The Mediterranean coast’s shining star, Antalya, is a beautiful blend of historic wonders, striking landscapes, and lively vibrancy.
Learn when to go, where to eat, and ways to enjoy the city. With lots of travel advice and a rundown of the best things to do, I’ll provide you with tips to arrange your perfect experience in Antalya! Embark on the journey to uncover Antalya’s allure.
Best Times to Visit
Antalya makes for a year-round destination but the peak seasons areduring the spring (April to June) and the fall (September to October). Not only is the weather warm and mild during these months (warm but not scorching hot) but you’ll escape the summer hordes, leaving you more breathing room and more festivals to enjoy.
If you’re a fan of the arts, the International Antalya Film Festival happens in October while September sees the colorful Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival.
Sightseeing and Attractions
Kaleiçi
Antalya’s Kaleiçi is the town’s historic center, a small, well-preserved neighborhood of old Ottoman houses on narrow winding lanes, where, as one wanders here, a step back in time is experienced. There are also small shops, little cafes, and some old Roman ruins scattered throughout. Be sure to visit Hadrian’s Gate and see the harbor from here.
Düden Waterfalls
I found a little oasis outside Antalya at Düden Waterfalls. It’s well worth a visit to escape the crowds, enjoy a picnic, or take a walk in peace. The refreshing mist from the waterfall that drizzles you down is just what you need.
Antalya Museum
For a little culture, a visit to the Antalya Museum is in order. It’s filled with impressive relics that tell you about the region’s storied past. From statues from antiquity to Roman mosaics, there is a lot to see. It’s a history lesson on the awesome region.
Local Cuisine and Dining Experiences
Antalya is a foodie’s paradise. Begin your gastronomical adventure with a plate of “piyaz,” a delicious bean salad (often with tahini) as a side dish. Be sure to sample a “tandır kebab” (lamb that’s been slow-cooked and is incredibly tender). And what better way to finish any meal than with “tahini helva,” a sesame dessert.
Antalya offers plenty of dining options. “7 Mehmet” is a popular place if you’d like to try a local take on some of the classics done in a modern fashion. “Vanilla Lounge” is a cozy spot with a view; in addition to their Turkish delicious, their menu offers a wide range of choices from around the world. For some seafood, “Seraser Fine Dining” is a great place to enjoy some local catch of the day, prepared as a work of art.
Adventure and Recreation
For adventure enthusiasts, Antalya is basically one big playground. Thanks to the stunning terrain, it’s one of the best places in the country for hiking. Don walking boots and head out on the fabled Lycian Way, and you’ll be rewarded all along the route with views of azure seas and historic ruins. Nothing beats exercise with a little history and nature sprinkled on top.
For an adrenaline rush, take to the skies in a paraglider! If you jump off the cliffs near Kaş, you can enjoy views over the coast from hundreds of feet in the air. It’s a thrilling way to get your blood pumping. If you’d rather stay in the water, you can also go diving. The Mediterranean waters are clear, teeming with marine life, and a number of shipwrecks create some interesting dive spots!
Practical Travel Advice
If you know what you’re doing, getting to Antalya isn’t too hard. This is Turkey, so they use the Turkish Lira. You’re going to want to have some of those bills, though cards are also widely accepted. The city is easy to get around, with public buses and taxis to help out. And as always, people love it when you speak their language a little. It always leads to good stories too.
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Antalya, you can score some excellent deals by staying in family-owned guesthouses and pensions. Street food and markets are very affordable, too. A growing trend in Turkey is comprehensive recycling. If you’re sustainability-minded, make a point to avoid plastic in Antalya, even if its removal isn’t as organized or efficient as you’d hope.
Following local customs makes travel easier and more fun. Cover up when entering places of worship, take off your shoes when needed, and tip for services in restaurants and to taxi drivers. Usually 10%– they work hard!
FAQs
What should I do in case of an emergency?
Simply keep calm in an emergency. You can reach the police at 155, fire department at 110, and medical services via 112. But do write this down!
What’s the weather like in Antalya throughout the year?
Antalya has a beautiful Mediterranean climate. Summers are both hot and dry, making it great for a day on the beach. Spring and fall have more mild temperatures for exploring the region without all the tourists. Winters are cooler but still enjoyable, with some rain.
Conclusion
You’ll find out what season is ideal to go, so you’ll have good weather, and may luck out with a festival happening.
Travelers who love adventure are in for a treat, as you can do everything from hiking to paragliding here. To easily get around, be mindful of local etiquette and habits, and enhance your experience, it's important to familiarize yourself with the most common practices before embarking on this type of journey. The rest is simply to explore.
And if you explore with an open heart and an open mind, it’s a guarantee you’ll find the treasures Antalya has to offer. And the memories will last a lifetime.