Summary
The city that currently represents the largest resort on the Turkish Riviera was established on a rocky stretch of coastline by a King of Pergamon in the 2nd century BCE as a port for his formidable fleet.
In the preceding centuries, cities developed in proximity, throughout the ancient Pamphylia region, with some succumbing to Alexander the Great, while others successfully defied his conquests.
The impressive ruins of Termessos, Perge, and Aspendos are remarkably close and have yielded countless artefacts, which are currently showcased at the distinguished Antalya Archaeological Museum.
Antalya is undergoing rapid development, with shopping malls, luxurious hotels, and beach clubs proliferating along the coastline to the east and west of the city.
Nonetheless, enchanting natural beauty is abundant, with waterfalls, pristine beaches, and the majestic Bey and Taurus Mountains to discover.
1. Kaleiçi
As you navigate through the intricate alleys of Antalya’s historical quarter, one may experience a sense of thrill knowing that these pathways have welcomed visitors for over 2,000 years.
Beyond being a venue rich in remnants from Antalya’s cosmopolitan history, Kaleiçi also presents a serene enclave amidst the city’s bustle.
We will explore the grand Hadrian’s Gate and the Fluted Minaret shortly, but another notable feature defining Kaleiçi’s skyline is the Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret). This mosque, which suffered significant damage in a 19th-century conflagration, showcases stonework derived from a Roman temple and Byzantine basilica, and its minaret was recently adorned with a new conical top in 2019.
Another well-known structure is the crenellated clock tower, located at the entrance to the old town, directly opposite the 17th-century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque.
This represents one of the last surviving towers from the original 80 that once formed Antalya’s defensive walls.
2. Düden Waterfalls
Initially, it is important to note that the Düden Waterfalls consist of two distinct locations separated by several kilometers.
The lower falls (Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall) are a must-see, situated between Antalya and Lara.
Here, the Düden River cascades 40 meters over the golden cliffs into the Mediterranean.
A recreational park has been devised to enhance your experience of this natural marvel, complete with playgrounds for children, scenic viewing platforms, and a zip-line that spans the river just prior to its drop.
For a unique perspective, visitors can observe the falls from the water on a cruise that departs from Antalya’s historic harbor.
Inland, the upper falls are also deserving of attention, where the river flows over a modest rocky ledge adorned with lush vegetation, allowing access to a path that leads behind the waterfall.
3. Antalya Archaeological Museum
Situated within the ancient Pamphylia region, which stretched from the Mediterranean coastline into the Taurus Mountains, Antalya possesses an exceptional archaeological heritage.
Perhaps it’s no surprise that the Antalya Archaeological Museum ranks among the finest in the nation, making it an essential visit during any stay in the city.
With over 5,000 artifacts on display at any given moment across 13 halls, the museum spans every historical period from prehistory through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, as well as aspects of life in the early 20th century Antalya countryside.
The ancient artifacts are particularly captivating, featuring an array from coins to statues, sarcophagi, wine bowls, jewelry, and figurines.
A remarkable highlight is a 2nd-century marble sarcophagus adorned with reliefs illustrating the Twelve Labors of Hercules. The statuary hall showcases a wealth of 2nd and 3rd-century Roman sculptures depicting mythological figures, including Zeus, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hecate, Hermes, and Minerva, among others.
4. Kurşunlu Waterfall
Located northeast of Antalya, a tributary of the Aksu River flows down from the plateau to the coastal plain through a canyon extending two kilometers.
In this 600-hectare nature park, you will encounter the exquisite Kurşunlu Waterfall.
Surrounded by pine forest, the waterfall features one main drop of 18 meters, complemented by a sequence of seven splash pools in the canyon, each sustained by smaller cascades.
A walking loop, carved from the rock and requiring approximately 45 minutes, allows you to fully appreciate this natural wonder.
The trail is shaded and accompanied by a refreshing mist, ensuring the walk remains pleasant and unchallenging.
At the park entrance, you’ll find a picnic area and a viewing terrace, along with onsite dining options and a playground for young visitors.
There are three bus lines that frequently connect the center of Antalya to the falls, although arranging a taxi or participating in a guided tour can be more comfortable alternatives.
5. Perge (Perga)
The first of several ancient sites worthy of exploration is the city of Perge, located approximately 15 kilometers east of Antalya.
Inhabited from as early as 1209 BCE, Perge has seen rulers ranging from the Persians and Athenians to Alexander the Great, the Seleucids, and the Romans.
A notable figure from this city is Apollonius of Perga, an influential 2nd-century BCE astronomer and geometer who defined the geometric terms “parabola,” “hyperbola,” and “ellipse.” Excavations have been ongoing in Perge for the last 70 years, revealing much for visitors to uncover, including an agora with well-preserved columns, a Roman theatre adorned with remarkable bas-reliefs, and the ruins of Roman baths and a palestra (wrestling school).
Recent excavations have uncovered exquisite Greek mosaics, including one depicting the sacrifice of Iphigenia in 2017. For an action-packed day, consider exploring the “Perge, Side, Aspendos & Waterfalls Guided Tour” on GetYourGuide.
6. Hadrian’s Gate
This impressive triumphal arch, situated just off Atatürk Boulevard, was constructed in the 2nd century CE to commemorate the visit of Emperor Hadrian to Antalya.
The gate features three arches with four columns flanking each side.
Observers with a keen appreciation for classical architecture will note the composite capitals of the columns, which creatively merge Ionic volutes with Corinthian acanthus leaves.
To the north and south, fortified towers have remained intact since Roman times, providing a testament to historical defensive architecture.
Additionally, pay attention to the entablature over the arches, which has preserved many of its original rosettes and lion heads along the frieze and cornice.
7. Konyaaltı Beach
Located seven kilometers from the city limit, extending down to Antalya’s modern container port, Konyaaltı Beach is the most accessible public beach in proximity to Antalya’s center.
Featuring a composition of coarse sand and pebbles, the beach experiences moderate surf, with the sea often sloping steeply.
As you unwind, you’ll be able to gaze upon Antalya at the pinnacle of the gulf while gazing southwest toward the magnificent Bey Mountains through the haze.
Among the many attractions of the beach is its promenade, which meanders through a grove of palm trees and is bordered by grassy areas that include playgrounds and cafés.
8. Tünektepe Teleferik
The Bey Mountains possess an undeniable charm, characterized by steep slopes accessible from behind the container port.
Here, visitors can enjoy a cable car journey spanning 1,700 meters up the steep incline of Tünektepe hill, standing at 618 meters high, which culminates in a lookout complete with a hotel, nightclub, café, rotating restaurant, playground, and a marketplace for traditional crafts.
Like much of what is found in Antalya, this cable car is a relatively recent installation, initiated in 2013 and opened for the 2017 season.
As of 2020, the price for an adult ticket was 15TL (approximately $2.40). Naturally, the vistas are breathtaking, allowing you to use binoculars to view across the gulf towards Antalya.
9. Karaalioglu Park
Located southwest of the city walls and within a brief walk from Kaleiçi, the park is perched on cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Antalya.
Here, visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls while sipping Turkish tea under the pines, with opportunities to pause on the main terrace to view the Mediterranean and the shadows of the Bey Mountains.
Karaalioglu Park features a selection of cafes, a children’s playground, and significant landmarks such as the mayor’s office, municipal theatre, and the historic Hıdırlık Tower.
This coastal defense structure, situated at the northwest corner, comprises a Roman base dating from the 2nd century, topped by an Ottoman cylindrical tower.
Regardless of how you spend your time in Antalya, ensure you visit Karaalioglu Park during sunset for an enchanting experience.
10. Old Harbour
As you traverse the alleys of Kaleiçi, it is merely a matter of time before the allure of gravity entices you down to the harbor that gave rise to Antalya, nestled within a rugged indentation along the coastline.
Fringed by the crenellated walls of the ancient city, the lively, tree-lined quaysides at the old harbor serve as a departure point for boat excursions, venturing to landmarks such as the Lower Düden Waterfall.
Booking a seat does not necessitate an agent, though you may wish to negotiate the price.
This congested harbor is teeming with various vessels, ranging from private yachts to small fishing boats.
For a comprehensive view of the wharves, jetties, Antalya’s rocky shoreline, and the resilient old defensive walls, venture out along the southern wall to the beacon at the harbor entrance.
11. Aspendos
Just beyond Serik, off the Antalya-Alanya highway (D400), lie the ruins of a city that once held paramount importance within the ancient Pamphylia region.
Aspendos thrived on a plateau, situated a short distance inland from the Eurymedon River’s mouth, reaching its zenith in the 5th century BCE, trading in wool, oil, and salt through the navigable river.
The highlight of Aspendos is the 2nd-century BCE theatre, renowned for its remarkable preservation. This structure, nearly 100 meters in diameter, accommodates 12,000 spectators and serves as a stunning venue for the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival every September.
Nearby, you can find the remains of an aqueduct, basilica, nymphaeum, agora, and the Roman bridge on the Eurymedon, which was renovated in the 13th century.
The ruins of Aspendos are even more spectacular against the rugged backdrop of the Taurus Mountains, which dominate the horizon to the north.
12. Termessos
This excursion will take you into the Taurus Mountains, revealing one of Turkey’s most well-preserved ancient cities, nestled amid a pine forest on a rocky natural platform within the Mount Güllük-Termessos National Park.
This elevated location has contributed to its preservation and rendered it unconquerable; even Alexander the Great retreated during the 4th century BCE.
Termessos is often referred to as “Turkey’s Machu Picchu,” with its theatre being the centerpiece, similar to Aspendos.
High above the stage is the monolithic peak of Mount Solymos (Güllük Dağı), and the mainly intact auditorium offers a breathtaking view of the Pamphylian plain below.
The route into Termessos is lined with ancient rock-cut tombs, and other notable sights include the agora, city walls, gymnasium, odeon, and the remains of six temples.
13. Lara Beach
Situated past the airport to the east of Antalya, Lara Beach offers another Blue Flag beach along an evolving coastline that has undergone significant transformation in the past two decades.
Located along the coastal road behind Lara Beach are prominent hotels and high-rise apartments, alongside shopping malls and new tourist attractions.
Along this extensive stretch of dusky sand and shingle, most of the beach is privately owned and equipped with rows of sun-loungers belonging to the adjacent hotels.
The public section is located to the west, serving as the eastern terminus for a few bus routes from Antalya.
Evenings at Lara are particularly mesmerizing, as the sun sets behind the Bey Mountains across the gulf, creating a spectacular view.
14. Yivliminare Mosque
Ordered by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan, Kayqubad I (1188-1237), this mosque was originally destroyed in the 14th century and reconstructed in the 1370s atop the foundations of a Byzantine church.
A distinctive element of the Kaleiçi skyline is the 38-meter minaret, aptly named the “fluted minaret” due to the eight elongated grooves in its red brick shaft.
In its prime, these flutes were adorned with blue glazed tiles.
The Yivliminare Mosque functions as an active place of worship and has been included on the tentative list of Turkish UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2016. For non-Muslims, it serves as a beautiful landmark that emerges intermittently amid the houses as one navigates through the alleys of Kaleiçi.
15. Antalya Aquarium
Positioned a short distance from Konyaaltı Beach, the aquarium opened in 2012 and features over 60 themed and labeled tanks, with the largest containing over five million liters of water.
Visitors can traverse through a 131-meter glass tunnel, the largest in the world, with sharks, rays, and tropical fish swimming overhead, alongside the remnants of an aircraft and submarine.
Make an effort to visit at noon to witness aquarium staff in scuba gear feeding marine life by hand.
The aquarium also houses a 1,500-square-meter Snow World, an ice museum that receives a fresh sprinkling of snow nightly while maintaining a constant temperature of -5°C.
The WildPark section showcases a tropical habitat, engaging in the conservation of venomous snakes, chameleons, frogs, and crocodiles within terrariums, while an exhilarating underwater show is available at the XD Cinema.
