Top 10 Must-Visit Antalya Attractions

Antalya, Turkey's top vacation city, has many great places to see. Lying by the Mediterranean Sea, it has lovely beaches and spots like the Old Harbour, made in the 2nd century AD. Beach lovers, thrill-seekers, and nature fans will enjoy Konyaalti Beach, surrounded by the striking Taurus Mountains.

If you plan a trip to Antalya, don't think the beach is your only choice. There are plenty of things to explore, like old ruins and natural wonders such as caves and waterfalls.

No matter the kind of trip you want, let’s plan it with our guide to the 10 best things to do in Antalya: Tourist Attractions.

10 best places and things to do in Antalya

Antalya, known as the starting point of the Turquoise Coast, offers a plethora of natural, historical, and cultural attractions.

With a rich history that extends back to 200 BC, Antalya is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and a great place for history buffs to visit. You could spend weeks exploring all that Antalya has to offer, from Roman ruins to Ottoman-era architecture.

When it comes to Antalya sightseeing places, there is a lot to offer. Nestled against the Taurus mountains, the city offers easy access to a plethora of breathtaking landscapes, such as golden beaches, thunderous waterfalls, and deep valleys.

Here are 10 best places to visit in Antalya:

1. Antalya's Old Town

Discovering the well-preserved Ottoman-era buildings in the historic Kaleiçi area, which is part of Antalya's Old Town, is one of the greatest things to do in Turkey Antalya to immerse yourself in the rich historical past of the city.

Here, colorful stone houses from the Ottoman era line the tiny cobblestone streets. This is a terrific location to get lost as you explore little stores, hidden cafes, and everyday life. Every nook and every stone has a story to tell, so take in the atmosphere as you stroll down the historic alleyways. 

Do not speed through the market, though, as it is the ideal spot to purchase for regional crafts, spices, and textiles. Continue strolling through the Old Town bazaar and you will reach Kaleiçi Marina, which offers breathtaking views over the blue Mediterranean.

The Old Town is one of the greatest things to do in Turkey Antalya

2. Antalya Museum

If you're interested in the classical-era history of this slice of Turkey's coast, don't miss the Antalya Museum, one of the top places to visit in Antalya.

Displaying artifacts and discoveries from the Stone Age and Bronze Age to the Byzantine Empire era, the museum places special attention on local ruins and items found at locations along the Turkish Coast in the Hall of Regional Excavations.

3. Konyaalti Beach

Konyaaltı Beach, the busiest beach in Antalya, is 13 km long, with pebbles and sand; at the eastern end is a promenade with bistros, cafes, snack stalls, and restaurants; it is also well-known for jet skiing, swimming, diving, and snorkeling.

A fun cable car ride up to the beach's west end and watching the surrounding mountains is highly recommended. At the far end of the coastline is the Taurus Mountain Range, and the backdrop of the beach is adorned with the beauty of the Beydaglari mountains. 

Konyaaltı Beach is the busiest beach in Antalya

4. Old Harbor

In the northwest corner of Antalya's old town, nestled into a cleft in the cliffs, is the city's historic harbor. This charming collection of eateries and cafes offers a view of gently bobbing yachts, ready to sail out on the Mediterranean below.

You can come here for a coffee and watch the sun set over the sea, or you can get on one of the excursion boats and spend the day swimming in the Mediterranean, lounging in the sun, and admiring the gorgeous coastline scenery.

Nestled into a cleft in the cliffs is the Antalya Old Harbor

5. Lara Beach

The vibrant and opulent resort of Lara Beach is situated just east of Antalya. Because of its opulent hotels and nonstop entertainment, this area is frequently compared to Las Vegas, yet the beach is actually the main attraction here.

Spend some time unwinding on the smooth, golden sands of Lara Beach; at 12 km long, you should have no trouble finding the ideal location to kill an hour or two. The beach has been awarded Blue Flag status, so you know it will be safe and clean for swimming. Take a break from exploring the bustling sights and experiences of city life.

6. Aspendos

History aficionados come to Antalya mostly for the day trip to Aspendos, which is located roughly 47 kilometers to the east. The main draw is the well-preserved Roman Theatre from the second century, which is regarded as the best-preserved ancient theater in the world. It can accommodate up to 15,000 spectators and is still periodically used for festivals and shows.

Aspendos is also the site of many other ruins, such as the remnants of a 12-mile-long Roman aqueduct, a stadium, Roman baths, a basilica, and a stone bridge. Climb to the top of the theater for breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape.

Aspendos is a place for history aficionados

7. Karain Cave

Located approximately 27 kilometers northwest of Antalya, near Dösemalti, the Karain Cave served as a dwelling for prehistoric humans and has yielded artifacts from both the Lower and Middle Paleolithic periods.

This area's broad, winding caves are a great place for some beginner caving and are well-liked by nearby families looking to get away from the city.

If you want to explore the interior of the cave, wear strong shoes and bring a torch because it can get slippery underfoot.

Karain Cave is located approximately 27 kilometers northwest of Antalya

8. Ruins of Termessos

The ancient city of Termessos, perched on a mountaintop overlooking the Antalya gulf, offers an intriguing trip into Turkey's past; while not as well preserved as other cities, its ruins include remnants of temples, cisterns, and a gymnasium. As you trek uphill to reach it, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the sea.

Turkey's earliest known inhabited location, Karain Cave, is located not far from Termessos. Come here for a glimpse into prehistoric human history—a fragment of a Neanderthal skull dating back at least 150,000 years was discovered here.

The ancient city of Termessos perched on a mountaintop overlooking the Antalya gulf

9. Perge

Formerly the capital of ancient Pamphylia, this city prospered during both Greek and, subsequently, Roman domination.

The remnants, located approximately 17 kilometers east of Antalya, are not as renowned as other sites along Turkey's Mediterranean Coast. Consequently, they draw fewer crowds, allowing visitors to peacefully explore the extensive colonnaded streets and partially collapsed temples.

Perge prospered during both Greek and, subsequently, Roman domination 

10. Yivli Minare

The most special Antalya attractions must definitely include Yivli Minare was built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad.

The minaret exemplifies Seljuk architecture and is exceptionally well-preserved. It follows a typical design, featuring a square base topped by an octagonal drum that supports the fluted shaft. Additionally, a corbelled gallery encircles the top of the minaret.

Best Time To Visit These Antalya Attractions

The best times to visit these Antalya attractions are from April to mid-June (Spring) and from September to mid-October (Autumn), when you can avoid the wet winters and hot summers. Popular activities during these seasons include canoeing, trekking, and rafting. The average annual temperature in Antalya is 21 degrees Celsius, with an average of 90 mm of precipitation. The summer months of June through August are the warmest, with July being the driest month with almost no rainfall.

While the shoulder season is generally regarded as the best time to visit, summers can be very busy with tourists; winters are colder but progressively more humid, lasting from December to February; January is the wettest month, with maximum precipitation of about 240mm; therefore, winters are best avoided.

Antalya offers diverse attractions for sightseeing and beach enthusiasts. The old town boasts historic sites, while the city serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby ruins. Please plan your trip with our list of the above top Antalya tourist attractions.

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