Things to do in Antalya

What to do in Antalya

1. Marvel at the city’s landmark mosque
2. Walk in Hadrian’s footsteps
3. Learn all about the city’s rich history
4. Relax on the beach
5. Wonder at Antalya’s waterfalls
6. See the views from this ancient theatre in the sky
7. Tour the prehistoric caves

Wondering what to do in Antalya? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with this inspiring list of things to do… Whether it’s visiting the extraordinary ancient sites, taking a boat trip to see the breathtaking waterfalls or simply kicking back on the vibrant beach, this beautiful coastal city is packed full of sights and experiences for every kind of traveller. Book your trip now with these great Antalya holiday packages.

1. Marvel at the city’s landmark mosque

Antalya’s most photographed building, the Yivliminare Mosque provides a magnificent foreground for the panorama across the bay to the mountains, especially at sunset. It’s also the symbol of Antalya and its oldest Seljuk monument. Exquisite turquoise-and-blue tiles are set into the 8-metre high minaret, while the pool in front is of marble.

2. Walk in Hadrian’s footsteps

The stately marble gate was built in honour of the emperor’s visit in AD 130. Visitors can walk through this vestige of the ancient city and re-enter the modern world of Atatürk Caddesi, a palm-tree-lined street full of energy by the ringing bell of the passing period tram and a varying series of clothes shops, restaurants and cafés.

3. Learn all about the city’s rich history

The Archaeological Museum is one of the finest in Turkey and home to hundreds of fascinating objects from the surrounding area. From Bronze Age jewellery to Classical statuary of Greek gods and Roman emperors, the museum is a must for those wanting to learn more about the city’s rich history.

4. Relax on the beach

Need a break from sightseeing and shopping? Take a load off on the city’s attractive beachfront! At the eastern end of the beach there’s a dedicated leisure area with bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafés. If you still want more, Antalya Aquarium, on the cliff top above, claims to be the world’s longest tunnel aquarium.

5. Wonder at Antalya’s waterfalls

The limestone country around Antalya is riddled with waterfalls, of which the most famous are the Düden Şelalesi, two separate cascades on a powerful underground river. Much more spectacular are the 20-metre high Lower Düden Falls, which crash over the cliff into the sea in the Antalya suburb of Lara.

6. See the views from this ancient theatre in the sky

The breathtaking hilltop city of Termessos needs to be seen to be believed. It’s perched between summits at about 900 metres, and the views to the coast and across the mountains are magnificent. The superb theatre, the most dramatically situated in Turkey, is the high point of any visit to the site, staring across a narrow canyon to the rugged mountain opposite. Other remains include an agora, a gymnasium, an odeon and five enormous water cisterns carved into the rock.

7. Tour the prehistoric caves

Another spectacular attraction is the caves of Karain Mağarası. Finds from these remarkable caves go back to the Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age), some 30,000 years ago. People are thought to have lived here for nearly 20,000 years, and excavation has yielded tools, axes and other crude implements, the skull of a Neanderthal child, and the bones of an ancient elephant, hippopotamus and bear.

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