Antalya, Turkey City Guide

This content was last updated on 06.02.2024 23:19

Antalya, known as the tourism capital of Turkey, is one of the indispensable destinations for summer vacations with its unique sea, pine forests, numerous historical sites, and sunny climate. The city, which you can visit all year round, hosts millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Throughout history, Antalya has been home to many civilizations, from Lycia to Byzantium, from the Seljuks to the Ottomans. You can see this historical richness all around the city and return from your vacation with new knowledge. In addition to its history and natural beauty, the city is also loved for its vibrant nightlife and cultural events. The most well-known districts of the city are Kemer, Alanya, Kumluca, Manavgat, and Kaş.

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When to Go to Antalya

In the city influenced by the Mediterranean climate, the air temperature felt during summers can rise up to 50-55 degrees Celsius, while it drops to 8-10 degrees Celsius during the winter months. In Antalya, famous for its intense rainfall and windstorms as much as its high temperatures, days are mostly warm and sunny. The weather in the city reaches its highest temperature and humidity levels between mid-July and mid-August. The lowest temperatures in winter are typically observed towards the end of January. Summer is the peak tourist season in the city. If you prefer to avoid crowds and high temperatures and want to have a vacation, the most suitable time periods are April-May and September-October.

How to Go to Antalya

It is possible to reach Antalya by both land and air. You can arrive at Antalya Terminal, located approximately 9 km away from the city center, using direct bus services available from all over Turkey. From here, you can reach the city center via free shuttle services, municipal buses, and Antray (light rail system). If you prefer a fast and comfortable option, you can choose air travel and land at Antalya Airport, located 15 km away from the city center. Antalya Airport is one of the most frequently used airports in Turkey, with frequent flights available. From the airport, you can easily reach your destination by purchasing paid transfer services or car rental, as well as using Antray, municipal buses, and paid private shuttles.

What to Eat and Drink in Antalya

As a tourist city, you can find restaurants in Antalya offering cuisine from all over Turkey and the world. Most of the famous restaurants in the city center have sea or city views. You can be sure that your eyes will also feast along with your stomach while enjoying your meal.

Antalya's local cuisine also boasts many special flavors. In this city famous for its citrus fruits, you can find jams or marmalades made from almost every fruit and vegetable, along with citrus fruits. When visiting the city, you can taste dishes such as köfte-piyaz, şakşuka, and hibeş; discover desserts like pumpkin dessert with plenty of tahini and Finike-style banana dessert. Additionally, don't miss out on trying the ice cream known as Korkuteli Ice Cream or Burnt Ice Cream, which is a must-try flavor.

Places to Visit in Antalya

Kaleiçi

Kaleiçi, a walled city within Antalya's city center, is a must-visit for anyone visiting Antalya. It's where the old Antalya houses are located. In this area, situated right in the heart of Antalya, it's impossible not to reach the sea as you walk down from top to bottom. You can enjoy pleasant walks in Kaleiçi, with its colorful historic houses, along the roads connecting to Antalya Marina. During the day, you can also shop in the shops offering various products while sitting in the restaurants and cafes, which are among the most colorful points of nightlife in the area.

Konyaaltı Beaches

When you think of Antalya, the first thing that comes to mind is its beaches stretching along the Mediterranean coast. You can safely swim in Konyaaltı, one of Turkey's longest beaches, 24/7. In Konyaaltı, which hosts both private and public beaches, you can either rent sunbeds and umbrellas to swim or simply come to the beach with your towel and swim in the same sea. You can also spend time in the cafes and restaurants located on the street side of Konyaaltı Beaches.

Düden Waterfall

Located in the Kepez district, Düden Waterfall is also a recreational area. The waterfall, which falls from a height of about 40 meters, reaches the Mediterranean Sea. Especially preferred by those who want to cool off on hot summer days, the area also has local breakfast, meat, and fish restaurants, as well as tea gardens. Although it is not possible to enter Düden Waterfall, it is recommended to take a walk in the lush green area, breathe in the fresh air, and of course, take magnificent photos.

Aspendos Ancient City

One of Turkey's most important historical sites, the ancient city was allegedly founded by the Argive colonies who came to the region after the Trojan War. The amphitheater, which is remarkable for its magnificent acoustics, still hosts opera and ballet festivals, concerts, and various shows. If you happen to come across one of these events during your vacation, we recommend not to miss it. Since it is located away from the city center, you can visit the ancient city by private car, daily tour, or taxi.

Kurşunlu Waterfall

Also known as the "Hidden Paradise," it is possible to hike and have a picnic in the forest at the entrance of Kurşunlu Waterfall. When you cross to the waterfall side, you will see stairs surrounded by ivy in the forest with every shade of green. The area, consisting of 7 small ponds, is preferred by those who want to spend a peaceful day. By following the dirt path and bridges, you can see various plants and animals on your walking route.

Antalya Museum

The museum of the city, which has a rich historical diversity, is one of the most visited museums every year. The museum displays artifacts from the Lycian, Pamphylian, and Pisidian regions, as well as showcasing the recent regional life. With peacocks wandering among the art pieces in its garden, exhibition halls spanning from the earliest humans to the present day, and the unique view of the Mediterranean Sea right across from it, the museum takes the top spot on the must-see list.

Sandland

Initially prepared as temporary exhibitions, Sandland is now a sand sculpture museum hosting works throughout the year. At Sandland, one of the world's largest sand sculpture events, you can see hundreds of giant sand sculptures. You can reach the event area, set up on the famous Lara beach, with free shuttles and municipal buses.

What to Do in Antalya

Skiing in Saklıkent

Despite being famous for its sea, Antalya also offers skiing tourism. You can ski and experience snow in Saklıkent, located on the way to Kemer, and enjoy the magnificent city view from the top. Moreover, it's even possible to ski in the mornings and swim in the sea in the afternoons towards the end of March!

Rafting and Canoeing in Köprülü Canyon

There are various activities you can enjoy in Köprülü Canyon National Park. Among the most exciting are rafting and canoeing. You can participate in these activities by choosing one of the many water sports centers. For rafting and canoeing, which offer full-day and half-day options, you can also arrange transfers, meals, and equipment needs at these centers.

Cable Car to Tahtalı Mountain

You can take a pleasant cable car ride to the summit of Tahtalı Mountain, which is 2365 meters high. You can trek on numerous hiking trails in the area, follow climbing routes, or even paraglide. If you prefer a quieter day, you can enjoy a meal with plenty of oxygen while admiring the city view.

Olympos Ancient City

Olympos, accessible from Antalya Terminal by Kumluca cars, is famous for its sea, ancient city, and treehouses. You can enter Olympos Ancient City for a fee or with a Museum Card. After visiting the ruins of the ancient city, you can also enjoy the nightlife of the area where you can swim.

Boat Tours from the Marina

Antalya Marina, accessible via the elevator in Cumhuriyet Square or by exploring Kaleiçi, offers boat tours suitable for every taste and budget. During full-day tours, you can swim in the open sea during swimming breaks, participate in music and entertainment, and contests. If you prefer, you can also join sunset tours to visit the point where Düden Waterfall flows into the sea and watch the sun set over the sea.

Entertainment

In addition to being a tourist destination, Antalya, as a major city, offers a rich nightlife with a variety ranging from live music to concert venues, nightclubs to specialized pubs, continuing year-round. You can spend time in restaurants and cafes in Kaleiçi, Lara, and Konyaaltı districts, as well as enjoy until the early hours of the morning at the famous Inferno Club in Kemer.

For those looking to have fun with their families, they can visit Aktur Lunapark, Konyaaltı Kent Meydanı, and Karaalioğlu Park located in the city center. Additionally, parties held at private beaches also offer DJ performances and parties day and night.

What to Buy

The city, which has numerous shopping venues, has the most affordable shopping center, Deepo Outlet Center, located on the airport road. Additionally, you can find everything you are looking for in large shopping malls located throughout the city.

For authentic products and clothing shopping, there are stores in Kaleiçi and Işıklar Avenue. If you want to visit a market area and buy local products, you can visit Çakırlar Market to buy fresh produce, pickles, jams, village bread, and more. Don't forget to visit the famous breakfast places in Çakırlar as well.

Festival

Golden Orange International Film Festival: The first edition of the festival took place in 1964 and is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Asia and Europe. The festival, which opens with a procession of artists touring the entire city each year, lasts for a week. Throughout the week, there are film screenings, discussions, and autograph sessions. The festival concludes with a grand award ceremony where the award statue is a golden Venus holding an orange, which you can see in every corner of the city.

Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival: Being Turkey's first opera and ballet festival, the event is held at the ancient Aspendos Amphitheatre. Both art lovers who want to watch the performances from around the world and the performing artist teams participate in the festival. The last performance of the shows held in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient theater is the Gala Concert.

Book Fairs: Antalya is known for its importance given to culture and arts. Therefore, each municipality in the city organizes its own book fair. These fairs, held in different seasons, include autograph sessions, publisher stands, author-reader meetings, and workshops for both children and adults.

Runtalya Marathon: Starting in 2006 to contribute to winter tourism and create a difference in Turkish tourism, the marathon is held in the city center. From the public race to the professional race, the marathon held in various categories hosts colorful scenes.

International Theater Festival: Organized by Antalya State Theatres, the festival hosts many local and foreign theater groups every year. In addition to theater, musical, and dance performances, workshops and discussions are also held during the festival. Most of the events of the festival, aimed at easily bringing art to the public, are free, and tickets for the performances are sold at reasonable prices.

Municipal Festivals: Antalya's central and district municipalities, including the Metropolitan Municipality, Kepez, Muratpaşa, and Konyaaltı Municipalities, organize various festivals and fairs throughout the year. The most up-to-date version of this calendar, which changes every year, can be found on the municipalities' websites. There is a festival to appeal to every interest, from music to sports, dance to agricultural fairs. You can also visit these festivals, which attract the attention of domestic tourists with concerts, discussions, workshops, and shopping areas.

Transport

Antalya is one of the easiest places for urban transportation. With buses, Antray (Light Rail System), and the nostalgic tram, you can reach anywhere in the city. Especially during the summer months, despite the increased car traffic, it can be easier to rent a car to reach some distant locations. It is easy to reach the city center from the airport and the terminal via public transportation, and transfer services are also quite common in the area.

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