Antalya: 14 Amazing Things to Do and See

Antalya is a charming city on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern Turkey. It is about 700 km from Istanbul and is Turkey’s most prominent international sea resort. The natural Taurus Mountains border it. Antalya is a splendid city famous for its ancient history, beautiful nature, and blue sea.

Antalya was founded as a seaport in the 2nd century BC. Its history dates back to 133 BC, and its architectural heritage dates back to the Roman era. However, most of its historical architecture dates back to the Ottoman era.

When you visit Antalya, you will see that schools, mosques, caravanserais, Turkish baths, and cemeteries give the city a Turkish Islamic character. You can visit the city at any time of year, but we recommend the summer season for a nice stay.

Weather in Antalya

The weather in Antalya is hot in summer and mild and rainy in winter. The average temperature in summer is between 16 and 27 degrees, making it a perfect destination for tourists. During winter, you will feel that all four seasons are gathered in Antalya, making it the focus of attention for those interested in winter sports on the snowy heights of Antalya.

Things to do in Antalya

After learning about Antalya, let’s explore the city’s top attractions and things to do and discover its beautiful beaches, landscape, and buildings. So pack your bags and take your seats to start our journey!

1. Old Town

The old town is one of the top attractions in Antalya. It is like a maze; walking through it, you will see Ottoman houses lined up in cobblestones. The houses and mansions are homes for hotels, restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

When you are in the old town, there are several places you might visit: the main square, which contains a fortress gate and a stone clock tower. Also, you will see the mosque of Tekeli Mehmet Pasa, built in the 18th century and has a great interior design.

There is a truncated minaret which is a famous spot in Antalya, it was destroyed in the 19th century and this was what was left from the building after it was at first a Roman temple, then a Byzantine church, and then a mosque.

2. Antalya Archaeological Museum

The Antalya Archaeological Museum is the perfect place for everyone interested in Turkish history. It is one of the best museums in Turkey and displays many finds from excavation sites across the Country.

The museum has more than 5,000 pieces in 13 halls. These pieces cover every period from prehistory to the Greek, Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman eras. The artefacts there include coins, jewellery, statues, and figurines. In the statuary hall, you will see Mythological figures from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, such as Zeus, Hecate, and Artemis.

3. Hadrian’s Gate

Hadrian’s Gate is one of the main gates to the old town. It was built in the 2nd century BC to mark Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Antalya in 130 AD. The gate has three arched marble gateways, between which are four columns on each side.

When you visit the gate, you will see that it is flanked to the north and south by defensive towers, and it was built in the Roman era. Also, you can see the entablature over the arches, and you will be inspired to see that it still keeps its original rosettes.

4. Perge

The city of Perge is located 15 km east of Antalya. It was once the capital of ancient Pamphylia and was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Persians, and Athenians. In the city, Apollonius of Perga lived in the 2nd century BC, a famous astronomer and geometer who defined geometric terms.

In the last few years, many excavations have taken place there, which have resulted in the discovery of the Roman theatre, the agora and its intact pillars, Roman baths, the wrestling school, the city gates, and much more.

5. Termessos

Termessos is located 34 km northwest of Antalya, specifically in the Taurus Mountains. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey. Its location made it survive through the years and was unconquerable, so Alexander the Great surrendered in the 4th century BC.

There is a theatre in the city, and behind it, you will find a high place, a monolithic peak of Mount Solymos, from which you can enjoy a lovely view of the Pamphylian plain.

6. Antalya Aquarium

Antalya Aquarium opened in 2012. It has more than 60 themed and labelled tanks. When you reach the aquarium, you can walk through 131 meters of glass tunnel. You can also go in the early morning to see the staff feeding the Marines.

There is also the Snow World, which is 1500 square meters and has a temperature of -5 degrees. Also, you will find the Wild Park, a tropical space containing crocodiles, frogs, and snakes.

7. Konyaalti Beach

Konyaalti Beach is located east of Antalya about 7 km from there, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the city and behind the beach, there is a fascinating view of the mountains. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the day while on the beach. It has a mix of coarse and pebbles, and the beach has moderate surf.

You can rent an umbrella at the beach, swim in the sea, and do many activities. Also, you will find toilets and shower facilities. Behind the beach, there are palm trees and a line of restaurants, shops, and cafes where you can have a meal with a lovely view around you.

8. Old Harbor

The old harbour is a beautiful place to visit. It is full of cafes, boutiques, bazaars, and yachts and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Old city walls and trees surround the harbour, the starting point for boat trips to many tourist attractions, like Duden Waterfalls.

The old harbour was once the main economic centre in Antalya, from the 2nd century till the 20th century, bringing trade to the city and surrounding region. Nowadays, the harbour is a place where you can relax and enjoy the sunset while drinking coffee or having a meal.

9. Yiliminare Mosque

The Anatolian Seljuk Sultan, Kayqubad I, built Yiliminare Mosque. It was destroyed in the 14th century and reconstructed again after that. The mosque was announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, and Muslims still use it to pray. The mosque is one of the top attractions in Antalya; its minaret is a magnificent example of Seljuk architecture, 38 meters high.

10. Aspendos

Aspendos is located 47 km from Antalya; there, you will see a Roman theatre built in the 2nd century BC that can seat 12000 people. In September, events are held there for the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival.

You can also visit the nearby attractions Aspendos, Perge, and Manavgat Waterfalls. While there, you can see the Roman ruins of Aspendos and the Roman Bridge on Eurymendon, which was built in the 13th century.

11. Karaalioglu Park

Karaalioglu Park is located near the old town on a cliff. You can see a magnificent view of the Gulf of Antalya from there. When you reach there, you can walk and sit on the terrace, having a cup of Turkish tea while enjoying the view of the Mediterranean Sea.

The park also has cafes, a playground for children, a municipal theatre, and the historic Hıdırlık Tower. There, you can find a Roman base from the 2nd century, and on top of it is an Ottoman cylindrical tower.

12. Kursunlu Waterfall

Kursunlu Waterfall is located northeast of Antalya. It is one of the tributaries of the Akdu River and is in a 600-hectare natural park. Pine forests surround the waterfall, and you can walk there. Also, at the park entrance, you will find a picnic area and many restaurants, and you can reach the park by taking a bus from the centre of Antalya.

13. Roman Fortress

The Roman Fortress was built in the 2nd century; it is a 14-meter-high tower overlooking the old harbour and Karaalioglu Park. The fortress is like a watchtower that overlooks the harbour below it. You can see the sunset and enjoy a lovely harbour view from there.

14. Lara Beach

Lara Beach is located south of Antalya, with white sand and beautiful blue water. It is famous for its cafes and restaurants. Lara Beach is the perfect place for friends and families, and it is a great tourist attraction. There, you can watch the sunset behind the mountains across the gulf, and it is the place where most of Antalya resorts are located.