Where to stay in Antalya

Not sure where to stay in Antalya on your family holiday? Look no further than Lara Beach. Handily located just a 20-minute drive from the airport, this 5-mile-long stretch of golden sand is a perennial favourite and is home to a host of family-friendly accommodation.

The area’s luxurious hotels have all the amenities you could need, from pools and spas to superb restaurants. Many also offer clubs for children from tiny tots to teens, so your little ones can play games and enjoy fun-filled activities while you get some much-deserved me-time.

There’s a vast array of water sports on offer on the beach, from sedate paddleboarding to adrenaline-fuelled jet-skiing. And when it’s time to venture further afield, there are plenty of nearby theme parks and water parks for a day trip, including The Land of Legends and Dinopark.

Situated in the city just a 30-minute drive from the airport, the Kaleiçi quarter is one of the best areas to stay in Antalya for couples. This charming old town is a maze of narrow streets punctuated by soaring mosque domes and minarets, plus Roman and Ottoman ruins like Hadrian’s Gate and the picturesque Hıdırlık Tower.

The area is home to a smattering of romantic boutique hotels and suites with on-site pools and restaurants – you might find it hard to leave! When you do venture out, though, you’ll find authentic seafood down by the charming marina, where you can take a sightseeing cruise. In summer, Kaleiçi comes alive with scores of pubs and bars themed with tourists in mind.

When it’s time to cool off, Mermerli Beach is a perfect little slice of pebble cove lapped by azure water. Stake a claim to one of the sunbeds, lie back, and enjoy the epic mountain views.

Centred around a quaint harbour, Kaş is a charming town with tons to offer and is undoubtedly among the best places to stay in Antalya for nightlife. Rather than cavernous nightclubs, the venues here are restaurants, pubs and bars that open till late in summertime, with seating that spills out onto the squares and promenades. Live music is ever-present here during peak season, and you’re likely to find a concert on every night.

During the daytime, you can take a leisurely stroll around the pretty old town, full of cobbled streets and flower-laden balconies. If you fancy a dip, there are several beaches within easy walking distance: Little Pebble Beach and Big Pebble Beach are firm favourites, while Kaputaş Beach (a 20-minute drive north of the town) is world-famous – a little strip of paradise nestled at the foot of towering cliffs.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Antalya for beaches, the delightful harbour resort of Side is a great place to base yourself. The headland is surrounded by miles of sandy shore boasting all the amenities you could ever need.

Side East Beach (also known as Side Big Beach) is an easy walk from the town, and you can take a detour via the evocative ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Amphitheatre and the Agora. Once you arrive, you’re greeted by several miles of golden-brown sand dotted with sunbeds and parasols to rent. The beach slopes gently into the warm, shallow sea, making it an ideal spot for kids to splash around, while thrill-seekers will love the water sports on offer, from jet-skiing to parasailing. Behind the beach, there’s a walkway lined with restaurants and bars where you can grab a refreshing drink, tasty seafood or traditional Turkish cuisine.

When you fancy a change of scene, the equally lovely beaches of Kumkoy, Çolaklı, Sorgun and Evrenseki are within a short drive and are all equipped with facilities like showers, toilets, cafes and water sports venues.

With something for everyone, Antalya is a fantastic area for an all-inclusive stay. All-inclusive hotels in Antalya offer packages covering all meals and drinks, with speciality restaurants, poolside bars and room service often available. Depending on your chosen hotel, amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, spas, sports facilities, kids’ clubs and much more.

If you like a helping of local history and culture with your holiday, then Kaleiçi could be right up your street with its picturesque domes and minarets, which make it a romantic spot for couples. Going even further back in time, Side has Roman ruins galore, telling the story of the region’s time as part of the empire.

For families with little ones, Lara Beach is one of the best places to stay in Antalya. Its chic hotels offer superb cuisine and facilities. The sprawling beach is a surefire hit, too, and there are a plethora of family-friendly attractions nearby.

If it’s lively nightlife you’re after, check out Kaş, where the quaint harbourside comes alive at night with cafes, pubs and bars hosting live music until the small hours. By day, it’s a lovely place to stroll around the cobbled streets and do a bit of shopping in the many boutiques.