9 Best Things To Do In Antalya: Türkiye’s Resort City

The stereotypical Türkiye may be all about visiting mosques and indulging in some Turkish bath. For instance, in Istanbul, you’ll see the famous Hagia Sophia. But actually, the country is more than just these experiences. There is a place in Türkiye that leans more toward nature trips, with its beaches and other natural landscapes. Meet Antalya. There are several fascinating things to do in Antalya. 

Antalya is dubbed as a resort city in Türkiye characterized by its yacht-frequented Old Harbor and beaches flanked by exquisite hotels. Antalya is also considered as the gateway to the country’s southern Mediterranean region, known as “the Turquoise Coast” because of its blue waters. Additionally, remnants from this Turkish city’s past are attractions today, such as Hadrian’s Gate and the Hidirlik Tower where you can get impressive harbor views. 

Get excited for the adventure that will rejuvenate not just your body, but also your mind and soul. What are the best things to do in Antalya?

Best Things To Do In Antalya

If you are looking for a destination where you can relax and unwind, that has to be Antalya in the beautiful country of Türkiye. Find out the best things to do in Antalya right now.

1. Experience Luxury Resort Life In Antalya’s Pristine Beaches

Antalya is Türkiye’s resort city, so it is just right to find yourself enjoying the city’s pristine beaches. The more popular Turkish city of Istanbul may be known for its mosques and palaces, but Antalya is where you can unwind and relax with the views of the country’s turquoise waters. These are some of the best things to do in Antalya.

For your beach adventure, a good place to get started is at Konyaaltı Beach. This beach stretches 13 kilometers from the walls of Antalya’s old town toward the towering Taurus Mountains. 

While Konyaaltı is one of the most popular beaches in Antalya, there are other beaches you can explore that are also brimming with beauty. One of them is Lara Beach, where you can experience some luxury resort life. The region’s most sophisticated resorts and restaurants are here. Its golden stretch of beach is endowed with fine, powdery sand, as well as the highest quality water rating all across Europe.

2. Wander Through The Alleyways Of Kaleiçi Old Town

Many cities in the world are known for their old towns, and Antalya will surely not want itself to get left behind. The Kaleiçi Old Town in this Turkish city is beautiful. 

During the 2nd century BCE, the Pergamon kings (Pergamon is Greek kingdom and state that ruled much of the Western part of Asia Minor, which Antalya is part of, during that time) began building a new city on where the Antalya’s Old Town is today. In 133 BCE, it fell to the hands of the Roman Empire, and was developed into a vibrant port.  

Today, much of the oldest remnants of this old town date back to Roman rule, but the Muslim Turks and Ottomans that followed also peppered it with their architectural styles. You can see this grandeur as you visit the Kaleiçi Old Town.

Here, you can wander through its tight laneways, eat in its converted mansions, and shop at local craft stalls scattered around. These are some of the best things to do in Antalya that you should not miss.

If you are loving this “things to do in Antalya” guide, for sure, you will also like the top experiences in Istanbul, another great city in Türkiye. 

3. Plunge And Dip Into Duden Falls

If you’re ready for more water adventures while here in Antalya, the city offers more than just its beaches. There are also picturesque waterfalls such as the Duden Falls. 

These falls are more than just wonders of nature. They are also a home for local wildlife and birds that nest by the waters, adding more to the relaxing offering of this place. Did you know that the Lower Duden Falls feed directly into the Mediterranean Sea? 

Want to view the waterfalls up close and personal? Tourists are advised to hop on a boat trip that will take you here from the Antalya harbor, not to mention a stopover in the surrounding park. Be sure to include this on your things to do in Antalya itinerary. 

4. Grasp A Roman Emperor’s Close Connection With Antalya At Hadrian’s Gate

Located within the Kaleiçi Old Town is Hadrian’s Gate, also one of the most popular places to visit in Antalya if you go consult travel guides. 

The term “Kaleiçi” actually means “inside walls,” and the most remarkable part of this wall is the entrance that is Hadrian’s Gate. Built during the 2nd century BC, the gate has been a flashy display to give honor to Hadrian, a Roman Emperor who traveled to Antalya twice during this reign. Though there have been additions to its original construction, like the towers added during the 13th century, the gate itself remains very intact. It really looks like an extension of ancient Rome or Greece. 

Comprising two colonnaded façades that stretch over three arches, Hadrian’s Gate is also considered one of the most beautiful structures during the Roman Empire. If you want to have fun with the things to do in Antalya while you are here, don’t miss visiting the heavily eroded wagon tracks along the stone path which began taking shape almost 2,000 years ago. 

Welcome to our “things to do in Antalya” guide. If you are reading this, you might also want to know the best photography spots in Türkiye, Antalya’s home country. 

5. Learn About The Significance Of Hidirlik Tower For The City’s Past, Present, And Future

The Hidirlik Tower is a testament of the city’s rich past, present, and future. Therefore, visiting this should be part of your things to do in Antalya itinerary.

It is believed that the Hidirlik Tower was originally constructed as a defensive base to protect the ever-important trading harbor of Antalya. There is some truth to this as its strategic placement on a cliff’s edge may have given soldiers then a wide and vivid view of potential threats. 

But, there are also speculations and archaeological evidence that suggest that this 14-meter high circular tower could have been built as a tomb for a respected leader from the past. Whatever it is for, the Hidirlik Tower is a must-visit. 

6. Treat Your Family To Something Fun At The Land Of Legends Theme Park

Want other thrilling things to do in Antalya beyond its beaches and old town? You might want to take yourself to the Land of Legends theme park, a certified family-fun attraction. 

Dubbed as the “Disneyland of Antalya,” it is the most popular theme park in the whole Antalya region, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world each year. It’s called such for a good reason. Land of Legends offers a fascinating space to let go of your restraints, and just activate your imagination. If you are looking for wondrous things to do in Antalya with the family, visit the theme park. 

With its numerous attractions and experiences – including a fairy tale castle, an enormous water park, and an exciting adventure park, the Land of Legends theme park will create moments you will want to cherish wherever you go. 

Can’t get enough of the things to do in Antalya? For sure you won’t! Take a look at this story too as we listed Türkiye as one of the best places to visit in September. Ready, jetset, go!

7. Challenge Your Limits And Explore Antalya’s Countryside On A Safari Jeep

There are two amazing experiences on this tour. You’ll get to explore Antalya’s countryside, and you’ll explore it on a thrilling safari jeep. Challenge your limits as you visit the countryside with a full-day adventure over the Taurus Mountains. 

This tour is the perfect excursion for those looking for more experiences other than the beaches and ruins, as it provides you with all the things you need to pump up your adrenaline and revitalize your senses. 

Plus, there are more things to do in Antalya on this tour. There are off-road driving, idyllic walks in the forest, swimming in a natural pool, and taking some breathtaking views of the Ucansu Waterfall. The best of nature and one of the most emotional trips you are ever going to do await. 

8. Ride A Boat That Sails On Ice-Cold Water And Take In More Thrills At Köprülü Canyon

If you are an avid traveler, perhaps you have already ridden a boat, of course. But have you rafted on a boat that drifts on ice-cold water? If you haven’t tried this yet, you must include visiting the Köprülü Canyon on your things to do in Antalya bucket list. 

While rafting is one of the most popular things to do in Antalya in Köprülü Canyon, you can also explore the region by trekking, see the stone bridges from where the canyon has gotten its name from, and engage in horseback riding, safaris and camping. 

Without a doubt, Köprülü Canyon is among the popular attractions in Antalya, gathering mounds of tourists every day especially during the summer season.

9. Catch Some Performances At Aspendos

What’s the best way to cap off all the things to do in Antalya you have done so far? Believe it or not, it is about seeing a great performance at an amphitheater known as Aspendos. 

Viewed from the upper gallery, an adventurer’s sense of just how broad and well-preserved this Roman amphitheater of Aspendos hits every spot. In the past, during the Roman rule and period of conquest, the ancient city played a battle stage to Persian navies and even Alexander the Great himself. 

Today, Aspendos features the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, together with collaborations with various opera and ballet acts from all across the globe. It’s truly a spectacular experience that will leave you breathless. 

Thank you for taking some time reading our “things to do in Antalya” guide. There are more stories like this on our website, such as this on the best photography spots in Istanbul.

Things To Do In Antalya: Airlines That Fly To This City In Türkiye

The best things to do in Antalya cannot wait. But before you go pack your bags, you must first know which airlines fly to this Turkish city. 

• Turkish Airlines
• Malaysia Airlines
• Finnair
• Philippine Airlines
• Air China 
• SunExpress
• Asiana Airlines
• Lufthansa
• All Nippon Airways
• Japan Airlines

Unwind, Relax, And Rejuvenate In Türkiye’s Resort City

Experience a journey like no other with a visit to Antalya, looking like a city from the Medieval times filled with buildings and structures preserved from their prime during when Antalya was an ancient Roman port city. Some of these are Hadrian’s Gate and Hidirlik Tower.

Aside from that, Antalya is also famous for being a beach destination. You will find holiday boats in the Old Harbor and beachside resorts dotting its shoreline. Spending your time just lounging by the beach and soaking up the sun in what is also known as “the Turquoise Coast” as some of the most unforgettable things to do in Antalya.

Waste no time. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy some poolside siesta and ancient ruins, sail to golden beaches, and marvel at the Mediterranean sunset set against a charming old town. Fly to Antalya today.