Turkey is a firm favourite among UK and Irish holidaymakers seeking sun, culture and an all-round excellent getaway.
And one of its most-loved destinations in recent years is the beautiful Mediterranean city of Antalya.
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This popular Turkish resort city sits on the perfectly named Turquoise coast, famous for its crystal waters.
It offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins.
If a week or two in Antalya doesn't make up for those grey days back home, nothing will.
The Best Things to Do in Antalya
Maybe you're looking to visit for the history and the beaches.
Or maybe it's an excuse to eat your body weight in kebabs and Turkish delight.
Either way, Antalya is a perfect holiday destination for travellers from the UK and Ireland.
Still on the fence? Here are some of the best things to do in Antalya to inspire your next Turkish trip away.
Things to Do in Antalya's Old Town
As with many locations, Kaleiçi, Antalya's old town, is the beating heart of the city.
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Find a favourite Turkish coffee spot among its maze of cobbled lanes, Ottoman-era mansions and lively bazaars.
Step through Hadrian's Gate, a triple-arched gateway with its marble columns and intricate carvings.
Built in 130 AD to honour Emperor Hadrian's visit, its well-preserved Roman craftsmanship makes it one of Antalya's must-see landmarks.
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Get your camera roll ready and head to one of the city's finest architectural gems - Yivli Minaret mosque.
Currently under consideration for UNESCO status, its 38-metre-high fluted minaret may hurt your neck, but it'll look great on your social feeds.
Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Hıdırlık Tower, perched above Antalya's marina, is ideal for a stop to look out over the glittering sea.
Afterwards, hunt down that traditional coffee or grab an apple tea on bustling Atatürk Street.
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Whether you're wandering ancient ruins or watching the sunset by the harbour, Kaleiçi is the place to zone out and relax on your trip to Antalya.
Family Activities in Antalya
Antalya couldn't be more ideal as a family holiday destination.
With plenty of purpose-built centres and parks, you'll be spoiled for choice for activities to keep the kids occupied.
And adults too. Because let's be honest, we're never too old for rollercoasters and dinosaur parks.
The Land of Legends
By Philippe-Minh Nguyen - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
The Land of Legends is where Thorpe Parks meets Atlantis - minus the British weather trying to ruin your day.
With its own shopping mall, hotel and the largest theme park in Turkey, it's basically a holiday within a holiday.
And don't miss Aqua Land for some serious water-based fun.
Sandland
By Dat doris - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
At Sandland, you'll find sand sculptures that make your childhood beach castles look decidedly amateur.
It's like an art gallery made of sand. Only you won't get funny looks for wearing flip-flops.
Antalya Toy Museum
By Dosseman - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Antalya Toy Museum is a nostalgic walk through the history of toys. Even if you're well past the age of playing with them.
Take a trip down memory lane with toys from different eras.
You'll be saying "I had one of those!" more times than you'd care to admit.
Dolusu Park
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Who doesn't love a water park? Dolusu Park offers enough activities to tire out even the most energetic kids.
Get lathery at a foam party, watch a mermaid show and test your nerve on some extreme water slides.
Perfect for your penultimate day, when you need the little ones to sleep well before tomorrow's flight.
Dinopark
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A 40-minute drive takes you to Dinopark, a paradise for kids and big kids who love all things prehistoric.
Complete with a 7D cinema, fossil pools and enough dinosaurs to film the next Jurassic Park, this will keep dino-loving kids happy for hours.
Antalya Aquarium
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The world-class Antalya Aquarium offers a welcome escape from the Mediterranean heat.
With one of the longest underwater tunnels on the planet, you can get up close with sharks and rays without getting your feet wet.
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Saklıkent Ski Center
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Heading to Antalya in winter? The Saklıkent Ski Center offers a unique chance to ski with a view of the Mediterranean.
You'll appreciate not having to worry about your ski lodge being snowed in.
The Best Beaches in Antalya
Right, beach time. And I'm talking proper Turkish beaches with sunshine and all the trimmings.
Konyaaltı Beach
Image by Aysegul Aytoren from Pixabay
Just 15 minutes from Antalya centre, Konyaaltı Beach offers crystal-clear waters and mountain views.
It has areas with both fine pebbles and sand and coveted blue-flag status, guaranteeing quality water.
Lara Beach
30 minutes from Antalya, Lara Beach boasts the kind of soft sand you daydream about while at work all day.
Cirali Beach
Adobe Free Stock / fromsalih
A slightly longer 90-minute drive brings you to Cirali Beach, home to nesting Caretta sea turtles.
They close the beach at night for turtle nesting - quite possibly the best excuse ever for abandoning a late-night swim.
Beach Park
Step off the tram and straight onto Beach Park, where you'll find beach clubs and cafés dotted along the shoreline.
It's the perfect spot for those who like the assurance of amenities nearby.
Moonlight Beach
A 50-minute drive from Antalya, Moonlight Beach offers golden sands and clear waters.
It comes with the bonus of Yoruk Park nearby, offering a look into traditional Turkish culture.
Waterfalls and Natural Wonders
Remember those desktop wallpapers of impossibly beautiful waterfalls? Well, it turns out they actually exist and Antalya has a lion's share.
Kursunlu Waterfalls
By Eylem10 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
A short drive from the city brings you to Kursunlu Waterfalls.
Here you can spot tortoises, crabs and fish going about their day in the clear pools. Pack a picnic - this part of the world is too beautiful to rush.
Düden Waterfalls
These falls cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating quite the spectacle.
Visit at sunset for the best photos - although maybe keep a firm grip on your phone while taking them.
Ancient Sites Around Antalya
The Ancient City of Perge
This ancient city, home to some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman Ruins in Turkey, has more columns than your average spreadsheet.
Adobe Free Stock / saiko3p
Perge Stadium is among these and is well worth seeing.
It's one of the best-preserved Roman stadiums in Western Turkey and one of the largest in Asia Minor.
At the height of its glory, it could seat 12,000 people. That's more than some Premier League grounds (I'm looking at you, Bournemouth).
Patara Ancient City
Home to one of Turkey's longest beaches and enough ancient ruins to fill your camera roll, Patara is the birthplace of Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas.
Yep, in something of a turn-up for the books, it appears that Father Christmas was of Greek descent and was born in Turkey.
Maybe consider swapping those Christmas Eve cookies for Turkish Delight.
Xanthos-Letoon
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A UNESCO World Heritage site along with nearby Letoon, Xanthos was once the capital of ancient Lycia.
The site features unique tomb structures, including the striking Harpy Tomb and the Pillar of Inscriptions. Unmissable.
Adventure Activities
Olympos Cable Car
The Olympos Cable Car offers what might be the Mediterranean's most spectacular view.
Adobe Free Stock / olyasolodenko
Rising 2,365 meters above sea level, it provides a unique vantage point where you can see the coast, mountains and ancient ruins all at once.
Camping and Climbing Around Antalya
Antalya's diverse landscape makes it an unexpected haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Geyikbayırı has earned international recognition among the climbing community for its limestone cliffs and over 1,000 bolted routes suitable for all skill levels.
By gertrudis2010, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
For a more relaxed outdoor experience, both Doyran Pond Campground and Korsan Cove offer well-maintained camping facilities with easy access to hiking trails and beaches.
Antalya's coastal camping areas are particularly pleasant in spring and autumn, when temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities.
Nightlife in Antalya
Antalya's evening scene offers everything from casual beach bars to sophisticated rooftop venues.
Each area of the city has its own distinct atmosphere - here's where to head out.
Old Town Evening Entertainment
Start your evening with a sunset ride at Aktur Park. This late-night fairground allows you spin on some rides as the sun sets - a truly unique way to finish the day.
Follow this with dinner at Tipsy Old Town. This much-loved restaurant's terrace offers views over the harbour.
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Its mix of traditional Turkish and international dishes makes it a perfect spot for dinner and drinks.
Beach and Marina Nightlife
Image by sofiane dougheche from Pixabay
The marina area comes alive at night with sophisticated bars and restaurants.
For something more laid-back, head to Konyaalti Beach.
Here, beach clubs transform into evening venues with live music and DJ sets.
If you're brave enough, Maren Beach Karaoke Club offers a platform for your greatest hits.
While the bars along Beach Park provide a more relaxed setting for evening drinks.
Adobe Free Stock / methaphum
Late Night Options
For those wanting to make a night of it, the clubs around Lara Beach stay open into the early hours.
The area around Kemer Road is known for its live music venues, where you can catch both Turkish and international acts.
Many hotels also host their own evening entertainment, from traditional Turkish nights to modern DJ sets.
Stay Connected with a Turkish eSIM
Grab yourself a Turkish eSIM from Airalo before jetting off to enjoy Antalya.
It's the best way to avoid roaming charges and stay connected to your friends, family and social feeds.
Just visit the Airalo store, choose your data package and install - bon voyage!
