Often referred to as the pearl of the Turkish Riviera, Antalya and its stunning coastline are famed as one of the best summer destinations in Turkey, if not Europe.

While I can’t deny Antalya’s phenomenal beaches and pleasant temperature, I also know that this is merely a fraction of what Turkey’s number-one beach getaway has to offer.

The starting point of all these incredible things to see and do is the old town; Antalya’s historical centre, celebrated for its maze-like cobblestone laneways, lively harbour and ancient Roman structures.

Add to that incredible nature (make sure you check out the Düden Waterfalls), loads of excellent dining options, and several exciting day trips within reach, and you understand why Antalya has become a favourite among travellers and locals alike.

To help you make the most out of your time here, I’ve created this Antalya guide, including my favourite things to see and do, where to stay, travel tips and more.

So whether you solely visit Antalya for everything beach related or wish to dive deeper into the history of this fascinating town on the paradisiac Turkey coast, I’ve got you covered!

WHERE IS ANTALYA

Antalya is a popular beachside destination on Turkey’s picturesque southwest coast and is flanked by the incredible Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

With over 1 million inhabitants – and loads of travellers during the summer months, the capital of the Antalya region is considered Turkey’s fifth-most populous city.

WHERE TO STAY IN ANTALYA

As one of the main summer destinations along Turkey’s paradisiac Mediterranean coast, Antalya is home to accommodation that cater to every budget and travel style.

Whether you’re after an upscale beachfront resort, a comfortable apartment with a swimming pool, or something in between, this coastal town is teeming with brilliant accommodation options.

All that is left to do, is pick the right accommodation for you –  to make choosing easier, I’ve listed some of my personal favourites below:

APARTMENTS & HOTELS IN ANTALYA

Casa Sur Antalya | Situated in the heart of Antalya Old Town, this place is easily one of my most authentic finds in Antalya. The rooms are minimalistic, yet utterly stylish – think brick walls, wooden furniture, patterned carpets, and rustic design elements. It also boasts a garden of calm with plenty of comfy lounge corners as well as a rooftop terrace with views over Hadrian’s Gate.

Pacco Boutique Hotel & SPA | If you’re looking for a comfortable boutique hotel without breaking the bank, Pacco Boutique Hotel & SPA is a high-rated hotel with a spacious outdoor swimming pool for less than €60,- a night. It also has direct access to Konyaalti Beach, a trendy bar, several lounge areas, and an in-house fitness centre.

Elegance East Hotel | As the name might already suggest, the Elegance East Hotel is probably the most elegant hotel in Antalya Old Town. Traditional Kaleici architecture set the tone for an excellent stay, while a large outdoor pool and its prime location in the historical centre offer you the ultimate holiday feeling. Make sure you click the link to see if this palace-like hotel is for you.

BEACHFRONT RESORTS IN ANTALYA

Ramada Plaza Antalya | Just 700 metres from Antalya’s historic Kaleiçi, Ramada Plaza offers world-class service, modern spacious rooms with sea view, a swimming pool, and a superb sundeck on a cliff next to the Mediterranean. Ramada Plaza also offers all-inclusive stays for those craving a fully arranged summer getaway.

Rixos Downtown Antalya | Set within the exotic gardens of the Ataturk Culture Park, this luxurious hotel offers the best of both worlds. With extremely comfortable rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, a gym, and an excellent location next to Konyaalti Beach, Rixos offers all the amenities for a relaxing stay. Add that you’re only a stone throws away from the lively old town and its historical ambience, and it is clear why Rixos is travellers favourite in Antalya.

Alternatively, search for accommodations in Antalya on booking.com.

1 | TAKE A WALK AROUND KALEIÇI | ANTALYA OLD TOWN

I fairly believe that any trip to Antalya should involve at least one day of explorations in its most picturesque part; Antalya Old Town, locally known as Kaleiçi.

Perched between the Mediterranean and Antalya’s somewhat chaotic city centre, Kaleiçi is a charming old town full of maze-like cobblestone laneways, historical architecture, and trendy cafes and restaurants.

Although Antalya Old Town is pretty compact in size, it is home to several intriguing historical sights, including Hadrian’s Gate, Hidirlik Tower, and the Yivli Minaret to name a few.

I’ve spent plenty of time in the streets of Antalya Old Town, and have to say that it’s best explored on an early morning walk when the temperature is still bearable and the light perfect for photography.

If you’re in the mood for a tasty dinner or a few late-night drinks, the old town has plenty of excellent options to satisfy those needs too.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Antalya Old Town

2 | ADMIRE THE ANCIENT YIVLI MINARE

Rising high above Antalya Old Town is the ancient Yivli Minare, an incredibly elegant ‘fluted’ minaret that is known as the symbol of Antalya.

The towering minaret and its adjacent mosque were built in the early 13th century by Seljuk Sultan Aladdin Keykubad I, and are still very much in use today.

Besides its value to serve worshippers, the ornate building is also one of the best visited historical monuments in the region, as it displays the beauty of Anatolian Seljuk architecture.

Something worth noticing is an ancient inscription placed next to the entrance of the Yivli Minare, as it seems to illustrate the building process of the minaret.

Merely for its distinctive Turkish Anatolian design, the Yivli Minare should be on any list of things to do in Antalya. Luckily, it is inevitable that you’ll encounter this towering masterpiece when planning a visit to the historic old town.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Yivli Minare, Antalya Old Town

3 | SWIM AND RELAX AT KONYAALTI BEACH

You can’t come to one of Europe’s hottest summer destinations and not spend at least a couple of days relaxing on a lounger next to the inviting Mediterranean sea.

And if you ask me, there’s no better place to do so than at Konyaalti Beach.

Situated at only a short walk of Antalya Old Town, this extensive pebbly beach is one of Antalya’s best beaches and perfectly suited for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming.

Konyaalti Beach is also backed by a lively boulevard that is packed with trendy restaurants and cafes, public shower facilities, and incredible views of the Taurus Mountains in the distance.

All in all, Konyaalti Beach has everything on offer for a lazy beach day under the Turkish sun.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Konyaalti Beach

Cost | Sun loungers and umbrellas should cost 20 to 40 TL (€2 – 4) a day

Bring | Swimwear, a towel and a good book

4 | BEHOLD THE RUSHING DÜDEN WATERFALLS

Nestled on a towering cliff on Antalya’s stunning coastline, the Lower Düden Waterfall is a 40-metre high waterfall that flows directly into the Mediterranean.

While I’ve seen quite a few waterfalls throughout my travels, this was the first time I’ve seen one ending in the ocean, which makes the Lower Düden Waterfall a pretty unique sight to behold.

It was in fact, one of the most surprising places that I’ve stumbled upon in Antalya.

But as impressive as the Lower Düden Waterfall might be, the Düden Waterfalls are actually a set of two separate waterfalls that are interconnected by a stream.

Unfortunately, I only heard of the Upper Düden Waterfall after leaving for Istanbul, but from what I’ve heard it must be equally as impressive as the Lower Düden Waterfall.

So if you have a day spare, you now know what to do with it!

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Düden Waterfalls

Recommended tour | This 8-hour tour of Antalya includes a boat ride to the Lower Düden Waterfall – plus a trip to the Upper Düden Waterfall and Antalya Old Town. Prices and availability here

5 | ADMIRE HADRIAN’S GATE

During my travels, I often feel fascinated by the greatness of the former Roman Empire and the amount of incredible ancient architecture that they actually left behind.

It was the ornate Hadrian’s Gate that initiated this exact feeling in Antalya.

Built in the name of Roman emperor Hadrian back in 130 AD, this triumphal arch is now one of Antalya’s most important historical sights, and entering the old town through it is quite a happening.

If you look closely, you’ll notice that the two towers on either side of the gate hold architectural elements that indicate different periods in history.

Most notable is an Arabic inscription that dates back to the reign of Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat on the upper part of the Northern Tower.

At present, Hadrian’s Gate is the only remaining entrance gate to Kaleiçi (old town), and therefore the perfect starting point for explorations within it.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya Old Town

6 | WATCH THE SUNSET IN KALEICI HARBOUR

When wandering through the twisting laneways of Antalya Old Town, you’re fortunately never too far from the old town’s picture-perfect Harbour.

Tactically situated at the core of Antalya’s fortified old town, the Kaleici Harbour is a hip and happening place that is bursting with positive energy, especially on a warm summer’s evening.

Whether you’re planning to enjoy a few sunset drinks in a trendy bar, take a relaxing evening stroll with a scoop of gelato in hand, or sit down at a dock to take in the sunset instead, you’re ensured of a wonderful evening anyhow.

THE ESSENTIALS

Where | Kaleici Harbour, Antalya Old Town

WEATHER IN ANTALYA | BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTALYA

Given its position in the Mediterranean, Antalya is an attractive destination at any time of year.

However, I believe most of you travel to a beach destination to enjoy good weather, and in that case, the best time to visit Antalya is between April and October, when temperatures reach up to 36 degrees, especially in the peak summer months of June, July and August.

With long summer days overflowing with the sun, the conditions are excellent for spending time poolside or at the beach, while explorations around the old town are completely possible too.

One thing worth mentioning is that summertime in Turkey is pretty popular, meaning you’ll share the beach with many sun-seeking tourists during the peak season.

HOW TO GET AROUND ANTALYA

With so many awesome places near Antalya (Pamukkale, Purge and Aspendos just to name a few), picking up a rental at the airport is actually one of the best things you can do.

If you wish to have the freedom to travel around Antalya on your own terms, you might want to consider renting a car. Not only is it easier to reach the nearby highlights, but it also saves you time and money.

For car rental in Turkey, I would recommend searching for an option that suits your needs on  Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a broad selection of cars, all at an affordable price. More information and availability here.

MY FAVOURITE DAY TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN ANTALYA

If you’re after an organized tour of Antalya and its surroundings, here are some of the best picks.

HOW TO GET TO ANTALYA

As a major summer destination in Europe, you’ll be amazed at how easy it actually is to get to Antalya via plane, especially during the peak summer months.

Both Domestic and International flights arrive at the Antalya Airport, located only 13 kilometres northeast of Antalya’s picturesque old town.

For cheap flights to Antalya, make sure you check out Skyscanner. Not only is their website user-friendly, but they also offer a large range of airline options – plus it’s easy to find good rates.

A shuttle bus leaves from the Antalya Airport every 30 minutes and takes you to the city centre in roughly 50 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 3,60 TL (€0,70) per person.

If you prefer some extra comfort, taxis are a relatively cheap alternative too. A taxi should cost no more than 60 TL (€15,-), and takes only 20 minutes.

SAFETY IN TURKEY | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Turkey is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

KEEP ON READING WITH THESE IN-DEPTH TURKEY GUIDES

After spending 3 weeks in Turkey, I’ve made plenty of in-depth guides that might interest you too.

CAPPADOCIA | 13 Wonderful things to do in Cappadocia

CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT | A guide to a hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia

RED & ROSE VALLEY IN CAPPADOCIA | A hiking guide to Red and Rose Valley

LOVE VALLEY IN CAPPADOCIA | A complete guide to Love Valley in Cappadocia

ANTALYA | 7 Wonderful things to do in Antalya

ISTANBUL | 13 Awesome things to do in Istanbul