Antalya itinerary — 4 days
Day 1 — Antalya
8 stops · ≈ 4 h 39 minDomed mosque from the 1600s named after a powerful 16th-century grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire.
Historic center of Antalya, dotted with Byzantine, Ottoman & Roman ruins, including Hadrian's Gate.
Roman Harbour, located in the city center of Antalya, is also known as Uckapilar or the 'Three Gates'. This historical harbor was initially established by the Romans and later developed for trade and naval expeditions during the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Today, it is a popular spot for various seaside activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and clubbing. Visitors can enjoy boat rides offered by multiple companies to explore the scenic and peaceful area with waterfalls and hotels.
The Old City Marina (Kaleiçi Marina) is set in a picturesque Roman-era cove at the foot of Antalya's fortified old quarter cliffs. Serving as the city's port since the 2nd century BC, it preserves ancient ramparts and Ottoman stone architecture. Today traditional wooden gulet boats moor along the quay beside inviting seafood restaurants, while a clifftop glass lift offers sweeping Mediterranean views.
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.
Beautifully restored white and red Ottoman mansions line the cobblestone streets, now home to numerous boutique hotels, souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants. While it's more of a place to simply soak up the old-world atmosphere, there are also plenty of small tourist attractions for those who want to look around. There's plenty to do in Antalya's Old Town, so I recommend setting aside a whole day to spend here. The park around the Old Town is really beautiful and perfect for taking panoramic photos, but there are also Hadrian's Gate, the Hıdırlık Tower, and the cobbled, winding streets around the town to explore. It's one of the best free things to do in Antalya, and it offers a great opportunity for souvenir shopping, as there are many small shops where you can bargain.
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.
Reserve
15If 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.
About an hour's drive from the city center lie the stunning ruins of the ancient Pisidian city of Termessos, located in the heart of Güllük National Park. At an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), the unrestored city contains numerous stone structures and impressive walls. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Taurus Mountains, the city's ancient theater offers one of the best views of any such site in the country. Admire centuries-old architectural wonders such as amphitheaters, temples, baths, and much more at impressive historic sites such as Side, Patara, Aspendos, Myra, Perge, Termessos, and Antiphellos, among others.
Selfie Park Antalya is a massive indoor photo playground and museum located in Antalya's Muratpaşa district. Spanning over 2,000 square metres, it ranks among the largest selfie attractions in Europe, offering over 50 creatively themed sets. Visitors can explore vibrant neon rooms, ball pits, gravity-defying illusions, and retro backdrops, making it a popular hit for fun photography, family outings, and creative social media content.
Set right on the Mediterranean shoreline in Antalya, Amoor Beach Restaurant blends a relaxing beach club vibe with seaside dining. Guests can lounge on sunbeds directly beside the turquoise water, soaking in coastal breezes and ambient music. The kitchen serves fresh Mediterranean seafood, grilled catch of the day, Turkish mezes, artisan pizzas, and tropical cocktails, making it a favorite spot for sunset drinks and leisurely lunches.
Patara Yapi Tasarim is situated approximately 40 km from Kas and was once the capital of the Lycian Union. The city played a significant role in the union's affairs, hosting crucial meetings in its parliament, whose ruins can still be explored today. As one of six cities with voting privileges within the union, Patara held prominence during various historical eras.
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.
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.
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.
Termessos Endüstriyel is a historical site located just under an hour from the city center. It offers breathtaking views and great hiking opportunities. Dating back to 333 BC, the place provides stunning panoramic views that stretch for miles on clear days. Visitors can immerse themselves in history while enjoying the natural beauty of the area through hiking tours.
Yivli Minare, also known as the Fluted Minaret, stands as a prominent symbol in Antalya's old town quarter. Constructed by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, this historic monument serves as a reliable compass for orientation. With its unique fluted design, it is an iconic landmark that offers insight into the region's rich history and architectural heritage.
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.
- 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.