Founded almost two millennia ago, Antalya boasts a rich heritage, including ancient archaeological sites, charming Ottoman buildings in the historic Old Quarter, a nearby Roman amphitheater, and fascinating Termessos, an ancient city set in stunning natural beauty. Tourism arrived here in the 1970s, but Antalya is still a hub for independent travelers looking for individual experiences of the country and its peoples. The contrasting city districts give everything from traditional festivals, events, and authentic local eateries, to buzzing nightclubs, bars, and a great selection of beach activities.
Key attractions
The massive curve of Konyaalti Beach, backed by soaring peaks and forests, is a major draw during the summer months, and exploring the city's Roman, Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures and architecture makes for a fascinating experience. Film, folk music, opera, and ballet festivals, as well as the September Antalya Festival itself, mix with street musicians and delight visitors, and the prize-winning Antalya Museum tells you all you need to know about this amazing city. For families who enjoy theme parks, the Aqualand water park is a must, the city's Luna Park has endless fairground rides, and the Aquarium boasts the world's largest tunnel tank.
Having fun
Dining options in Antalya will please even the fussiest eater, with the cuisine here delicious and surprisingly cheap, and the service genuinely friendly. Seafood - straight from the nets and costing far less than in most other Mediterranean holiday hubs - is king. Antalya's summer nightlife is as lively as any night owl would wish for, whether in the bars in the Old Quarter or in the beach clubs along Konyaalti's Beach Park. The licorice-flavored raki is the traditional drink in tree-shaded garden bars and is best enjoyed slowly and carefully. Strong, grainy coffee is served in tiny cups in the nargile (water pipe) bars, the traditional street markets are a joy to wander, and atmospheric live music at night is the norm.
Shopping
Shopping in the Kaleici old quarter's narrow, winding streets is fun, especially after you've explored the touristy northern area. The city's huge malls are found on Kontaalti and Lara beaches, with the largest, Terra City, a warren of shops selling everything from fashions and leather goods, to electronics at good prices. The city's street markets are well worth a wander for people-watching as well as bargain-hunting, and Turkish kilims carpets are a favorite buy. Visitors should take note that genuine antiques cannot be taken out of the country.
Nearby
Other coastal seaside resorts sit both to the southwest and the southeast, with Kemer and Alanya favorites. Pamukkale's UNESCO-protected travertines and Roman ruins of Hieropolis can be reached by tourist bus in 3 hours from Antalya, and are well worth the visit. Further Roman city ruins can be witnessed at Perge and Aspendos, which boast incredibly well-preserved Roman theaters.
Our recommendations in Antalya
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Delphin Palace - All Inclusive
Located in Antalya's Lara neighborhood, Delphin Palace - All Inclusive is on the Strip and on a private beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach, while Jolly Joker Antalya and Kaleici Museum are cultural highlights. Traveling with kids? Consider The Land of Legends, or check out an event or a game at New Antalya Stadium.
Hotel SU & Aqualand
Located in Antalya, Hotel Su & Aqualand is in the city center and near a private beach. Old Bazaar and S'hemall Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Antalya Aquarium and Antalya Aquapark and Dolphinland. Traveling with kids? Consider Minicity and Aktur Lunapark.
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Lara Barut Collection - All Inclusive
Located in Antalya's Lara neighborhood, Lara Barut Collection - All Inclusive is in a shopping district and on a private beach. Jolly Joker Antalya and Kaleici Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit S'hemall Shopping Center and Old Bazaar. The Land of Legends and Antalya Aquarium are also worth visiting.
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Swandor Hotels & Resort Topkapi Palace - All Inclusive
Located on a private beach, Swandor Hotels & Resort Topkapi Palace - All Inclusive is in Antalya's Lara neighborhood. Garden of Tolerance and Perga are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include The Land of Legends and Butterfly Park Antalya. Traveling with kids? Consider Antalya Aquapark and Troy Aqua and Dolphinarium.
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Titanic Beach Lara - All Inclusive
Located in Antalya's Lara neighborhood, Titanic Beach Lara - All Inclusive is near the airport and on a private beach. The Land of Legends and Antalya Aquarium are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit S'hemall Shopping Center and Old Bazaar. Antalya Aquapark and Dolphinland and Butterfly Park Antalya are also worth visiting.
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Delphin Diva Premiere Hotel - All Inclusive
Located in Antalya's Lara neighborhood, Delphin Diva Premiere Hotel - All Inclusive is near the airport and on a private beach. S'hemall Shopping Center and Old Bazaar are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lara Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider The Land of Legends, or check out an event or a game at New Antalya Stadium.
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Concorde De Luxe Resort - All Inclusive
Located on a private beach, Concorde De Luxe Resort - All Inclusive is in Antalya's Lara neighborhood, an area with good shopping. Kaya Eagles Golf Club and National Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach. Traveling with kids? Consider The Land of Legends and Butterfly Park Antalya.
Sealife Family Resort Hotel
Located in Antalya, Sealife Family Resort Hotel is in the city center and near a private beach. Old Bazaar and S'hemall Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's popular attractions can visit Antalya Aquarium and Antalya Aquapark and Dolphinland. Traveling with kids? Consider Aktur Lunapark and Minicity.
Delphin Imperial - All Inclusive
Located in Antalya's Lara neighborhood, Delphin Imperial - All Inclusive is in the city center and on a private beach. Clock Tower and Garden of Tolerance are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include The Land of Legends and Antalya Aquarium. Traveling with kids? Consider Butterfly Park Antalya and Antalya Aquapark.