The 10 best things to do in Antalya

The coastal town of Kaleiçi harbors traces of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. The most notable structure left behind by Kaleiçi’s ancient residents is Hadrian’s Gate, built in the name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD. Passing through this gorgeous, triple-arched and miraculously well preserved monument will take you to charming streets dotted with shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Sail across the glittering turquoise waters of the Mediterrenaen for the ultimate sight-seeing jaunt. Head to Kaleiçi harbor to find tour boats that offer pocket-friendly day-trip packages that include tasty meals on board and visits to some iconic spots around the coast such as Konyaaltı beach, Falezler cliffs and Duden waterfalls.

Learn more about Antalya’s storied past in one of Türkiye’s largest museums. The Antalya Museum houses 13 exhibition halls that display an eclectic array of artefacts and archeological finds left behind by the ancient civilizations that once called the region home. Find everything from sculptures, statues and sarcophagi to mosaics, jewellery and coins dating back to the Paleolithic age all the way up to the Ottoman era. After you’re done, step out for a breath of fresh air with a leisurely stroll through the Atatürk Cultural Park, conveniently located right next to the museum.

Antalya is fascinating in every altitude. We recommend taking the Tünektepe or Olympos cable cars for a breath-taking trip up to two awesome peaks. While the former boasts an impressive social facility with a wide selection of restaurants and cafes and a sweeping panorama of the city down below, the Olympos summit is the perfect spot for adrenaline junkies looking to engage in activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, hiking and rock climbing.

Slather on a healthy dose of sunscreen and grab your towels to spend a magical day by the Mediterranean seaside. From vast and buzzing to hidden and tranquil, choose your next beach hang from a sea of options. Among the most popular are Konyaaltı and Lara beaches located near the city centre; Olympos, Çıralı and Adrasan beaches in Kumluca; Küçükçakıl and Büyükçakıl beaches in Kaş, and Kaputaş Beach in Kalkan.

Although museums are a great place to delve into the past, nothing beats experiencing history firsthand by visiting the actual site where it all unfolded. Antalya is a treasure trove of ancient cities, each nestled within breathtaking natural environments, that await exploration. Marvel at centuries old architectural wonders like amphitheaters, temples, baths and more in awe-inspiring historical sites such as Side, Patara, Aspendos, Myra, Perge, Termessos and Anthiphellos among others.

Paddle down 14 kilometres of white water rapids on Köprüçay river, cradled between the gorgeous Köprülü Canyon, for the most thrilling ride of your life. Knowledgable guides ensure a safe yet exhilarating journey, providing insights into the region’s natural wonders along the way. The crystal-clear waters, steep canyons, and lush greenery create a dramatic backdrop for an unforgettable experience.

Antalya and snow—surprising, we know, but also quite the pairing between the months of December and March. That’s when you can head up to the Bey mountains to find a hidden gem of a ski resort in Saklıkent. There are 10 kilometers of slopes (including a toboggan run) and 3 lifts in total with red, black, blue and yellow pistes at your service. Granted it’s not exactly like the Alps, but Saklılent provides a more affordable, less-crowded and laid-back skiing experience.

Kaş is the premier spot for scuba diving in all of Türkiye. Choose from a number of first-rate diving centres and embark on an expedition into the astonishing depths of the Mediterranean. Discover a vibrant tapestry of marine life that range from colorful fishes to octopi, sunken wrecks, ancient amphorae as well as incredible rock formations like caves, canyons and tunnels.

7 Mehmet, located in the Atatürk Cultural Park, is regarded as a culinary institution and one of the finest restaurants in Antalya. Found in 1937, 7 Mehmet is renowned for providing an exceptional culinary experience, with a menu showcasing seasonal produce and local flavors. Some mouthwatering picks include the regional dish hibeş with tahini, fava with caramelized onions, circassian chicken and lamb tandoori with stuffed rice.