GoTourist
The old harbour below Kaleiçi, Antalya

No. 48 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Antalya

Türkiye

The capital of the Turkish Riviera: beaches, a walled old town and Roman ruins beneath the mountains.

Open in Maps Apple Maps

Photo: REHBER0770, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Antalya is No. 48 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Türkiye's main Mediterranean resort city lies on a bay backed by the Taurus Mountains, on the stretch of coast known as the Turquoise Coast.

Its old town, Kaleiçi, has a Roman gateway, Ottoman houses and a harbour, and the city is surrounded by beaches and by the ruins of ancient cities such as Aspendos, Perge and Termessos.

Hadrian's Gate, Antalya
Hadrian's Gate, Antalya. Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Best time to go

April to June and September to October are warm and sunny, ideal for both the beach and sightseeing; the sea is warmest in early autumn.

July and August are very hot and busy. Winter is mild but can be rainy.

Top sights

  • 1

    Kaleiçi

    The walled old town has narrow lanes, restored Ottoman houses and the Yivli Minaret, and slopes down to the old harbour.

  • 2

    Hadrian's Gate

    A triple-arched marble gateway built for the visit of the Roman emperor Hadrian in AD 130.

  • 3

    Konyaaltı and Lara beaches

    Konyaaltı is a long pebble beach west of the centre; Lara, to the east, is sandy.

  • 4

    Düden waterfalls

    The Lower Düden Falls plunge off the cliffs straight into the sea; the Upper Falls are in a park inland.

  • 5

    Aspendos

    One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, about 45 km east of the city.

  • 6

    Perge and Termessos

    The ruined ancient city of Perge lies on the plain; Termessos sits high in the mountains.

  • 7

    Tünektepe and Tahtalı cable cars

    Cable cars climb above the city and, near Kemer, to the summit of Mount Tahtalı for views over the coast.

Getting there

Antalya Airport (AYT) is about 13 km east of the centre and is linked to the city by tram, bus and taxi. Many resort hotels offer transfers.

Long-distance buses connect the city's main bus station (otogar) with the rest of Türkiye.

Getting around

Trams and buses cover the city; pay with an AntalyaKart. Kaleiçi is compact and best explored on foot.

Dolmuş minibuses and organised tours reach the beaches and ancient sites.

Practical tips

Currency
Turkish lira (TRY). Cards are widely accepted. Check exchange rates, as prices change often.
Language
Turkish. English, German and Russian are widely spoken in resorts.
Safety
Antalya is generally safe. Use strong sun protection in summer. The emergency number is 112.
Visa & entry
Citizens of many countries, including the UK and EU countries, can visit Türkiye visa-free for short stays; others need an e-Visa. Apply only on the official site evisa.gov.tr and check the current rules for your passport.
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug types C and F.

Official information: GoTürkiye (official tourism portal of Türkiye). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors