Worth Visiting Beaches, Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Antalya, Turkey

July 22, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 5159 Views

Antalya is the capital city of an eponymous province in Turkey. The city sits southwest of the Taurus Mountains and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. This region first saw settlement around 200 BCE with the Attalid dynasty. Over the course of its history, the city has been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Seljuk Sultanate, and Ottomans. There are many historical things to see in Antalya pertaining to each of these rulers. You can see Greek and Roman ruins close to the city. There are several Romans-built structures within the city as well. There are also mosques, minarets, palaces, and houses built by the Seljuk Sultanate and Ottomans to explore during Antalya sightseeing. The city, much like the rest of Turkey, is a blend of European and Middle Eastern cultures.

You should begin exploring historical Antalya attractions with the Kaleici District, which is the old town of the city. This is where the majority of museums and historical structures are located. If you wish to explore archaeological sites and Roman ruins, you will have to make a trip outside the city. There are several tour agencies that offer this service. You can book them from the airport or from your hotel when you visit Antalya. Some of these tour agencies also offer online bookings.

Antalya is the largest coastal city in the country and is well known for its beaches and bays. Some of the most places to visit in Antalya can be found along the coast. You can enjoy wonderful natural sights as you hike along the coast. At the same time, you can enjoy watersports at many of the best beaches in Antalya. These places are some of the most happening spots in the city for clubbing, dining, sports, and hobnobbing. The city is also surrounded by beautiful natural pastures with canyons, rivers, ponds, and waterfalls. These too add to the list of natural scenic places among Antalya tourist attractions. You will have to add a day trip to the national parks to the Antalya travel plan and the magnificent sights are worth all the trouble

Table of Contents

Explore The Best 16 Tourist Attractions in Antalya, Turkey

1. Kaleiçi District

This is the old town area of the city and is known for its picturesque red-roofed houses and historical buildings. Many of the top things to see in Antalya can be found in this area including Kale Kapis, Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, and more. You will need an hour or two to explore this neighbourhood.

I suggest knowing more about the Kaleici District you should go for a Guided Tour of the Old City of Antalya.

2. Antalya Archaeological Museum (Antalya Müzesi)

This museum tells the story of the city and is among the very first Antalya tourist attractions you should visit to help understand the history and story behind other places you would visit in the city. This museum covers the history of Antalya from Bronze Age till the Byzantine period. You will need an hour for this museum.

During your visit to Old Town, you can also visit Antalya Archaeological Museum.

3. Yivli Minaret and Mosque (Alaaddin or Yivliminare Mosque)

This Minaret was built between 1219 and 136 under the rule of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad. It is among the finest examples of Seljuk architecture and one of the most well known historical Antalya attractions. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this Minaret and you can 30 more minutes to explore the mosque, tombs and ottoman clock tower around it.

4. Hadrian’s Gate (Üçkapılar)

These gates used to be the entrance to the city. These gates were built by the Romans to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian to the city. It is an integral part of the old city Antalya sightseeing. You will need 30 minutes for these gates.

You can cover your visit to Hadrian’s Gate with Antalya City Tour and Waterfalls.

5. Hidirlik Tower and Fortress (Hıdırlık Kulesi)

This Roman fortress was built in the 2nd century. It was intended to be used as a watchtower for the city as well as the harbor. You get a beautiful view of the coastline and the old town when you reach this fortress during Antalya travel. You will need about an hour to explore it.

6. Aspendos Roman Theatre

Exploring roman historical buildings is among the best things to do in Antalya, Turkey and this theatre is one of the greatest roman buildings in the city. Certain parts of the theatre are original and some are restored. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Antalya. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

You can cover your visit to Aspendos Roman Theatre with Perge Roman Ruins.

7. Perge Roman Ruins

This open roman built complex lies in ruins today, but many of its parts are still intact. The biggest attraction of this site is the remains of the grand stadium which once stood here. The site also contains ruins of roman baths, entrance gates, pathways, cemeteries, and more. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

You can cover your visit to Perge Roman Ruins with the Aspendos Roman Theatre.

8. Konyaalti Beach (Konyaaltı Plajı)

This is one of the best beaches in Antalya and definitely it’s the most well-known. The beach has an amazing view and is a happening venue for leisure, entertainment, and hobnobbing. You can easily spend several hours at the beach.

9. Karst Springs

These springs are known for scenic beauty and mesmerizing waterfalls. These springs are home to two waterfalls, namely Lower and Upper Duden Waterfalls, which are among the most popular places to visit in Antalya. You would need at least an hour to admire the scenery here.

10. Lara Beach

This is another one of the popular beaches in Antalya and it doesn’t get as crowded as Konyaalti. Here too you can enjoy bars, restaurants, water sports and so on. You should keep a couple of hours to enjoy this beach when you visit Antalya.

11. Karain Cave (Karain Mağarası)

This cave was once home to people during pre-historic periods including the Neolithic and Paleolithic. The cave also has a museum to give insight into the findings of the cave. If you are interested in the history and evolution of mankind, this would be one of the most fascinating things to see in Antalya. You will need an hour to explore it.

12. Koprulu Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon)

The canyon is one of the most beautiful Antalya tourist attractions. The rock formations and blue-green water create lovely scenery. You can easily spend half a day or more exploring the canyon.

If you are an adventure lover or thrill seeker then I suggest you should book a Combo Tour of Quad Biking, Ziplining, and Water Rafting in Koprulu Canyon National Park.

13. Kursunlu Waterfall (Kurşunlu Şelalesi)

This waterfall looks as if it is part of a fantasy film. The waters cuts from around rocks and patches of green falling into a sapphire blue pool. It is among the Antalya attractions that transport you to a magical land. You should keep half a day aside for this waterfall and its natural surroundings.

I suggest you should book a Waterfall Tour from Antalya to visit top Waterfalls in Antalya.

14. Antalya Aquarium

This aquarium is among the largest in the world and features more than 40 themed sections with numerous ocean life species. It is among the best things to do in Antalya Turkey for families. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this aquarium.

I suggest you should get your Ticket to Antalya Aquarium in advance.

15. Termessos Ruins

These historical ruins show evidence of Pisidian settlement in the region. The biggest structure at these ruins is the amphitheater. You will need about 2 hours to explore this site.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour to Termessos Ruins.

16. Tünektepe Hill

This hilltop is among the most happening places to visit in Antalya. There are hotels, markets, restaurants, nightclubs, and several other fun Antalya attractions atop this hill. You can reach the top by road or you can use the ropeway. You can easily enjoy half a day during Antalya travel at Tunek Tepe.

You should book a Full Day Tour of Cable Car, Boat Trip, and Waterfalls and cover your visit to Tunektepe Hill.

If you are looking for more things to do and places to visit in Antalya, check out the section below.

Things to do in Antalya, Turkey

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Antalya

Antalya Museum
Hadrian Castle Gate
Yivliminare Mosque
Gulluk Mountain Ancient Ruins
Hidirlik Tower
Ataturk House & Museum
Antalya Saat Kulesi
Suna and Inan Kirac Kaleici Muzesi
Antalya Toy Museum
Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque
Murat Pasha Mosque
Ahmedek Castle
Kapuz Kanyonu
Antalya Deniz Biyolojisi Müzesi
Evdirhan
Three Doors
Iskele Mosque
Hababam Sinifi Museum
Dervish Lodge Museum
Termessos Amphitheatre ruins
Perge Roman Stadium

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Antalya

Duden Waterfalls
Kursunlu Waterfalls
Koprulu Canyon
Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park
Upper Duden Waterfalls
Duden Park
Guver Ucurumu
Yavuz Ozcan Park
Lyrboton Kome Arkeopark Projesi

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Antalya

Antalya Aquarium
Karaalioglu Park
Tunektepe Teleferik Tesisleri Tramway
Aktur Park
Culture Routes Society
Sandland
Sefa Hamam Antalya Kaleiçi
Dokumapark
Ataturk Amusement Park
Upside Down House
Orman Antalya Park
Dolphin Aqualand
Aksu Dolphinarium
Doyran Pond
Funtastic Park
Falez Park
Masal Park
Erdal Inonu Park
Antalya Culture and Park
Kepez Municipality Urban Forest
Republic Square
Asaka Lara Resort
Adnan Menderes Olimpik Yüzme Havuzu
Lara Bath
Antalya Wild Park

Shopping in Antalya

Deepo Outlet Mall
Caglayan Bazaar
Migros Shopping Center
Kaleici Marina
Terra City
Iki Kabili Han
Mall of Antalya
Lara Street Market

Beaches & Islands in Antalya

Konyaalti Plajlari
Lara Beach
Mermerli Plaji
Sarisu Kadınlar Plaji
Muratpasa Belediyesi Inciralti Halk Plajı
Konyaalti Sahili
Ataturk Park
Inciralti Plaji Falezler
Zuga Beach
Omi Beach
Antalya Sahil
Sican Island
Bambus Beach
Konserve Koyu

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Antalya

Hiking
River Rafting
Water Sports

Sightseeing in Antalya

Antalya Kaleiçi
Uzun Carsi Sokak
Kaleici Panaromic Elevator

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Antalya

Ayar Meyhanesi
Club Arma
Lara Balikevi
Vanilla Lounge
The Panorama
Seraser Fine Dining
Ramiz Grill House
Castle Cafe Bar
Rokka
Il Vicino Pizzeria
Mermerli
Alp Pasa
Pasa Kir Bahcesi
Patio
Cikolata Evim
Dondurma Dükkanı

Where to Stay in Antalya?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Antalya. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Antalya.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Antalya

How to Reach Antalya?

By Air

The fastest option for Antalya travel is through the city’s airport. You can get direct flights to Antalya airport from Moscow, Algiers, Bucharest, Belgrade, Riga, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Beirut, Birmingham, Kuwait, London, Sofia, Zurich, Vienna, Minsk, Brussels, Krakow, Munich, Frankfurt, Tel Aviv, Helsinki, Liverpool, Warsaw and several other cities in Europe, Asia, and Middle East. The airport is situated about 10 kms away from the city so you will need to use either tram, bus or cab to visit Antalya.

By Road

The railway and bus network within Turkey is quite widespread. You can travel for Antalya sightseeing from almost any town or city in Turkey.

If you plan to travel by road, you should stick to D400, E87 or D650 to reach Antalya. You will also come across some of the best beaches in Antalya along route D400.

By Water

You can get a ferry from Kastellorizo in Greece for Antalya travel. You also get ferry service to Marmaris, a city near Antalya, from Rhodes in Greece and continue the rest of the journey by land.

Image Reference

Kaleiçi District – Moody Man / Flickr
Antalya Archeological Museum (Antalya Müzesi) – jordan pickett / Flickr
Yivli Minaret and Mosque (Alaaddin or Yivliminare Mosque) – Hans Braxmeier / PixaBay
Hadrian’s Gate (Üçkapılar) – Fred Lai / Flickr
Hidirlik Tower and Fortress (Hıdırlık Kulesi) – Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
Aspendos Roman Theatre – Moody Man / Flickr
Perge Roman Ruins – yusuf kazancı / PixaBay
Konyaalti Beach (Konyaaltı Plajı) – Adam Lederer / Flickr
Karst Springs – 564907 / PixaBay
Lara Beach – Engin Akyurt / PixaBay
Karain Cave (Karain Mağarası) – Klaus-Peter Simon / Wikimedia Commons
Koprulu Canyon National Park (Köprülü Kanyon) – Andreas / Flickr
Kursunlu Waterfall (Kurşunlu Şelalesi) – Jiuguang Wang / Flickr
Antalya Aquarium – Onur Taner / Flickr
Termessos Ruins – Danskityrkiet / PixaBay
Tünektepe Hill – BigSugarDaddy / Wikimedia Commons