One city, three days: Antalya

Let’s begin: History of Antalya

Explaining Antalya’s enchanting atmosphere solely through modern tourism facilities is not enough. To understand the city’s character today, it is necessary to trace the layers of its millennia-old past and see how this deeply rooted history blends with the modern city.

Meaning “Attalos Land,” Antalya was founded around two thousand years ago as a strategic port city by the bequest of King Attalos II of Pergamon. After the Kingdom of Pergamon, the city became a magnificent trading center of the Roman Empire and, from the Middle Ages onward, came under the rule of great civilizations such as Byzantium, the Seljuks, and the Ottomans. Each civilization left its own signature on the city: the Romans’ monumental gates, the Seljuks’ elegant minarets, and the Ottomans’ examples of civil architecture, among others.

Today, as one of the most dynamic cities in the Republic of Türkiye, Antalya not only preserves these works but also continues to welcome the world as a living open-air museum, where concerts are still held in its ancient theaters, life flows uninterrupted in its historic harbor, and the past moves from museums into the streets.

Earthly paradise: Places to visit in Antalya

We have arrived at the most dynamic, most exciting part! Where the deep blue sea meets lush greenery, Antalya offers you an astonishing array of places to see. Under the bright sun, breathing in the scent of the sea, you can set off on a thrilling discovery.

If you are wondering “When is the best time to visit Antalya?”, the city is at its peak in summer. The heat and wide beaches play a big role in this. Yet, with its mild climate, Antalya is a destination you can visit year-round. Spring is especially ideal for those who do not enjoy extreme heat. Also, heavy rain can sometimes occur in Antalya during winter. If you go there during that season, it is worth taking a raincoat.

With these details, we can now explore the places to visit in Antalya in more detail.

Historical places in Antalya

Among the places to visit in Antalya, we begin with the historical sites. First, we will take a journey through time. Here are some of the most impressive places where you can feel Antalya’s rich history…

Ancient cities in Antalya

Antalya is one of the most important stops on the world’s archaeological heritage trail, with dozens of ancient cities within its borders. These lands are not just ruins; they are living pages of history that carry thousands of years of social life, engineering marvels, and art into the present. Are you ready to pack your backpack and set off to explore the Mediterranean’s rich history?

Depending on your travel route, you can choose any of these magnificent cities. Some embrace the sea, while others await you high in the Taurus Mountains. Here are the most famous ancient sites:

• Side and Perge: centers that best reflect the splendor and urban planning of the Roman period.
• Aspendos: still hosting international art events, thanks to its flawless acoustics.
• Termessos: a unique mountain city built like an eagle’s nest on steep cliffs, preserving its natural character better than most.
• Phaselis and Olympos: where turquoise waters meet ancient harbors and nature intertwines with history.
• Myra and Simena: destinations that enchant you with Lycian rock tombs and views of sunken cities.
• Sillyon, Selge and Lyrbe: calmer yet equally impressive routes waiting to be discovered.
• Limyra, Theimussa and Patara: other key stops that rank among the most valuable parts of the Lycian Way.

Kaleiçi

Nestled in the heart of the city of Antalya is Kaleiçi, the seafront old town. Featuring stone houses, narrow streets, tropical flowers and citrus trees, this lovely neighborhood also hosts authentic cafes, boutique hotels, and some of the city’s most iconic structures.

Yivliminare Mosque

In the historic Kaleiçi district, the Seljuk-style Yivliminare Mosque dates from the thirteenth century. The complex includes the mosque and its distinctive fluted minaret, as well as mausoleums, a madrasah, and a Mevlevi Dervish lodge. It is one of Antalya’s most popular tourist attractions, and was inscribed in the Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Türkiye in 2016.

Hadrian’s Gate

Also known as Üçkapılar, Hadrian’s Gate is a remarkable structure erected in 130 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrianus. The gate is the symbolic entrance to Kaleiçi and is one of Antalya’s most significant preserved historical monuments. It also has a stunning architectural design, with two colonnaded facades, three entry arches rising above four pylons and a tower standing on either side.

Antalya museums

For those who want to enrich their travel experience with cultural depth, Antalya offers world-class museums. To feel the city’s ancient spirit in sheltered galleries and witness a heritage that stretches back millennia, be sure to add these stops to your list.

Antalya Museum

Founded by Süleyman Fikri Erten, the Antalya Museum is now considered one of the world’s most respected archaeological museums. With 13 exhibition halls and open-air galleries, the museum serves visitors and occupies a unique place, especially for its collection of Roman-period sculptures.

Here, you can closely examine the magnificent marble portraits unearthed during the Perge excavations, the famous “Weary Heracles” statue, and the striking sarcophagi. With its wide-ranging collection, from coins to mosaics, from ethnographic objects to works from the Lycian and Pamphylian periods, the museum is a true discovery point where history meets aesthetics.

Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum

Situated in the heart of Kaleiçi, inside two restored historic mansions, this special museum takes you into the everyday life of 19th-century Antalya. Mannequin scenes that bring old neighborhood life to life, including traditions such as “coffee offering” and “groom’s shave,” are truly striking. On the museum’s upper floor, you can also see one of the world’s most valuable collections of Çanakkale Ceramics.

Antalya Mevlevihane (Dervish Lodge) Museum

Set within the serene atmosphere of the Yivli Minaret Complex, this building dates back to the 14th century and stands as one of the city’s most spiritual sites. An ideal stop for understanding Mevlevi dervish culture, the dervishes’ way of life, and their mystical world, the museum also offers a soothing pause in its garden, shaded by centuries-old trees, inviting you to slow down and breathe.

Antalya Toy Museum

Opening its doors at Kaleiçi Marina under the curatorship of poet Sunay Akın, the museum invites visitors of all ages to revisit their childhood memories. In the space where thousands of antique toys from the 1860s to the present are displayed, rare dollhouses, classic figures, and the earliest examples in the history of toy manufacturing are truly worth seeing.

Natural beauties of Antalya

In the province of Antalya, nature constantly flaunts its beauty. In addition to the region’s beaches and azure coastlines, there are many natural wonders and scenic landscapes. We’ve listed some of the highlights below.

Köprülü Canyon National Park

Set near the Köprüçay River and Selge Ancient City, within Antalya’s Manavgat district, the Köprülü Canyon is a spectacular natural wonder – at 14 kilometers, it is one of Türkiye’s longest canyons. The canyon runs through the Taurus Mountains and features two historical bridges, abundant groundwater and breathtaking views. It is popular for activities such as rafting and trekking.

Famous waterfalls of Antalya

Antalya is sometimes called the “region of waterfalls.” In fact, a few of the waterfalls are within the city limits: the Upper Düden and Lower Düden waterfalls are around eight kilometers from Antalya’s city center. The Kurşunlu Waterfalls is about 11 kilometers from the Antalya airport. The Manavgat and Sapadere waterfalls are farther from the city – but worth the drive.

Karain Cave

One of Türkiye’s largest natural karst caves is the Karain Cave. Inhabited by humans at one point, the cave has served as a historical bridge from the Paleolithic period. It is in the Yağca area, about five or six kilometers from the Antalya-Burdur highway. The nearby Karain Museum has a collection of artefacts from the cave.

Saklıkent

Situated in the Beydağları range, Saklıkent reveals one of Antalya’s most distinctive sides. In spring, you can ski to the summit and, with just an hour’s drive, descend to the coast and swim in the sea. This geographic diversity makes Antalya one of the world’s rarest travel destinations.

Tazı Canyon

Located at the northernmost edge of Köprülü Canyon National Park, this area has become one of the world’s most popular viewpoints in recent years. The river gliding between massive rock walls nearly 200 meters high offers a magnificent panorama reminiscent of Scandinavian fjords. To reach it, you must cross forest trails; yet when you arrive at the summit, the boundless green expanse and the deep valley are so mesmerizing that they make all fatigue vanish.

Beaches in Antalya

And now, let’s discuss Antalya’s best-known feature: its stunning beaches! This coastal province is home to many beautiful beaches; we’ve listed some of our favorite spots below.

If you’re spending time on the Kaş side of Antalya, then Kaputaş Beach offers a delightful blend of azure sea and a natural ambiance. The lively Konyaaltı Beach is a terrific urban alternative and easily accessible – while this public beach does get busy during the summer months, it is usually quite calm in the early mornings. Another good choice near the city center is Lara Beach, standing out with its soft, golden yellow sand. Further away, Olympos and Adrasan beaches are popular destinations.

Local products: Dining in Antalya

One of the most enjoyable aspects of traveling is eating. Antalya’s cuisine is diverse, with dishes and restaurants that appeal to a range of preferences and taste. Meat dishes such as çöp şiş (grilled pieces of meat on wooden skewers) and meatballs are popular, as is seafood. The region’s famous salads and olive oil dishes also stand out. To whet your appetite, we’ve listed a few of the area’s local specialties below.

• Antalya bean salad with tahini
• Serpme börek (a type of pastry)
• Burnt milk ice cream
• Hibeş (a type of appetizer)
• Bağaça (sesame- and cinnamon-flavored pastry)
• Pumpkin dessert

Important Antalya notes

Antalya offers numerous sites and natural beauties to be explored – at any time of the year! Click here to purchase a ticket and plan your Antalya getaway!

Where to stay in Antalya

As a major tourist center, Antalya provides a wide variety of accommodation options. Each district offerings range from five-star and boutique hotels to pensions and hostels. By clicking on Turkish Airlines Vacation Package deals, you can easily book and manage your accommodation and flights at the same time.

Transportation to the city center from Antalya Airport

The Antalya Airport is approximately 13 kilometers from the city center. It is served by HAVAŞ shuttles, as well as municipal buses, trams, and taxis. In addition, car rental services are available at the airport.