Antalya itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Antalya
7 stops · ≈ 6 h 43 minA charming Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant located in the historic Kaleiçi old quarter of Antalya. Housed within a beautifully restored Ottoman-era mansion, it boasts an atmospheric garden courtyard filled with greenery and citrus trees. The menu highlights freshly caught seafood, traditional cold mezzes, tender charcoal-grilled kebabs, and regional wines, all paired with warm Turkish hospitality in a romantic setting.
Erected in 130 CE to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, this monumental triple-arched marble gateway stands as Antalya's grandest ancient landmark. Locally known as Üçkapılar, the structure features three graceful archways supported by fluted Corinthian columns and coffered ceilings carved with floral motifs. Flanked by sturdy defense towers, it serves as the historic pedestrian portal into the atmospheric Kaleiçi old quarter.
This historic two-storey mansion on Işıklar Street commemorates the visits of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, in 1930 and 1935. Restored and opened as a museum, the ground floor features archival photographs, newspaper clippings, and documentary screenings. Upstairs, visitors can explore Atatürk’s bedroom and study, complete with period furniture, personal belongings, and a collection of commemorative coins.
Perched atop cliffs immediately south of Antalya's historic Kaleiçi quarter, this popular municipal park offers sweeping vistas over the Gulf of Antalya and the Beydaglari mountains. Wide stone promenades meander through subtropical gardens planted with date palms, pines, and vibrant bougainvillea. At the park's edge stands the ancient Roman Hıdırlık Tower, flanked by open-air tea gardens and sunset viewpoints above the Mediterranean.
The primary landmark of Antalya and a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture, located at the entrance to historic Kaleiçi. Commissioned in 1230 by Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I and rebuilt in 1373, its iconic 38-metre fluted minaret is constructed of red brick adorned with turquoise glazed tiles atop a square stone base. The adjacent mosque is crowned by six lead-covered domes supported by antique Roman pillars and capitals.
A picturesque historic harbor nestled at the base of dramatic limestone cliffs in Antalya's Kaleiçi old town. Operating since Roman times in the 2nd century BC, it served as Antalya's primary port for millennia. Today it functions as a vibrant marina filled with wooden gulets and excursion yachts. Visitors stroll along the scenic stone breakwater, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and take a glass elevator up the cliffside.
Ranked among Turkey's foremost archaeological institutions, the Antalya Museum houses an extraordinary repository of artifacts recovered along the Mediterranean coast. Across 14 thematic exhibition halls, the museum showcases finds from ancient Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia. Highlights include the magnificent Hall of Gods, displaying Roman marble statues excavated at Perge, exquisitely carved sarcophagi, coins, and prehistoric tools.
Reserve
7If you have time left — worth it too.
Nestled within a fragrant pine forest canyon twenty kilometers northeast of Antalya, this protected nature park centers around an 18-meter waterfall. The main torrent cascades through lush vegetation into a tranquil chain of interconnected emerald pools. Shaded boardwalks and walking trails wind beneath plane trees and wild bamboo, leading visitors past a restored 17th-century watermill, wild water lilies, and sunbathing freshwater turtles.
Perge is an ancient Pamphylian city 18 kilometres east of Antalya and one of Turkey's most impressive archaeological parks. Hellenistic gate towers survive, along with a 15,000-seat theatre, a stadium, Roman baths and a colonnaded street with a water channel running down its middle. The apostle Paul passed through Perge on his way to Antioch. Shade is scarce, so bring water and a hat.
Located along Lara Beach, Sandland is one of the world's premier open-air sand sculpture exhibitions. Each year, international artists transform thousands of tons of fine river sand into dozens of colossal figures, following themes like mythology, world wonders, and ancient history. At dusk, special LED illumination brings the monumental sand works to life.
A beach east of Antalya with fine pale sand and a gentle entry into the sea, lined by resort hotels and beach clubs renting sunbeds. Public sections are free, and the shallow water makes it one of the area's best spots for swimming with children. The Taurus mountains look great at sunset, and the old town is about twenty minutes away by bus.
Antalya's flagship beach stretches for kilometres at the foot of the Taurus mountains: coarse pebbles give way to fine sand at the waterline. A palm-lined boulevard with cycling paths, parks and cafes runs along the shore, backed by a modern residential quarter. The sea turns striking shades of turquoise against the mountains, and the sunsets here are counted among the best in the city.
Set against the Taurus Mountains in the Kepez district, Antalya Zoo is one of the largest and most picturesque animal sanctuaries in Turkey. Established in 1989 within a protected 400-hectare pine forest, the zoo features expansive naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic wild habitats. Visitors can observe over a hundred animal species, including bears, lions, wolves, raptors, and reptiles, accompanied by cool woodland walking trails.
Operating since 1991 in Antalya's Konyaaltı district opposite the 5M Migros mall, this vibrant amusement park is a favorite family destination. Its defining feature is Heart of Antalya (Kalbim Antalya), a 90-meter Ferris wheel that ranks among the tallest in Europe, offering illuminated cabins with sea and city views. The fairgrounds offer over 40 rides, including roller coasters, bumper cars, drop towers, and a haunted mansion.
- Learn a few basic Turkish phrases; locals appreciate it.
- Bargain at local markets for better prices.
- Use sunscreen as the sun can be strong, especially in summer.