A guide to things to do in Antalya

It’s no surprise that visitors from all over the world fall in love with Antalya: with its unbelievable beaches, cascading waterfalls, imposing mountain ranges, bustling bazaars and ancient ruins, it’s a region unlike any other. Known as the Turkish Riviera, Antalya has an abundance of activities to try, sights to see, food to eat and places to explore. Plus, you’re sure to find a decadent resort or luxury boutique hotel to stay in, even if you’re on a budget.

Browse the Bazaars

Your holiday to Turkey will really come to life when you visit one of the beautiful, bustling, traditional Turkish bazaars. Of course, it’s somewhere you could end up spending money, with such fascinating stalls and goods, but just the experience of wandering the colourful maze of markets is something special in itself.

In the bazaars, you can expect to find all kinds of treasures. Think anything from ceramics and jewellery to rugs and lamps to Turkish tea and spices. Some of the top spots in Antalya for bazaar browsing include the Bazaar Near the Clock Tower, Kaleici and the Saturday Bazaar in Lara. You can spend hours getting lost in them!

Explore Karaalioglu Park

If you need a breather from the glamorous, lively towns, head out to Karaalioglu Park. This serene, idyllic place is perfect for relaxing and enjoying some peace and quiet. It’s located right on the coast, so you don’t just have beautiful views over its beautiful greenery – you get some stunning shots over the sea and the beaches, too. Karaalioglu Park is one of Antalya’s hidden secrets, so be sure to spend a few hours basking in the sun, or bring a picnic and explore what the park has to offer. It’s a tranquil day for everyone, whether looking for a quiet spot just the two of you, or something different for the kids.

Visit The Epic Düden Waterfalls

The Düden Waterfalls are a stunning collection of falls right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and certainly one of the best things to do in Antlaya. There are upper and lower falls to explore, and it really does make for a magical day trip – especially when the sun is shining. You can even find a spiral staircase hidden behind the upper falls that lead you down into a cave. It’s completely picturesque and offers the perfect photo opp!

There are different ways you can visit Düden Waterfalls. A lot of people rent a car when they visit Antalya so they have the freedom to explore the many tourist spots in the region. If this is what you’re planning, you’ll be able to drive to the falls, park up and visit them for free. If not, there are a range of coach and boat trips that will take you to the waterfalls in guided groups, with varying prices.

Beach days at Lara Beach

Beach days are a given on sunny escapes, and there are certainly no shortages of beautiful beaches in Antalya! Some notable sands are Konyaalti Beach and Antalya Beach, but our favourite one to add to your to-visit list is Lara Beach. It stretches along the Turkish coastline for eight wonderful kilometres, offering endless idyllic spots to lay out your lounger, pop your sun cream on and tan the day away.

Lara Beach may be a fabulous spot for soaking up the sun and having that ultimate, relaxing me-time, but it’s also bags of fun for those who want to have a splash in the sea on their holiday. The Med in Antalya stays warm pretty much all year round, so no matter when you visit, you’ll be able to enjoy a cooling down with a dip. Lara really does have all the components of a perfect beach day!

Antalya marina

The Old City Marina in Antalya is just beautiful. You’ll find everything from small, sleepy fishing boats to flashy yachts bobbing in the waters. The views are spectacular, from the overlooking Taurus Mountains to the gorgeous rippling Mediterranean coast. Watching the sunset twinkle down to the horizon from this picturesque spot is the perfect way to end a day!

If you’d like to spend a little and make a night of it, there’s a fantastic mixture of traditional Turkish eateries and cool, quirky restaurants to choose from at the Marina. You can hop to different waterside bars throughout your evening, sampling a range of beers, wines and cocktails if you wish. If you like your holidays to consist of sophisticated refreshments in a romantic setting, this is the perfect place to visit. Otherwise, you can just stroll along and take in all the spectacular views.

Discover Antalya’s history

History enthusiasts will not be disappointed on a trip to Antalya. There are so many spots to visit, from fascinating ancient ruins dotted around the region to iconic landmarks and museums. There are even ancient cities in different areas across Antalya that are just amazing to visit.

One of the most famous historical treasures in the heart of the city – which is free to go and see – is Hadrian’s Gate. It’s a famous landmark you’ll come across when you visit Kaleici. The structure, made up of three towering arches, was built in 130 AD to celebrate the visit of the Emperor Hadrian. It’s hard to even comprehend how long it’s been standing there for!