With its turquoise coast, golden sand, intricate Roman architecture, and gorgeous prehistoric ruins, the colorful city of Antalya in Turkey can be overwhelming for some.
May be even confusing about what to pick and where to go. But fret not! If you haven’t figured the perfect itinerary, yet – one that includes most of top places to visit in Antalya – check out our nifty guide now.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Antalya
- Hadrian’s Gate
- Old Town (Kaleici)
- Antalya Museum
- Yivli Minare
- Roman Fortress (Hıdırlık Kalesi)
- Aspendos
- Perge
- Karain Cave (Karain Magarası)
- Olympos and the Chimera
- Damlatas Magarasi
1. Hadrian’s Gate
Upraised in the honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian, this three-arched marble gateway is decorated with some rich intricate carvings. The sculptural decoration takes you through a journey of the old worlds of the Hellenistic and Romans. One of the most dramatic Antalya tourist attractions, this gate was once used as the main entrance to the Kaleici town.
Key Attractions: Marble gateway; intricate carvings and sculptures; and a perfect place to look into the old city.
Entry Fee: None
Location: Barbaros, 07100 Antalya and Turkey
Must Read: 82 Best Places To Visit In Turkey That Must Be On Your Itinerary
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2. Old Town (Kaleici)
Old town, known as Kaleici, is a maze-like neighborhood perfect to live and breathe the simple antiquated ambience. A plethora of tourist attractions in Antalya are encompassed in this beautiful part of city. A peopled-place before, it is now adorned with lavish boutique hotels, engaging art galleries, tiny souvenir shops and exotic restaurants.
Key Attractions: Some of the best places to visit in Antalya are in this old town, Kaleici. Visit Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Hesapcı Sokak, Kesik Minare, fortress gate at Kale Kapisi, etc.
Location: Ataturk Caddesi
Don’t miss: The stunning view of Mediterranean from Old Harbor.
3. Antalya Museum
The Antalya Museum has an excellent all-embracing collection which displays every aspect of the rich Turkish heritage. This is one of the places to visit in Antalya which you simply cannot miss. Visit Antalya Museum for the sake of its upscality and universal insights into the civilization. Some of the best exhibits from excavation sites all across the Turkish coasts are showcased here.
Key Attractions: Seleukeia’s mosaics, Aspendos’ silver display, and Perge’s divinity statues
Timings: 9 am to 6.30 pm
Entry Fee: TRL 20
Location: Konyaaltı Caddesi
Website
4. Yivli Minare
The most characteristic landmark of Antalya, Yivli Minare is a 13th century mosque which is still in use. Built by the Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, this Antalya tourist attraction is a brilliant example of Seljuk architecture. The jutted out gallery around the top of this octagonal fluted shaft offers some great panoramic views of the town.
Key Attractions: A 6-domed and 129 ft high, functional 13th Century mosque; stunning landscape; and Seljuk architecture.
Entry Fee: None
Location: Selcuk Mh., 7100 Muratpasa/Antalya, Turkey
5. Roman Fortress (Hıdırlık Kalesi)
The prime purpose of this 14 m high cylindrical tower was to watch over the port of Old Harbor in 2nd century. Nowadays, it serves almost the same purpose. However, instead of watching over Old Harbor, you can watch the fantastic sunset and ethereal far-reaching landscapes of the city. This is a favorite among people who like to have a picnic experience at one of the Antalya tourist attractions.
Key Attractions: Surreal sunset in the backdrop of panoramic landscapes; and Karaalioglu Park which surrounds the fortress is a must visit for serenity lovers.
Entry Fee: None
Location: Karaalioglu Park, Kaleici
6. Aspendos
Aspendos has a definite place on the list of places to visit in Antalya, Turkey. It is claimed to be the best preserved colossal Roman archeological site in the world. This ancient town pads the famous Roman theatre which is amongst the top Antalya tourist attractions. Built in 2nd century, Aspendos is capable of mesmerizing you with its bewitching ruins. It’s a perfect site for some sight-seeing and lazy strolling with your companions.
Key Attractions: Bewitching ruins of the city; a Roman theater with the capacity of 15,000 spectators; and a peek into the wonders of 2nd century.
Don’t miss: The occasional drama shows and ballet events in Aspendos theatre.
Timings: You can become a part of the afternoon tourist groups who visit this site. Or you can completely avoid the afternoons to enjoy this majestic town in your own company.
How to reach: There are many options – you can rent a car, travel by bus or become a part of pre-designed tours.
Location: 47 km east of Antalya
7. Perge
Perge is amongst the best places to visit in Antalya. It has a touch of both Greek and Roman architecture. The beauty of this town lies in its stadium debris, wrecked temples and half destroyed arcade. Even though it is a consequential tourist site, it attracts less visitors due to being not well-preserved as compared to other attractions. However, the sense of calm and intrigue that you will feel while you explore the streets and temples is bound to leave you content.
Key Attractions: Roman baths, Hellenistic Gate, Acropolis, half-erected temples, arcade ruins, and rubble-filled stadium.
Timings: Avoid the afternoons as it may be too hot for you.
How to reach: By Dolmus – the mini bus, by bus or you can rent a car.
Location: 17 km east of Antalya
8. Karain Cave (Karain Magarası)
The Karain Cave is one of the prehistoric places to see in Antalya. These caves are said to be more than 25,000 years old. Ruins from Lower and Middle Palaeolithic Eras have been excavated from here. It includes bones, teeth, weapons etc. Some of the paths in the cave are narrow but all is worth for a peek into the glory of primeval era.
Key Attractions: A small comprehensive museum which displays exhibits from excavation.
Timings: Afternoon tours and evening tours
How to reach: Tours are organized for Karain cave excursion. You can contact you accommodations to get into one.
Location: 27 km northwest of Antalya
9. Olympos and the Chimera
The twin villages of Olympos and Cirali have a special place in the list of places to visit in Antalya. The encompassing coastline of these villages is surrounded by the ruins of ancient city of Olympos. While Olympos has a reputation of being a party-goers heaven, Çıralı is more of an easy-going relaxing vacation. A perfect combination of beaches and historic ruins has been achieved by this glorious attraction.
Key Attractions: Natural flames of Chimera that flicker out of the rock cliff. It is the one place to see in Antalya that you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
How to reach: Buses and private taxis run from Antalya
Location: 80 km southwest from Antalya
Must Read: 23 Reasons Why You Should NEVER VISIT Turkey
10. Damlatas Magarasi
One of the underrated places to visit in Antalya is Damlatas Caves. It is formed mainly of stalactites and stalagmites, about 15,000 years ago. Interesting patterns of rocks in various colors, protruding from every surface of these caves make for an adventurous expedition.
Key Attractions: These caves are also known as ‘Asthma Cure’ caves. According to beliefs, these caves have the capability to cure respiratory complaints and asthma. And thus, Asthma patients come and stay here for 21 days with 4 hours exposure each day. The cave is restricted from 6 am to 10 am (local time) for the patients.
How to reach: Rent a car or travel by bus.
Location: 127 km west of Antalya
Well, I guess, now you have got a plate full of ideas of which places to visit in Antalya. Beach, historical sites, caves – everything is covered here. Let us know where will you head to, first.
Further Read: 15 Best Honeymoon Destinations In Turkey For A Perfect Romantic Trip
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Antalya
Which part of Antalya is best?
If you like to see the best of Antalya, plan a visit to Kaleici. Enjoying a central location, this old-town features numerous historical and other intriguing tourist spots where you can enjoy sightseeing.
Is Antalya Turkey Expensive?
As compared to other tourist places, Antalya is a budget-friendly destination. There are numerous cheap hotels where quality is never compromised. Additionally, with several reasonable-priced drinking and dining options, the place is an ideal pick for the ones who are on a shoestring budget.
Is Antalya safe to visit during Covid?
Yes, you can now plan a trip to Antalya. To ensure a safe trip, adhere to the Government protocols, maintain required social distance, keep wearing a mask when in public, and keep sanitizing your hands at certain intervals.
What is Antalya known for?
Antalya is known for its beaches, sandstone cliffs, and surrounding mountains. You will also find archaeological sites around the town making it huge in historical importance. Whether you are planning a family vacation or a honeymoon trip, you can consider Antalya for a cozy vacation.
Which are the best places to visit in Antalya?
There are so many places you could visit in Antalya. The best ones are: 1. Antalya Museum 2. Roman Fortress 3. Yivli Minare 4. Old Town 5. Hadrian’s Gate 6. Aspendos 7. Konyaalti Beach
Does Antalya have sandy beaches?
Yes, the most famous beach in Antalya is Konyaalti Beach that is tucked between the cliffs and the mountains. It is one of the best beaches in Turkey where you will get plenty of sandy stretch to take a walk barefoot.
What is there to do in Antalya?
There are a lot of things you can do in Antalya. You could explore the old town, visit the beaches. Karst Springs are also apt to enjoy a day out. You could also explore the remains of the ancient times near the town of Antalya.
What’s the best area to stay in Antalya?
The old Town is one of the best areas to stay in Antalya as it is rich in culture, architecture and history. This part of town still has cobbled streets and Ottoma-architecture houses.
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