Travel to Antalya

Enjoy the sunny Turkish Riviera on holidays to Antalya, a modern city still dotted with Ottoman houses and ancient Roman temples. Get happily lost along the old town’s narrow alleyways lined with art galleries and quaint cafes serving Turkish tea. When it’s time for outdoor adventures, hike to waterfalls, zip around on jet skis and set sail along the shimmering coastline. 

Antalya holiday highlights

Karaalioglu Park
Karaalioglu Park
© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Ancient Rome

Built for a visit by the Roman emperor in AD 130, Hadrian’s Gate is the monumental entrance to Kaleici (Old Town). It’s worth getting up at dawn for crowd-free photos of the triple arches and marble columns. Or wander down to Karaalioğlu Park to see Hidirlik Tower. Set aside time during your holiday in Antalya to see one of the world’s most intact Roman theatres, Aspendos, just a 40-minute drive away.

Beach hopping

Antalya’s Lara Beach features all-inclusive resorts with trendy beach bars serving cocktails straight to your spot on the beach. There’s an entrance fee to swim beneath the ancient Old Town walls at petite Mermerli Beach, but admission covers a sunbed and a truly unique view. Take day trips to Kemer for water sports at the marina and see Roman ruins in the forests around Phaselis Beach.

Sunsets and waterfalls

For cheap holidays to Antalya, it’s free to wander along the waterfront at Karaalioglu Park and enjoy the best views of the city’s golden sunsets. Near Lara Beach, the Lower Duden Waterfall drops dramatically from the cliffs into the ocean. Drive or take a tour to see the Upper Duden Waterfall after a short stroll through the lush forest.

Antalya: Know before you go

Language

Turkish

Currency

Turkish lira (₺)

Time zone

UTC+3 (TRT)

High season

June – August

Low season

December – February

Find the best time to go to Antalya

Weather in Antalya

April – May: With little rainfall and warm temperatures, spring is a pleasant time to visit without the crowds of the summer high season. The water is generally warm enough to swim in by May.

June – September: Antalya experiences hot, dry summers with almost constant clear skies and temperatures often creeping above 30°C. This is the perfect season to hit the beach.

October – November: Autumn in Antalya is marked by warm days with comfortable swimming weather and chilly nights. Be prepared for rain in November.

December – March: This is the rainy season here, with about a 30% chance of rain in December and January. But there are still plenty of sunny days, and temperatures remain mild.

Events in Antalya

Sand Sculpture Festival (May to October): Taking on a different theme each year, the Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival draws professional sand artists to Lara Beach. Their intricate creations can be seen at the Sandland Museum — while they last.

Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival (September): The 2,000-year-old Roman theatre of Aspendos hosts a programme of local and international opera and ballet performances for two weeks each year. The acoustics are so good, it’s said that a coin dropped on the stage can be heard from the galleries.

Kaleici Old Town Festival (October): Celebrating connections between living ancient cities around the world, this four-day event features concerts, dance performances, poetry readings, workshops and panels.

We scan 100 billion prices, so you don’t have to

Compare prices to bag a cheap holiday to Antalya

Book your holiday to Antalya, all in one place

The best neighbourhoods in Antalya

Kaleici

This neighbourhood is where to stay to see the old Ottoman houses with wooden bay windows and to explore historic landmarks. Wander the maze of narrow lanes to buy Turkish rugs and antiques. Tour boats and mega yachts bob in the Roman Harbour at the base of the hill. Reach the neighbourhood via an exciting glass elevator ride from busy Republic Square.

Good for: History, souvenir shopping, dining

Lara Beach

Due to the abundance of themed hotels, this area is often described as a seaside Las Vegas. It’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Antalya to indulge in luxury resorts where you’ll step from the swimming pool to the sand. Shop for designer fashion and start your nights with creative cocktails at stylish beach clubs. Families will also love the soft sand and banana boat rides across the calm waters of Lara Beach.

Good for: Beach, designer shopping, water sports

Konyaalti Beach

With clear water and views of the Taurus Mountain Range, Konyaalti Beach is ideal for lazy days in the sun during. But there’s plenty to do in this family-friendly resort town. Hire bikes to explore the wide promenade and stop at playgrounds and snack stands along the way. Perhaps the biggest draw for families with kids is Waterhill water park with kamikaze slides and a wave pool.

Good for: Families, water slides, beach

Things to do in Antalya

Lower Düden Waterfalls
Lower Düden Waterfalls
© Copyright Thomas Bekker.

Family friendly things to do

When the kids spot the giant Ferris wheel at Aktur Park, good luck trying to go anywhere else. There’s no entrance fee, so visit multiple times and pay per ride for roller coasters and carnival games. Pack a picnic to enjoy near the rock pools of Kursunlu Waterfalls. One of the most popular things to do with family in Antalya is ride the Tunektepe Teleferik (cable car) for panoramic views.

Shopping

Brush up on your bargaining skills (start at half the quoted price) at the Old Bazaar in Kaleici or set aside a day for shopping in Antalya at Manavgat Market after a pleasant drive overlooking the ocean. Both spots deliver aromatic spices, Turkish eye amulets and colourful ceramics. Escape the heat at TerraCity shopping centre or the gigantic Mall of Antalya near the airport. 

Take in the culture

You’ll need a few hours to explore the Antalya Archaeology Museum, with sculptures of Roman emperors and Neanderthal skeleton fragments. Discover Turkish folk culture at Suna & Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum. Buy a government-issued Mediterranean MuseumPass for easy access to multiple museums.

Nightlife

For many, nightlife in Antalya starts with a stroll around the marina, where Roman history blends with upmarket bars and dazzling sunsets. Then it’s time for after-dinner drinks in Kaleici’s pubs and neon-lit discos. If you’re at Lara or Konyaalti beaches, take your pick of chic nightclubs or relaxed beach bars. Looking for dance floors full of foam and unlimited drinks? Arrange an evening on a party boat leaving from the marina.

Places to eat

It’s easy and cheap to fill up on scrumptious street food such as feta-stuffed ‘gozleme’ (flatbread) and syrupy ‘lokma’ (donuts), but leave room for Turkish feasts in atmospheric restaurants in Antalya. Kaleici is full of them, including the renowned Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant located in an Ottoman house. Reserve a table on the terrace at 7 Mehmet for city and ocean views with traditional and global cuisine.

Free things to do

Pack your hiking boots for one of the best free things to do in Antalya: trekking along fantastic trails. Walk a section of the famous Lycian Way from Geyikbayiri Village or follow the lake path at Doyran Goleti. Photograph the striking Yivli Minaret Mosque — enter for free outside of prayer times. You can spend hours at Karaalioglu Park admiring the Hidirlik Tower, statues and unforgettable views.

Plan your holiday to Antalya

Budget

It’s easy to have a cheap holiday in Antalya. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about 330 Turkish liras (₺). You can enjoy a cappuccino for around ₺111 and a local beer for around ₺150. A short taxi ride will set you back about ₺125. But you can always hop on a bus or tram for even less.

Day trips from Antalya

The Kursunlu Waterfall is a tranquil escape about a 30-minute drive northeast from the city centre. And the Perge Ruins are only a short drive from the falls. For more ruins, drive or catch a bus about 90 minutes south of Antalya to see the Olympos Ruins. Take your swimsuit and cool off at Olympos Beach after a day of exploring.

Getting around Antalya

Buy an AntalyaKart to use the city’s buses and trams. Top it up at station vending machines and download the app for route information. The tram is especially easy when travelling with kids, as it runs from Konyaalti Beach to Kaleici. Hail taxis or find them at many designated ranks. Though tours and buses are available for day trips, hiring a car offers more flexibility.

FAQs about Antalya holidays

The wettest month is January, which gets an average rainfall of 24 cm. But don't let a drizzly day ruin your Antalya trip — there's still loads to do indoors like indulging in retail therapy, visiting museums, or enjoying a long lunch.
The warmest month in Antalya is July, when temperatures peak at 35ºC (95ºF).
Turkish is what you'll hear most around here. From everyday greetings to playful local lingo, you're sure to pick up some new phrases during your city break in Antalya.
In this resort city designed with tourists in mind, holidays to Antalya are generally considered safe. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, so watch your belongings in crowded places and don’t leave valuables in hire cars.
During your trip to Antalya, you'll be using the Turkish lira (TRY) for all your spending. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash for more flexibility when paying.
The airline you prefer, where you leave from, and the time of year you go can influence the cost of a city break in Antalya. Prices for Antalya flights and hotels can differ greatly, but planning ahead and having flexible travel dates can help you save.
Organise your Antalya trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. 4ºC (39ºF) is as cold as it gets.
With plenty of things to do in Antalya, this popular city is always ready to show you a good time. Begin your exploration at sought-after attractions like Şehit Hava Binbaşı Cengiz Toytunç Parkı and Yıldız ticaret {tüp ve su bayii }.
Reserve your Antalya flights and hotels in May, the cheapest time of year to go based on ticket prices. With the cash you save, consider upgrading your stay or adding travel perks like extra legroom and baggage.
If your trip to Antalya is all about seeing the top sights, three to five days is enough. Consider a week or more if you want to take in every detail. Longer visits give you extra time to unwind and adjust, especially after a long-distance journey.
Antalya’s Mediterranean climate ensures its reputation as a year-round holiday destination. Peak season is summer, when it’s hot and sunny from June to August. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking in cooler temperatures. Look for deals on flights and hotels to Antalya for a visit in winter. You’ll avoid the crowds and still enjoy average highs of 16°C.

More holiday inspiration

Do I need a visa travelling from India?

Do I need a visa travelling from India?

Flight cancellations and delays: What to know about claiming compensation

Flight cancellations and delays: What to know about claiming compensation

Expert advice: Planning your first independent trip

Expert advice: Planning your first independent trip