Türkiye · Turkish Riviera

Antalya

Turkish Riviera gateway — Kaleiçi old town, Konyaaltı Beach + all-inclusive resorts

Antalya is the capital of the Turkish Riviera — the historic Kaleiçi (old town), 12 km of Konyaaltı Beach, Roman ruins at nearby Aspendos + Perge, and the springboard to Belek, Side, Alanya + the coastal resorts stretching east.

Airport
Antalya AYT — Türkiye's 2nd busiest
From Istanbul
1h flight
Best season
April-June + September-October
Beach
Konyaaltı (12 km) + Lara (long sand)

Antalya highlights

Kaleiçi old town

Ottoman-era pedestrian old town — Hadrian's Gate, Yivli Minaret, boutique cave hotels.

Konyaaltı Beach

12 km pebble beach west of the city — the main Antalya swim spot.

Antalya Museum

One of Türkiye's finest archaeological museums — Perge sculptures, Lycian sarcophagi.

Düden Waterfalls

The Lower Düden falls dramatically into the sea — coastal park + boat tours from the marina.

Aspendos ancient theatre

Best-preserved Roman theatre in the world — still hosts opera + concerts in summer.

Perge ancient city

Roman-era ruins — colonnaded streets + stadium — 15 km east.

Kekova sunken city

3h drive west — Lycian ruins partially submerged. Kayak or glass-bottom boat tour.

Getting there

Antalya Airport (AYT) is 13 km east — Türkiye's 2nd busiest. Direct flights from most European cities, Russia, Middle East. Airport bus + Havas shuttle to city.

Getting around

Antray tram (T1) runs east-west along the coast + through old town. Buses + dolmuş minibus. Uber not available — use taxi apps like BiTaksi.

Best time to visit

April-June + September-October (warm + not crowded). July-August is 35°C+ but peak beach season.

Budget per day

$40-70 backpacker · $100-200 mid-range · $300+ luxury all-inclusive (Belek resorts)

Where to stay in Antalya

Frequently asked about Antalya

How many days do I need in Antalya?
4-5 days — day 1 Kaleiçi + Antalya Museum, day 2 Konyaaltı Beach, day 3 Aspendos + Perge, day 4 Düden Falls + Kekova day trip.
When is the best time to visit Antalya?
April-June + September-October — warm but not overwhelming. July-August is 35°C+ + peak Russian/German tourism.
Antalya vs Bodrum — which is better?
Antalya has better ruins + old town + Turkish Riviera all-inclusive resorts. Bodrum has more nightlife + prettier Aegean coast + yachting. Different vibes.
Is Antalya safe?
Very safe. Türkiye's biggest tourist city. Standard vigilance in busy areas.