[takeaways] • The five best things to do in Antalya are Kaleici Old Town, Hadrian's Gate, Duden Waterfalls, Konyaalti Beach, and the Antalya Museum — note the museum is currently closed pending reopening.
• Hadrian's Gate in Kaleici Old Town is completely free to visit — a spectacular first-century monument that costs nothing to see.
• Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit for manageable crowds and comfortable temperatures. June offers the warmest sea waters.
• Konyaalti Beach is pebbled — always wear footwear. For soft sand, head to Lara Beach instead.
• Always carry cash in Turkish Lira — not all vendors and attractions accept foreign cards, especially in traditional street market areas. [/takeaways]
Turkey is one of the SIMOVO crew's best-loved Mediterranean getaways — and while you might be tempted to visit Istanbul first, there are plenty of reasons to consider making Antalya, a city on the southern coast, your first port of call.
Whether or not you've already read up on our Turkey facts and just want to explore somewhere new, we've put together this guide to show you what Antalya has to offer — and why you might want to head here for the history, food, and incredible sunshine the nation is so popular for.
Antalya travel overview
As you'll see from our guide on building the perfect Turkey itinerary, this is a nation absolutely bursting with character, beach getaways, and friendly folk. Antalya is a city along the Turquoise Coast that sometimes gets overlooked, but it has earned the wonderful accolade of becoming the heart of the Turkish Riviera.
It's very popular with beach lovers, mainly thanks to around 300 days of pure sun every year and its selection of sparkling sandy stretches. Just as you'd expect from any major resort in Turkey, the area is also packed with incredible imperial history and a truly vibrant dining and hospitality scene.
Staying in Antalya in style doesn't have to be too expensive, even if you're looking for a luxury break. We recommend taking a close look at flights and accommodation here well before you travel to secure the best deals.
Best things to do in Antalya, Turkey
Whether you're a first-time visitor to Antalya or not, there's always something surprising around the corner here — and we mean that in a good way. We surveyed the SIMOVO team members who have visited Antalya and lined up our top recommendations for your itinerary.
[numbered title="Kaleici Old Town" pill="Cobbled and historic"]Traditional street vendor scenes, famous Turkish coffee, and a handful of marvelous historical buildings — including Hadrian's Gate. Guided tours available if you prefer.[/numbered] [numbered title="Hadrian's Gate" pill="Free to visit"]A first-century monument built in honor of Emperor Hadrian, found within Kaleici Old Town. Still standing after centuries — and completely free to visit.[/numbered] [numbered title="Duden Waterfalls" pill="Natural wonder"]Cascading 40 feet into the sea and accessible by boat tour, with swimming opportunities and food vendors nearby. One of Antalya's most spectacular natural highlights.[/numbered] [numbered title="Konyaalti Beach" pill="Mountain views"]A long, well-serviced beach with cafes, loungers, and views of the Taurus Mountains. Pebbled throughout — always wear footwear.[/numbered] [numbered title="Antalya Museum" pill="Check before visiting"]A display hall packed with ancient discoveries and Ottoman artifacts. Currently closed at the time of writing — check opening status before including it in your plans.[/numbered]
Kaleici Old Town
Kaleici Old Town is certainly one of the cobbled highlights of Antalya, with traditional street vendor scenes, cafes to sample that famous Turkish coffee, and a handful of marvelous historical buildings. Kaleici may be quaint, but it's usually the number one destination choice for Antalya visitors — and if you don't want to explore it all on your own, you can book guided tours.
Hadrian's Gate
Hadrian's Gate is a famous monument found in Kaleici Old Town, thought to have been raised all the way back in the first century AD in honor of the Emperor Hadrian. Ornate, impressive, and still standing, it has had a few embellishments over the centuries — but this monument continues to draw history lovers from all over the world.
[tip title="Hadrian's Gate is completely free to visit"]Unlike many of Antalya's paid attractions, Hadrian's Gate costs nothing to see. It makes a perfect first stop in Kaleici — combine it with a walk through the Old Town's streets and a coffee at one of the neighborhood's traditional cafes.[/tip]
Duden Waterfalls
Time to check out some of Antalya's natural highlights. The Duden Waterfalls are accessible from Antalya via boat tours, cascading into the sea from as high as 40 feet. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming close by, and you can access both the upper and lower levels of the falls. The atmosphere out here is fantastic, and if you're hungry, vendors are usually on hand nearby.
Konyaalti Beach
We really couldn't talk about Antalya without mentioning its fabulous coastline, and Konyaalti Beach tends to sit at the top of many visitors' must-visit lists. It's a long, well-maintained beach replete with cafes, loungers, and playground facilities. You can see the majestic Taurus Mountains just beyond the shoreline.
[tip title="Wear footwear on Konyaalti Beach"]Much of Konyaalti Beach is pebbled rather than sandy. Always wear water shoes or sandals when walking along the shoreline — bare feet on pebbles can be uncomfortable and cause injury.[/tip]
Antalya Museum
History lovers will certainly want to check out the Antalya Museum — also known as the Antalya Archaeology Museum — packed full of display halls showing off ancient discoveries and Ottoman artifacts alike.
[warning]At the time of writing, the Antalya Museum is closed and set to reopen later this year. Always check the current opening status before including it in your plans — a wasted trip across the city is easily avoided with a quick search before you set out.[/warning]
Best beaches in Antalya
We've already listed Konyaalti as a key highlight, but there are naturally a few more brilliant beach zones worth sunsetting yourself on when visiting Antalya.
[warning]Cirali Beach is famous for being a sea turtle nesting site. Always check signs on and around the beach before settling in — certain areas may be restricted at specific times of year to protect nesting wildlife. Follow all local guidance to ensure you are keeping the local environment safe.[/warning] [tip title="Head to Lara Beach for soft sand"]Lara Beach is a popular spot in Antalya for sun lovers and is particularly well-suited to families — it's soft sand rather than pebbles, and it's managed with tourism in mind. It's also conveniently close to the Duden Waterfalls if you'd like to combine the two in one day.[/tip]
Best time to visit Antalya
When it comes to coastal vacations in Turkey, we generally recommend heading across in the spring. Traveling between March and May gives you comfortable weather compared to the intense summer heat — though there's a greater chance of rainfall and humidity at the coast.
The further benefit of traveling to Antalya in spring is that crowds are smaller and most attractions are open. You can, of course, plan a summer getaway if you prefer — but you're always likely to find more humidity on the coast than inland in cities like Istanbul.
[tip title="Visit in June for the warmest sea temperatures"]If swimming in warm water is a priority, June is the sweet spot — sea temperatures around Antalya are at their best and summer crowds haven't yet reached their peak. Mark it in your calendar if sea bathing is high on your agenda.[/tip]
[esim flag="🇹🇷" label="Turkey" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$6.40" href="/products/turkey" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected across Antalya and beyond[/esim]Antalya travel tips
Now you have a good idea of the best things to do in Antalya, here are some general tips on how to make the most of any adventure out here.
[tip title="Sample Turkish food before you travel"]If you're completely new to Turkish food, you'll find some of the tastiest served right here in Antalya. Try dining at a Turkish restaurant closer to home before you fly so you arrive with a good idea of what your taste buds can expect.[/tip] [warning]Busy tourist areas in Antalya are popular with pickpockets — particularly in Kaleici Old Town and around the major attractions. Always keep sensitive and valuable items locked away or close by, and use a crossbody bag for the best protection on the go.[/warning] [tip title="Carry cash in Turkish Lira"]Always carry cash in Turkish Lira wherever possible. Some areas reject foreign currencies due to counterfeiting concerns, and traditional street vendors in particular are unlikely to accept international cards. Exchange or withdraw Lira before you arrive at your destination rather than at the airport, where fees are higher.[/tip] [faq] [q]What are the best things to do in Antalya?[/q] [a]The five best things to do in Antalya are exploring Kaleici Old Town, visiting Hadrian's Gate (free entry), taking a boat tour to the Duden Waterfalls, relaxing on Konyaalti Beach, and visiting the Antalya Archaeology Museum — though the museum is currently closed, so check opening status before you visit.[/a] [q]Is the Antalya Museum open?[/q] [a]At the time of writing, the Antalya Archaeology Museum is closed and set to reopen later in the year. Always check the current opening status online before planning a visit — the museum's official page and TripAdvisor are the most reliable sources for up-to-date information.[/a] [q]What is the best beach in Antalya?[/q] [a]Konyaalti Beach is the most popular and well-serviced beach in Antalya, with cafes, loungers, and views of the Taurus Mountains — though it is pebbled, so wear footwear. Lara Beach is the best choice for soft sand and is particularly popular with families. Cirali Beach is quieter and wilder but has seasonal restrictions due to sea turtle nesting — always check local signs.[/a] [q]What is the best time to visit Antalya?[/q] [a]Spring (March to May) is generally the best time to visit Antalya for comfortable temperatures and manageable crowds, though rainfall and coastal humidity are more likely than in summer. June offers the warmest sea temperatures. Summer is hot and busy. Fall (September to October) is a good compromise — warm waters, smaller crowds, and more affordable prices.[/a] [q]Is Antalya safe for tourists?[/q] [a]Antalya is generally very safe for tourists, but pickpockets are active in busy tourist areas such as Kaleici Old Town and around popular attractions. Keep valuables secured, use a crossbody bag, and avoid keeping phones or wallets in accessible pockets. Standard travel precautions apply as they would in any busy tourist destination.[/a] [q]Do I need an eSIM for Turkey?[/q] [a]A SIMOVO Turkey eSIM is one of the most practical additions to any Antalya trip. At £10 for 10GB over 30 days, it activates the moment you land, connects you to Turkey's best available networks, and keeps you navigating, researching attractions, and staying in touch throughout your stay — without roaming charges when you get home.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇹🇷" label="Turkey" data="10GB · 30 days" price="$6.40" href="/products/turkey" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Stay connected across Antalya and beyond[/esim]
