Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a beautiful city with a wealth of things to see and do. The Turkish Riviera is not known as the Turquoise Coast for nothing. Whether you come for the beautiful beaches, the plethora of historical sights, or the magical waterfalls that dot the landscape, Antalya is sure to leave you with lifelong memories of an amazing trip.
Exploring the historic center is a wonderful way to learn about the city, and settling down to sip a Turkish coffee while the world goes by is an experience in heaven. This wonderful city steeped in history will not only introduce you to Turkey today, but also to the richness of the civilizations that have passed through this corner of the world over the centuries.
Rising above the west side of Antalya, Tunek Tepe is a huge hill that offers an impressive view over the city, the Gulf of Antalya and the coast that meanders into the distance.
One of the best ways to get to the summit is by cable car up the slope. There is a restaurant at the top as well as a nightclub if you want to dance the night away in a place to remember. If clubbing isn’t your thing, Tunek Tepe is still worth a visit just for the magnificent panoramas it offers.
Located about ten kilometers east of the historic center, Lara Beach is a lovely place to just sit back and relax while soaking up some rays. The Mediterranean Sea lingers on the shore as you bask in the sun. It is a peaceful place with plenty of tourist facilities so you can easily have a drink or sit down to eat in one of the nearby restaurants.
The Old Marina is located in a pretty little picturesque bay surrounded by rugged cliffs and is full of boats floating on the turquoise waters. With many small cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront, it’s an atmospheric place to stop by. Small, winding streets meander away from the marina.
Once the main economic center of Antalya, today it is the perfect place to have a coffee or a meal and overlook the beautiful landscape. From here you can also take a boat trip and explore the nearby Turkish coast.
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The Yivli Minaret is one of Antalya’s most recognizable landmarks, towering over its surroundings. It is an elegant monument that brilliantly displays Seljuk architecture. Yivli is part of the 13th-century mosque that is still in use today. It is located in the historic center.
From the top there are beautiful panoramas over the red roofs all around. Yivli means “fluted minaret” in Turkish and is 38 meters high. Today it houses the Antalya Ethnographic Museum , where you can discover many ancient and interesting artifacts.
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The Kursunlu Waterfalls, around 12 kilometers from Antalya, are located in the nature park of the same name and are worth a visit. The water originates in the Aksu River and sweeps across the landscape before pouring into the pretty turquoise pool that lies below Kursunlu.
Green vegetation surrounds the pool and the wall of water only adds to the perfect scene. A secluded and quiet place, lots of wildlife and it almost feels like you are in a fairy tale. This is the perfection that is shown.
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One of the largest aquarium complexes in the world, Antalya Aquarium is as educational as it is entertaining. The 40 themed aquariums are sure to be a fun day out for the whole family.
With the longest tunnel aquarium in the world for you to enjoy, there is absolutely so much to see and do. The tropical reptile house is also worth a visit. In addition, a snow world and an ice museum are part of the complex. You can throw snowball fights and play around in the icy wonderland.
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Perched on the slope of Mount Solymos at an altitude of over 1000 meters, the ancient city of Termessos is spectacular. With breathtaking views of the surrounding area and the distant Taurus Mountains, exploring the well-preserved ancient buildings and remains of Termessos is a magical experience. The colonnaded street and the agora are just two of the many highlights.
Neither Greeks nor Lycians , the inhabitants were Pisidians , savage and prone to war. Its remote location allowed it to maintain its independence in the face of invading armies. This is partly why the site is in such good shape.
With a beautiful open air theater, visitors to Termessos will never be disappointed with all the incredible sights they have seen.
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This fantastic pebbly beach is located to the west of the city and stretches for seven kilometers. It’s a great spot if you want to sit back and relax in the sun. There are plenty of cafes, snack bars and restaurants nearby if you’re feeling pucky, and Antalya Beach Park just beyond offers plenty of shady spots if you want to retreat from the sun.
With the spectacular Beydaglari Mountains providing a beautiful backdrop in the distance, Konyaalti Beach is the perfect place to simply enjoy the scenery while lazing by the sea. If you’re feeling a little more active, you can try jet skiing or visit the Aqualand water park just a stone’s throw away.
Located just 15 kilometers from Antalya, Perge is an amazing archeological site that you just have to visit. The former capital of Pamphylia was founded around 1000 BC. Founded in 300 BC and there are a variety of incredible ruins to explore. The stunning Roman theater is the highlight of many trips.
In addition to the huge number of crumbling buildings, half-ruined temples and crumbling columns to be seen everywhere, Perge also has an amazing chariot racing stadium for you to check out. In its heyday it could hold 15,000 spectators.
There are remarkably few tourists considering how epic it all is, allowing you to step back in time and imagine Perge in all its glory.
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The Archaeological Museum of Antalya is one of the finest museums in all of Turkey and houses a huge collection of artefacts from the city and the surrounding area that is not to be missed.
History buffs will love the extensive archaeological sections with impressive mosaics, silver jewelry and beautiful statues from Perge and Byzantium. The exhibitions span more than five thousand years of history and contain amazing ruins and artefacts from the Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Aspendos has to be seen to be believed. Although it is around 40 kilometers from Antalya, it is definitely worth the trip for the amazing sight that greets you.
One of the top tourist attractions in Turkey, the wonderful Roman Theater of Aspendos is incredibly well preserved and was built around 155 AD. Perched on a hilltop, the huge entrance towers over you as you enter. The mind is amazed at the size and scale.
Outside the theater there are a number of other ruins to explore such as B. those of a basilica, an aqueduct and an agora. The undoubted highlight is the wonderful theater that attracts people from all over the world.
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Hadrian’s Gate is equally impressive and dramatic. It is a fantastic monument built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who visited Antalya in 130 AD. The triumphal arch is remarkably well preserved and still serves as one of the main entry points to the historic Kaleici district.
The three arches are lined with columns and there are some beautiful carvings on the ceiling to look out at. Two ancient towers perfectly frame Hadrian’s Gate on either side. While the old defensive walls still surround much of the city, Hadrian’s Gate is the only surviving entrance gate.
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The Duden Waterfalls are about 12 kilometers from the city center and are beautiful to behold. The group of them is very popular with both locals and tourists.
Originally from the Taurus Mountains, the water flows through the karst landscape around Antalya before dramatically plunging into the Mediterranean Sea at the Lower Duden Waterfalls.
While the lower falls are best viewed from aboard a boat, the upper falls make a lovely picnic spot. You are in a picturesque little canyon. Here you can actually venture into a cave behind the waterfall, which is a mesmerizing experience as the water pours off the overhang of the cliff in front of you.
The historic center of the city is dotted with charming old Ottoman villas and beautiful monuments and buildings from the Roman and Byzantine eras. As such, Kaleici is an absolute delight to wander around; The martial streets are the perfect place to get lost and just enjoy all the sights and sounds of Antalya.
With a variety of restaurants, shops and atmospheric cafes, there is plenty to see and do. There are also a number of lovely little art galleries to visit. Amidst the narrow streets are impressive buildings such as the 18th-century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque and the elegant Kesik Minaret, while life revolves around the picturesque main square.
For many visitors, Kaleici is the highlight of their trip. It is not to be missed if you want to experience the heady mix of contemporary and traditional Turkish life.
14 Amazing Things to Do in Antalya
Here is the list of 14 Amazing Things to Do in Antalya. You will be enthusiastic!
Tunek Tepe
Lara Beach
Old Marina
Yivli minaret
Kursunlu Waterfalls
Antalya Aquarium
Termessos
Konyaalti Beach
Perge
Archaeological Museum of Antalya
Aspendos
Hadrian’s gate
Duden waterfalls
Kaleici
