Antalya is the capital of the Turkish Riviera — the long, turquoise stretch of Mediterranean coast that draws millions each year. But it’s far more than a beach resort. At its heart sits Kaleiçi, a walled old town of Ottoman mansions and a Roman harbour, and within an hour’s drive lie waterfalls, gorges and ancient cities that rank among Turkey’s best.
Here are the places worth building your trip around.
- Region
- Mediterranean
- Best seasons
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Old town
- Kaleiçi
- Don't miss
- Aspendos
Kaleiçi — the old town
Begin in Kaleiçi, where narrow lanes of restored mansions spill down to a horseshoe harbour. Walk through Hadrian’s Gate, a marble triumphal arch from AD 130, past the fluted Yivli Minaret to the harbour for a boat trip along the cliffs. It’s the most atmospheric corner of the city and best explored slowly on foot.
The Düden Waterfalls
Antalya is one of the few cities where a waterfall pours directly into the sea. The Lower Düden Falls drop off a cliff into the Mediterranean — best seen from a boat — while the Upper Düden Falls tumble through a park you can walk behind. The Kurşunlu Falls nearby make a shady forest escape.
Ancient cities nearby
The countryside around Antalya holds some of the best-preserved classical sites in the world:
- Aspendos — a Roman theatre so intact it still hosts performances today.
- Perge — a vast Greco-Roman city of colonnaded streets and a stadium.
- Termessos — a dramatic mountain-top city the armies of Alexander never took.
Beaches & the coast
In the city, Konyaaltı (pebble) and Lara (sand) are the main beaches, both with clear water and the Beydağları mountains as a backdrop. For quieter swims, head west along the coast toward Kemer and the cove beaches of the Lycian shore.
Antalya in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Antalya
3The Kaleiçi old town and Hadrian's Gate, the Düden waterfalls, Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, the Antalya Museum, and the ancient cities of Aspendos, Perge and Termessos.
Late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer warm sea and lighter crowds than the hot, busy summer.
Absolutely — the Kaleiçi old town, the Antalya Museum and the nearby ancient cities make it a rich cultural destination as well as a beach base.