Antalya is a beautiful coastal city located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm climate, it is no wonder that Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Antalya is a truly special place, with something for every kind of tourist. From its rich history to its stunning beaches, delicious food, and unique shopping, it is easy to see why so many people choose Antalya as their vacation destination.
Antalya has a long and fascinating history dating back to ancient times. The city was first settled in the 2nd century BC by the Attalid dynasty of Pergamon, hence the name “Attaleia.” Antalya was founded in 158-138 BC by Attalus II, King of Pergamon. The city is named after the king who founded the city. Over the centuries, Antalya was ruled by various empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each leaving their unique mark on the city.
Map of Touristic Places in Antalya
I prepared a map showing the sights (Top Places To Visit in Antalya Turkey) of Antalya. On this map, you can see historical places, beaches, natural beauties and places for tourist attractions. I keep improving the map.
Attractions: Things To Do in Antalya Turkey
Antalya has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply relaxing on the beach. Here are some of the top attractions to visit during your stay:
1) Old Town
Known as Kaleiçi, the old town of Antalya is a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with traditional Ottoman houses, boutique hotels, and restaurants. Don’t miss Hadrian’s Gate, a beautiful Roman arch built in the 2nd century.
Kaleiçi is a historic neighborhood located within the old city walls of Antalya. It is situated on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and is known for its narrow streets and well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture. The area is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and boutique hotels.
One of the most notable features of Kaleiçi is Hadrian’s Gate, a beautifully preserved Roman arch built in the 2nd century AD. The gate served as the entrance to the city during Roman times and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.
Other attractions within Kaleiçi include the Antalya Toy Museum, which displays a collection of antique toys from Turkey and around the world, and the Antalya Ethnographic Museum, which showcases traditional Turkish culture and lifestyle.
Visitors to Kaleiçi can also enjoy strolling through the neighborhood’s charming streets, which are lined with historic Ottoman houses, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels. The area is also known for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs offering a range of entertainment options.
Overall, Kaleiçi is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Antalya, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture.
2) Antalya Museum
This museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient times to the Ottoman period, including sculptures, mosaics, and ceramics.
Antalya Museum is a world-renowned museum located in Antalya, Turkey, and is one of the largest museums in the country. The museum is known for its impressive collection of ancient artifacts, spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period.
The museum is divided into 14 exhibition halls, each dedicated to a different period in Turkey’s history. Some of the most notable exhibits include the Hall of Gods, which displays ancient statues and sculptures from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and the Hall of Sarcophagi, which houses an impressive collection of marble sarcophagi from the Roman period.
In addition to its extensive collection of ancient artifacts, the Antalya Museum also features a number of interactive displays and exhibits. Visitors can explore a recreated Roman street, complete with shops and homes, and learn about traditional Turkish handicrafts, such as carpet weaving and pottery making.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Antalya Museum is the Children’s Museum, which is designed to be interactive and engaging for young visitors. Children can learn about archaeology, history, and culture through a variety of hands-on activities and exhibits.
Overall, the Antalya Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Turkish history and culture. Its extensive collection of ancient artifacts and interactive exhibits make it an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
3) Beaches and Hotels Of Antalya
Antalya is famous for its stunning beaches, including Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach, which offer crystal-clear waters and soft sand.
Antalya is the most important and most popular around the world tourism destination and the tourist capital of Turkey. With ancient cities, trekking routes, and beautiful beaches, Antalya is a holiday paradise. You will find everything that you want for a perfect holiday: The clear blue sea, wonderful beaches, historical and natural beauties.
Antalya is situated located in the Mediterranean region and at the end of Antalia Gulf. It has a clear blue sea, the best beaches of Turkey, many historical and natural beauties, and lush green vegetation. For the best beaches of Antalya click here
There are numerous five-star hotels, holiday villages, and entertainment establishments in Antalya.
4) Waterfalls of Antalya
Visit Duden Waterfalls, Kursunlu Waterfall, and Manavgat Waterfall to experience the natural beauty of the region.
5) Antalya Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in the world, the Antalya Aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish.
Must-See Historical Places Of Antalya Turkey
From the past to the present, remained under the rule of many states (for example Romans, The Byzantine Empire, The Ottoman Empire), Antalya has a great number of archaeological sites and ruins. These archaeological sites and ruins enhance their appeal. In these archaeological sites and ruins, there are wonderful works of art from different civilizations. Moreover, some of these archaeological cities are located at the seaside. Here are some archaeological cities located in Antalya.
Patara: The Birth Place of Santa Claus
Demre (Myra)
Aspendos
Perge
Xanthos-Letoon
Phaselis
Antiphellos
Lymra Ancient City
Olympos and Chimaera
Termessos
Antiochis Ad Cragum Ancient City
What can I do in Antalya: Daily Excursions
What could be more appealing than dreamlike landscapes, grand mountains, the magnificent colours of the sea and a rich variety of flora?
Add to that the lively holiday life with the quiet of ancient ruins and you have a perfect vacation. İn Antalya there are many possibilities for day trips. The Bey Dağları (Olympos) National Park, Topçam Beach and campgrounds, at the north end of the park, are perfect for a visit, and for enjoying a view of the strangely perpendicular Sıçan Island.
It is not possible to plan a holiday in Antalya for a few days. Therefore, we recommend that you plan your holiday by considering Antalya into a few regions.
The mountain resort of Saklıkent, 50 km from Antalya, is an ideal winter sports centre on the northern slopes of Bakırlı Mountain at an altitude of 1750-1900 m. March and April are the months when you can ski in the morning, then in the afternoon go to the marina for a lunch of fresh fish, and end the day sunbathing on the beach, swimming or windsurfing.
On the eastern side of Çan Mountain, 30 km from Antalya, is Karain Cave, dating from the Palaeolithic Age and the site of the oldest settlement in Turkey. The cave has a single entrance, lit by the morning sun, then moves into three large interconnecting chambers. The little museum at the entrance houses some of the remains, but most of the finds from this cave are scattered in various museums throughout Turkey.
In Duzlerçamı Park, 20 km north of Antalya, deer and mountain goats are protected species. The very interesting 119-metre-deep Giiver Canyon is 3 km south of the park.
Dim River (Dimcay) & Dim Cave Tour in Antalya-Turkey
Food
Antalya has a rich culinary culture influenced by Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine. Don’t leave without trying some of the local specialties, including kebabs, meze, and baklava.
Shopping
Antalya offers a great shopping experience, with a mix of modern malls and traditional bazaars. Visit the Antalya Bazaar for souvenirs, Turkish carpets, and leather goods.