Antalya Excursions: What to See and Do in Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is a city that has something for everyone. If you're interested in exploring historical sites, Aspendos and the old town of Antalya are must-see destinations. Additionally, Antalya is a great starting point for day trips to nearby hills and other historic attractions. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Antalya has plenty of activities to keep you entertained.
Antalya is a city full of adventure and excitement! Discover the top activities in Antalya, from exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on the beach.
Antalya, a city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, offers a variety of activities for visitors. While some may be drawn to the city's rich history, others may prefer to spend their time lounging on the beautiful beaches or taking in the stunning views of the coastline on a boat tour. Whatever your preference, Antalya has something to offer for everyone.
Discover the best Antalya excursions and Antalya things to do with our expert guides. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, we have something for everyone!
Antalya, a city on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey, offers a variety of activities for travelers. From exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on the beach, there's something for everyone. Here are some top attractions and things to do in Antalya to help you plan your trip.
Where is Antalya and Why You Should Visit?
Antalya is a city in southwestern Turkey, on the Mediterranean Sea coast. Located in the country's eponymous region, Antalya is Turkey's biggest international sea resort and attracts more than 12 million tourists each year due to its perfect climate and beautiful landscape.
Antalya: Is it Worth Visiting?
With stunning beaches, striking mountain scenery and a buzzing city centre, Antalya is one of the best destinations in Turkey. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday or an adventure in the Turkish countryside -Antalya can offer it all.
Looking for things to do in Antalya? This guide has got you covered! From water sports to cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this beautiful city.
The city itself has plenty of museums, ancient sites and great shopping. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy such as kayaking, hiking and paragliding. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Antalya is one of Turkey's favorite tourist spots!
Antalya Weather: Best Time to Visit Antalya
The weather in Antalya is generally warm and sunny throughout the year. Summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in July and August.
Winters are mild and rainy, with temperatures averaging around 15°C (59°F) in January and February. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
Antalya Things to do and Attractions
Looking for things to do in Antalya? This guide has got you covered! From water sports to cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in this beautiful city.
Antalya Old Town: A Journey Through History and Culture
Antalya is a charming city with a rich history and stunning architecture. The Kaleiçi neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone who loves to stroll and take in the sights.
Looking for the ultimate Antalya experience? Our excursions offer a unique blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Book your tour today!
The streets are lined with beautifully restored Ottoman mansions, which now house boutique hotels, art galleries, and restaurants. For those who want to do some sightseeing, there are plenty of small tourist attractions, including a fortress gate and stone-clad clock tower in the main square, and the Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque, which boasts intricate interior tile work.
One of the most fascinating sights is the Kesik Minare, a truncated minaret that was once part of a Roman temple, then a Byzantine church, and finally a mosque. Despite being destroyed by fire in the 19th century, it remains a graceful and impressive structure.
The Fluted Minaret: A Symbol of Islamic Architecture
One of the most famous monuments in Antalya is the Fluted Minaret (Yivli Minare). Located in Kaleiçi (the old city center), the Fluted Minaret is one of the oldest Seljuk monuments in Antalya and an icon of the city. It was built in 1230.
Hadrian's Gate: A Symbol of Power and Prestige in Ancient Rome
The Hadrian's Gate of Antalya was built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian in Attaleia, as Antalya city was known in this period. It was incorporated in the walls surrounding the city (now it is old city of Antalya), and has become a major gateway to the city.
Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Termessos
35 km north from Antalya is the extraordinarily impressive ancient city of Termessos. With its strong defense, Termessos Ancient City, which has made its name in history as "the city that Alexander the Great could not conquer", is among the ancient cities that attract visitors with features such as giant columns, unique rock tombs, sarcophagi, a sheltered location resembling an eagle's nest and being in touch with nature.
Explore the beauty of Antalya with our carefully curated excursions. From ancient ruins to stunning beaches, we'll take you on a journey you'll never forget.
The ancient city of Termessos is a fascinating site to visit, but it can be a bit challenging to get there. Unfortunately, there are no organized tours available from the city, so you'll need to either arrange a private tour with a company or rent a car and make the journey yourself.
Once you arrive, be prepared for a steep 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the ancient city. While the walk may be a bit difficult, the stunning views and historical significance of the site make it well worth the effort.
Karain Cave: The Oldest Known Human Settlement in Turkey
Karain cave is located 33 km north of Antalya. Karain Cave is one of Turkey's largest natural cave. During the excavations carried out in the Karain cave, it was found that the region was a settlement center 500 thousand years ago.
Unfortunately no any tour organized from Antalya to Karain cave. You can go there by private tour or by renting a car.
Perge: A Journey Through Time
Perge ancient city is 16 km east of Antalya, in the town of Aksu on the road to Side and Alanya. Known as "Parha" during the Hittite period, the city became one of the most organized and important cities of Anatolia in the Roman Period.
The sculptures found in the excavations in the ancient city, which is famous for its magnificent architecture and amazing marble sculpture, made Antalya Museum one of the most important sculpture museums.
Entry Hours Summer Period: 08:30 - 19:30 (15 April-2 October)
Entry Hours Winter Period: 08:30 - 17:30 (October 3 - April 14)
CLOSED The first day of religious holidays until noon.
Discovering the Waterfalls of Antalya
Kursunlu Waterfall: A Natural Beauty in the Heart of Antalya
Kursunlu waterfall is one of the famous waterfalls of Antalya and is on the road from Aksu to Isparta, 20 km north-east of Antalya. The waterfall was opened for visits in 1986. The height of the waterfall is about 20 meters, and the region is like a botanical park.
The visit to Kurşunlu waterfall is included in the Perge Aspendos and Side tour program from Antalya, but from July and August until the first rains there is almost no water in the waterfall, and therefore Manavgat waterfall is visited instead of Kursunlu waterfall in the tour program.
Visiting Hours Summer Term: 08: 00-19: 00 | Visiting Hours Winter Period: 08: 00-18: 00
Duden Waterfalls: A Natural Wonder in Antalya
Düden waterfall is 10 km away from Antalya city center, and is among Antalya settlements. Duden waterfalls, which almost every holidaymaker wants to see, is known as Alexander the great waterfall and the upper Düden waterfall.
Visiting Hours Summer Term: 08: 00-19: 00 | Visiting Hours Winter Period: 08: 00-18: 00
Exploring the Lower Duden Waterfalls in Antalya
Make your way up to the Duden Waterfalls, one of Antalya's most popular spots of natural beauty. Located near the city center, you can cross the Duden River via a bridge connecting Main Land and Clifftop Park.
The walk up is worth it: witness powerful cascades that form three tiers of thundering falls and discover an unprecedented landscape surrounded by lush greenery.
Tünektepe Hill: The Best View of Antalya
Tünektepe is within the boundaries of the city of Antalya, and is a 530 altitude hill on the Kemer road. You can reach Tünektepe by cable car and there is a cafe that rotates 360 degrees above. Here you can take a panorama for astonishingly beautiful landscapes.
Aspendos Theatre: A Wonder of Ancient Architecture
Aspendos ancient theater is 46 km away from Antalya, on the east side of Antalya, on the road from Antalya to Side and Alanya.
Located in the ancient city of Aspendos, Aspendos ancient theater is famous for being the best preserved Roman theater not only of Anatolia but of the whole Mediterranean world.
The city of Aspendos tried to resist Alexander the Great through fraudulent methods, but in the end, they accepted the defeat and accepted the tax debt with the famous horses and gold raised in the city.
The heyday of the city is undoubtedly the Roman Empire period, when the famous theater and waterways were built. You can see the ancient city of Aspendos and the ancient theater of Aspendos on our Perge, Aspendos and Side tour departing from Antalya.
Antalya Museum - The Best Museum in Turkey
The Antalya Museum is one of the largest museums in Turkey and is home to a vast collection of artifacts from the region's history. The exhibits include ancient Roman and Greek artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Ottoman Empire.
Antalya Aquarium: The Largest Tunnel Aquarium in the World
The Antalya Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is home to over 40 different exhibits. You can see everything from sharks and stingrays to tropical fish and sea turtles.
Tahtali Mountain Cable Car: A Scenic Ride to the Top of the World
Olympos cable car substation is near Kemer and 61 km from Antalya. The cable car ride from the lower station at 800 altitude to Tahtalı Mountain at an altitude of 2365 meters takes approximately 11 minutes.
You should experience the 360-degree magnificent view on the top of Tahtalı mountain. The summit is under snow in the winter months, the cable car runs also in the winter. How about playing snowballs at the top?
You can have a great time in the panoramic cafe located at the summit. We have a daily tour from Antalya for the Tahtali mountain with Olympos cable car.
Is Tahtali mountain by cable car tour possible from Antalya and Lara?
Yes, In the summer season it s everyday but in the winter it s Wednesday and Saturday.
Olympos: The Ancient City of Fire and Water
Olympos ancient city is 80 km away from Antalya. There is a long Çıralı beach in front of the ancient city of Olympos, and this is the place where the caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs.
There are many small boutique hotels and pensions, and tree pensions in the town. Yanartaş (Mount Chimaera) is about 5 km from here.
Mount Chimera: The Eternal Flames of Turkey
Yanartaş Mount Chimera, which has been an eternal fire for centuries, can be reached from the parking lot with a half-hour trail walk (1400 meters). Yanartaş is 230 meters above sea level.
Is there any tour organised to Mount Chimera from Antalya?
Unfortunately no any tour is organised from Antalya to Olympos and Mount Chimera. You can go there by a private tour, taxicab or a public transportations (to central bus station and then to Çıralı by a public bus)
Phaselis: The Ancient City of Lycia near Kemer
The ancient city of Phaselis is within the boundaries of Kemer town, 60 km from Antalya. It is known that the ancient city was founded by the Rhodesians in the 7th century BC.
The portraits, agoras, and ship descriptions of the ancient city on city coins show that Phaselis was a large commercial port. The ancient city has been a city of welfare that lasted for 300 years from 43 BC and the Roman period.
There is no organized tour from Antalya for the ancient city of Phaselis, but we take a break for both swimming and lunch in Phaselis bay during our boat tour from Antalya.
And during this break in our boat tour, you can visit the ancient city of Phaselis. The ancient city visiting is provided by a zodiac boat from our tour boat and is payable.
Side: A Journey Through Time to the Ancient City and Apollo Temple
Side ancient site is 75 km away from Antalya. It is known that the ancient town of Side was founded on the peninsula called Selimiye today, in the 7th century BC.
Side was the most important port city of Pamphylia in ancient times. Magnificent ancient structures can be seen at every point of Side.
Temple of Apollo in Side, Turkey: History and Architecture
Apollon temple, Ancient theater, Agora and Side museum are places to see in Side. The architectural structure of the ancient theater of Side is the same as the ancient theater in Rome, Italy, and this style of ancient theater architecture is not seen anywhere else in the world.
Is there any tour organised from Antalya to Side and Apollon temple?
Yes, Perge, Aspendos and Side tour is run from Antalya three days a week in the summer and less day in the winter. On this tour ancient town Side is visited. You can see the tour program and details at the web page of the tour, please click here.
Exploring the Majestic Manavgat Waterfalls
The Manavgat waterfall is 82 km away from Antalya and is located on the Manavgat river passing through the town of Manavgat. It is visited by thousands of people every day during the summer.
There are 3 options for visiting Manavgat waterfall from Antalya; By participating in Manavgat bazaar and river boat tour departing from Antalya, Perge, Aspendos and Side tour program departing from Antalya, or you can go by private tour or your own transportation.
Top Things to Do in Antalya
Some top activities to do in Antalya include visiting the historic Old Town, exploring the Antalya Museum, taking a cable car up to the top of Mount Tahtali for stunning views, visiting the Düden Waterfalls, and relaxing on the beaches of Lara and Konyaalti, and following activities:
Antalya Rafting in Koprulu Canyon: A Thrilling Adventure
Antalya Quad Safari: Off-Road Adventure in the Taurus Mountains
Pamukkale Day Tour from Antalya with Hierapolis & Cleopatra Pool
Antalya to Cappadocia: A 2-Day Itinerary
Antalya Scuba Diving: Discover the Underwater World of Turkey
Antalya Jeep Safari - Discover the Beauty of Turkish Countryside
Mount Tahtali Cable Car: A Must-Do Experience in Antalya
Discovering the Hidden Gem of Green Canyon in Turkey
Antalya Boat Trips & Tours: Explore the Mediterranean Sea
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Antalya's coastline is by taking a boat tour. There are many tour operators offering Antalya day trips along the coast, with options ranging from short trips to full-day excursions.
You'll get to see stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the city's famous cliffs and waterfalls. Some tours even include stops for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
Land of Legends Turkey: A World-Class Theme Park
Beach Horse Riding: A Unique Experience for Horse Lovers
See more at: Vigo Tours web site
Antalya City Tour - Discover the Best of Antalya
During your Antalya holiday, you can take a tour of Antalya city and see many important points of this attractive city.
In this tour you will experience the following attractions of Antalya; the famous upper Duden waterfalls, 360 degree Antalya panorama from Tünektepe mountain at 530 altitude with Tünektepe cable car,
Old Town, called Kaleici (inner castle) in Turkish, and the ancient marina of Antalya, The republic square surrounding the ancient marina, and Antalya bazaar, 1 hour boat tour from Antalya ancient marina, and lower Düden waterfall.
Exploring Antalya's Old Town (Kaleici) and Ancient Marina
Is Antalya city tour run everyday?
Antalya city tour is run every day with 2 different tour programs:
1- About 1 hour Antalya island boat tour is included (Everyday)
2- Tünektepe cable car, and a 1-hour boat tour from the ancient port in the old city are included (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday)
Is Pamukkale and Cappadocia tour possible from Antalya?
Yes both is possible. Daily Pamukkale tour from Antalya is run everyday except Wednesday and Saturday. 2 Day trip to Cappadocia is run from Antalya everyday except Tuesday and Friday.
The operations of Pamukkale and Cappadocia trips are run in less days during winter season.
Are there any guided trips from Antalya to Istanbul?
Yes, there are guided tours available from Antalya to Istanbul. These tours typically include transportation and guided sightseeing tours of Istanbul's top attractions. Vigo Tours offers a guided tour from Antalya to Istanbul in English, German, Polish and Russian.
The Best Areas to Stay in Antalya, Turkey
Some of the best areas to stay in Antalya include the Old Town (Kaleici), Lara Beach, Konyaalti Beach, and Belek. Each area offers its own unique attractions and accommodations, so it's important to consider your preferences and budget when choosing where to stay.
1. Old Town (Kaleici)
Old Town, also known as Kaleici, is a popular area to stay in Antalya. It is a charming and historic neighborhood with narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and ancient ruins. There are plenty of boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments to choose from, and you'll be within walking distance of many attractions, including the Antalya Museum, Hadrian's Gate, and the Old Harbor.
2. Lara Beach
Lara Beach is a popular tourist destination in Antalya, known for its long sandy beach and luxury resorts. If you're looking for a beach vacation, this is the place to be. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. You'll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the area.
3. Konyaalti Beach
Konyaalti Beach is another popular beach area in Antalya, located west of the city center. It is a long pebble beach with crystal-clear water and stunning views of the Taurus Mountains. There are plenty of hotels and apartments in the area, as well as restaurants, cafes, and shops. You'll also be close to attractions like the Antalya Aquarium and the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
4. Belek
Belek is a resort town located about 30 kilometers east of Antalya. It is known for its high-end golf courses and luxury resorts. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation with plenty of amenities, this is the place to be. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops. You'll also be close to attractions like the Aspendos Theatre and the Kursunlu Waterfall.
5. Olympos & Cirali
Olympos is a small village located about 80 kilometers southwest of Antalya. It is known for its natural beauty, including a stunning beach and a nearby canyon. There are plenty of guesthouses and bungalows to choose from, as well as restaurants and cafes. You'll also be close to attractions like the Chimera Flames and the ancient city of Olympos.
6. Side
Side is a resort town located about 70 kilometers east of Antalya. It is known for its ancient ruins, including a Roman amphitheater and a temple of Apollo. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops. You'll also be close to attractions like the Manavgat Waterfall and the Green Canyon.