Antalya is the gateway to Turkey's Mediterranean coast — the turquoise stretch that gives the region its name. Beneath the modern resort city sits Kaleiçi, a walled old town of Ottoman houses, a Roman harbour and Hadrian's Gate, all tumbling down to the sea.
Beyond the city, the coast unfolds into beaches, gorges and some of the best-preserved ancient sites in the country, making Antalya equal parts beach holiday and open-air museum.
Known for: Beaches · Kaleiçi old town · Waterfalls · Ancient cities · Turquoise coast
- Region
- Mediterranean
- Coast
- Turkish Riviera
- Best seasons
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Known for
- Sea & ruins
What Antalya is known for
Start in Kaleiçi, where lanes of restored mansions lead to the old harbour. The Antalya Museum holds one of Turkey's finest classical collections, and the Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls are a short trip from the centre.
- Kaleiçi old town, Hadrian's Gate and the Roman harbour.
- Düden Waterfalls — including the upper falls that drop straight into the sea.
- Ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Termessos within easy reach.
- Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, and boat trips along the turquoise coast.
Getting around
A modern tram (Antray) and Nostalji heritage line connect the centre, beaches and museum, while frequent buses (and seasonal boats) reach the beaches and nearby ancient sites. The compact old town is best on foot.
On the platform
Antalya is joining Istanbul Hub as we expand into a Turkey-wide city intelligence platform. This guide is the launch foundation — live transport data, an interactive map and deeper neighborhood content roll out city by city, on the same architecture that powers Istanbul today.