Antalya is a Turkish resort town with an old harbour full of yachts and beaches surrounded by large hotels. It is a gateway to Turkey's southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast because of its azure waters. There are ruins dating back to the time when Antalya was an important Roman port.
Among them are Hadrian's Gate, built in honour of the Roman emperor's visit in 130 AD, and the 2nd century Hidirlik Tower, overlooking the harbour.
The region of Antalya has over 600 kilometres of beaches and is one of the main provinces and also one of the most visited and touristy in the country.
10 Places to visit in Antalya
1. Antalya's Old Town
The Old Town of Antalya is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province of Antalya. It was a centre of settlement from the 4th century BC to the present day and, with its architecture, narrow streets and impressive atmosphere, offers visitors a historical journey.
2. Ters Ev Antalya Aksiyon Parki
The Inverted House Action Park, which gives its visitors the sensation of walking on the roof, altering their balance and perception, renews its concept every year in order to take different photographs. The action park welcomes local and foreign tourists and photography enthusiasts who want to live this unforgettable experience with its interesting, surprising and intriguing non-standard entertainment concept.
The Reverse House Action Park, where you will capture perhaps the most original images in your album, is among the must-see places in Antalya with its shocking atmosphere where everything is turned upside down, pushing the boundaries.
3. Panoramic Lift of Antalya
The panoramic lift was inaugurated in Kaleiçi in 2014 and its aim is to facilitate access for all visitors, especially those with special needs, from the main street level to the harbour in the old town, as well as enjoying the panoramic views. During your short journey up or down, you can enjoy a marvellous panoramic view of the old town and the Gulf of Antalya.
4. Hıdırlık Kulesi and Antaliiskaya Fortress
The structure, 14 metres high, consists of a circular tower erected on a square pedestal. It was built in the 2nd century AD, initially with only the lower floor. Its main function was to protect the old town, given its privileged location overlooking the cliffs of Antalya, facing the sea. Today it has become a lookout point with one of the best views of the sea in Antalya.
5. Hadrian's Gate
Just off Atatürk Boulevard, you'll see the impressive three double arches of the gates, which were erected in 130 to celebrate the visit of Emperor Hadrian. Legend has it that in ancient times, the Queen of Sheba passed through the middle arch on her way to Aspens and spent a happy night with King Solomon. With the exception of the columns, the arch is made of white marble and is richly decorated.
6. Clock Tower
Antalya's clock tower (Antalya Saat Kulesi) is another historic building located within Kaleici. It was originally built as a bastion in the 9th century, but was converted into a clock tower in 1901 during the Ottoman Empire. Its clock was given as a gift by German Emperor Wilhelm II in the same year.
7. Lyrboton Kome Antik Kenti
The ancient settlement, which is around 2,000 years old, is situated on a hill in Varsak, from where you can see the sea, the Bey Mountains and the red-haired forest. The historic town, where you can watch the sunrise and sunset, is built on a 452,000 m2 site. Antalya's first archaeological site will serve as a tour of the ancient city, where excavations continue uninterrupted.
8. Antalya Waterfalls
In addition to the rocky Duden Falls, which fall into the sea, there are two more waterfalls on the outskirts of the city, fed by the largest river in southern Anatolia, which are the Kurşunlu Falls and the stunning Karpuzkaldiran, the largest in the region.
9. Lara Cumartesi Pazari
A market where you can breathe in the genuine Turkish air and culture. A place where you feel like you're standing in history and time. Used for selling fruit and vegetables and other household products, as well as footwear and clothing.
10. Beaches in Antalya
Antalya is famous for its beaches. Konyaalt, because it has a promenade the entire length of 9 kilometres and the sea water is crystal clear. There are sports centres, skate parks, parks, esplanades and beach clubs.
We'd also like to highlight the beaches of Sarısu Kadınlar, Lara and Fener
How to get There?
🚉 Antray Tram: The most direct service from Terminal 1 is provided by the modern T1A high-speed tram line. This connects the airport to the historic centre and the main bus station (Otogar). Especially if you're travelling from the centre, be aware that there are also T1B trams on the route, but these go to the Expo terminal and avoid the airport. They run every 17 minutes.
🚍 Bus: Buses 600 and 800
Bus lines (unlike trams) go to all terminals. Line 600 goes to the historic centre and the Otogar bus station with a frequency of 60 minutes (journey time 45 minutes).
Line 800 runs to the Lara neighbourhood (near the beach) and past the Düden waterfall to the southern end of the historic centre, with a frequency of 75 minutes.
The bus stop at Terminal 2 is opposite the departures terminal, while the bus stop at Terminal 1 is on the far right, opposite the domestic terminal, and is marked with the letter D.
🚖 Taxi: Despite being more expensive than other types of transport, Taxi is a more personalised answer for those trying to get to hotels in the Antalya area or other parts of the city.
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