OVERVIEW
The coastal city of Antalya is one of the most famous destination in Turkey. It is home to luxurious resorts, beautiful beaches, and a range of activities to cater to every kind of crowd. With hot and sunny summers and breathtaking turquoise coast, Antalya is a year round destination. Following are our top picks on the best things to do in and around Antalya.
LIST
1. Stroll around the Old Town (Kaleiçi) and Old Harbour
- The maze-like city center of Antalya, also known as Kaleiçi, was made for strolling. Taking a small walk through the narrow streets you will find pretty cafés, picturesque boutiques, bazaars, and the Old Harbour where you will find yachts looking out to the Mediterranean. You can come here to watch the sunset while you sip your drink, or take a boat trip into the Mediterranean, or just swim and lay on the sun kissed beach.
- You can also visit Yivli Minare, also called Ulu Mosque, which is one of Antalya’s most distinctive landmarks. This is a 14th-century mosque and is still in use today.
2. Relax in the Pamukkale Hot Springs
Distance from Antalya(one-way): 250 KMS, Approx 3.5 hours drive- Pamukkale, meaning ‘cotton castle’ in English, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous terraces which look like cotton or ice, are naturally made of travertine which was left by flowing water. This place has been a natural bathing spot for centuries. The water in these natural pools comes from hot springs due to which the water is always warm and full of minerals.
- If the whole experience doesn’t already seem relaxing enough, there will be hot air balloons flying above the terraces while you relax in the natural pool.
- If you are into history, the town of Pamukkale also houses Hierapolis, the famous “sacred city” which is known as a holy land due to the numerous religious sites and monuments that are contained within it. Very little is known about this very well preserved Roman ruin which makes it all the more mysterious and fascinating to explore. Particular sites of interest in Hierapolis include the necropolis, the roman baths, and the Apollo temple.
3. Visit the Ancient City of Perge and Aspendos
Perge:
The ancient city of Perge is a fascinating archaeological site. This site contains numerous ancient ruins dating back to the Roman period. The fascinating ruins include Roman gates, Roman baths, a gigantic amphitheater, city walls and more. Many of the fountains and columns, fountains found here dates back to the Bronze Age. We recommend taking a guided tour to understand the history better.Aspendos:
This famous historical site is situated on the banks of the Köprüçay River. It is mainly famous for the Roman amphitheater which dates back 155 AD, just imagine! You can admire this fascinating beauty by walking up to its steps and checking out its galleries, which are still in use today.
4. Chase Jaw-Dropping Natural Waterfalls
- The city of Antalya is surrounded by numerous pretty waterfalls.
- The Upper Duden waterfalls, which is located 20km away from the city centre contains a beautiful park filled with pine trees, small lakes, and lush greenery.
- Alternatively, the Kursunlu waterfalls, which also is 20km away from the centre, is also located within a beautiful public pine forest. The lakes are filled with sea turtles and interesting marine life.
- If you are looking for something within Antalya city, go to Lower Duden waterfalls . This is the best waterfall in Antalya and offer very pretty views of the Mediterranean coast and Antalya bay.
5. Visit the Resort Town of Side
Side is basically a pretty small version of Antalya. If you have already seen the whole Antalya city and you just want to do a day trip to a pretty beach town offering gorgeous sandy beaches, traditional markets, and a large selection of stores, bars and restaurants, this is the place you want to visit.
6. Take a boat trip on the Green Canyon
Distance from Antalya(one-way): 100 KMS, Approx 1.5 hours driveThe Green Canyon is basically a very beautiful dam lake surrounded by the very pretty Tauras mountains. The overall reflection of colors from the surroundings make the Water in the lake look green, thus the name. You can choose to cruise in this lake and just soak in beautiful panoramas. Or you can also take a dip!
7. Do Rafting at Koprulu Canyon
Distance from Antalya(one-way): 85 KMS, Approx 1.2 hours driveThis is one of the most exiting activities to do around Antalya. The Köprülü Canyon National Park (also easily accessible from Side) is one of the most popular white water raftibg destinations in Turkey. The Canyon has a bluish green water and dramatic high cliffs which makes it perfect rafting destination.
8. Experience a bird’s eye view of Antalyas Coastline
Distance from Antalya(one-way): 20 KMS, Approx 30 mins driveThe Tahtali mountain is just 70 KM drive away from Antalya. The mountain offers a scenic cable car peak to reach the top. The peak is 2365m above sea level. The cable car offers breathtaking panoramas as you look out to the sea and the lush green hills beneath you. The view of the Antalya coastline from the top of the mountain is probably one of the best around Antalya. Click here to book your tickets here.
9. Go on a jeep safari in the mountains and bathe in a waterfall
This activity is a little offbeat. This tour basically takes to the muddy roads around Tauras mountains. You can spend some time in the small villages on the way. You can stop at Ucansu Waterfall for a dip in the this natural pool.10. Go to the beach
- Obviously there are many beaches in Antalya. Two most famous beaches in Antalya due to its close proximity to the city center are Konyaalti Beach and Lara Beach.
- Lara beach is popular for its soft white sand and good family-friendly facilities, There are also. numerous cafés and restaurants around it. There are also plenty of option for water sports like jet-ski rentals, paddleboards etc.
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
