Posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023

After the blistering heat of July and August, Antalya is blessed with pleasantly warm temperatures, even as winter sets in.

Steeped in history and boasting two excellent beaches, this beguiling Mediterranean metropolis could be the perfect destination for when life returns to normal.

Why visit Antalya?

Bustling Antalya lies on the western coast of Turkey and boasts a wealth of historic attractions, beaches and, nearby, a large national park.

Home to two million and growing, Antalya has a distinctly Mediterranean vibe - indeed, you could be sauntering among the well-heeled of the French or Italian Rivieras.

The laid-back pace is in part explained by the agreeable climate - pleasantly warm all year except July and August, when it becomes a little too hot for comfort.

Old quarter - Kaleiçi

Aside from the beaches, the focal point of recreational life - for both tourists and locals - is the Kaleiçi (meaning “within the castle”).

Wrapped by Roman walls, this old quarter is rather small, but is bursting with character and is ideal for relaxing evening meals and drinks.

Accommodation in Antalya

Antalya offers a wealth of accommodation options, but the finest are arguably the superbly-restored Ottoman-style hotels in the old quarter.

For more modern options, the wider city has plenty to choose from.

Antalya Beaches

For many Turkey-bound holidaymakers, the beaches are one of the main attractions - and the Antalya area does not disappoint.

The long sweeping arc of Konyaaltı Beach stretches 7km from cliffs to the mighty Beydağları Mountains.

Edged by fragrant Turkish pines, behind the beach lies a playground for tourists: cafes, bars, nightclubs and hotels.

The Aqualand water park is located nearby too - perfect for keeping the kids super-occupied.
           

Beydağları Coastal National Park

If the city bustle gets too much, head to the Beydağları Coastal National Park, home to Tahtalı Dağı - the area's tallest mountain, and the ancient settlements Olympos, Phaselis and Idyros.

Antalya day trip ideas

If chilling on the beaches and in the cafes of Antalya doesn't fulfil your adrenaline quota, try one of these day excursions:

Gulet boat trip

A gulet is a traditional Turkish boat, often used for swimming/snorkelling day trips.

Choose from sedate options with meals included, or rowdy party-oriented affairs for the 18-30 set, where drinks are the main focal point.

Day tour: Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat falls

This is a common package that ties together some of the main local attractions: Perge, where most of Antalya Museum's statues were unearthed, still has plenty of ruins to enjoy.

Trips to Perge are often followed by pit-stops in Aspendos, home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre; and the mesmerising Manavgat Waterfalls.

Electric bike tours across the city

The fun way to explore the city, while getting some exercise.

Rafting and canyoning in Koprulu Canyon

Fun for all the family, you'll pass through the breathtaking Taurus mountains and under the old Oluk Bridge.

Antalya Museum

Home to one of Turkey's biggest historic collections, Antalya museum can only display a fraction of its 35,000+ artefacts.

The Statuary Hall is one of the highlights, with statues of Minerva, Zeus, Artemis, Harpocrates, Aphrodite, Asclepius, Tyche, Meleager, Hecate, Hermes and Marsyas.

The Imperial Statuary Hall features numerous Roman emperors and other regional 'big-deals', while the Sarcophagus Hall lays bare the elaborate funeral rites of the same.

Eating in Antalya

Turkish food has been wooing tourists for decades, and Antalya doesn't let the side down: think charcoal grills; beef or cream-cheese tarts ('Börek'); slow-cooked lamb; grilled fish - and a choice of mezes and delicious vegetarian options.

Baklava and chocolate profiteroles make for naughty between-meal sugar kicks, ideally washed down with excellent Turkish coffee or tea.

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