Antalya is considered one of Turkey’s “jewel” resorts, the birthplace of tourist hospitality. Antalya enjoys 300 days of sunshine every year and is perfect for everyone: for a honeymoon, for fun with friends or loved ones, for families. Whatever your preferences, you’ll manage to enjoy a successful Turkey holiday. What to visit in Antalya?

Although Antalya is often perceived as a resort, you should know from the outset that the entire area of Antalya, located in southern Turkey, stretches for about 200 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea.

This area includes the large city of Antalya, to the west the resort of Kemer, and to the east, the resorts of Lara Kundu, Belek, Side, and a little further afield, Alanya. In our article, you will find general information about these areas and some other aspects that can make a difference when planning your ideal holiday in this part of Turkey (or… Türkyie as it is recently officially called). Also, we will take a peek at some of the best restaurants and the best places for shopping in Antalya.

But… what to do and see in Antalya? And why should you choose a holiday in Antalya? There are lots of reasons. First of all, Antalya can be the perfect holiday destination for families with children, as most of the accommodation is in resorts with lots of facilities and entertainment. Then, in Antalya, you will find a high level of service, and the destination is highly appreciated for this. About 90% of the resorts have their own beach, with free sunbeds, so this area might suit you perfectly if you are a fan of private, uncrowded beaches. You also have good value for money resorts such as Kemer, Side, and Alanya.

Last but not least, being a very hot area in summer and with a hot season that stretches over a much longer period, you can spend your holidays here without any problems even in May or October – periods when you will find lower prices. So, you are not strictly limited to the summer period to spend a holiday in Antalya.

How do you arrive in Antalya?

The Antalya area is the easiest to reach by plane. Antalya International Airport is located about 12 kilometres from the centre of Antalya, 60 kilometres from Kemer resort, and 33 kilometres from Belek.

Most of the tourists who land here have transportation provided to the resorts where they are staying. Even though the distances from the airport to the resorts are not necessarily long, you can spend 1-2 hours in traffic during busy periods.

Best places to visit in Antalya

As we said at the beginning, Antalya is an extensive tourist area. The city of Antalya is perceived as the capital of Turkish tourism, with many resorts stretching into its western and eastern areas. Let’s see what to visit in Antalya:

Antalya City 

Antalya City is one of Turkey’s most developed cities and includes an industrial port, marina, and its own airport. The Old Town (named Kaleiçi) is one of the most important tourist attractions of this city with a fascinating history. This area is usually the place to stay for active holidaymakers and business travellers.

One of the main attractions in Antalya City is Hadrian’s Gate, which is the main entrance to Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi). The Hadrian Gate was built in AD 130 to commemorate Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city. Located within the world’s best-preserved Hellenistic and Roman town walls, this gate features three marble arches and three towers. When you walk under the gateway, you will notice some impressive carvings on the ceiling, but take a closer look at the intricate sculptures on the gateway itself.

Kaleiçi (Old Town)

A beautiful port city on the Mediterranean, Kaleiçi is the historic center of Antalya. This city dates back to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, and until recently was entirely contained within its old walls.

If you arrive on Uzun Carsi Sokak road, stop by the beautiful Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Cami, an 18th-century Ottoman mosque. You will inevitably come across Hadrian’s Gate as you proceed along Hesapci Sokak. The Kesik Minare Cami (Broken Minaret Mosque) ruins lie just a little further down Hesapci Sokak, a former Roman temple that later became a Byzantine church and then a mosque in the 13th century.

Belek

If you end up in Antalya, you can’t miss Belek. It’s a luxury resort, managing to climb to the top of Turkey’s resorts. Here you’ll find dozens of four and five-star hotels with all-inclusive services and facilities for the perfect holiday. Belek has a 16 km long beach with a slow sea entrance and extremely fine sand. Interestingly, Belek’s beach is protected due to the fact that it is located where the local turtles lay their eggs. Mineral waters, spas, waterfalls, and many other natural sights have turned Belek into a small paradise.

Side

Side is a fishing village developed on the ruins of Roman settlements, right on the border between mountain and sea. Here you’ll find long beaches with azure water and fine sand, and you can enjoy a variety of water sports. As an ancient city, you can visit various archaeological sights, such as the Terme, Agora, Temple of Apollo, and many others.

Kemer

If you like nightlife, luxury, and water sports, this resort is ideal. Kemer is the place where mountains, sea, and vast forests come together to create surreal landscapes. Here you can enjoy water sports, private beaches, and all-inclusive hotels. There are also many attractive shops to buy souvenirs and luxury goods.

Lara

This resort is also known as “Turkish Vegas”. Here you will find luxury hotels, and, like Vegas in the USA, there are replicas of major sights from around the world. But these are not the only highlights of the resort: exceptional beaches, Duden Waterfall, Lara Beach, and many more will delight your eyes.

Turkish Düden Waterfalls are a mesmerizing sight that showcases Turkey’s natural beauty. Upper Düden Falls can be found farther inland, while Lower Düden Falls is closer to the coast. Not far from Lara Beach, the latter cascades over the clifftop, crashing into the sea below.

Alanya

Alanya is a beautiful town with an interesting feature: it is divided in two by a peninsula. Thus, the southern side is considered touristy, and the northern side is more for locals. Alanya is not a new town but has been a stronghold for many empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, and the proof is in the sights such as the Red Tower, Analya Castle, and Tersane.

Termessos

Termessos is a fortress located at 1000 m altitude, built in the 4th century. Historical evidence indicates that this fortress was among the only ones to have withstood the attacks of Alexander the Great. The fortress includes a mausoleum, Roman baths, odeon, theatre and agora.

Aspendos

A holiday in Antalya would not be complete without a trip to Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman town that in the past was located on the Eurimedon River. According to Greek-inspired legends, the city was founded around 1000 BC by Greeks arriving from Argos. The large inventory of coins discovered during archaeological excavations testifies that Aspendos was the most important city of Pamphylia.

Today, tourists have a great place to admire. The well-preserved Theatre of Antiquity, measuring 96 m in diameter and seating 7,000 people, still stands. It was built in the year 155, by the Greek architect Zeno, during the reign of Marcus Aurelius. A very modern Aspendos Arena has been built for today’s events, continuing the tradition of open-air performances. Nearby, there is also an agora and a basilica, as well as a Roman aqueduct. A visit to this small town steeped in history is truly impressive for tourists arriving here.

Tekirova

When considering the most beautiful beaches and resorts in Antalya, you should also turn your attention to Tekirova, a quiet town stretching along 3.7 kilometres of coastline. The town lies 60 kilometres from Antalya and 16 kilometres from Kemer.

Tekirova is an ancient town with many ruins and rich vegetation of wild vines, laurel bushes, and pine forests. An impressive tourist attraction in this area is the ecological nature park, the only one of its kind in the world. It covers an area of 40,000 square metres and is home to many endangered species of plants and reptiles.

Best beaches in Antalya

The beaches in beautiful Antalya are a major highlight amongst travellers coming from afar and continue to provide a perfect getaway for travellers. Here are 3 of the best beaches in Antalya:

Lara Beach

Known as one of Antalya’s best beaches, Lara Beach is a great spot for fun in the sun. The beach is nestled about 20 km from the city centre and is often referred to as the golden sand beach of Turkey. Why? Basically, Lara Beach Antalya consists of only thin sand. The sea here seems much warmer than other beaches in the city, which is why travellers flock here.

It is a popular tourist spot for locals and visitors alike, while many facilities are nearby. The area around offers camping as well as accommodations for visitors.

Kaputas Beach

Kaputas Beach is another one of those Turkish beaches where turquoise waters and scenery will take your breath away. When visiting this beach, one can enjoy some fine views, laze on the beach, or even participate in several water activities. Several watersports are available at this beach, which is one of many top beaches in Antalya.

You will find the beach located between Kas and Kalkan, and you will need to descend 187 steps to get there from the gate. Visitors to the beach are enchanted by the beach’s gorgeous water, which is so blue it makes for an amazing sight.

Cleopatra Beach

It is the star beach of Alanya, thanks to the finest sand in the Antalya area and the beautiful turquoise waters that bathe its 2.5 kilometres. A local legend says that Queen Cleopatra, attracted by the beauty of the place, stopped here to bathe in the bay’s waters.

What to eat in Antalya. Best restaurants in Antalya

There are many influences on Turkish cuisine, including nomadic cooking traditions, Persian, Kurdish, Arabic, Armenian, and the gastronomy of the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. Known for its Roman ruins, beaches, and resorts, Antalya is a region of relaxation. But, at the same time, in Antalya, you will find a variety of local dishes you won’t find anywhere else. You should try some local dishes when you are in Antalya, including:

Tahini Piyaz Salad

Antalya Piyaz is a dish of white beans topped with plenty of tarator sauce. Besides tahini-sesame sauce, tarator sauce contains lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, and olive oil.

While Piyaz is usually eaten as a salad in other regions, it is the main dish in Antalya and contains tahini. Tahini Piyaz is on the list of geographically labelled products and was registered with the patent office in 2017.

Gozleme

In addition to the Turkish pancakes, you may also enjoy some delicious stuffing inside this sort of crepe. Gozleme is one of Antalya’s most popular street foods. It’s cooked on an open outdoor grill with different types of fillings such as cheese, potatoes, spinach, and keema (chopped meat). It’s always served with a salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley.

Kulakli Soup

A tomato sauce is used for cooking dumplings filled with minced meat and chickpeas. The sauce is flavoured with pepper, mint, and lemon. Although the dumplings are much smaller than ravioli, the soup is also known as ravioli soup.

Shish kebab

A Turkish city food experience wouldn’t be complete without its famous kebabs. A selection of Antalya’s best delights is prepared from lamb, chicken, beef, and köfte (meatballs) on skewers until they are juicy to the core. The shish kebab can be used as fillings in sandwiches in Antalya, or as starters before heavy dishes like curries.

Where to try these delicious meals of Antalya? Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, you should eat outside your hotel complex whenever possible. In Antalya province, you can sample amazing Turkish cuisine and local Antalya dishes, that’s why a visit to one of the many restaurants or pubs in the area will provide an authentic atmosphere.

Here are four of the best restaurants in Antalya:

7 Mehmet. With its white tablecloths, linen napkins, excellent service, and delicious food, this restaurant in Muratpaşa are one of Antalya’s favourites. A delicious variety of fish and meat is available here, and the menu changes with the sea. In addition, you must taste their olive oil dishes, their pilaf (rice) with pumpkin seeds and almonds, and their lamb and duck tandoori.  Address: Meltem Mahallesi, Atatürk Cultural Park, Dumlupınar Bulvari No: 201, Muratpaşa

Berberoğlu Restaurant is located in Ormana, a small mountain village about 65 kilometres north of Manavgat. An old button house has been converted into a restaurant, which is constructed of stone and wooden boards without nails or cement. The restaurant emphasizes ecological cuisine. Herbs grow in nearby mountains, while vegetables are grown in the garden. Local organic ingredients are used to prepare Turkish specialities, and the lamb is especially recommended. Address: Ormana mahallesi Atatürk Cad. no:3, Ibradi

Hasan Aga is a restaurant that offers live folk music. The charming, retro-rustic eatery close to Hadrian’s Gate in Kaleiçi is the kind of place where locals go when it comes to evening entertainment that includes Turkish cooking at its simplest – think bread, pirzola, and salad – in a beautiful garden and music beginning at 8 pm. Book ahead for the best tables if you want to avoid competition. Address: Barbaros, Mescit Sk, No 15, Kaleiçi

Asmani Restaurant overlooks both the Mediterranean and Beydaglari, offering a spectacular view and a luxurious dining experience amidst scented flavours. The restaurant, run by the Barut family, brings the freshest products from the garden to your table. In Ottoman Turkish, Asmani means “the place where the sun, moon, and sky reside.” so, metaphorically and… practically, the restaurant offers a tranquil view of Antalya that cannot be beaten. Address: Şirinyalı Mh. Lara Cd. No:24 07100 Muratpaşa, Antalya

Shopping in Antalya

Antalya has many massive malls and bazaars where you can go shopping. Beach lovers flock to the city during the summer holiday season, but shopaholics can also find plenty of retail opportunities. Around the resort town, you’ll see a handful of giant western-style malls. However, the real joy of shopping in Antalya – or anywhere else in Turkey – is haggling in its colourful bazaars.

For example, the biggest bazaar in Antalya is the Manavgat Market, which gives an authentic shopping experience. The sprawling indoor space is home to an amazing array of shops and stalls catering to the local crowds. The market offers everything from clothing and spices to fresh produces and everyday essentials. Always remember to bargain when you shop.

Old Town – Kaleiçi is the place to be when you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from your holiday. An authentic Mediterranean atmosphere is created by the winding streets going up and down the hills filled with small shops. There is an army of local vendors selling their wares from traditional Ottoman-style homes along these charming cobblestone streets. A variety of items can be found here, from kitsch souvenirs to intriguing antiques and colourful Turkish rugs. And, of course, it is a great opportunity to negotiate good prices since the prices are not always set. Don’t be embarrassed to negotiate prices – for some people, this could be part of the fun.

If you want a shopping mall experience, then Terracity is the name of the game. Terracity, Antalya’s most popular mall, is located in Lara. The mall has around 180 stores, a handful of restaurants, a food court, and a movie theatre. You can find it all at this amazing shopping centre from local brands to glamorous international fashion houses.

The Lara Street Market takes place every Saturday in the district of Lara, about 15 minutes away from Antalya’s Kaleiçi district. In the fleamarket-style event, a number of second-hand clothes and counterfeit clothing are available, so it’s impossible to beat Lara Street when it comes to variety and low prices.

Don’t forget to stop by the fragrant spice section, where delicious aromas fill the air. Remember that the fresh fruit and vegetable section is especially lively in the morning and whenever you’re feeling hungry, grab a spinach-and-feta cheese-topped gozleme from a local stall.

In conclusion, if you dream of idyllic beaches, enchanting resorts, turquoise waters, and endless sunbathing sessions, book yourself an oriental indulgence with a budget to match. Antalya is at the top of tourists’ favourites because, in addition to great experiences, it also offers an all-inclusive regime, ticked by almost all hotel operators.