Antalya is a city in southern Turkey and the capital of the province of Antalya. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, known as the Turkish Riviera. In 2019, it welcomed over 13 million tourists.
The old town, Kaleici, sits on a steep cliff overlooking an ancient port that has since been transformed into a modern marina. The area is famous for its pristine beaches and lively nightlife, making it a great place to relax or party with friends while soaking up the sun by day or dancing under the stars by night!
Day 1
How to get to Antalya
If you are coming to Antalya, you will want to arrive at the very modern and well-equipped airport. It is only 10km east of the city centre. This means you can go straight into town after collecting your luggage. There are also many tourist information offices and car rental agencies at the airport. So you can get what you need without wasting time. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines fly to/from Istanbul several times a day (70-120 TL one way). So it's easy to get there from France.
You can also get to Antalya from Istanbul by plane or bus. Antalya's otogar, or bus station, is located 4 kilometres north of the city centre. It consists of two main terminals. These are Şehirlerarası Terminalı (intercity terminal) and Ilçeler Terminali (provincial terminal). Both are connected by a footbridge to a park. The intercity terminal is in front of you when you enter the otogar. The provincial terminal is behind you.
In fact, the intercity terminal serves long-distance buses and is on your right as you enter the building. The provincial terminal is connected to the neighbouring towns of Side and Alanya. It is on your left as you enter the building.
Perge
If you are looking for a trip back in time, Perge is the place to go. Perge is the ruins of an ancient city in Antalya, Turkey. It is one of the oldest cities in Anatolia and was once considered one of the richest cities of antiquity. It was also home to one of the most organised Roman cities, the remains of which are still visible today!
The ruins include baths, four fountains, colonnaded streets and avenues, an agora (market place), two basilicas (public buildings), Hellenistic towers, gymnasiums (buildings for sports and physical education), a theatre and a stadium. The walls are still standing too!
It is famous for both its architecture and its marble carving skills from ancient times. Many scientists were also born here: Apollonius, an ancient mathematician and astronomer, and many others who have made important contributions to science today!
How to get to Perge?
Perge is located 17 kilometres from the centre of Antalya. You can get there by bus or by car, but we recommend the latter as it is faster and easier. Here's how to get there: From the centre of Antalya, take the AC03 bus to the Aksu district. It takes about an hour to get to Perge with this bus.
If you are driving yourself, after arriving in Aksu from Antalya, follow the signs to Perge until you reach a gendarmerie unit on your left - about 2km away. It takes 20 minutes by car to get there from Aksu. Then continue to follow the road in front of the gendarmerie until you see a sign for "Perge" (you will see it as soon as you turn onto this road).
Aspendos
Aspendos is one of the most popular historical attractions for tourists visiting the "Turquoise Coast" of the Turkish coast. The theatre on site is one of the greatest architectural remains of the Roman Empire and anyone who visits it will be delighted.
Try to come during the summer months. This is when this incredible building hosts an annual opera and ballet festival. This is a great opportunity to experience the amazing acoustics of the theatre.
How do I get to Aspendos?
It is possible to get from Perge to Aspendos, but you have to come back to the main highway and take the small bus to Serick.
Here you have to wait for a small bus that goes to Serick. The latter is the closest town to Aspendos. This bus will cost you 7tl and will take you to Serick. It will drop you off just as it leaves the highway. The bus garage is on the other side of the road. You can catch the next bus down the main road (Ataturk Cd). But if you want to explore Serick itself, just get off at the main square of Serick.
The bus to Aspendos leaves every hour. It is bus number 10 and costs 2tl. Be prepared for a beautiful, but long half hour journey to the ruins. You can also continue your journey to Aspendos by car following the road signs.
Day 2
Tour of Side
Once you arrive in Side, you will have plenty to do. First, visit the ancient village of Side. This is a place where time stands still. This historic town of ancient structures and beautiful beaches is only an hour away from Antalya or Alanya.
You can travel back in time by walking through this pedestrianised town. In fact, there are 29 different structures to visit. The most popular Hellenistic and Roman ruins include: the theatre, the temple of Apollo, the state agora, the city gate, the bishop's palace and the basilica. The crushed stones have been protected by a layer of glass. By walking over the ancient remains without damaging them, you will bring the past to life!
Beach or Waterfalls, the choice is yours
Then, after having lunch in one of the several restaurants in the small town, you can spend some time at the beach. In fact, during the endless blue-sky summer months, European travellers flock to the town to bask on the sands of the many beaches along the coast.
The closest, and most popular, stretch of sand, however, is in the city. East Beach is a lively place, full of sun loungers, restaurants and cafes, and offers everything you need to spend an afternoon in relaxation mode.
If you're looking for a bit more action, you'll also find water sports here.
If you're looking for a picnic spot away from the beach, head to the Manavgat waterfalls. They are located about 13 kilometres north-east of Side and can be reached via the Manavgat River.
The falls are surrounded by a beautiful garden and are very popular with locals and tourists on sunny weekends. Try to visit during the week if you prefer the site to be less crowded. You can walk to the falls via a network of footbridges to get close-up views of this dramatic scene. The roar of the water makes for an amazing soundtrack!
How do I get to Sidé?
If you are looking for the quickest and easiest way to get from Antalya to Side, hop in a taxi. These taxis cost between 750 TL and 950 TL and take 52 minutes to reach their destination. Is there a direct bus between Antalya and Side? Yes, there is a direct bus that runs daily between these two cities. It's not too expensive either - the fare is only 250 TL!
If you want a more comfortable ride, why not rent a car instead? You'll find many rental companies in Antalya and Side. They'll deliver the car directly to your hotel door, so you don't have to worry about parking or navigating the public transport systems when you arrive.
Day 3
Myra
Myra is a small town in the Demre district of Antalya. It is famous for its St Nicholas Church. The construction of the latter dates from the 4th century. It was built under the order of the Bishop of Myra. The church maintained its reputation throughout the Middle Ages. The church is considered sacred for many believers today. In addition, it is believed that Father Christmas was born here.
Myra is also home to the Acropolis. The latter is located just above the rock tombs and the theatre. No significant remains have survived in the acropolis. But there are two Lycian necropolises (rock tombs) carved into the vertical sides of the Myra cliffs. The tombs were often carved in the shape of a temple façade with pillars. They look like little houses! One tomb called "The Lion's Tomb" is particularly famous because it has a relief depicting a scene from the person's life. The shape and features of these tombs indicated the status of someone buried there; some even had reliefs on their buttocks depicting scenes from their lives!
How to get to Myra?
The cheapest way to get from Antalya to Myra is by bus. It costs between 10 and 20 euros and takes 2 hours 31 minutes. It will take you to Demre, and from there you will take a taxi to Myra. If you are looking for the fastest way to get from Antalya to Myra is by taxi. The latter costs between 80 and 100 euros and takes 2h 14m.
Kekova Island and its sunken city
After exploring Myra, you can visit the island of Kekova. You have probably heard of Kekova, the "Caravola" of Greek mythology. It is a small, idyllic island off the coast of Turkey and a popular stop for those exploring the Mediterranean by boat.
The island was once home to a thriving community, but is now uninhabited. The only way to explore this protected island is by water. In fact, if you go, you'll want to do so with a barge or kayak so you can get up close and personal with Kekova's beautiful waters.
Tersane Bay at the northern end of the island is a popular anchorage, as is Karaloz Bay at its southern end. You can also swim in crystal clear waters with your friends or family here!
Kekova's popularity also stems from its proximity to the Lycian Way (a hiking trail), which takes adventurers through some of Turkey's most beautiful beaches and coves, including the rocky site where an ancient city once stood. This city has been lost beneath the waves since around 2000 BC, but with good conditions and excellent visibility, visitors can still see its ruins just below the surface of the crystal clear water.
How do I get to Kekova?
You can get to Kekova by hiring a boat or taking a boat trip from the village of Demre, Kaş, or Üçağız.
Day 4
Ancient town of Termessos
If you are looking for a way to get off the beaten track, Termessos is for you. This site is located in the Güllük Dağı National Park. In fact, it is only 30 km from Antalya, in the south of Turkey. Admittedly, it's a bit out of the way, but well worth a visit.
The site itself is well preserved and relatively untouched, so it's worth a visit even if you don't know much about ancient history!
And although it's not as easy to get to as some of the other major tourist sites in Turkey, once you're there it's well worth it. You'll have to climb 1,000 metres from the entrance gate to reach the site itself, but once you're there... wow! You can explore for hours and with a cafe and museum at its entrance, you don't have to worry about running out of things to do before you come back down. The site opens at 8.30am and closes at 5.30pm daily; admission costs 5 Turkish Lira per person.
How to get to Termessos
To get to Termessos, you have the option of taking a taxi or a private driver. The journey will take about an hour and will cost between TLR 150 and 250. If you choose a taxi, you are advised to negotiate the price before getting into the vehicle.
There are also buses that leave from Otogar (Antalya's main bus station) and take you to Termessos Junction, which is about 9km from the site. Taxis can be found there but will often charge a supplement. In summer, there may be taxis at the entrance to the national park but these are more available outside the summer months.
Duden Waterfalls
The Duden Waterfalls are among the most visited sites in central Antalya, and it's easy to see why. It is an impressive and captivating part of the river that stretches 10 kilometres from the north of central Antalya to its south-eastern coast.
The Duden waterfalls are very picturesque. The fresh waters of the river flow from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and present a picturesque natural beauty to its visitors. The waters divide into two plateaus called Upper Duden Waterfall and Lower Duden Waterfall.
Upper Duden Waterfall
The Upper Duden Waterfall is very impressive. In fact, visitors will feel like they are part of a paradise when they visit this site. The waters here flow 15 metres high, forming a beautiful natural pool 20 metres wide. You can spend peaceful moments here with the green forests around you, the birds singing and the sound of the waterfalls flowing in unison.
According to legend, Alexander the Great visited this area and watered his horses; some people call this area 'Alexander's Cascade'. You can also find several places with wooden benches where you can enjoy a picnic with your family or friends.
How to get to the Upper Duden Waterfall
The Upper Düden Waterfall is located in the district of Varsak, within the district of Kepez. To get there you can take the Varsak Minibus from Antalya city centre. Another option is to get there with the municipal buses number VC30, CV17A, VL62, VF66, VC69, 524, and 524A.
Lower Duden Waterfall
The Lower Duden Waterfall is a 40 metre high waterfall where the waters of Upper Duden meet the Mediterranean Sea. The waterfall is located near the centre of Antalya and offers a spectacular view of the sea from its vantage point.
The speed at which the water flows over the rocks here forms beautiful panoramic views of the ocean.
Many residents and tourists come here to spend a great day admiring these breathtaking views, taking photos and walking in the park near the falls.
You can also find a variety of boat trips from Antalya to also visit the Lower Duden Waterfall. Another way to see this impressive natural wonder!
How to get to the Lower Duden Waterfall
The waterfall is accessible from the centre of Antalya by bus and minibus. Bus lines KL08, LF09, LF10, and LC37 leave from Lara beach and from the city centre, Kaleiçi.
Day 5
Kemer
If you're looking for something to do in Antalya, especially if you're spending a week there, take a day to visit Kemer. First you can start by having breakfast, filling up on delicious food and learning more about a local community in Yörük Park. It is an open-air museum that tells the story of this place and its inhabitants. With its location by the sea, it is a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the traditional dishes of the Yörük people.
Kemer is also the place for you if you are looking for a seaside town with a variety of beaches. Whether you are looking for a quiet beach or a beach with lots of activities, Kemer has what you need. Head to one of these beaches after your morning at the park.
Moonlight Beach is only 10 minutes away from the centre of Kemer. This 300 metre long sandy beach is shaded by palm trees and offers plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors.
Beldibi offers 5 kilometres of golden sandy beaches and various resorts nearby. Kiriş, Çamyuva, Adrasan and Alacasu Paradise Bay also await you with their natural environment and beautiful beaches in Kemer.
Phaselis Bay is one of the best beaches near the ancient city of Phaselis. You can also combine your day at the beach with a visit to Chimaera in Çıralı (Çıralı Peninsula). Olympos also has an impressive bay where you can visit the ancient city of Olympos.
How to get to Kemer?
There are several means of transport available to take you from Antalya to Kemer. You can take the city bus number 600. You can also take a minibus or go for a pleasant 45-minute boat ride from Antalya to Kemer. Finally, it is possible to rent a taxi or a car and drive yourself to Kemer for more comfort, but also more money.
Boat trip to Phaselis
If you're in the mood for a bit of history, the ancient town of Phaselis is a great place to visit. Not only is it a historically rich site, it is also a beautiful national park to enjoy on a sunny day.
It is located in the Tekirova district of Antalya. The ancient city of Phaselis is a natural beauty where you can discover historical ruins at the foot of the pine trees.
Phaselis was one of the most important cities in Lycia. The Roman ruins preserved on the site are now used as beaches and its three harbours were once part of an ancient city. The distance between ancient Phaselis and Antalya is 61 kilometres (38 miles). Tourists usually combine their visit to Phaselis with visits to Yanartaş and Olympos.
Day 6
Jeep Safari
If you're looking for a different and exciting way to experience Antalya's beautiful scenery, look no further than our jeep safari tour!
On this trip we will take you through the forested hills of the Taurus Mountains near Antalya in our 4×4 Landrovers. We will take winding dirt roads through villages where nomadic families live, and stop at a local house and mosque. In the village, you can see how the nomads live and meet friendly locals in their traditional clothes.
Next stop: Uçansu waterfall. You will be able to refresh yourself and admire its beauty. Afterwards, we will stop for lunch in a country restaurant before returning to town! Your guides will keep things lively throughout the trip, so even if you tire of the Antalya heat, you'll still get a taste of real Turkish village life. If you want to see more than just the touristy city of Antalya on your trip, this is an experience not to be missed!
Day 7
Scuba Diving
If you are looking to learn to dive or just want to get out on the water, Antalya has it all. The city is known for its clear waters, beautiful beaches and rich marine habitats which make it one of the best places in Turkey for diving. Around 1,000 people dive here every day, and we were told that you can see all sorts of marine creatures such as sea turtles, lionfish, octopus and endemic species of the Mediterranean. In Greek mythology, it is also possible to see posidonia (herbaceous plants) named after Poseidon, the 'God of the Sea'.
Antalya welcomes visitors with its 640 km of waterfront and 222 dive sites. People come here to learn to dive as well as to receive training from companies offering tours or courses. For those of you who already know how it works: You can do it with the help of a driving instructor!
The reason why Antalya is famous for being one of the most popular tourist sites for scuba diving is its ecosystem. In addition, clear waters and many types of species that live in the Mediterranean Sea and are also visited by the Red Sea.
What to do in Antalya: FAQ
What languages are spoken in Antalya?
In Antalya, Turkish is the official language. But the number of people who speak English, German and Russian is very high. If you speak one of these languages, you can communicate without any problems in hotels, shops or transport.
What currency is used in Antalya?
The currency in Antalya is the official currency of Turkey, the Turkish lira. You can easily exchange foreign currency at the exchange offices found in Antalya's city centre and surrounding areas. It is possible to spend money in hotels and retail outlets in euros, dollars or pounds sterling.
Is the traffic in Antalya smooth?
Traffic in Antalya is on the right-hand side. Most traffic signs are on the right-hand side of the road, where drivers can see them. In addition, Antalya is one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities. So we advise you not to rely too much on car traffic in the city centre. But having a car is very favourable for exploring the area.
