Antalya is second only to Istanbul in attracting the highest number of tourists to Turkiye. Given that it is a city and a region of contrasts where the sea, sun, history and nature align seamlessly, The Wise Traveller takes a quick spin through its attractions.
Antalya is a sprawling city located on Turkiye's Mediterranean coast. In recent years, the region has become a major hotspot for millions of tourists from Europe, Russia and Asia looking to take advantage of its 640-kilometre coastline.
In the far west of the city, on the Teke Peninsula, lies the Ancient City of Patara, one of the most important cities of the Ancient Lycian Civilisation. As you move east, you can find nature in the bays of Demre and the traces of ancient civilisations at every corner.
Kaş is one of the few diving centres in the world, while Kemer is home to many luxury resort hotels and the magnificent Tahtalı Mountain.
Get a cable car that goes to the top of Tahtalı Mountain before sunrise and welcome the new day at the magnificent zenith of Tahtalı Mountain at an altitude of 2,365 meters. Once you return to sea level again, Olympos Ancient City will not be far away.
Kaleiçi, which forms the centre of Antalya city, brings together the ancient city of Attalia, one of the most important medieval ports in the Eastern Mediterranean, traces of the Seljuks, and the natural wonder of the cliffs.
The atmospheric old town that encapsulates more than 2,000 years of history. Wandering its narrow cobbled streets reveals Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, and hidden courtyards filled with cafés and artisan shops.
Among its standout landmarks is Hadrian's Gate, a beautifully preserved Roman triumphal arch built in 130 AD to honour Emperor Hadrian. Nearby, the Hıdırlık Tower offers sweeping views over the coastline and harbour, making it a popular sunset spot.
The old harbour below Kaleiçi is another highlight, where ancient walls meet modern-day boat tours and waterfront restaurants.
For a deeper understanding of the region, the Antalya Museum is a must-visit. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts from ancient civilisations, including Lycia, Pamphylia and Rome, displayed across multiple galleries.
Families and marine enthusiasts will enjoy the Antalya Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, featuring an underwater tunnel and a wide variety of sea life.
The Ancient City of Perge was one of the important stops of St. Paul and an important port city which belonged to the Pamphylian civilisation.
For those seeking golf, Belek is one of the most popular centres in the world, with its specially designed courses. The region is also prominent for its amazing resort hotels, services, nature, and facilities. To top it off, one of the best-preserved ancient theatres, the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, will take your breath away.
There is also the Manavgat Waterfall, which joins the river and has foaming water meandering through the forests, the Temple of Apollo, and the Ancient City of Side. Travelling further east is Alanya with its historical castle extending into the Mediterranean.
If the weather is hot, there are dozens of options to cool off in Antalya. One of them is Lara Beach, which is near Perge. Spend the afternoon on Lara's golden beaches, relieve your tiredness. You can choose a seafood restaurant for dinner, as many in Antalya offer delicious Lagos Fish cooked in salt.
Just outside the city, the Düden Waterfalls are among Antalya's most iconic natural attractions. The Lower Düden Falls dramatically cascade off cliffs directly into the Mediterranean, while the Upper Falls offer a peaceful park setting.
Adventure seekers can head to Köprülü Canyon National Park for white-water rafting, one of the region's top outdoor activities.
For something more dramatic, Termessos sits high in the Taurus Mountains, offering both history and hiking opportunities. Further afield, Myra and Demre provide a glimpse into Lycian tombs and early Christian heritage.
Whether you're visiting for a short break or an extended stay, Antalya offers a rich mix of experiences that cater to every type of traveller, from history lovers to beachgoers and adventure seekers alike.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
