Antalya

Captivating view of Antalya's coastline with traditional houses, vivid blue sea, and distant mountains.
Ahmet Çığşar, Pexels

Antalya, located on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is a leading tourist destination celebrated for its extensive collection of Blue Flag beaches, luxury resorts, and a compelling mix of natural landscapes and historical sites. It offers a variety of activities from tranquil beach days to exploring ancient ruins and engaging in water sports, appealing to a diverse range of international travelers.

For socializing, the Kaleiçi (Old Town) district is a central hub, offering a lively atmosphere with numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, and venues featuring live music. Beyond the historic center, areas like Lara Beach also host notable nightclubs. For a more intense party experience, the nearby town of Kemer is known for its vibrant club scene.

Top 6 Things to do in Antalya

Activities in Antalya encompass a range of historical explorations, natural excursions, aquatic adventures, and cultural experiences.

1. Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town)

Wandering through the charming, cobbled streets of Kaleiçi offers a journey into Antalya's past. This historic district is home to well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, artisan shops, and inviting cafes. Visitors can discover significant landmarks such as Hadrian's Gate, a grand Roman triumphal arch, the historical Clock Tower, and the Hıdırlık Tower, which provides panoramic views of the marina and city. Mermerli Beach, a small, picturesque spot with clear waters, is also located here, ideal for a relaxing break. The lively Kaleiçi Marina is perfect for a stroll, admiring yachts, or enjoying waterfront dining.

Cost: Access to Kaleiçi is free. Costs for shopping, dining, or specific museum entrances within the Old Town vary.

Transport: Kaleiçi is centrally located in Antalya and is easily accessible on foot if staying nearby. Public transport, such as trams and buses, also serves the area.

2. Visit Düden Waterfalls

Antalya is home to two impressive natural wonders, the Upper and Lower Düden Waterfalls. The Upper Düden Waterfall, located inland, provides a tranquil park setting where visitors can walk behind the cascading water in caves, offering unique perspectives and a refreshing atmosphere. The Lower Düden Waterfall dramatically plunges directly into the Mediterranean Sea from towering cliffs, a spectacular sight best viewed from a boat trip. Both sites offer a serene escape into nature.

Cost: Entrance to Upper Düden Waterfall has a small fee, approximately 70 TL (around $1.74 USD). Viewing the Lower Düden Waterfall from land is free; boat trips to see it from the sea typically start from around $17-$33 USD, often including lunch and transfers.

Transport: To Upper Düden Waterfall: Take a municipal bus (e.g., VC30, CV17A) from the city center, which takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around 27 TL. A taxi journey takes about 12 minutes and costs approximately 350-430 TL. To Lower Düden Waterfall: Take bus LC07 or join a boat tour departing from Kaleiçi Marina.

3. Explore Ancient Cities (Perge & Aspendos)

Antalya's surrounding region is rich in history, featuring remarkably preserved ancient Roman and Greek cities. Perge, once a prosperous trading port, showcases extensive ruins including a stadium, Roman baths, and a colonnaded street. Aspendos boasts one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman theatres in the world, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and still used for events today. These sites offer profound insights into the region's historical significance and architectural prowess.

Cost: Entrance fees for individual sites apply, but most visitors opt for full-day tours that often include multiple ancient sites, lunch, and hotel transfers. Such tours typically range from $67 to $82 USD.

Transport: These ancient cities are located outside Antalya's city center. Tours usually provide convenient round-trip hotel transfers. Independent travel would involve renting a car or using intercity buses/taxis.

4. Enjoy a Coastal Boat Trip

Departing from Kaleiçi Marina, a boat trip offers a captivating way to experience Antalya's stunning Mediterranean coastline. These excursions often explore hidden bays and coves, providing opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Many tours include a view of the dramatic Lower Düden Waterfall as it plunges into the sea. Options range from short hourly cruises to full-day adventures, including pirate-themed boats, offering relaxation, scenic views, and aquatic fun.

Cost: Hourly tours from Kaleiçi Marina can be a cheaper option, while full-day tours with lunch and transfers vary, starting from approximately €17.35 to €40. Pirate boat trips typically cost around €30 for adults and €15 for children (4-12 years).

Transport: Tours depart from Kaleiçi Marina, which is located in the city center. Many boat tour operators also offer hotel transfers.

5. Visit the Antalya Museum

As one of Turkey's largest and most significant museums, the Antalya Museum provides a comprehensive journey through the region's rich history. Its extensive collection spans from prehistoric times through the Roman era, featuring notable sculptures from the ancient city of Perge, intricate mosaics, and sarcophagi. An ethnography section also offers insights into the traditional life and culture of Antalya and its surroundings. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the historical and cultural depth of the area.

Cost: The entrance fee for the Antalya Museum is 100 TL (as of 2025). Entry is free with a MuseumPass Türkiye.

Transport: The museum is located in the Konyaaltı district, close to the city center. It is easily reachable by public transportation, including buses and the nostalgic tram line, or by taxi.

6. Experience White Water Rafting in Köprülü Canyon

For those seeking an exhilarating adventure, white water rafting on the Köprüçay River within Köprülü Canyon National Park is a popular choice. This thrilling activity features a series of rapids suitable for both beginners and families, guided by experienced professionals ensuring safety and enjoyment. Many tours include lunch by the riverside and hotel transfers. Beyond rafting, some packages offer additional activities like ziplining, quad biking, or jeep safaris, making for a full day of outdoor excitement amidst picturesque natural scenery.

Cost: Rafting tours typically range from €15 to €36 (as of 2025), with prices varying based on the package chosen (e.g., basic rafting, or combined with zipline/quad/jeep safari). Children often receive discounted rates.

Transport: Köprülü Canyon is situated approximately 128 km (80 miles) from Antalya. Most rafting tours include convenient round-trip transfers from hotels in Antalya.

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