Antalya Travel & Vacation Guide

Situated approximately 18 kilometres east of Antalya, Perge, also known as Perga, was once home to the Hittites around 1500 BC, before falling under Greek colonisation post the Trojan War. The extensive ruins showcase a Roman theatre, a vast stadium, and column-lined streets harking back to the era when the Apostle Paul is believed to have made a stopover during one of his missions. Immerse yourself in the timeless tales this historic site whispers.

Antalya Aquarium offers a chance to explore the underwater world, with thousands of different marine species on display. Feeling adventurous? You can even swim with sharks and rays. Fancy a spot of winter in the middle of summer? Visit 'Snow World' and make snowballs from real snow. The highlight of the visit is the world's largest underwater tunnel — 131 metres long and 3 metres wide.

The Antalya Archaeology Museum hosts a remarkable array of exhibits, from perfectly preserved Roman statues and impressive sarcophagi to remnants of the theatre in Perge. Nestled amongst the icons, discover a jawbone alleged to belong to Santa Claus, born in Patara and buried in Demre. The Museum also showcases a captivating collection of traditional folk costumes and exquisite rugs, further enriching your cultural exploration.

Located about 19 kilometres east of Antalya, you'll find Aspendos. This remarkable theatre is the only one from antiquity that still has its stage structure intact. Originally capable of accommodating 20,000 spectators, its survival is credited to the Seljuks, who repurposed it as a residence. In the 1920s, Kemal Atatürk, revered as the 'Father of the Turks', decided to restore the theatre. Today, Aspendos plays host to major musical events, perpetuating its legacy as a cultural epicentre.

Situated en route to Alanya, Belek is a charming seaside resort town. Known for its premium golf courses, it offers a perfect getaway for those keen on tee times. Beyond golf, Belek is home to upscale hotels and restaurants to explore.

North of Antalya and Alanya, the Köprülü canyon and Beşkonak is a delight for all senses. It hosts ancient ruins, trout farms, and offers a welcome retreat from the coastal heat. If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, why not experience the thrill of white water rafting in this lush landscape?

Erected ahead of a Roman Emperor's visit in 130 AD, Hadrian's Gate offers a grand entry to Antalya's historic district. As the sole surviving gateway of the city's ancient protective walls, this triumphal arch embodies the rich past of Antalya, once known as Attaleia. Today, the gate stands on Atatürk Caddesi, bridging the bustling modern city and the charming old town of Kaleiçi, a testament to Antalya's long history and architectural prowess.

Perched atop the stark white cliffs of Pamukkale lies Hierapolis — an ancient city that's as rich in history as it is in thermal springs. Once a Phrygian cult centre and later a flourishing Greek city, Hierapolis boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre, an array of atmospheric ruins, and the famed Sacred Pool, a thermally heated delight where you can immerse yourself amidst submerged Roman columns, scattered by an ancient earthquake. Just a stone's throw away, the terraces of Pamukkale steal the show. These gleaming white formations, made of travertine — a sedimentary rock deposited by the mineral-rich hot waters — give the town its name, meaning 'Cotton Castle'. With temperatures ranging from 35°C to a steamy 100°C, these hot springs have been creating an expanding landscape of terraces for centuries, as calcium carbonate from the waters crystallises into the soft gel of travertine. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, Hierapolis and Pamukkale offer a unique fusion of cultural history and natural wonder that should not be missed.

Over in Alanya, Çello Cafe Bar provides a relaxed, local experience. Known for its live Turkish music and quality shisha, it's a spot where young locals and travellers alike gather to savour the night. Outside, tables buzz with conversation beneath the starlit sky, while inside, the pleasing ambiance continues with a nice neon-lit interior. Expect spontaneous dancing and an array of folk songs from a live band daily. It's an ideal setting to truly soak up the local vibe, away from the typical tourist hustle.

Buzzing with an electric vibe, Çöplük Cafe & Bar is regarded by locals as the best nightspot in Antalya. Off the typical tourist trail, it guarantees an authentic, fun-filled experience. This vibrant venue has it all: a wide array of cocktails and beers, great food, don't miss the seafood pasta, and friendly staff. Move to the energising live music, or relax outdoors if you'd like a quieter evening. Whether you're out with friends or just hopping around, this place promises an enigmatic atmosphere and a memorable night.

Hayyam is a traditional café and pub that is a longstanding institution in Antalya. With its reasonable prices and high quality, it is a good place to go for the budget-conscious traveller.

Nestled within Antalya's old town, Sponge Pub offers a lively atmosphere complete with beer, cocktails and regular live music acts. From Turkish renditions of classic tunes to original performances, the music is sure to entertain. Enjoy the cosy seating, free popcorn, and an ambience framed by ancient walls. While drink prices are a bit above average, the experience is well worth the cost.

Since its opening in 2011, Tudors Arena has been a go-to entertainment spot for both locals and tourists. This venue truly comes alive on warm nights, offering refreshing drinks in its garden and an inviting open-air area to chill out. For music enthusiasts, this place is a dream come true, with live music performances every day of the week.

A premier shopping destination, Antalium Premium Mall is the epitome of luxury retail. Here, you'll encounter an array of high-end brands and upscale boutiques, promising an elevated shopping experience. Be prepared for some indulgence as the price tags can be steep.

Antalya Migros Shopping Center stands as one of the largest malls in the region, boasting an impressive selection of over 128 high-quality boutiques and stores. From brand-name clothing and sparkling jewellery to intriguing books — the centre caters to diverse tastes. Enhance your shopping journey by catching a movie at the onsite cinema or take a break to savour a meal at the expansive food court.

Atatürk Street is the go-to destination for those in search of items that add a touch of sparkle. This busy avenue is home to skilled goldsmiths, abundant jewellery shops, and a wide array of leather goods. From timeless pieces of jewellery to exquisite leather products, there's something for everyone's taste and wallet size. Indulge yourself with a delightful keepsake, then rest your feet in one of the numerous cafes along the street.

Since its opening in 2004, the Deepo Outlet Center has grown to be one of the largest malls in the Mediterranean region. Spanning 38,000 square metres, this shopping hub invites you to indulge in retail therapy, enjoy food and drink, or catch a movie throughout the year. What sets Deepo apart is its array of outlet stores offering exclusive deals that draw both tourists and locals alike.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture of Turkey at Doğu Garajı, 'Eastern Bus depot market', a traditional marketplace pulsating with energy and bustling with local shoppers. This market presents an authentic taste of the local lifestyle, complemented by inviting cafes and restaurants. As a visitor, you'll be delighted by the bountiful assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and aromatic spices, as well as the intricate hand-made ceramics and diverse crafts from all over the country. More than just a shopping destination, Doğu Garajı Market offers a vivid slice of Turkish life.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the old bazaar, located just opposite the clock tower. A popular spot for locals, it offers an intriguing blend of everyday items and glittering gold. Here, not only can you shop for local and international textiles, gold and silver jewellery, and carpets, but you also get to participate in Turkey's rich tradition of bargaining. Remember, negotiation is expected, even encouraged. Take the time to explore: amidst the variety of leather goods, clothes, and other treasures, you'll be offered apple tea — a delightful Turkish custom. The charm of this bustling market, open even on holidays, goes beyond shopping; it's a window into the Turkish way of life.

Özdilek Park presents a shopper's paradise spread across four spacious floors. From fashion to technology, the mall offers something for every visitor. Designed as a comprehensive entertainment hub, the mall provides an array of leisure options. Take a breather at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants, immerse yourself in a multidimensional movie experience, go bowling, or partake in the regular events hosted here.

Positioned conveniently in the heart of Antalya, Selekler Çarşısı is a perfect pit stop for a shopping spree in your busy sightseeing itinerary. It's a treasure trove offering a wide range of items from stylish apparel and memorable souvenirs to practical kitchenware. Following your shopping adventure, you can unwind in the tranquil green parks located just a stone's throw away.

The optimum time to visit Antalya tends to be between April and September, when the Mediterranean Sea is deliciously warm. Peak summer months of July and August can get quite toasty. Yet, Antalya is blessed with great weather all year round. A trip slightly off-peak can prove rewarding, offering more beach elbow-room and potentially lower hotel rates.

Antalya International Airport (AYT) is located 13 km (8 miles) northeast of Antalya city centre, and is used both for regular and charter flights. You will find the taxi stands in front of the arrival exits of all terminals. There is also a number of buses from the airport to central Antalya. The public shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes between Antalya Airport and Antalya bus terminal (Otogar). The trip to central Antalya takes about 15 minutes depending on the traffic situation.

Taking a 'dolmuş' is the best way to get around in Antalya. These are minibuses — or large taxis — that depart when they’re full and stop where required. There are also ordinary city buses, but they are more expensive and stop only at the regular places. Buses depart from the bus station Otogar to various parts of Turkey. Different companies offer transportation along the same routes. Make your seat reservation in advance.

Taxi cabs are yellow with taxi signs on the roof. They have meter with two different rates: from midnight until 6 am it can be up to 50% more expensive than during daytime. BiTaksi and Uber are the most popular taxi apps in Antalya.

Turkey operates on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs that fit into recessed wall sockets.

You will find a few pharmacies along The Lara Beach strip and in the city centre. There is always an on-call pharmacy open at night. The local drugstores are called 'Eczane' in Turkish and often have a sign with a red cross on a white background. A sign on the pharmacy's front door indicates the address and telephone number of the closest pharmacy on duty.

The Turkish post offices can be recognised through the PTT-symbol. The main post office is called Merkez Postanesi.

Country code: +90 Area code: 242