Here are 15 Best Things to Do in Antalya to make your holiday a memorable one

Discover 15 Best Things to Do in Antalya

• Visiting the Old Town (Kaleiçi) and the Hadrian’s Gate.
• Taking a boat tour of the coastline
• Visiting the Yivli Minaret.
• Going to the Antalya Museum.

15 Best Things to Do in Antalya Turkiye

Most people know Antalya for its beautiful beaches, ancient sites, and high-end hotels. It’s a great place to get away from everything and relax. The popular vacation spot is tucked away on the southern coast of Turkiye. It has always been beautiful and stylish.

This gem on the Turkish Riviera has a great climate that makes it a great place to visit all year.

Antalya’s 15 Best Things to Do 

Here are the best 15-Things To Do in Antalya

1. Go into Hadrian’s Gate

Hadrian’s Gate is the most exciting way to get into Kaleici. This beautiful old ruin is called Uckaplar in Turkish. It was built in 130 BCE. 

Hadrian’s Gate is in surprisingly good shape for how old it is. Even now, you can look at its three marble arches, framed by tall towers and decorated in a Roman style. Try to find the lion’s heads, leaves, and rosettes.

On either side of the Gate are towers from different times. When the Gate was built, the northern tower was built at the same time. It has Arabic writing on it. The southern tower was built hundreds of years after the Gate, but not by the same people. It looks different from the rest of the building because of this. When you walk through the arches, look up to see what the ceiling looks like. Underneath, you can see intricate carvings that have been kept in great shape.

2. Try whitewater rafting in Koprülü Canyon National Park

For those seeking adventure, whitewater rafting in Koprülü Canyon National Park is a must-do activity in Antalya. Recognized as one of the top destinations in Turkey for water sports, Koprülü Canyon boasts a stunning blue river that meanders through rugged, dramatic cliffs. The best way to experience this exhilarating sport is by signing up for a guided tour, which conveniently includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.

Your day at the national park will be packed with excitement, starting with a 1.5-hour off-road safari that sets the stage for the main event—rafting down 7 kilometers of class II rapids surrounded by breathtaking scenery. After navigating the rapids, you’ll have the chance to cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters, enjoy a hearty lunch to recharge, and relax by the riverbank before returning to your hotel.

If whitewater rafting isn’t your thing, there are lots of other fun things to do here. Ziplining, hiking, camping, taking pictures of nature, exploring old ruins, and going on off-road safaris are just some of the things you can do here.

3. It will be the best time of your life at The Land of Legends Theme Park Antalya

4. Look into the strange Karain Cave

Karain Cave is one of the most exciting places to see in Antalya. It is north of the resort. Many artefacts from the Lower and Middle Paleolithic periods have been found in this ancient natural wonder.

People have had a safe place to live in the cave for more than 25,000 years! Only so many places on Earth have been inhabited for as long as this one has. This makes it a genuinely unique Turkiye attraction.

If you’ve never been in a natural cave, you’re in for a treat here. Inside, rough stalactites hang from the high ceiling, and strangely shaped stalagmites rise from the floor. The cave is lit up in a way that makes the most exciting parts stand out and gives it an eerie feel.

After you’ve looked into all the dark corners of the cave, go to the museum. During the cave’s excavation, many treasures were found, such as the bones and teeth of Neolithic people.

5. Suluada Turkish Maldives Island Tour, Discover The Nature

Suluada is a small island near Antalya. It is also known as the “Turkish Maldives.” The island is called the “Turkish Maldives” because its waters are so clear, and its beaches are made of white sand. People often go to the island to swim, snorkel and do other things in the water.

A small village with a few restaurants, cafes and small shops is also in Suluada. People can also take a boat ride around the island and see what’s around it.

From the nearby town of Cesme, which is on the western coast of Turkiye, it is easy to get to the island by boat. From the Cesme Marina, boats leave often, and the trip takes about 30 minutes. People can also take a ferry from the Greek port of Chios to get to the island.

It’s a great place to go on vacation if you want to get away from the noise and crowds of the cities. The island’s natural beauty and the clear water make it a great place to swim, snorkel, and layout in the sun.

6. Visit the Antalya to learn about history.

The Antalya Museum offers a fascinating journey through time, showcasing artifacts from various historical periods, including Ancient Greece, Rome, the Hittite and Phrygian eras, and the Ottoman Empire. This museum is home to an extensive collection of statues, inscriptions, sarcophagi, mosaics, and other relics uncovered during excavations in ancient cities like Perge, Aspendos, and Side.

One of the museum’s most iconic exhibits is the “Tomb of Perge,” a grand sarcophagus belonging to a wealthy individual from the ancient city of Perge. The museum also features a remarkable array of artifacts from the nearby Taurus Mountains, particularly from the ancient city of Termessos.

A must-visit for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, the Antalya Museum provides a deep dive into the region’s rich heritage. The museum is open to the public daily, except on Mondays.

7. Have a relaxing day at the

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Turkiye can be found in Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast. Some of the most popular beaches in Antalya include:

• Lara Beach: This long stretch of sandy beach is located east of Antalya city center and is known for its clear waters and lively atmosphere. 
• The beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

• Konyaaltı Beach: This beach is located west of Antalya city center and is known for its clean and calm waters. The beach is also home to the Antalya Marina, where visitors can take boat trips and enjoy water sports.

• Kursunlu Beach: This beach is located in the town of Kursunlu, which is about 20km east of Antalya. It is known for its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great spot for those looking for a more secluded beach experience.

• Patara Beach: This is one of the most famous and longest sandy beaches in Turkiye. It is located in Patara village, which is about 20km from the city of Antalya. The beach is surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, and it is considered a protected area for Caretta caretta sea turtles.

• Adrasan resort of Kemer has an impressive beach situated in a wonderful cove. The region is a naturally protected area.

All of these beaches offer the opportunity to enjoy the sun and the sea with a lot of fun activities. Swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing, parasailing, and more. There are also restaurants, cafes, and bars on the beaches where visitors can enjoy delicious meals and refreshing drinks.

8. Swim around the Lower Düden waterfalls

Antalya has been getting more and more limestone for more than 1.5 million years. This has made the area full of waterfalls and springs. One of the most beautiful is the Lower Düden Waterfalls, which are near the city’s coast.

Nearly nine miles inland, in the southern part of the Taurus Mountains, is where the waterfalls start. The strong water crashes down the cliffs of Antalya City and into the Mediterranean Sea below.

You can get some great pictures in the park if you stand on the edge of the cliff to the west of the waterfalls. We recommend that you go in the afternoon or early evening. That’s when the light is best, and that’s when you’ll get the most beautiful photos. Boat trips are available if you want to get closer to the falls and feel their spray on your face. This popular tour takes you to the best parts of the city and then gets you as close to the waterfalls as possible by boat. Make sure you’re hungry because after you see the beautiful falls, you’ll be able to eat at a nearby restaurant.

9. See the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival, which will blow your mind.

s summer kicks off, one of the top attractions in Antalya is the International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival. Renowned as one of the world’s largest sand sculpture events, this annual festival transforms over 10,000 tonnes of sand into stunning masterpieces. Held each year in May or June at Lara Beach, the festival draws artists from around the globe who adhere to a specific theme, using only sand and water to craft their intricate sculptures. These breathtaking creations are so detailed that it’s hard to believe they’re made from just sand.

Visitors can enjoy more than just the art; the festival also offers engaging activities like sand sculpture workshops for children and educational movie screenings that delve into the creative process behind these works of art. If you’re planning a trip to Antalya, make sure to experience this unique cultural event that celebrates creativity, skill, and the beauty of temporary art.

 

10. Take a walk through Kaleici’s old streets.

One of the things you should do in Antalya is check out Old Town. Antalya’s Old Town, also called Kaleici, is more than 2,000 years old and lives up to its name. You walk through the town’s maze of narrow alleys. Past cute cafes and street vendors, it’s easy to imagine how people lived here hundreds of years ago.

Kaleici is a great place to go if you want to get away from the resorts that were built for tourists and find something a little more real. You can walk all over town and enjoy how calm and quiet it is. The Kesik Minare, which is also called the Broken Minaret, is an interesting place to visit. A fire in the 1800s did a lot of damage to this mosque, but it still stands tall in the town today.

You can also add Hadrian’s Gate at the town’s entrance. Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Cami Mosque and the Roman-built harbor from hundreds of years ago to your list of things to do.

11. Take a ride on the Tünektepe Teleferik

Taking the cable car to the top of Tünek Tepe hill is one of the most fun things to do in Antalya. The cable car goes up the side of the hill for just over a mile until it reaches the top, where you can see beautiful views of all of Antalya.

At the top of the hill, you can see more than just beautiful views. There is also a playground for kids and a small bazaar where you can buy all kinds of traditional crafts made in the area. When you need a break, there is a small cafe and a great restaurant that rotates so you can see the beautiful views from all sides. If you want to stay longer, there is a nightclub where you can get drinks and dance until the wee hours of the morning. There is also a hotel where you can wake up to some of the most beautiful views in all of Antalya.

12. Antalya 2-in-1 Tour One of the Best Things to Do in Antalya

Rafting is a popular outdoor activity in Antalya Best Things to Do in Antalya. It is done on the fast-moving rivers in the area. There are different levels of difficulty on the rivers in Antalya, so both new and experienced rafters can enjoy the sport. Most rafting tours come with all the gear you need, like life jackets and helmets, and are led by experts.

Jeep safari is a different kind of adventure. It is an off-road adventure in which people ride in open-top jeeps to see the rough terrain and beautiful scenery of the Antalya area. Most of the time, the routes go through mountain passes, across rivers, and through traditional villages. During the tour, you will also have the chance to see historical sites and monuments. Most Jeep safari tours pick you up and drop you off at your hotel and include a guide and all the gear you’ll need.

Both of these things are very popular with tourists who come to Antalya, and they are great ways to see the natural beauty of the area and have some fun.

13. Visit Aspendos to go back in time

Aspendos is an old Roman city that is close to the Turkish city of Antalya. Most people know it for its well-kept Roman theatre, which is thought to be one of the best-kept ancient theatres in the world. The theatre was built in the second century AD, and more than 15,000 people could fit inside. Even now, concerts and other shows are still held there.

There are also several other ancient ruins in the city of Aspendos, such as an aqueduct, a Roman bridge, a basilica, and the remains of a palace. These ruins show how people lived in the ancient city and how good the Romans were at building things.

Aspendos is a popular place for tourists to visit, and it’s easy to get there from Antalya. People can take a guided tour of the ruins and learn about the history of the city and the Roman Empire. You can also go swimming in the nearby Eurymedon River, which is a nice way to cool off.

It’s a must-see for history buffs, especially those who are interested in the Roman Empire, and for people who like to look at old buildings.

14. Paragliding Tour Fethiye Sky Tour

The Paragliding Tour Fethiye, you will Think of yourself like a bird. You open your wings and fly up into the sky. You can feel the air moving by your face. Let the wind blow your hair. Look out into the distance to see the beautiful mountains. Look down at the white-sand beaches and blue ocean. Most people who stay on Earth will never have the chance to feel this excitement.

Paragliding Tour Fethiye will begin at the mountain’s peak. Baba Dag to feel what it’s like to fly. 

All pilots have 10 to 15 years of experience. Pilots are all Internationally Certified Tandem Pilots. All pilots can speak English well.

15. Fire of Anatolia Troy Best Things to Do in Antalya

Fire of Anatolia’s “Troy” is a breathtaking performance that blends traditional Turkish dance with modern choreography, bringing the ancient legend of Troy to life. Held in Antalya, this world-renowned show captivates audiences with its high-energy dances, stunning costumes, and powerful storytelling. As one of Turkey’s most iconic cultural performances, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the rich heritage and artistic expressions of the region. For more information Click Here.