Things to Do in Antalya: A 5-Stop City Guide

Antalya, the capital of the Turkish Riviera, is beautiful in every season: turquoise bays, ancient cities and year-round sunshine. Planning a family holiday or a romantic escape? These stops belong on your list.

1. Kaleiçi (Old Town)

Ottoman houses, narrow stone lanes and the historic clock tower make Kaleiçi Antalya's beating heart. Watching the sunset over the old harbour is a local classic.

2. Düden Waterfalls

Upper Düden, half an hour from the centre, is perfect for a picnic; Lower Düden plunges straight into the sea — one of Turkey's most photogenic falls, best viewed from a boat tour.

3. Konyaaltı and Lara Beaches

Don't dismiss the city beaches: Konyaaltı pairs a pebbly, crystal-clear sea with Taurus mountain views, while Lara offers kilometres of sand.

4. Aspendos Theatre

Roughly 2,000 years old and among the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere. Catch an opera or ballet here in summer if you can.

5. Perge and Side

Walk Perge's colonnaded streets, then watch the sunset at Side's seaside Temple of Apollo — history and holiday in a single day.

When to go

The swimming season runs May to October; spring and autumn are cooler and calmer for sightseeing. Even in winter, midday sun can be warm enough for a swim.

Getting there and staying

Istanbul to Antalya is about a 1h15m flight. Compare flights and browse hundreds of hotels — from Kaleiçi boutiques to all-inclusive resorts in Lara and Belek.