Antalya is called the Turkish Riviera because many celebrities and wealthy patrons visit there, just like the Riviera near Cannes.    It has beautiful beaches but it is really known for its archaeological sites.  There have been important digs here that have yielded artifacts from centuries ago.  There are things that happened in this area that have been mentioned in the Christian Holy Bible and that is pretty impressive.  Also, legendary people have had ties to this area like Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Chimera which is a mythical creature, St. Nicholas, who was the inspiration for Santa Claus, and other real and mythical characters. 

Where exactly is Antalya in Turkey?

Antalya sits on Turkey’s southwestern coast, right where the Mediterranean Sea meets the base of the Taurus Mountains. This prime location not only gives it stunning natural scenery but also made it a strategic hub throughout history—contributing to its deep archaeological and cultural significance.   

Is it safe in Antalya Turkey ?

Yes, Antalya is considered one of the safest destinations in Turkey for travelers. Despite occasional political developments in certain regions of the country, Antalya has remained peaceful and welcoming. It is a major hub for international tourism, and local authorities prioritize the safety and comfort of visitors. Tourist areas like Kaleici, the Old City Marina, beaches, and historic sites are well-patrolled and have strong infrastructure in place. Travelers commonly report feeling safe and relaxed while exploring the city and its surroundings. As with any global destination, staying aware and practicing common-sense safety is recommended, but Antalya continues to offer a secure and enjoyable travel experience.

Is Antalya worth visiting?

Absolutely!  So many historical events took place in this region that yielded historical sites such as Hadrian’s Gate, Kaleici and Perge City among other interesting places.  Antalya is known as one of the top two tourist attractions in Turkey and is visited by tourists from all over the world.

What is the best time to visit Antalya?

Antalya’s spring is from March to May and its autumn is from September to November.  These are the best season to visit Antalya since, the remaining part of the year is hot and dry and the winters are very humid. 

How many days should you spend in Antalya ?

We have done a survey on people who visited Antalya Before . The result is 3 days . Three days is generally enough to explore Antalya’s top highlights without feeling rushed. On Day 1, most travelers spend time exploring Kaleici (Old Town), visiting Hadrian’s Gate, and relaxing at the Old City Marina. Day 2 can be dedicated to natural wonders like the Duden Waterfalls and a scenic boat tour or cable car ride. Day 3 is often spent visiting historical sites such as Perge Ancient City or enjoying a full-day adventure like ziplining, rafting, or a boat trip to Suluada Island.

What are the top things to do in Antalya?

Where do we begin?  First, let’s talk about transportation.  Antalya offers electric bike tours of various sites.  You can rent a bike for four hours.  There are also bus and aerial tours.  Here are the top tourist favorites: 

Duden Waterfalls 

It is one of Antalya’s best known attractions.  It contains 3 beautiful waterfalls that fall right into the Mediterranean Sea. For a more immersive day, some full-day guided tours include Duden Waterfalls, a scenic boat ride, a ride on the Olympos Cable Car, and a walk through the Old City—all in one.

Kaleici 

aka Old Town is “frozen in time” because it was totally isolated for so many years and contains buildings and relics from the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman cultures dating back to the 1700s and 1800s.  It is just cool to see the mix from these cultures manifested in this area. While exploring this charming district, you can also join a hands-on mosaic lamp or candle workshop nearby—an ideal one-hour creative break in a historic setting.

Perge Ancient City

Perge was mentioned in Actors 14:25 in the Christian Holy Bible as a place that was visited by Saint Paul.  The artifacts found in this area go back to the 3rd century so it is OLD.  They have cool stuff like an ancient stadium, Roman baths and other great sites. 

Antalya Muzesi 

Translates into “Antalya Museum”.    It is the largest museum in Turkey and exhibits over 12,000 artifacts.  In the prior paragraph, I said that this area is OLD and it is just cool to see how people lived back then. 

Old City Marina 

This is right next to Kaleici and sits on the Mediterranean.  You will see fisherman coming back from the sea with their daily catches.  You will also see huge yachts, so the diversity in this area is interesting.   

Antalya Aquarium 

Since Antalya sits right next to the sea, you know it has to have an aquarium, and it does!  The Antalya Aquarium is the biggest tunnel aquarium in the world, with a length of 131 meters and a width of 3 meters.  It houses an interesting array of species in its 40 aquariums and the tunnel aquarium.  Our favorite are the dolphins . . . we love the dolphins.  It also has an area called the Snow World and Ice Museum where people have snowball fights regardless of how hot it is outside.

Hadrian's Gate 

Hadrian’s Gate is a stunning historic ruin that dates back to 130 AD. It was built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit during that same year.    It is also one of the main entrances to Kaleici.

Antalya’s Bazaar 

if you really want to see Turkish life in action, visit the Bazaar.  It is a very colorful and aromatic place where vendors offer all things Turkish.  You can choose from a diverse collection of food, clothes and crafts.  The vendors expect you to “haggle” or negotiate so go for it and get the lowest price that you can. 

Suluada Island Excursion

From Antalya or nearby Kemer, visitors can hop on a 7-hour small-group boat tour to the pristine island of Suluada. With lunch included, this is a perfect way to explore hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear waters, and unwind along the Mediterranean.

Evening Entertainment at The Land of Legends

For a magical evening, consider attending The Land of Legends Night Show. This 8-hour experience includes a spectacular water and light show, shopping, and entertainment, and is accessible from Antalya, Kemer, or Alanya.

Adrenaline-Packed Outdoor Day

Adventure lovers can enjoy a thrilling combination of ziplining, rafting, jeep tour, and quad biking in the stunning natural landscape surrounding Antalya. This 5-hour experience also includes lunch and is perfect for those who want a day of action.

Day Trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

If you're up for a longer day, there are 14-hour guided trips that take you to the breathtaking white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Meals are included, and the scenery alone makes it worth the travel.

What are the best places to live in Antalya?

The two most desired places to live in Antalya are Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach. 

1: Lara Beach

in Antalya Centre - Among many of Antalya’s beautiful beaches, Lara Beach is one of the best.  It consists of a diverse population, and has many bars, restaurants, beautiful scenery and events. 

2: Konyaalti Beach 

Konyaalti Beach is another top beach in Antalya.  It is also the future home of the Bogacay Marina.  Like Lara Beach, Konyaalti also has several bars, restaurants and shops.  It also has a good transportation system which allows you to visit the city centre and other attractions. 

To find the best  Antalya hotel deals, you can use our interactive and customized hotel maps.

Is Antalya good for nightlife?

Antalya’s night life is rich and diverse  with over 50 bars and clubs. You can definitely “get your party” on”.  The night is “bumping” with incredible DJs, light shows and professional dancers.   Some places are so “alive”, like the Jolly Joker, that you might need to make a reservation to get a “spot”.  Some of the places are loud and rowdy but lower key than cities like Bodrum.  There are restaurants that have live, more subdued, music in the evening, and you won’t lose your hearing.

Is Antalya good for families?

There are many “kid or family friendly” sites in Antalya, including several resorts.   Your children will not be bored while visiting the local aquarium, water parks, and there is even a toy museum .

In conclusion, you should plan to set your sights on Antalya in 2020.  It has an interesting mixture of contemporary and history.  You can go learn about the history of the various eras in Kaleici, Perge, Kaleici and Hadrian’s Gate, and then go see the fishes at the Aquarium.  Go to the mall to get your “shop” on and then end the evening, if you have energy left, at the various bars and restaurants.  You have the best of the mountains to the west and south and then you have the Mediterranean Sea to the south.  The views are incredible!  You have so many choices and there is something for everyone, including the kiddies.  The people in Antalya are so warm that they make tourists feel like fellow residents.  The population consists of native born residents as well as expats who just fell in love with the area.   It has a low crime rate and you will feel safe.  It’s a “win-win-win-win” situation. 

 As you can see, there is nonstop action in Antalya and it gives a good history lesson, too!  Let’s go! Book your flight in advance and keep an eye on AirfareWatchDog for the cheapest flight deals .