Antalya
City guide · Updated 2026
Antalya is the gateway to the Turquoise Coast — the stretch of Mediterranean shoreline where pine-clad mountains drop straight into clear blue water. The city itself pairs a beautifully preserved old town with modern resorts, and it is within easy reach of some of Turkey's finest Greco-Roman ruins.
Top things to do
- Kaleiçi (old town) — Cobbled lanes of Ottoman houses, the Roman Hadrian's Gate, and a marina ringed by cafés below the cliffs.
- Beaches — Konyaaltı (pebble, mountain backdrop) west of the centre and Lara (sand, big resorts) to the east.
- Düden Waterfalls — The Lower Düden falls dramatically straight into the sea; reachable by boat or from a clifftop park.
- Ancient cities — Day-trip to Aspendos (one of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere), Perge, and the mountaintop ruins of Termessos.
- Antalya Museum — A superb collection of statuary from the surrounding sites.
Best time to visit
May–June and September–October bring warm seas without the peak-summer heat and crowds. July–August are very hot and busy; the coast stays mild enough for sightseeing even in winter, when prices drop sharply.
Getting there & around
Antalya Airport (AYT) has frequent flights from Istanbul (about 1 hour). In the city, a tram and buses connect the centre, beaches and museum; for the ancient sites and the wider coast (Side, Olympos, Kaş), a rental car or organised tours work best.
Where to stay
For character and walkability, stay in a restored mansion hotel in Kaleiçi. For beach resorts and all-inclusive stays, look to Lara or the Konyaaltı seafront.
What to eat
Seafood and Mediterranean meze dominate; try piyaz (a local white-bean salad with tahini) and fresh-grilled fish at the marina, finished with regional citrus and pomegranate.