Antalya is one of the main tourist resorts in Turkey, offering many options for an exciting and unforgettable vacation. Modern hotel complexes, magnificent beaches, and entertainment centers allow vacationers to fully enjoy their stay on the Mediterranean Riviera.
This popular tourist city is famous not only for its developed and convenient infrastructure but also for its luxurious subtropical nature, beautiful mild Mediterranean climate, and interesting archaeological sites. The first settlements on the site of the modern resort appeared more than 2,000 years ago, so there is plenty to amaze visitors.
The attractions of Antalya combine artifacts from ancient civilizations and the cultural richness of the peoples of Asia Minor. Nature lovers will be captivated by breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes with lush vegetation.
Antalya Archaeological Museum
One of the popular places on the famous Turkish Riviera is the archaeological museum. Covering an area of 7,000 m², it houses about 5,000 exhibits of unique historical value. The museum complex’s creation was prompted by the occupation of the city by Italian troops in 1919.
Archaeologists who arrived with the military discovered unique antiquity artifacts. The first discovered exhibits formed the future museum fund’s basis. It’s pleasant to spend time in the cool, air-conditioned premises, getting acquainted with the culture and daily life of ancient people. Thirty exhibition halls are never empty.
The museum’s stands display statuettes and clay dishes, weapons and cups, vases and coins, fossilized mineral samples and mosaic fragments, precious jewelry, and ceramic products. The greatest interest is aroused by marble sculptures of mythological characters, busts and monuments of Roman emperors, and sarcophagi with bas-reliefs. A separate hall is dedicated to a collection of old Orthodox icons.
The ethnographic hall, showcasing national Turkish costumes, carpets, household items, and interiors, deserves attention.
Hadrian’s Gate
The great Hadrian’s Gate is a triumphal arch erected in 130 AD. Many tourists strive to see this famous ancient structure, which has survived to this day in surprisingly beautiful condition. The structure was built to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The gate was named in honor of the mighty empire’s ruler.
The monumental 8-meter-high architectural monument consists of a triple arch portal decorated with bas-reliefs and marble columns with capitals on both sides. The beam’s span includes a frieze and a cornice, whose surfaces are covered with exquisite stucco elements and stone patterns. Massive crenellated fortress towers rise on either side of the gate.
The inner surface of the arches is decorated with a coffered ceiling, skillfully executed in the traditional ancient Roman style. An ancient pavement of hewn stone has been preserved under the gate. Deep ruts from numerous carts, chariots, and carriages that passed through here during Emperor Hadrian’s reign can be seen on them.
Karaalioglu Park
Karaalioglu Park stretches along the picturesque rocky coast. It is located high above the sea, giving vacationers the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of majestic mountains, the beauty of the turquoise bay, and the city panorama. The variety of exotic flowers and trees with lush crowns delights even the most seasoned traveler.
Ideal conditions for a pleasant, cozy, and peaceful pastime have been created here. The park is adorned with mandarin, orange, pine, and palm groves, beautiful flower beds, well-maintained green lawns, fountains, and sculptural compositions.
It’s pleasant to take a pedestrian walk along the wide alleys bordered by various plants or ride a bike on specially designated paths. Playgrounds with swings are provided for children. Benches are installed in the shade of lush trees. Restaurants and cafes offer a menu of various delicious dishes with refreshing drinks. The city’s theater, municipal building, and the ancient Hidirlik Tower are located in the eastern part of Karaalioglu Park.
Kaleici Old Town
In its southern part by the sea lies the Kaleici district, the historical center of Antalya. This atmospheric place is famous for its ancient architectural ensemble preserved in its original appearance. In the labyrinths of narrow winding streets paved with cobblestones, small stone mansions with green courtyards are crowded together. The facades of cozy houses with tiled roofs delight the eye with their uniqueness. Most buildings are made of white stone with wooden beam ceilings.
The Kaleici quarter is encircled by an impregnable city wall. Many tastefully restored residential houses have been turned into hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Ancient buildings, mosques, hammams, towers, and millennia-old ruins create the atmosphere of a historical settlement. Walking through the neighborhood’s winding alleys, travelers repeatedly encounter architectural monuments from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras.
Old Harbor
While exploring Kaleici’s attractions, tourists will inevitably find themselves in the Old Harbor. It was founded more than 2,000 years ago. From here, trading ships loaded with olive oil and laborers set sail. The medieval crenellated fortress wall gives the port an original historical ambiance. Fortification structures with cannons on the shore create a setting that transports tourists back to those ancient times.
White yachts and boats moored at the pier blend perfectly with the azure sea bay. The old houses with tiled roofs surrounded by fruit orchards complement the small harbor’s appearance in the old town’s bay. In the ancient harbor, vacationers can stroll along the promenade and sit in a seaside cafe. Nearby is a lighthouse and an observation deck offering beautiful views of the harbor and docks. Sea enthusiasts are recommended to take a boat tour.
Hidirlik Tower
Near Karaalioglu Park stands one of the most mysterious local attractions — Hidirlik Tower. Its construction dates back to the Roman period — the 2nd century BC. The architectural monument impresses with its grandeur. The structure rises on a square stone foundation. The walls are made of massive reddish-brown bricks and stone blocks. The tower’s total height is 13.5 meters.
Historians and archaeologists still debate the true purpose of the imposing structure. Some assert that the building served as a lighthouse due to its advantageous location on the shore’s edge. Other scholars believe the tower functioned as a fortification and may have even been the tomb of a Roman official. Fragments of frescoes found on Hidirlik’s inner walls indicate its religious significance during the Byzantine period.
Duden Waterfalls
Among the natural treasures of the world-renowned resort, the Duden Waterfalls hold a special place, consisting of the upper and lower cascades. The Duden River originates from two karst springs. Their waters merge into one stream, flow underground for 14 kilometers, then reappear on the surface and disappear again into a karst funnel.
The Lower Duden Waterfall is popular, and it can be admired from an observation deck on the cliff or from the sea. The powerful water flow, shimmering and sparkling in the sun, cascades directly into the azure bay from the rocky shore. Its height reaches 50 meters. A rainbow often appears above the waterfall, creating an unforgettable spectacle.
The Upper Duden Waterfall is located in a national park. It is surrounded by lush green deciduous and coniferous plants. The cascading water streams hide a cave. The rock behind the waterfall is covered with a thick layer of moss.
The park has walking paths, gazebos, bridges, and observation decks. It’s pleasant to walk here in the shade of sprawling trees under the sound of babbling streams. Note the huge plane tree, which is over 700 years old.
Kursunlu Waterfall
Visitors to Antalya are recommended to visit the Kursunlu Nature Park, home to the mesmerizing Kursunlu Waterfall. This place attracts people with its pristine picturesque landscapes. In the midst of a subtropical forest, a noisy water stream bursts from a cliff, then falls into a small emerald-blue lagoon. The area is literally immersed in the greenery of trees and bushes.
The territory around the waterfall is equipped with walking trails, bridges, and rest and picnic areas. The tree canopies provide dense shade. Pines, oaks, boulders, cliffs covered with moss, vines, and various plants create an unparalleled unity with nature. The reserve exudes a wonderfully tranquil ambiance filled with the murmur of water streams and birdsong.
Boars, hares, foxes, and turtles inhabit the area. Many people wish to pass through the veil of falling water to enjoy the touch of diamond spray scattering in all directions. Winding paths lead to beautiful grottoes where you can see the water mist created by the falling streams. It sparkles in the sun, creating a rainbow effect.
Yivli Minaret
Majestically towering over the southern Turkish city is the Yivli Minaret, one of the city’s main symbols. The 38-meter-high structure was built in the early 13th century. It symbolized the successful military campaign of the Ottomans to conquer the Mediterranean.
This masterpiece of Islamic architecture has an unusual and unique shape. The original structure looks like it is cut into eight vertical semi-cylinders decorated with brick mosaic. For its distinctive appearance, the architectural monument received the unofficial name “Grooved.” The minaret is set on a massive foundation of two-meter-high stone blocks.
The structure is crowned with a conical roof covered with lead. In the small niches of the tower, fragments of unique mosaic made of cobalt glass have been preserved. Inside the Yivli, there are 90 steps of a spiral staircase leading to a balcony with a stone balustrade.
Kesik Minaret
One of the symbols of the Kaleici historical district is the Kesik Minaret. Locals often call it the Cut Minaret because of its truncated top. Historians do not agree on why the structure has such a strange appearance. One version suggests that lightning struck the tower, causing the upper part to collapse.
Next to the attraction, you can see the ruins of the ancient Church of Saint Peter, which holds historical value. Its appearance shows elements of Byzantine and Arab architectural styles. The building is adorned with marble columns and bas-reliefs. Arched gates lead to the minaret, which visitors love to photograph.
Ataturk House Museum
The Ataturk House Museum, dedicated to the first president of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, warmly welcomes curious tourists. He is one of the most famous world political figures of the 20th century, who made a significant contribution to forming a modern, economically developed, and enlightened state.
The museum’s exhibition is housed in a two-story mansion where Ataturk stayed during his official visits. The pink stone building with a tiled roof and a balcony has been preserved in its original appearance.
The museum’s collection includes about 3,000 exhibits. The house’s interior is furnished with antique wooden furniture from the 1930s. Visitors will see old telephones and musical players. The rooms’ floors are covered with Turkish carpets. The premises display the president’s personal belongings, printed documents, numerous newspaper clippings, photos, and other documents.
The collection of coins, banknotes, and postage stamps with the great Turk’s image is of great interest. On the second floor are two of the politician’s offices, where the working atmosphere of the past century is recreated.
Sandland Sand Sculpture Museum
The international Sandland Sand Sculpture Festival is held annually on one of the resort’s best coastlines. The extraordinary open-air exhibition attracts tourists with unique exhibits. Professional artists and skilled craftsmen create amazing masterpieces from sand and water. The enormous sculptures will leave no one indifferent.
Sand compositions are displayed on an area of 7,000 square meters. The presented figures include characters from famous movies and cartoons, legendary heroes and warriors, rulers and mythical creatures, and world-famous buildings and landmarks. At dusk, sand sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights, giving them a unique mysterious look. Workshops on the art of creating sand figures are organized for museum visitors.
Toy Museum
Walking through the narrow streets of the old Kaleici quarter, adult and young tourists can visit the Toy Museum. The impressive collection of toys from different eras is housed in a historic building that looks like a gingerbread house. About 8,000 amusing antique and modern items are gathered in ten exhibition halls. The museum allows visitors to see how toys have changed over the centuries.
The exhibits are neatly displayed behind glass on shelves. The museum’s collection is grouped by countries, themes, and years of production. Turkish, American, Japanese, and German toys from different eras are particularly interesting. Here you can see wooden, clay, and porcelain dolls, miniature houses with many details and accessories.
You can’t pass by teddy bears, Russian nesting dolls, model cars, planes and spaceships, railways, and many other masterpieces. A separate hall is dedicated to the Barbie doll family of all races, nationalities, and professions.
Mini City Miniature Park
Mini City Miniature Park offers tourists the opportunity to see miniature copies of Turkey’s architectural monuments. A walk through the well-maintained green area will leave lasting impressions.
Among the sprawling green plants, models of palaces, mausoleums, crypts, theaters, mosques, towers, monasteries, and various structures are displayed at a scale of 1:25. The miniatures are crafted by skilled artisans who meticulously recreated the architectural masterpieces of Asia Minor down to the smallest details.
Visitors can see the mysterious landmarks of vanished civilizations. It’s fascinating to see buildings from cities like Troy, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Aspendos, and many other places.
Picturesque paths and various bridges passing over an artificial river are laid between the models. Benches for rest are scattered throughout the educational park. Here you can have fun watching mini model car and motorboat races.
Tunektepe Cable Car
Those who wish to admire the city’s panorama and the extraordinarily beautiful natural landscapes should take a ride on the Tunektepe Cable Car. Modern and safe cabins accommodate four people. The funicular lifts tourists to an altitude of 605 meters.
The cable car’s length is 1,706 meters. During the ascent, a mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape opens up. The azure sea bay, majestic mountains, rocky slopes, and dense pine forests make the journey unforgettable.
Observation decks are equipped at the top of the mountain where the cable car leads. Installed binoculars allow for a detailed view of the landscapes. Here everyone will find a secluded spot to enjoy the views. Cafes and restaurants with open terraces are available for vacationers.
Zoo
Located a few kilometers from the resort’s center, the zoo offers a break from beach activities and the chance to admire various wild animals. Ideal living conditions have been created for exotic animals. Well-maintained spacious enclosures with greenery, sandy areas, boulders, and sprawling trees contribute to this. All pens are fenced, ensuring visitors’ safety.
The zoo is located in a shady pine forest at the foot of a mountain range. The 330-hectare area is home to ungulates, even-toed ungulates, a large family of cats, birds, amphibians, and primates.
Bears, tigers, hyenas, zebras, deer, monkeys, lions, crocodiles, parrots, lions, camels, boars — this is far from a complete list of the zoo’s amazing residents who comfortably live on the 330-hectare area. Paths run along the enclosures, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty as they walk. Lakes with refreshing fountains and waterfalls create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere.
Aktur Park Amusement Park
The Aktur Park amusement complex is very popular among vacationers. The abundance of various thrilling and fun rides will appeal to adults and children. The park’s entrance is designed as a fairytale castle with towers. Behind the gates, tourists are greeted by figures of pirates and Vikings.
The entertainment program can start with the Ferris wheel and carousels styled after Disney cartoons. Extreme lovers will enjoy roller coasters, giant swinging panels with seats, large centrifuges, and a majestic pendulum in the form of a pirate ship.
In the park, you can experience the effect of free fall and high speed, get an adrenaline rush from riding on rotating platforms. For fun lovers, there are go-karts, dance floors, shooting galleries, an arcade, and funhouses, in addition to traditional rides.
Aquarium
The aquarium, located in the resort’s central district, deserves attention. It is a huge educational and cultural-entertainment complex. Numerous themed aquariums present a mesmerizing underwater world against luxurious decorations. Visitors can learn about the diverse inhabitants of oceans, seas, and rivers.
The aquarium’s pride is a glass panoramic tunnel 131 meters long. It allows you to see the underwater kingdom from below and all sides. It’s fascinating to watch sharks, seahorses, turtles, octopuses, rays, crustaceans, jellyfish, moray eels, and mollusks swim leisurely. Colorful fish schools amaze with their colors, shapes, and sizes.
Each aquarium has its own ambiance, setting a mood for adventure. Ancient statues, sunken ships, palace ruins, pyramids, treasure chests, and even cars rest under the water. The coral reef decoration is particularly interesting.
Goynuk Canyon
Visitors to the popular Turkish province are recommended to visit one of its picturesque places — Goynuk Canyon. Formed over millions of years, this natural wonder is a 6-meter-wide and 350-meter-high gorge. Travelers are treated to breathtaking landscapes.
Sheer cliffs of peculiar shapes impress with their colorful palette, ranging from white to reddish hues. Majestic mountain ranges are covered in lush emerald vegetation in places. Huge stone boulders are polished by water to a mirror-like shine.
Visitors to Goynuk Canyon can walk along mountain trails in the national preserve, ride a boat, swim in the river, and fly on a zipline. Special walking routes along the gorge floor and riverbed are available for tourists.
Expedition participants must wear special gear: rubber boots, wetsuits, helmets, and vests. The group will encounter turbulent water streams, pine forests, waterfalls, caves, and pools with crystal-clear turquoise water.
Dinopark
Dinopark occupies a large 30,000-square-meter area in a pine forest. A walk through the complex’s grounds will leave many pleasant impressions. Life-size dinosaur figures are installed under the majestic pine trees’ shade. They are equipped with motion sensors that activate when a person approaches. Prehistoric animals can move their heads and tails, snap their jaws, and emit fearsome roars, which can slightly scare visitors.
Dinopark offers more than just dinosaur figures. There are activities for the whole family to suit any taste and age. The complex features a cinema, pools, a planetarium, a climbing wall, trampolines, and playgrounds. Extreme ride enthusiasts will enjoy the zombie-filled haunted house.
Aqualand Water Park
One of the famous and popular tourist entertainment spots is Aqualand Water Park. It has been welcoming visitors since 1996. Various water slides of different difficulty levels for all tastes and ages are available to vacationers. The complex covers an area of 40,000 square meters.
Among the most interesting attractions are a pool with artificial waves, a high-speed spiral descent, a rapid river ride, and a whirlpool bath. Green plants, exotic flowers, artificial ponds, islands, and bridges create a wonderful atmosphere of tranquility and good mood.
Cafes and restaurants operate, and there are storage lockers, changing rooms, and showers. A pleasant addition to the numerous attractions is the dolphinarium. Extreme lovers will appreciate the slide with a steep angle, creating the effect of free-falling from a seven-story building. Riding inflatable rafts through 100-meter-long open and closed tubes will bring many positive emotions and thrills.
Ancient City of Perge
Located 18 kilometers from the suburbs of Antalya, Perge is one of Turkey’s most interesting archaeological sites. History and picturesque ruins enthusiasts can visit the remnants of this ancient settlement founded in the 12th century BC.
Perge was part of various ancient kingdoms and was later conquered by Alexander the Great. The city reached its peak during the Roman rule. In the early Christian era, Perge became an important center for the spread of Christianity. It was from here that Apostle Paul’s missionary journey through Asia Minor began.
Tourists are treated to an open-air museum. The city’s architecture combined Roman and Hellenistic cultural influences. Here, the remains of towers, basilicas, city gates, agoras, bath complexes, a stadium, and a theater have been preserved in relatively good condition. The main street with its rows of columns and cascading water channel in the middle is particularly interesting.
Ancient City of Aspendos
A trip to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos allows visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient civilization. This settlement reached its peak when it became part of the Roman Empire. Aspendos was a prosperous city known for its vineyards, olive groves, and the empire’s best horse market. The city minted its own coins, indicating its former power and greatness.
The main attraction of Aspendos, which draws tourists, is the amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century AD, this structure has been perfectly preserved to this day and is still in use. The theater’s amazing acoustics allow even whispers from the stage to be heard in the farthest corners of the structure. The theater can seat up to 17,000 spectators. A beautiful arched gallery runs above the stands.
The ruins of the aqueduct, stadium, and basilica, as well as fragments of the city council building’s walls, are also worth attention. Travelers can stroll through the central square, where trade and political events took place.
Ruins of the Ancient City of Termessos
Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains at an altitude of 1,050 meters above sea level are the ruins of the ancient city of Termessos. The first historical mention of this place dates back to 334 BC, when Alexander the Great attempted to capture the settlement. Attempts to conquer the city were unsuccessful.
Protected by impregnable mountain ranges, dense forests, and powerful fortress walls, Termessos withstood a long siege. It stood for many centuries but was practically erased from the face of the Earth after a series of earthquakes. Today, tourists have a unique opportunity to see the ruins of buildings in their untouched original state.
No archaeological excavations or reconstructions have been conducted here, so all stones and building remnants have remained untouched since the last earthquake. Temples and a theater, a colonnaded street and the city council building, gymnasiums and baths, a necropolis, and a bazaar — all these partially preserved ancient structures hold significant historical value.
Köprülü Canyon
Köprülü Canyon is a picturesque river valley running along vertical rocky walls. This magnificent natural treasure of Antalya province is part of a national reserve covering 500,000 m². The area is famous for its rich flora and fauna.
More than 500 species of woody plants grow in Köprülü. Cypress, eucalyptus, juniper, and fir trees densely populate the area. Deer, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits, and various birds inhabit the beautiful region.
The reserve offers travelers an exciting leisure program. You can raft down the turbulent mountain river. The turquoise water pleasantly refreshes on a hot day. A hike through the forest allows you to enjoy this amazing natural corner’s beauty.
Horse riding enthusiasts will find it interesting to parade on purebred horses. Visiting the karst cave will leave no one indifferent. The mysterious underground labyrinth consists of tunnels and an underground lake.
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