Antalya.
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Overview

Not to be confused with Alanya, a resort 130 km further east, or with Antakya a historic city in Hatay province of eastern Turkey. Antalya is a city in Pamphylia on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and the chief resort of the "Turkish Riviera". It's a metropolis with a population of 2.7 million in 2022, the fifth largest city in the country.

Understand

The city was named after its first documented ruler Attalos II (220-138 BC), king of Pergamon, though it was obviously settled much earlier. Attalos' life and wife resembles soap opera, and his epiphet Philadelphos - "brother-loving" - hints at insecurity over how his relationship with back-from-the-dead brother and co-ruler Eumenes II might be portrayed. He based his fleet here - there were few alternatives along this exposed coast, and Attaleia (Ἀττάλεια) grew up around what's now called the Roman harbour. It never grew large as it lacked a hinterland - it's hemmed in by mountains with difficult routes to get inland, although a fertile coastal plain extends up to the east. Early visitors included St Paul the Apostle (Acts 14: 25-26) and Ibn Battuta, who in 1331 AD recorded how Christians, Greeks, Jews, and royal court each inhabited their own walled enclave, while the Muslims lived in the main body of town all within an enclosing wall.

This relative isolation meant little fighting here, but Antalya was the prize to be handed over after conquests elsewhere: to the Seljuks in 1207 and the Ottomans in 1391. After Turkey's defeat in World War I, the harsh 1920 Treaty of Sèvres handed over tracts of the country to the Allies, and Italy gained Antalya. This was reversed, and Turkey gained its present borders, by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne.

Access was improved by road building in the 20th century, but the game-changer was in the 1970s when commercial airliners could jet tourists non-stop from northern Europe, and the political environment boosted tourist infrastructure. The city burgeoned, with development either side of Kaleiçi the old town centre, but especially east along the sandy Lara beach. Effectively this strip extends 150 km until the mountains terminate the coastal plain: it's all called "Antalya area" in tourist literature, but in this guide the easterly towns of Belek, Manavgat, Side and Alanya are described separately.

Climate is of course Mediterranean. Summers are hot, sunny and humid yet rainless. Days average 30-35°C and may surpass 40°C; nights may be muggy and sticky so you want air-con.

Winters are mostly mild, punctuated by storms, downpours and strong winds. April-May and Oct-Nov are optimum conditions for sight-seeing, and the sea remains warm late into Autumn.

Get in

The latter allows for certain discounts when used more often, interchange and for some attractions. By tram – AntRay Tram 1A runs downtown from two T1 stops (domestic and international) every 15 min 06:00-00:00; it doesn't serve T2. Get off at İsmetpaşa (taking 50 min) for the old town or to transfer to Tram 2. Stay aboard another 30 min for Otogar the bus station. Coming out to the airport take Tram 1A badged "Havalimanı". Tram 1B follows the same route until Yonca Kavşak then branches off to Expo. By bus – Route 600 runs from T1 (domestic) and T2 to Otogar - so this could serve as an inter-terminal shuttle and spare you a taxi. It runs every 30 min 07:00 to 00:00 with night runs (as Route 600G) around 01:00, 03:00 and 05:00. It runs via Mevlana Cd and Adnan Menderes Blv, taking about an hour to Otogar. At T1 the stop is by the blue "D" sign next to a fig tree, usually with a scrummage of other waiting passengers. Ignore the "D" outside T1 (international), which stands for "decoy" or "dupe me". Taxi touts will converge on you, saying truthfully "No bus leaving here!" and steering you towards a taxi. Bus Route 800 runs from T1 (domestic) and T2 every two hours 06:15 to 22:15 via Barınaklar Blv in Lara (for east resort strip), cross-town to Sarısu on the west resort strip. By taxi – This is the best option for Lara resort strip, which is east of the city near the airport.

Buses from Istanbul run hourly and take 12 hours via Gebze, Izmit, Eskişehir, Kütahya, Afyon, Sandikli and Burdur. From Ankara is 9 hours, from Izmir 6, from Adana 11 and from Konya 6. A faster route from Istanbul or Ankara is to take the YHT train to Konya, which connects with buses to Antalya.

Bus lines include Metro Turizm, Pamukkale, Flixbus (who've taken over Kamil Koç) and Varan.

Frequent buses run along the coast from Alanya, Manavgat (for Side) and Belek. Operators include Alanyalilar and Güney Akdeniz, the long-distance bus lines don't serve this short route. You could also take a dolmuş.

By road From Istanbul follow O7 / O5 / O22 (toll) south past Bursa to pick up D200 east, then D650 south via Kütahya and Afyon, reckon 8 hr 30 min.

Hitchhiking outbound, the dilemma is to be far enough out to pick up inter-city vehicles, but not so far out that they can't stop. One spot northbound is the roundabout where D330 branches from D650. City buses 506 and 509 run to D330, for Denizli, Pamukkale, Aydin and Izmir. Ten buses run along D650 Akdeniz Blv, for Isparta, Afyon and Ankara.

By boat is the port of the city with a cruise terminal within.

Get around

In addition, Antalyakart is the plastic transport card you may use to get additional benefits. Buy it or reload it at kiosks along the tramway, at the airport and at the bus terminal; you probably need banknotes for this.

You can also buy disposable paper cards for rided. But these don't allow transfers, nor can they be re-loaded, but you can load a suitable amount on purchase.

Discount cards are only available for citizens with Turkish ID, who pay a little more upfront but get cheaper rides.

AntRay Line T1 runs from Fatih in the north of the city to the Otogar (transfer to Line T3), İsmetpaşa downtown (transfer to Line T2) and Meydan then northeast to Yonca Kavşak. Line T1A there forks for Airport Terminal 1, Line T1B continues out to Aksu and Expo. Trams run every 15 min 06:00-00:00.

Line T2 is a heritage line, with 1950s/60s tramcars donated by the city of Nuremberg in 1999 in gratitude for all those kebabs and factory workers. It runs near the coast from the Museum (transfer to Tram 3) east to Cumhuriyet downtown (transfer to T1) then south through Old Town to Zerdalilik. It's mostly single track with passing loops, and the project to double-track it has stalled.

Line T3, opened in 2021, starts north of the city at Varsak and runs to Kepez, swinging west to Batıgar (for Otogar and transfer to T1), Akdeniz University Hospital and the Museum (transfer to T2).

Buses go everywhere in the city, with over a dozen lines plying to the Otogar. See above for Route 600 to the airport.

KL08 is another useful line, connecting west (for the beach) and east (for Düden falls) of Antalya through the city center.

Google Maps can be a resource. The Antalyakart mobile app provides more accurate arrival times, and also has the feature of checking where the bus is.

By taxi There are taxi stands all over the city where the drivers have their base and teapot, or you can order through online BiTaksi or iTaksi. You can also negotiate with any taxi driver to be your private tour guide, or at least take you on an excursion: this might be a good option for Perge but pricey for Aspendos.

On foot City centre is walkable, and using a car or bicycle here is tiresome at best.

See

(Turkish Üçkapılar, "three gates") is a good starting point for exploring Kaleiçi the old quarter. Built in 130 AD for the visit of Emperor Hadrian, it may have been ceremonial rather than a practical thoroughfare, as it became bricked up within the city walls. This preserved it, and it was only rediscovered when the walls crumbled in the 1950s.

Fluted Minaret Mosque. Elegant six-domed mosque built under Seljuk rule in 1230 and rebuilt in 1373 by the Hamidids. The minaret is 38 m tall.

Dervish Lodge Museum opposite the mosque used to be the home of the Mevlevihane, the "Whirling Dervishes". It's open Tu-Su 08:30-17:30, free. The Clocktower (Saat Kulesi) just east of the Fluted Minaret Mosque is from the 9th century AD. Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque facing the clocktower was built in the 17th century. It's named for a military commander who was appointed Grand Vizier - prime minister - in 1595 but died ten days later. Karatay Medresi 100 m southwest of the clocktower was a religious school built in 1250. It's become populated by cafes and shops so it's only worth a brief look.

Sehzade Korkut Mosque. This was first built as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD, and in later centuries went back and forth between religions. The minaret was added in the early 13th during one such conversion, and in 1800 this was the only part to survive a fire. The mosque lay in ruins until rebuilt from 2018, re-opening in 2021.

Toy Museum (Oyuncak Müzesi) is by the harbour, open Tu-Su 09:00-18:00, free. Iskele Mosque by the harbour is compact, almost a kiosk. have pleasant views over Old Town and the sunset.

Ethnographic Museum. Exhibits traditional arts and crafts.

Hıdırlık Tower. Built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD with a square base and circular upper storey, this was a bastion and lighthouse. Its present name indicates that it's the site of Hıdırellez on 5/6 May, a religious spring festival.

Atatürk House Museum. Atatürk stayed in Antalya in 1930, 1931 and 1935. This rebuilt mansion shows memorabilia of his times.

Müsellim Mosque, 200 m north of Fluted Minaret Mosque, was built in 1796. at the corner of Ismet Paşa Cd and 403rd Sk was built in 1485. on Milli Egemenlik Cd was commissioned in 1570. It has a high dome and beautiful Seljuk calligraphy within. at the end of Değirmenönü Cd ("windmill street") was built in 1590 AD.

Antalya Museum. One of Turkey's largest museums, with 5000 items illustrating the history of the Mediterranean and Pamphylia regions. It's also a repository for some 25,000 items not on display.

Antalya Aquarium. Huge aquarium with display tanks and long viewing tunnel.

on Lara Cd are where the Düden River plunges 40 m into the sea.

Sandland. Sand sculpture park open year round, lit up at night.

Aksu Dolphinarium. Sea lions and dolphins do their splashy stuff at 11:00 and 15:00. Extra charges to swim with them or have a dolphin take a photo of you. People may wish to consider the ethics of such attractions before visiting.

are where the Düden River emerges from karstic tunnels to fall 20 m.

Antalya Zoo. Large spacious zoo park.

Tünek Tepe. A hilltop of 618 m with great views over the city and coast, reached by gondola cable car though you can drive or even hike up. The cable car collapsed in April 2024.

Perge. Extensive ruins of a city which had its heyday 2nd to 3rd century AD under the Romans. The site has a colonnaded agora, theatre, stadium, temple to Artemis and two churches.

Kurşunlu Waterfall. Woodland park, the waterfalls are impressive in flow but dry to a trickle in summer. A firm path leads you past the best views but is not suitable with restricted mobility. There are refreshment stalls and a café/restaurant.

King's Pool. An attractive pool in a canyon.

was a fortified city that had its heyday in the Byzantine era from about 680 to 820 AD. The ruins are scrappy and tumbling down the hillside.

Aspendos. Graeco-Roman city, of which the centrepiece is the well-preserved amphitheatre, seating 7000. There's also 2 km of aqueduct (which siphoned water over rises), a stadium, baths, basilica, agora and nymphaeum. 1 km downstream near the modern highway is Eurymedon Bridge, rebuilt in wonky fashion in the 13th century when the Roman original washed away.

is a small show-cave near Akbaş in the mountains above Aspendos, visited by guided tour.

Do

Boat trips leave from the harbour. Aqua parks are Waterhill opposite the Aquarium, and Park Aqua, Wet & Wild and Trendy Lara all east along Lara beach strip. Funfair – Akturpark is next to the Aquarium, open daily 18:00-02:00. You pay per ride, no overall admission charge. Football: Antalyaspor were relegated in 2026 and now play in TFF 1. Lig the second tier. Their home ground Antalya Stadium (capacity 32,500) is west of the city, 1 km from the museum off İsmail Baha Sürelsan Cd. It's sponsored as Corendon Airlines Park. Golf – Head east to the resort of Belek, which is pitching to be the Algarve of the East Med. Cinema: Golden Orange Film Festival is held in October Hiking: Lycian Way stretches from Fethiye in the west along the Lycian coast to approach Antalya in the east. It ends at the village and climbing centre of Geyikbayırı up in the mountains. Hot air ballooning – While Cappadocia is Turkey's most famous ballooning destination, Antalya also offers certified balloon flights near the ancient city of Aspendos. From the sky, you can admire the well-preserved Roman theater, aqueducts, and the stunning Mediterranean coastline. Flights typically operate at sunrise and last about one hour. Prices vary by season, but expect to pay 9000-11000 TL per person. Book in advance through a local tour operator, such as Minister Tours, as weather conditions can affect availability. All commercial balloon operators are licensed and regulated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and up-to-date information can be found on the official GoTürkiye tourism portal.

Buy

Useful to know: AVM (short for "alışveriş merkezi") means shopping centre, and pazarı means bazaar or farmers' market. MarkAntalya AVM - The main shopping centre, 200 m east of Murat Paşa Mosque, open daily 10:00-23:00. Migros - Supermarket chain, commonly found around town. There is also Migros AVM, more commonly known as 5M Migros, which is on Atatürk Blv 200 m north of the aquarium, open daily 10:00-22:00. It is a shopping center that has a large Migros, alongside many other stores. Farmers' markets - There are numerous farmers' markets in Antalya, especially in Konyaaltı.

TerraCity. - A shopping center, in the east side of the city towards Lara beach strip, with some 180 stores and several restaurants.

Agora and Deepo Outlet Center / Mall of Antalya are two shopping centers on D400 two km west of the airport entrance.

Eat

Budget The downtown streets around Muratpaşa Mosque have many cheap eating places.

Urfali Ciğercİ Apo. Simple place with good food.

Özkan Kebap. Good menu selection, budget place popular with locals.

Çiğköfteci Ömer Usta. Friendly place for çiğ köfte, raw meatballs.

Gizem Cafe Fast Food. Inexpensive place for trad shawarma and dürüm.

Köfteci. Authentically shabby place for Turkish trad food.

Public Konyaaltı. Within the main square on Konyaalti west beach strip, this serves burgers, thin-crust pizza and other filling food.

Yamaçoba. Great quality for inexpensive food at the west end of the beach strip.

Bolero Büfe. Serving lamb, chicken and other meat kebabs. Garlic mayo is available on request.

Rokka Pizza Falafel. Good eating place with lots of veggie / vegan choices.

Ayar Meyhanesi. Friendly restaurant with a great selection of fresh fish. The swimming pool is a puzzle, is it a vivarium where lobsters choose which human bather to eat?

Paradise Restaurant. Sports bar with decent food.

Grand Friends. Fish and steak to a high standard, friendly service.

Karaf Bistro Kaleiçi. Pleasant relaxing place with pizza and wine. The owner's cat won't steal your wine but will try to claim its share of everything else.

Hasanağa. Long-established family-run restaurant, pleasant garden setting and great trad food.

Seraser. Fine dining which they mostly deliver, but at these prices they need to be more consistent.

Drink

Lots in old town and town centre. Names like Sheffield Pub, Edinburgh Social House and Dubh Linn tell you which demographic they're aiming for.

Konyaalti beach strip west has The James Joyce and The Barrels.

Lara town centre has Lucky Sports Bar and Patrick Irish Pub, but on the beach strip further east it's just the hotel bars.

Doluca Vineyard is next to the airport entrance.

Sleep

Old Town Lots of inexpensive pansiyons in Kaleiçi the core of Old Town and Kılınçarslan its southern extension.

Whitegarden Hotel. Gorgeous little place in old town.

Sibel Pansiyon. Welcoming hotel owned by a warmhearted multilingual French woman. Rooms have aircon, satellite TV and private bathrooms. It's quiet at night, good breakfasts.

Hotel Blue Sea Garden. Friendly hotel with garden restaurant. Some rooms dark and dingy, others pleasant with sea view.

Alp Paşa Hotel. Atmospheric hotel in the historic district with good restaurant.

Tuvana Hotel. Pleasant peaceful hotel near centre, with 45 rooms and small pool.

DoubleTree by Hilton. Mid-range chain hotel north end of downtown, mostly good reviews.

This is southwest of the centre with 10 km of pebble beach, and some industry around the marina at its west end. Western package holidays don't base here, so prices are lower than in Lara.

Hotel Su. Quirky decor, good service and comfort.

Pearly Hotel. Facing the beach. Many fittings in need of repair.

Megasaray Westbeach. Great reviews for this beachfront hotel.

Lara hotel strip stretches east for 20 km. Nearest to town is Şirinyalı: this is bustling but has not much beach, so prices are lower. The access road is officially Yaşar Sobutay Boulevard but is better known as Lara Turizm Yolu. Hotels have more room to spread out further east, as far as Aksu Creek: facilities beyond there are described as the separate resort of Belek.

Akra Hotels. Smart efficient hotel, limited sea access.

Holiday Inn Lara. 1 km from beach, good value.

Lara Barut. Great reviews for this upmarket family-oriented hotel.

Delphin Imperial. Great reviews for comfort and service.

Delphin Diva is their less expensive branch just behind.

Concorde De Luxe Resort. Consistently good reviews for comfort and service.

Royal Wings Hotel just east of Sherwood Exclusive gets mostly okay reviews.

Royal Seginus Hotel. Comfy enough, but poor scores for noise and catering.

Royal Holiday Palace next to Royal Seginus is similarly disappointing.

Baia Lara. Service, cleanliness and catering erratic.

Aska Lara Resort. Family-oriented hotel with lots of children's activities.

Kremlin Palace. It's supposed to recreate the luxury of a Russian tsar, with a hoaky St Basil's overlooking the pool. Good reviews.

Swandor Topkapi Palace. Mixed reviews, some guests have a great stay, others find comfort, service and food way below standard.

Titanic Mardan Palace. Great scores for comfort and service. The swimming pool is huge.

Trendy Lara. Huge family-oriented hotel.

Awen Lara. Huge family-oriented hotel.