, an incredible archaeological site that is only 15 kilometers from Antalya. Approximately 1000 BC saw the founding of the former capital of Pamphylia. Visitors can explore a wonderful variety of ruins, with the stunning Roman theater serving as a popular destination for many.
Perge also has an incredible stadium for chariot racing that is capable of housing more than 15,000 spectators during its peak.
There are surprisingly few tourists around, which leaves you free to travel back in time and imagine Perge in all its glory—especially considering how epic everything is.
11. Antalya Archeological Museum
The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of the best and most significant museums in all of Turkey. It is not to be missed since it houses an enormous collection of artifacts from the city and the surrounding area.
Its huge archaeological sections, which include amazing mosaics, silver jewelry, and beautiful statues from Perge and Byzantium, will be greatly appreciated by history buffs. The exhibitions have incredible ruins and artifacts from the Bronze Age all the way up to Roman and Byzantine times, spanning over five centuries of history.
12. Aspendos Ancient City
Aspendos is unbelievable to see and must be seen to be believed. Even though it's about 40 kilometers from Antalya, the journey is well worth it because of the incredible sight that awaits you.
Constructed around 155 AD, Aspendos has an amazing Roman theater that is highly preserved and is considered one of Turkey's premier tourist destinations. Its huge entrance, which is set into the side of a hill, looms over you as soon as you walk in; the extent and breadth of it are remarkable. The stunning theater, which attracts visitors from all over the world, is without a doubt the high point.
13. Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian's Gate is an amazing structure that reflects the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who given a visit to Antalya in AD 130. It is both impressive and dramatic in equal measure. Surprisingly untouched, the triumphal arch continues to be one of the primary entryways to the old Kaleici neighborhood.
Two historic towers perfectly frame Hadrian's Gate on either side of the three arches, which are surrounded by pillars and have some exquisite carvings on the ceiling for you to admire. Hadrian's Gate is the only entrance gate that still stands, even though the city's old defensive walls still wrap around most of it.
14. Duden Waterfalls
The stunning Duden Waterfalls are about 12 kilometers from the city center, and both locals and visitors enjoy visiting this group of waterfalls.
The river rises in the Taurus Mountains and flows through the karst landscape that surrounds Antalya before making a sharp turn and falling into the Mediterranean at the Lower Duden Waterfalls.
The upper waterfalls are great places for a picnic because they are situated in an adorable little feast, but the lower falls are best seen from a ship. The water flowing off the cliff's overhang in front of you is a captivating sight as you enter the cave that lies behind the waterfall here.
15. Kaleici
The city's historic center is full of appealing old Ottoman mansions as well as stunning Byzantine and Roman-era monuments and structures. Because of this, Kaleici is a true pleasure to explore; its maze-like streets are an ideal environment for getting lost and taking in all that Antalya has to offer.
There's many to see and do, including a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and tiny cafes. You can also explore through several small art galleries. Amazing structures like the elegant Kesik Minaret and the 18th-century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque can be found tucked away among the narrow streets, and the main square serves as the the center of activity.
When To Visit
If you want to spend time in the sun, go to Antalya in the summer, which runs from June to August. But at this time of year, the temperature can soar above 86°F (30°C), and the beaches are frequently crowded. The best seasons to go are spring or fall for those who want a less moist climate and less tourists. At this time of year, the city is a little quieter and the daytime highs are moderate. Winters are chilly, with average highs of 45°F (7°C), and January can be especially wet.
Getting Around
Antalya has a great way connections. With several routes operating throughout the city on a set schedule, the local bus system is both economical and effective. Additionally, minibuses, also known as dolmuses, are available throughout the town and provide a simpler and cheaper hop-on/hop-off option for short trips. There are bike-friendly paths along the seaside, and it's easy to explore the city center and its attractions on foot.
Traveler Advices
Having a snack on the regional cuisine is one of Antalya's highlights. Take a traditional tea in the afternoon or start your day with a Turkish coffee while admiring the seaside scenery. The city is full of seafood restaurants: Try some fried fish, which is usually served with oil, salt, garlic, lemon juice, and tahini paste. Be advised that tipping is customary in restaurants and cafés in Antalya. Tipping is typically around 10% of the total bill.