With forests and mountains dotted with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, waterfalls and hiking trails, Antalya is both an adventurer’s dream and an urban playground. Boasting a romantic old town filled with great food, music and boutique hotels, plus Turkey’s most iconic beachfront, this Mediterranean city is a must-see for any traveller to Turkey.
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“Antalya is without a doubt the most beautiful city in the world,” said Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the modern Republic of Turkey. Anyone who has been there would agree. The city is set against the majestic Taurus Mountains and surrounded by the azure Mediterranean Sea. From beach holidays to history, hiking and spa trips, Antalya is best experienced as the starting point for an unforgettable countryside journey. Here, Culture Trip gives advice on what to do in and around this beautiful and vibrant city.
Fall in love with the old town of Kaleici
Set against seaside cliffs and an ancient marina, Kaleici is a romantic old town with some of Antalya’s best restaurants and nightlife. Cobblestone streets lead to restored Ottoman mansions and other buildings that have been tastefully converted into restaurants, music venues and cozy boutique hotels. A stroll through this atmospheric neighborhood is well worth it, and views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains can be glimpsed from many streets.
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Pro tip: Take the Kaleici Panoramic Elevator to see the Old Town from above.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque in Antalya’s Old Town | © Peter Horree / Alamy Stock Photo
Keeping up with Antalya’s art scene
Just as Antalya’s surrounding areas are packed with historical and artistic treasures, the city center is home to a vibrant cultural scene. 251 Soul is the perfect place to catch jazz, funk and soul artists in an upscale setting. For those looking to take in exhibitions and theatre performances, Hasim İşkan Cultural Centre and Antalya National Theatre offer live stages, art galleries and more.
Pro Tip: The concert season starts in the summer and this is your best chance to see some of the biggest international artists in concert.
Kaleici has a number of music bars and taverns | © Helmut Corneli / Alamy Stock Photo
Take in the views of Karaalioglu Park
This seaside park is one of the best spots in the city center to take in spectacular, dramatic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Relax in the shade on a park bench or watch the sunset from the Roman Hıdırlık Tower, which stands at the park’s northeastern edge and offers fantastic city views.
Pro tip: This park is located on the southeastern edge of Kaleici, making it the perfect place for meditation or a romantic stroll before or after dinner in the Old Town.
Hidlik Tower offers great views over the city | © David Moore Travel / Alamy Stock Photo
Find your perfect nightlife
If you prefer a more sophisticated atmosphere, the concept bar Atöyle (just behind Karaalioglu Park) doubles as a music studio and hosts a variety of events, from record listening nights to mulled wine tastings.
Pro tip: If you want something a little more traditional, check out the live music at Taka Meyhanesi restaurant, a great place to spend the evening with great food and a fun atmosphere without too much noise.
Antalya’s bustling nightlife | © Hackenberg-Photo-Cologne / Alamy Stock Photo
Explore the incredible ruins at the Antalya Archaeological Museum
Located about 2 kilometers (just over a mile) west of the Old City, Antalya Archaeological Museum is Turkey’s most extensive collection, featuring exquisite statues and artefacts from civilisations such as Lycian, Pergam, Roman and Byzantine. The museum is divided into 13 exhibition halls (including a children’s section), and both art history and archaeology buffs will find plenty to see here. The museum’s most famous collection is the Hall of the Gods exhibit, which features 2nd century statues and busts of Greek gods and goddesses, including Zeus, Athena and Aphrodite.
Pro tip: Turkish museums are closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Wandering through the ‘Hall of Emperors’ at the Antalya Archaeological Museum | © Ayhan Altun / Alamy Stock Photo
Relax in a local hammam (Turkish bath)
After a day of sightseeing, relax in a hammam. Just a short walk from Kaleici, the tranquil Demirhan Hammam is a popular spot for Antalya residents. Relax in the sauna and steam bath, then enjoy foam and oil massages, clay masks, or special packages for the bride and groom.
Pro tip: Before your spa treatment, pick up some quality bath towels (peshtamels) at family-run Aydede Turkish Towels in the heart of the Old City.
Relaxing in the hammam | © Kayihan Bolukbasi / Alamy Stock Photo
Enjoy a picnic on the revitalized Konyaalti Beach
Nearly 7 kilometers (4 miles) long, Konyaalti Beach is set against the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains and is a great place to mingle with locals and swim in the city center. Much of the beach has been Blue Flag certified for the cleanliness of its water and sand, and you can buy refreshments from the many shops just around the corner from the waterfront.
Pro tip: The local government continues to revamp the waterfront area by adding basketball courts, planting trees, and more, so now is the perfect time to check out this iconic stretch of coastline.
Enjoying the sun at Konyaalti Beach | © Icon Digital Featurepix / Alamy Stock Photo
Avoid the crowds and head to Kursunlu Waterfall
The beautiful Kursunlu Waterfall is located in a large nature park just outside the city. The waterfall forms a natural pool that is home to a variety of freshwater fauna. Picnic areas are available for a lunch break and you can enjoy the lush surroundings. Kursunlu Waterfall may be more difficult to access than the more popular Duden Waterfall in the city center, but it’s well worth the effort as the peace and tranquility you’ll experience at Kursunlu Waterfall will leave you feeling refreshed.
Pro tip: Try to visit in the spring, as the falls can get a little dry in the height of summer.
The stunning Kursunlu Waterfalls are just outside the city | © Dorling Kindersley Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
Hiking in Köprülju National Park
Located a two-hour drive northeast of central Antalya, this national park is not only home to the largest cedar forest in Asia Minor, but also a breathtaking valley that stretches for 14 kilometers (9 miles) along the Köprçay River. With cliffs up to 400 meters (1,312 feet) high, this dramatic landscape makes it one of the best hiking and camping spots in the country.
Pro tip: Contact YESIDO, a local adventure group that organizes hiking, camping, climbing, rafting and other activities almost every weekend.
Hiking along the Capellchai River | © ATGImages / Alamy Stock Photo
Visit the world-class ancient theater of Telmessos
About an hour’s drive from the city center, in the middle of Mount Güllük National Park, lie the stunning ruins of the ancient Pisidiaan site of Termessos. Perched at an altitude of 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), this unrestored city features numerous stone structures and imposing walls. With the majestic Taurus Mountains as its backdrop, the city’s ancient theatre offers some of the best views of such sites in the country.
Pro tip: As this is an unrestored site, bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes to get the most out of your visit.
Termessos is located at an altitude of 1,000 metres | © Prisma by Dukas Presseagentur GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo
This article is an updated version of a story written by Jasmina Kanuric.
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