Antalya itinerary — 3 days
Day 1 — Antalya
7 stops · ≈ 8 h 21 minGO Antalya Scuba Diving - Tüplü Dalış Turları offers a variety of underwater diving centers along the coast, including Kemer, Camyuva, Olympos, Adrasan, Kas, Kalkan, Ucagiz, Kekova, Side and Alanya. Additionally, visitors can enjoy yacht tours from various ports to explore stunning natural attractions such as waterfalls and ancient ruins.
The Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque was built by the beylerbey (governor of governors) Tekeli Mehmet Pasha. The building was extensively renovated in 1886 and 1926...
Mermerli Beach, located in Antalya's Old Town (Kaleiçi), is a picturesque stretch of pebble beach along the Mediterranean Sea. With its crystal-clear water and views of the ancient city walls, it is a tranquil spot for sunbathing and swimming. The beach's proximity to historical attractions allows visitors to easily combine a day at the beach with a touch of antiquity. Mermerli Beach is located right next to Antalya's yacht marina in the old town of Kaleiçi. The small sandy beach has many sun loungers placed close together. It can sometimes get quite crowded due to its proximity to the city.
Hidirlik Tower is a Roman structure from the 2nd century on the cliff above the Mediterranean, in Karaalioglu Park near Antalya's old harbour. Square at the base and round above, the tower still puzzles historians: a lighthouse, a monumental tomb or part of the city defences. Byzantine and Ottoman eras saw it rebuilt for military use. Around it spreads a shady park with avenues and terraces over the cliff.
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.
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.
A dramatic natural waterfall located in Antalya's Lara district, where the swift Düden River plunges 40 metres down rugged limestone cliffs directly into the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding Düden Park provides landscaped paths, cantilevered cliff-edge viewing balconies, and seaside tea gardens. Illuminated by night, the thundering cascade is also a highlight of coastal sightseeing boat tours.
Reserve
11If 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.
An ancient Pisidian mountain city perched over 1,000 metres above sea level in the Taurus Mountains within Güllük Dağı National Park. In 333 BC, even Alexander the Great failed to conquer the fortress, famously calling it an eagle's nest. Today, atmospheric ruins lie intertwined with wild pine forest: a cliffside Hellenistic theatre suspended over sheer drops, an ancient agora, rock-hewn cisterns, and monumental sarcophagi.
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.
Konyaaltı Beach is a stunning pebble beach that extends for a considerable distance, offering visitors the opportunity to engage in various sports activities such as basketball and football. The beach provides breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs and is situated between the marina and rugged crags, with Mermerli Beach nearby where top yachts can be spotted. Additionally, Konyaaltı Beach boasts numerous restaurants, providing an array of dining options for visitors to enjoy.
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.
Admire centuries-old architectural wonders such as amphitheaters, temples, baths, and much more at impressive historical sites such as Side, Patara, Aspendos, Myra, Perge, Termessos, and Antiphellos, among others. The entire province of Antalya is full of ancient ruins and history waiting to be discovered, and this is something I always love to do. I was very surprised by the number of ruins located so close to the city center, and Aspendos is less than 10 minutes from the Old Town. It is one of the best places to visit in Antalya if you love history like I do.
The Land of Legends Ticket offers a family-friendly experience in Antalya, Turkey. This entertainment city features a Disney-esque castle with Islamic architecture and a variety of attractions suitable for all ages. Visitors can enjoy thrilling rollercoasters, toddler-friendly rides, spectacular shows, musical performances, and meet-and-greets with fun characters. The complex also includes swimming facilities, sports car shows, high-speed trains, and various entertainment options.
A 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.
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.
- 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.