Places to Visit in Antalya

Kaleici is the oldest historical city in Antalya and has quickly become an important city centre and one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations. It is home to the 130 AD Hadrian Gate dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, the 17th century's 14m high Hidirlik Tower, and Suna-Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum preserving Antalya's traditional architectural and cultural items.

Situated close to the Antalya province of Turkey, Aspendos is a famous historic attraction that was once a Greco-Roman city in Pamphylia. It is divided into the Lower and Upper City and is renowned for its magnificent architecture dating back to the Antiquity. The most famous attraction here is a Roman theatre which is among the best-preserved ones in the world. Aspendos is mostly visited on a tour from Antalya and Side.

The Hadrian’s Gate is a triumphal arch and a historic ruin located on the Ataturk Boulevard in Antalya. It is the only remaining entrance gate in the walls surrounding the city and harbour. It is named the Triple gate due to three archways standing gallantly on four large vertical pillars. It is also the entrance to Kaleici’s beautiful historic quarter filled with houses, restaurants, and shopping outlets.

Duden Waterfalls are located 12 kms northeast of Antalya and meet the sea on the city's southeast coast. It is formed by recycled station water. It consists of Upper Duden Waterfalls in a nature park and Lower Duden Waterfall in the suburb of Lara, east of the Old Town.

One of the largest archaeological museums in the city, the Antalya museum is located just 3 km west of Kalekapisi in Konyaalti. It consists of 13 large exhibition halls and one open-air exhibit. Ancient sculptures of Greek gods and goddesses, Hercules marble statue, pottery, sarcophagi and the Ottoman collection of weapons, apparel, and artefacts from the Old Stone Age are showcased here.

Yivli Minare Mosque, Alaaddin Mosque or Ulu Mosque, is a 13th-century historical mosque situated in the old city centre of Kaleici. It is one of the first Islamic buildings to have been built in Antalya and one of the oldest structures to demonstrate a multi-dome architecture with its 6 domes. It is part of a complex structure called Külliye and stands tall at 38 metres. There is also a museum within it showcasing the lifestyle and living standards of the ancient people of Antalya

An ancient city situated amidst the Catarrhactes and Cestrus rivers, east of the Antalya province in Turkey, Perge dates back to the Bronze Age. It is famous for its splendid architecture associated with the Hellenistic Period and is home to several impressive structures. The highlight of Perge is the Stadium of Perge and a Greco-Roman theatre. Another popular attraction is Hadrian’s Gate, a three-arched marble gateway with intricate carvings.

Karain Cave is an archaeological site dating back to the Palaeolithic period located in Yağca Village northwest of Antalya. A one-day excursion from Antalya and often a part of the trek to nearby Termessos, it is mainly visited for its historical significance. Karain Cave is also the oldest human habitation in the province and the largest inhabited cave in Turkey.

Termessos is a mountaintop city and one of the best-preserved ancient locations in Turkey, famous for the remains of old structures. It is located in the Gulluk Dagi National Park north-west of Antalya, divided into the Upper City and Lower City. Also called Eagle’s Nest, it is visited for its natural and architectural splendour. Termessos has ruins of the temples, cemeteries with rock-cut tombstones, houses, statues, etc.

The most popular beach in Antalya, Konyaaltı Beach is popular for its nightlife. The 13 km long beach comprises sand and pebbles and has a promenade, bistros, cafes, snack stands, and restaurants at the eastern end. It is also famous for jet skiing, swimming, diving, and snorkelling.

The ancient city of Phaselis was a Roman and Greek settlement. Its ruins today are found in Tekirova, Kemar in the Antalya province. Located between the lovely Bey Mountains and the Olympos National Park it is surrounded by three bays and harbors. The 24m wide main street of the city still exists and along its sides are the ruins of stores and shops.

One of the oldest surviving monuments in Antalya, Hidirlik Tower, is an ancient colossal edifice located in Hesapsi Sokak of the Old Town district. This 46 feet Roman tower dates back 2000 years and provides a great view of the garden area, bushes, and the blue margins. However, this tower is not open to the public. Instead, visitors can stroll around the landmark and enjoy the view.

Sapadere Canyon is a rugged canyon known for its waterfall and clear pool and is a popular picnic spot. It is located in the middle of the majestic Taurus Mountains in Sapadere Village. The water which flows in the pool from the mountains is very cold and rich in oxygen and often a delight and a challenge to take a swim in. It takes a 30-minute hike through the wooden trails to reach the canyon.

Antalya Aquarium is the largest tunnel aquarium located right in the city centre of Antalya. Aside from the main tank which runs over a length of 131m, there are around 40 thematic sections which display the different seas and oceans of the world. The famous Snow World Ice Museum is located indoors housing igloos, a house of St. Nicholas and a small café where Turkish delicacies are served.

Olympos or Olympus is situated along the Mediterranean coast in Turkey’s Antalya province and is a tropical village that is perfect for a relaxing vacation. It is known for its Roman theatre, a bridge, a temple, a Byzantine basilica, chamber tombs and defensive walls, all of which are in ruins. This ancient city also lies on the way to the Olympos Beach which is ideal for swimming, relaxing, observing the caretta caretta (sea turtles), and watching the sunset.

The Karaalioglu Park is an urban park offering picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains. It is located in Kilicarslan district, Antalya. Stretching over a hundred meters this central park is home to several exotic plants and trees along with fountains. It is ideal for nature lovers and provides many beautiful photographic locations.

Lara Beach, also called the Las Vegas of Turkey, is located to the east of Kaleici, Antalya. The beach is 15km long. However, only 2km on the west side is for the public and include showers, umbrellas, sunbeds, changing rooms, a beach promenade, etc. There are also watersports, such as jet-skiing, windsurfing, kite surfing, paragliding, banana boat rides, and more.

The Antalya province in Turkey is known for a rural limestone area or limestone farmland that is home to several karst springs along with waterfalls and sinkholes. These springs have led to lime deposits forming over the course of millions of years and they have resulted in the formation of travertine patios. Pınarbaşı and Kırkgöz, which lie northwest of Antalya, have a few karst springs and sinkholes but the most impressive waterfall is in Dudenbas which cascades down a narrow gorge.