Antalya
Turquoise coast, Roman harbours and pine-clad peaks
The place
Antalya is the beating heart of the Turkish Riviera - the stretch of Mediterranean coast where the Taurus Mountains tumble straight into impossibly blue water. The city itself wraps an old town, Kaleiçi, of Ottoman mansions and Roman walls around a horseshoe harbour, while modern resorts and long pebble beaches fan out along the shore beneath cliffs and waterfalls that drop directly into the sea.
What sets this coast apart is how casually the ancient and the idyllic sit side by side. Within an easy drive you can walk the astonishing theatre of Aspendos, the cliff-top temples of Termessos, or the half-sunken ruins at Kekova where Lycian tombs stand in the shallows. Then you are back on a sun-lounger by sunset, a glass of something cold in hand.
It is a destination for travellers who want both - culture and coastline, ruins and resort - with reliable sunshine from spring well into autumn and some of the warmest sea in the country.
What to do
Things to do in Antalya
- Wander the Ottoman lanes and harbour of the old town, Kaleiçi
- See the near-perfect Roman theatre at Aspendos
- Swim beneath the cascades of the Düden and Lower Düden waterfalls
- Take a boat over the sunken Lycian ruins of Kekova
- Hike a section of the long-distance Lycian Way coastal trail
- Relax on the Blue Flag beaches of Konyaaltı and Lara
- Browse the rich Antalya Museum for finds from across the region
Gallery
Good to know
Antalya,
answered.
The practical questions every traveller asks us before they go - answered by our local team.
Which airport serves Antalya?
Antalya Airport (AYT) sits just 13 km east of the city centre - one of Türkiye’s busiest holiday gateways, with direct flights from across Europe and hourly connections from Istanbul. Transfers to Kaleiçi or the beach resorts take 20-40 minutes.
How many days do I need in Antalya?
Three to five days balances the coast and the culture - the old town and beaches need two, and day trips to Aspendos, Termessos or the Düden waterfalls fill the rest. Add more if you want serious beach time in Side or Kemer.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Antalya?
The Mediterranean here is swimmable from May through October, peaking around 28°C in August. September and October are the sweet spot - warm sea, hot sun and thinner crowds at the ruins.
What are the best beaches in Antalya?
Konyaaltı and Lara are the city’s two Blue Flag stretches - Konyaaltı pebbled with mountain views, Lara sandy and resort-lined. Beyond the city, Kaputaş, Çıralı and Patara rank among the finest beaches on the whole Turkish coast.
Ready when you are
Packages featuring Antalya
Browse handcrafted itineraries that include Antalya, each available in three service levels - or message our local team and we'll tailor one around you.