Antalya trips and vacations

Built for a visit by the Roman emperor in AD 130, Hadrian’s Gate is the monumental entrance to Kaleici (Old Town). It’s worth getting up at dawn for crowd-free photos of the triple arches and marble columns. One of the world’s most intact Roman theaters, Aspendos, is just a 40-minute drive away. Time your vacation to Antalya during the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival to experience the extraordinary acoustics.

Antalya’s Lara Beach features all-inclusive resorts, with trendy beach bars serving cocktails straight to your spot on the beach. There’s an entrance fee to swim beneath the ancient Old Town walls at petite Mermerli Beach, but admission covers a beach chair and a truly unique view. Take day trips to Kemer for water sports at the marina and see Roman ruins in the forests around Phaselis Beach.

For budget-friendly trips to Antalya, it’s free to wander along the waterfront at Karaalioglu Park and enjoy the best views of the city’s golden sunsets. Near Lara Beach, the Lower Duden Waterfall drops dramatically from the cliffs into the ocean. Drive or take a tour to see the Upper Duden Waterfall after a short stroll through the lush forest.

This neighborhood is where to stay to see the old Ottoman houses with wooden bay windows and to explore historic landmarks. Wander the maze of narrow lanes to buy Turkish rugs and antiques. Tour boats and mega yachts bob in the Roman Harbour at the base of the hill. Reach the neighborhood via an exciting glass elevator ride from busy Republic Square. 

Good for: History, souvenir shopping, dining

Due to the abundance of themed hotels, this area is often described as a seaside Las Vegas. It’s the best neighborhood to stay in Antalya to indulge in luxury resorts where you’ll step from the swimming pool to the sand. Shop for designer fashion and start your nights with creative cocktails at stylish beach clubs. Families will also love the soft sand and banana boat rides across the calm waters of Lara Beach.

Good for: Beach, designer shopping, water sports

With clear water and views of the Taurus Mountain Range, Konyaalti Beach is ideal for lazy days in the sun. But there’s plenty to do in this family-friendly resort town. Rent bikes to explore the wide promenade and stop at playgrounds and snack stands along the way. Perhaps the biggest draw for families with kids is Waterhill water park with kamikaze slides and a wave pool. 

Good for: Families, water slides, beach

When the kids spot the giant Ferris wheel at Aktur Park, good luck trying to go anywhere else. There’s no entrance fee, so visit multiple times and pay per ride for roller coasters and carnival games. Pack a picnic to enjoy near the rock pools of Kursunlu Waterfalls. One of the most popular things to do with family in Antalya is ride the Tunektepe Teleferik (cable car) for panoramic views.

Brush up on your bargaining skills (start at half the quoted price) at the Old Bazaar in Kaleici or set aside a day for shopping in Antalya at Manavgat Market after a pleasant drive overlooking the ocean. Both spots deliver aromatic spices, Turkish eye amulets and colorful ceramics. Escape the heat at TerraCity shopping center or the gigantic Mall of Antalya near the airport. 

You’ll need a few hours to explore the Antalya Archaeology Museum, with sculptures of Roman emperors and Neanderthal skeleton fragments. Discover Turkish folk culture at Suna & Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum. Buy a government-issued Mediterranean MuseumPass for easy access to multiple museums.

For many, nightlife in Antalya starts with a stroll around the marina, where Roman history blends with upscale bars and dazzling sunsets. Then it’s time for after-dinner drinks in Kaleici’s pubs and neon-lit discos. If you’re at Lara or Konyaalti beaches, take your pick of chic nightclubs or relaxed beach bars. Looking for dance floors full of foam and unlimited drinks? Arrange an evening on a party boat leaving from the marina.

It’s easy and cheap to fill up on scrumptious street food such as feta-stuffed ‘gozleme’ (flatbread) and syrupy ‘lokma’ (donuts), but leave room for Turkish feasts in atmospheric restaurants in Antalya. Kaleici is full of them, including the renowned Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant located in an Ottoman house. Reserve a table on the terrace at 7 Mehmet for city and ocean views with traditional and global cuisine.

Pack your hiking boots for one of the best free things to do in Antalya: trekking along fantastic trails. Walk a section of the famous Lycian Way from Geyikbayiri Village or follow the lake path at Doyran Goleti. Photograph the striking Yivli Minaret Mosque — enter for free outside of prayer times. You can spend hours at Karaalioglu Park admiring the Hidirlik Tower, statues and unforgettable views.