What to Do in Antalya: A Mediterranean Tapestry of Art, History, and Elegance
Antalya is a place where turquoise seas kiss Roman ruins, and Ottoman mansions whisper their secrets through sun-dappled courtyards. For the culturally curious traveller, Antalya offers a feast of timeless elegance, ancient artistry, and contemporary sophistication. This coastal jewel of southern Turkey is not merely a sun-drenched escape, but a living museum, where every stone, mosaic, and melody tells a story of empire and aesthetics.
Partner Offer
Top Experiences in Antalya
Book one of the experiences that other customers have liked and recommended:
-
Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Tour from Antalya
Visit some of the most popular attractions of Turkey on this full‐day tour from Antalya. Discover the ruins of the sunken city of Kekova during a glass‐bottom boat tour; explore the rock‐cut tombs of the Lycian necropolis in Myra; and visit the Church of St. Nicholas in Demre, said to contain the tomb of its namesake saint.
-
Demre, Myra, Kekova: Private Full‐Day Boat Tour from Antalya
Embark on a private full‐day trip from Antalya to discover the multitude of captivating sites of Demre, Myra, and Kekova. After a comfortable transfer from your hotel, take a leisurely boat ride along the coast of Kekova, marveling at its submerged ruins, rock‐cut tombs, natural scenery, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to cool off in crystal‐clear Mediterranean waters and enjoy free time to explore the charming village of Kalekoy.
-
Antalya Private Walking Tour Old City, Mosques, Mevlevi Museum
Discover the highlights of Antalya on a captivating private walking tour. This leisurely stroll through the city allows you to soak in its rich history and culture without feeling rushed. Explore historic sites like Hadrian's Gate, the Galata Mevlevi Museum, and Yivliminare Mosque as your guide provides illuminating and engaging commentary. You're free to pause the tour at any point to ask questions for a more engaging sightseeing experience.
-
Kekova, Myra & St Nicholas Full Day Tour from Antalya and Belek
Proceedings get under way with a brunch stop to sample local specialities grown organically in the Ottoman‐era village of Beymelek. Next, sail to Kekova island, a protected area famed for its underwater ruins. These are the relics of the ancient town of Simena, partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. There's time for a swim in the warmer months – the water is clear and inviting – it would be difficult to resist a dip in the sea. But if the weather doesn't permit a boat trip, there's a visit to the fascinating Demre museum instead. After a tasty lunch of typical dishes freshly prepared in a local restaurant, it's time to visit the Church of St Nicholas, who's better known today as Santa Claus. Finally, you'll have time to tour the site of the ancient city of Myra to explore the well‐preserved amphitheatre and see the intricately carved rock tombs, high in the cliff face.
-
Antalya Tour To Perge Aspendos And Side With Manavgat Waterfall
Get away from the crowds and join an amazing full day excursion from Antalya that combines everything you need for a relaxing, pleasurable and informative experience. This Antalya Perge /Aspendos/ Side / Manavgat Waterfall Tour combines perfectly sightseeing in ancient cities and spots of unappalled natural beauty. Archaeological sites, the tranquil atmosphere of waterfalls and a lot of history are some of the aspects you should expect from this magnificent excursion. ✅ Uncover the history and beauty of Perge, Aspendos and Managat waterfalls during this guided day tour from Antalya. ✅ Learn about the history of Perge and Aspendos through your guide's commentary. ✅ Visit Perge, where most of the statues on the Antalya Museum were discovered. ✅ Explore one of the best‐preserved ancient theaters of Anatolia in Aspendos.
-
Perge and Aspendos Guided Group Tour From Antalya with Lunch
Visit Perge, Aspendos, Side, and the nearby waterfall with ease on this guided day tour from Antalya that includes entrance fees. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Perge and Aspendos, and marvel at the well‐preserved Roman‐era theater. Midway through the day, pause to share a relaxing lunch with your group, making it a complete and memorable experience.
-
Amazing Sagalassos Tour From Antalya
Discover Sagalassos, one of the world’s most significant historical sites. Explore ancient Roman structures like baths, fountains, a theater, and a library, all standing strong for over 2000 years. Perched at 1700 meters above sea level, this city offers stunning views and fascinating history. First discovered in 1706, Sagalassos brings you back in time to the era of the Sagalassians, an ancient tribe of the Luwian people. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey—book your visit now!
-
Demre, Myra & Kekova Ancient City Tour with Transfer from Antalya
Join us on an unforgettable Mediterranean cruise that will transport you to three magnificent regions, each brimming with its unique charm. From the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Antalya to the serene beauty of its natural landscapes, this affordable Antalya tour promises an extraordinary experience. Take with us on a full‐day trip through the captivating city of Demre, where you'll create unforgettable memories at its most awe‐inspiring locations. Your adventure begins in Alanya, where you'll venture to the ancient city of Myra, nestled alongside the majestic Myros River. Explore the ancient Greek amphitheater and marvel at the intricate rock tombs of the remarkable Lycian necropolis. These architectural marvels are testaments to a bygone era, whispering stories of an ancient civilization.
-
Sunken City Kekova Demre and Myra Day Tour from Antalya
• Scenic cruise to ancient sites on the Mediterranean coast • Exploring the impressive underwater ruins at Kekova Island • Outstanding examples of Lycian funerary architecture at Myra • St. Nicholas Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site • Opportunity to sunbathe, swim, & relax on board
-
Antalya Exclusive Salda Lake & Pamukkale Day Tour
Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish – and you'll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you’ll also visit Hierapolis, Lake Salda and Cleopatra’s Pool. Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you’ll arrive at Lake Salda Lake after a few hours’ scenic drive. It’s been compared to the Maldives for its long beaches and multi‐toned blue waters. You’ll have free time to wander around and savour the beauty of the location You’ll then head to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, catch a peek of the bright white terraces before exploring the ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then let off steam with a dip in Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool.
Exploring Antalya for Lovers of Art and Heritage
Begin your journey in Kaleiçi, the atmospheric Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow streets flanked by crumbling Byzantine walls and lovingly restored Ottoman homes. Taking the time to wander here is essential when planning your visit to Antalya; each corner reveals boutiques, galleries, and private museums breathing new life into centuries of history.
From Romance to Revelry: What to Do in Antalya at Night
When the sun dips behind the Taurus Mountains, the city’s arts and culture scene truly shines. Begin with an al fresco dinner on one of the elegant terraces overlooking the harbour, as the scent of jasmine mingles with the salty breeze. Later, attend a concert under the stars at Aspendos Theatre, an astonishingly preserved Roman amphitheatre where operas and ballets echo through millennia.
Unique Things to Do in Antalya: Beyond the Beach
For those seeking experiences in Antalya that go beyond the beaten track, escape the coastline and journey into the pine-scented hills to visit Termessos, an ancient city untouched by time. Perched high in the mountains, its crumbling temples and theatre offer breathtaking vistas and an overwhelming sense of history.
Aesthetic Adventures: What to See and Do in Antalya
If your heart beats for beauty, planning what to see and do during your time in Antalya is a delightful challenge. Spend a morning meandering through the Yivli Minaret Complex, where Seljuk artistry meets spiritual serenity. The nearby Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum offers a charming glimpse into daily life in Ottoman-era Antalya, housed within a pair of elegantly restored mansions.
24 Hours in Paradise: Explore Antalya in One Day
Pressed for time and wondering what to do in Antalya in one day? Begin your adventure at the Roman Harbour, sipping rich Turkish coffee as fishing boats sway in the morning light. From there, wander Kaleiçi’s historic lanes, pausing at art galleries and artisan shops. Pause for lunch at a converted Ottoman inn before an afternoon visit to the Antalya Museum.
48 Hours of Wonder: What to Do in Antalya in Two Days
With two days to luxuriate in, deciding what to do in Antalya becomes an odyssey of art, history, and sensory delights. Spend your first day as above, delving into Kaleiçi and the museum. On your second day, take a private guided tour to the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos – an unmissable experience that will take you just beyond Antalya, to an astonishing display of mosaics, aqueducts, and theatres.
A Unique Experience in Antalya
While Antalya offers myriad treasures, if you time your visit right, there is one experience that is a true must do: attending the annual Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Founded in 1963 and held in the early autumn, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious festivals in Turkey, celebrating the finest in cinema amidst a setting of old-world glamour and new-world verve.
Final Thoughts: The Art of Living in Antalya
Antalya does not ask visitors to choose between nature, history, or contemporary culture , but offers them all in a sunlit mosaic of experiences. The real question is not simply what to do in Antalya, but how to linger long enough to savour its every note, hue, and flavour.