After several days of snow, cold, and slippery roads in Cappadocia, arriving in Antalya was a complete change. The warm weather, the turquoise sea, and the green mountains in the background made me feel like I had arrived in another country.
In just a few hours, I went from wearing a coat and hat to walking along the seafront in a T-shirt, enjoying the sun and the relaxed atmosphere of southern Turkey.
Antalya is a city that combines history, beaches, and good food. Its old town, known as Kaleiçi, is full of cobblestone streets, Ottoman houses, and Roman ruins by the harbor. But it also has a modern side, with urban beaches, waterfront bars, and a very different energy than other parts of the country.
It was the perfect place to change the pace of the trip and enjoy a few quieter days after so much traveling.
Table of Contents
Where is Antalya located?
Antalya is located on the southwest coast of Türkiye, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, within the province of the same name.
It is the main city of the so-called Turkish Riviera, a long coastal strip famous for its beaches, cliffs and resorts.
Its location, between the sea and the Taurus Mountains, gives it a spectacular natural setting and a temperate climate for much of the year.
It is also located about 700 kilometers south of Istanbul and about 550 kilometers from Cappadocia, making it a key stop for those traveling across the country from north to south.
The historical importance of Antalya
Antalya has a history dating back more than two thousand years. It was founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon, who was so impressed by the place that, as the story goes, he said, "This must be paradise on Earth". In fact, the original name, Attaleia, comes from him.
Thanks to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, the city was a key point for trade and maritime routes in the ancient world.
During the Roman Empire, Antalya experienced one of its most splendid periods, something that can still be seen in monuments such as Hadrian's Gate or the nearby ruins of Perge and Aspendos.
Later, it was also an important city for the Byzantines and, later, for the Ottomans, who made it a key port in the eastern Mediterranean.
Today, this blend of influences lives on in its architecture and in the atmosphere of the old town, where every corner seems to tell a different part of its past.
How to get to Antalya
Antalya is very well connected to the rest of the country.
- From Istanbul, the most practical way is to fly: there are multiple daily flights that take about an hour. It's also possible to travel by bus, although the trip takes between 10 and 12 hours, or by car, covering approximately 700 kilometers on very good highways.
- From Cappadocia, the journey is a little shorter. It's best to travel by land, which takes about 8 to 9 hours by bus, passing through mountainous landscapes and inland villages. Flights generally make a stopover in Istanbul.
- Other cities such as Ankara, Izmir or Fethiye also have good connections. From Ankara, the road trip takes about 7 hours; from Izmir, around 5; and from Fethiye, only about 3 hours, following a scenic route along the Mediterranean coast.
To organize your bus journeys, the most practical application is Obilet, very popular in Türkiye, which allows you to check schedules, compare companies and reserve seats directly from your cell phone.
Antalya Museum Pass: what's included, duration, and estimated cost
In Antalya, you can use the museum pass corresponding to the Mediterranean region (“Mediterranean Museum Pass” or “MuseumPass Akdeniz”).
What's included
- It allows entry to museums and archaeological sites managed by the Ministry of Culture in the Antalya area and nearby provinces such as Mersin, Adana and part of Denizli.
- Some of the most relevant places included are: Antalya Archaeological Museum, Perge, Aspendos, Termessos and more.
Duration
- The Mediterranean Region Pass is valid for 7 days from the date of initial activation.
Estimated cost
- The price for foreign visitors is approximately € 90 for this 7-day pass for the Mediterranean region (Antalya and surrounding areas). I recommend checking the official website for the updated price.
Is it worth getting the Antalya Museum Pass?
It depends a lot on how many sites you plan to visit. If you're only visiting one or two ruins/museums, you may pay less by purchasing individual tickets.
But if you're going to visit several of the sites included in the pass during those 7 days, you'll save time and money. I'd consider it if I'm staying in Antalya for several days and want to visit Perge, Aspendos, Termessos, and the museum without rushing.
The cats of Antalya 🐾
Like Istanbul and many other cities in Türkiye, Antalya is full of stray cats. You'll see them everywhere: basking in the sun on the walls of the Old Town, wandering among the stalls in the bazaar, or sleeping peacefully in the doorway of a shop.
Most of these cats are very well cared for. Neighbors and shopkeepers often leave them food, water, and even small houses or blankets.
In Türkiye, cats are part of the urban landscape and deeply integrated into everyday life, respected and cared for as if they belonged to everyone.
In Antalya, the cats seem to enjoy the climate and tranquility as much as any tourist who comes to relax by the Mediterranean.
Map with the main attractions to see and do in Antalya
What to see and do in Antalya
Antalya combines history, natural landscapes, and coastal life, making it one of the most complete destinations in southern Turkey.
Below, I'll tell you about the most interesting places to visit and the most worthwhile experiences during your stay in the city.
Walking Tour
A walking tour in Antalya is the best way to start getting to know the city. While it's not free, it helps you get your bearings quickly, you'll learn history and anecdotes from a local guide, and it also includes a boat ride and lunch. You can book your walking tour here.
The old town of Kaleiçi
The historic heart of Antalya is Kaleiçi, a labyrinth of cobbled streets surrounded by ancient walls. Restored Ottoman houses, flower-filled balconies, and small craft shops create a unique atmosphere.
In addition, many buildings have been transformed into boutique hotels, cafes, or restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Kaleiçi is completely pedestrianized, and can be reached on foot from almost anywhere in Antalya's modern center.
Within the Kaleiçi, some sites stand out, such as:
Old Port
The Old Port, at the end of the maze of streets, offers a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains in the background.
Today it operates as a tourist marina, but it still retains the charm of its commercial past.
Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate is one of the city's most important Roman monuments. It was built in 130 AD to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian and is the only remaining gate of Attaleia's ancient walls.
It has three white marble arches decorated with Corinthian columns and reliefs that still retain much of their original detail.
It is located right at the entrance to the old town, and can be easily reached on foot from any point in Kaleiçi.
Clock Tower
The Antalya Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the historic center and a key landmark upon entering Kaleiçi.
It is located in Kalekapısı Square, where one of the main gates of the walls that protected the city was formerly located.
It was built in the late 19th century during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülhamid II, as part of a series of clock towers erected in different cities of the empire to symbolize modernity and progress.
Fluted Minaret
Another must-see is the Fluted Minaret (Yivli Minare), with its distinctive fluted shape and turquoise tiles.
It is one of the city's most recognizable icons and part of the Yivli Mosque complex, one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in the region.
Walking along the coast and beaches
Antalya has a very pleasant coastal promenade that connects to the city's main beaches.
Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı Beach, to the west, is one of the most popular among locals and travelers.
It's surrounded by bars, restaurants, and green areas where you can relax in the shade of palm trees. It also has showers, changing rooms, and a long promenade for walking or cycling.
Also, whether you go by bus or on foot, don't miss the panoramic viewpoint (see on map) along the way.
From there you get one of the best postcards of Antalya, with the Mediterranean Sea stretching out in the background and the Taurus Mountains framing the view.
Lara Beach
The other option is Lara Beach, located to the east, known for its fine sand and luxury resorts. Easily accessible by city bus or taxi, it's ideal if you're looking for a relaxing day by the sea.
Both beaches have a Blue Flag, which guarantees clean water and excellent facilities.
Antalya Archaeology Museum
The Antalya Archaeology Museum is one of the most important in Türkiye and a must-see if you are interested in ancient history.
Its collection includes thousands of pieces found in the region's ancient Roman cities, such as Perge, Termessos, and Aspendos.
The most impressive feature is the Hall of Statues, which displays monumental sculptures of Roman gods and emperors in an excellent state of preservation.
The museum is located near Konyaaltı beach, about a 10-minute tram ride from the city center.
There are also tours that combine a visit to the museum with a historical tour of the city, ideal for those who want to better understand the region's past.
For updated opening hours and prices, you can visit the Museum's official website. It is also included in the Museum Pass.
The Düden waterfalls
Just 10 kilometers from the center are the Düden Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful natural sites in Antalya.
There are actually two: the Upper Düden (view on map), inside the city, and the Lower Düden (view on map), where the water falls directly over the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea.
You can get there by public bus (lines KL08 or VC30) or taxi, and there are also boat trips that allow you to see the waterfall cascading from the sea, a spectacular sight.
It's an ideal half-day trip, especially if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The ruins of Perge, Termessos and Aspendos
The surroundings of Antalya are full of ancient ruins that demonstrate the importance the region had during the Roman Empire.
Aspendos
It is famous for its Roman theater, considered one of the best preserved in the world. Its historic setting and strategic location in the region demonstrate the importance of this city in ancient times.
- See Aspendos opening hours and prices. Included in the Museum Pass
Termessos
It's high in the Taurus Mountains and offers spectacular views of the valley and surrounding landscape. It's less visited, making it ideal if you're looking for tranquility, but getting there requires some hiking and planning, as it's about 30 km from Antalya.
- See Termessos opening hours and prices. Included in the Museum Pass
Perge
Located about 17 km east of the city, it still has a stadium, columns, and cobblestone streets, although it doesn't look as impressive from the outside.
Of the three cities, I decided to visit Perge because it's one of the most accessible ruins from Antalya. It's easily accessible by local bus.
However, when I went, the theater was closed, and from the outside it didn't seem as big as I expected, so I preferred to save that visit to see other more notable sites in the coming days, such as Ephesus and Hierapolis.
- See Perge opening hours and prices. Included in the Museum Pass
All three ruins can be visited via organized tours from Antalya, which often combine Perge, Aspendos, and in some cases Termessos in one day, offering a convenient way to discover the Roman and Hellenistic history of the area.
Climb Mount Tahtalı on the Olympos Teleferik
One of the most unique experiences near Antalya is to climb Mount Tahtalı (the ancient Mount Olympus) on the Olympos Teleferik, a cable car that travels over 4 km and takes you from 726 meters to 2,365 meters in just about 10 minutes.
During the climb, you can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Taurus Mountains, and Beydağları National Park, perfect for taking panoramic photos.
At the top, there's a small complex with a restaurant, terrace, and souvenir shops. There are also some optional activities, such as paragliding, for the more adventurous.
From Antalya, the most convenient way to get there is via organized tours, which include transportation from the hotel and, in some cases, visits to nearby waterfalls or boat trips along the coast.
The Lycian Way
The Lycian Way is one of Turkey's most famous treks, with over 500 km of trails along the coast between Antalya and Fethiye. It passes through traditional villages, ancient ruins, cliffs, and hidden beaches, offering one of the best ways to discover the region.
I didn't get to do it because the weather was no longer good: it was the middle of December and the days in the mountains were colder and rainier.
Even so, if you're traveling in spring or summer and enjoy trekking, it's well worth planning at least a part of the route, as it's well signposted and can be done independently or with local agencies that organize specific sections.
Organized activities in Antalya
Getaways from Antalya along the Turkish Riviera
Antalya is an excellent base for exploring some of the most beautiful destinations on the Turkish Riviera, a coastal strip filled with beaches, ancient ruins, and charming villages. From the city, there are several one- or two-day getaways available, either by bus, car, or organized tour.
One of the most popular is Kas, a small coastal town with a bohemian atmosphere, ideal for diving or simply strolling through its flower-filled streets and whitewashed houses. A little further on is Kalkan, known for its sea views and hidden beaches.
There are also Cirali and Olympos, two towns that share a long beach surrounded by nature, where you can also explore the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos.
Nearby are the Chimera Chimneys, a natural phenomenon where fire bursts directly from the rocks, especially impressive at sunset.
If you have more time, a great option is to take the coastal route to Fethiye, with stops at coves and viewpoints that showcase the best of the Turkish Mediterranean.
How to get to Pamukkale from Antalya
Pamukkale, famous for its natural travertine pools and the ruins of Hierapolis, is about 240 km east of Antalya. There are several ways to get there from Antalya:
Organized tours
Many agencies in Antalya offer one-day or two-day trips to Pamukkale, including transportation, a guide, and sometimes a visit to Hierapolis. This is a good option if you want to avoid logistics and make the most of your time.
By bus
The most economical and popular option. Several companies offer direct buses from Antalya to Pamukkale, with a journey time of approximately 4 to 5 hours. They depart several times a day from Antalya's main bus terminal (Otogar).
However, there are not always direct buses to Pamukkale; The most common way is to first take a bus to Denizli and from there another local transport to Pamukkale.
I explain the details on how to make this connection better in the Pamukkale post.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis: How to Visit Türkiye's Famous White Terraces
By car
If you enjoy driving, renting a car allows greater flexibility to stop in towns or places of interest along the way. The road is in good condition and can be covered in about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
How to get around Antalya
Antalya is a fairly convenient city to explore, as most of the main attractions are close to each other, especially if you stay in the city center or in the Old Town (Kaleiçi) area.
Even so, the city has a modern and affordable public transportation network that makes it easy to travel between beaches, museums, and more remote neighborhoods.
The most practical option is the AntRay tram, which connects the airport, the city center, and Konyaaltı beach. It's quick and easy to use: all you need is an AntalyaKart, a rechargeable card that also works on buses. You can buy it and top it up at the vending machines at stations or nearby kiosks.
City buses cover areas where the tram doesn't reach, such as Lara Beach or the Düden Falls. They operate well, although they tend to be quite crowded during peak season.
For short or overnight trips, there are also taxis and app-based ride-hailing services like BiTaksi (similar to Uber).
From the bus terminal to the center
If like me you arrive in Antalya by bus, the main terminal (Otogar) is about 7 km from the city center (view on map).
From there, the easiest way to get to the Old Town or more central areas is to take a city bus or a dolmuş (shared minibus), which will drop you off near Kaleiçi or the tram station.
Although not far from the terminal there is also a tram station, from where you can easily connect to the center and Konyaaltı beach.
Where to sleep in Antalya
Antalya offers options for all types of travelers, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget hostels ideal for backpackers.
The city is mainly organized around the Old Town (Kaleiçi) and the beach area such as Konyaaltı and Lara, so choosing where to stay depends on whether you want to be close to the nightlife, the beach, or the historical sites.
If you're looking for a backpacker-friendly, social atmosphere, I recommend BE BOLD HOSTEL. This hostel is filled with travelers from all over the world, has games at night, organized outings, a garden to relax in, and comfortable rooms. It's ideal if you want to meet people and share experiences, although you have to keep in mind that there's always a lot of movement and noise due to the social dynamics of the place.
On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere but still maintain good quality, FLANEUR HOSTEL is an excellent alternative. It's very close to BE BOLD, also in the old town, but with a more relaxed pace, ideal for resting after a day of excursions or walks around the city.
What is the best time to visit Antalya?
Antalya has a typical Mediterranean climate: hot summers, mild winters, and many sunny days throughout the year.
The best time to visit is between April and June, or between September and October. During these months, temperatures are around 25°C, the sea is pleasant for swimming, and it's not as crowded as in the height of summer. It's also a great time to explore the Old Town, go on excursions, or walk without suffering from the heat.
In July and August, temperatures can exceed 35°C and the city is packed with tourists, especially on the beaches and resorts. If you go during this time, it's best to plan your visits early in the morning and leave the peak hours of the day for resting or enjoying the sea.
During the winter (November to March), Antalya is still a good option if you are looking for peace and quiet. Temperatures drop to around 15°C and there may be cloudy or rainy days, but many places remain open and prices are lower. However, it's not the best time to enjoy the beach or trekking the Lycian Way.
How many days to stay in Antalya
The number of days you should spend in Antalya depends on the type of trip you're planning and the nearby places you want to visit. To explore the old town, beaches, museums, and some nearby excursions, 2 or 3 days is enough to get a good impression of the city.
If you also want to include ruins like Perge, Termessos, or Aspendos, walks through waterfalls, or even an excursion to the Olympos Teleferik, the ideal is to stay 4 or 5 days. This allows you to enjoy each activity without rushing and take advantage of the time to walk the streets, relax on the beach, and enjoy Antalya's relaxed atmosphere.
Final thoughts
Antalya pleasantly surprised me and became one of the places where I felt most comfortable in Türkiye.
Visiting in December, I enjoyed mild weather, which was a real relief after the freezing days I spent in Cappadocia.
The city has a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to stroll leisurely, relax, and simply enjoy the views of the sea and the Taurus Mountains.
Between its old town, beaches, nearby ruins, and small natural spots, Antalya achieves a perfect balance between history, nature, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for any type of traveler.
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