Antalya, often referred to as the Turkish Riviera, is where the pine-covered Toros (Taurus) Mountains descend into the crystal-clear sea, making it Turkey’s tourism hub. This region enjoys 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a paradise for activities such as sunbathing, swimming, water sports, yachting, hiking, mountaineering, and golf. If you visit Antalya in March or April, you can experience the unique opportunity to ski at Saklıkent in the morning and in the afternoon, swim in the warm Mediterranean waters.
Antalya is a stunning city nestled along a coastline that stretches from beaches to mountains. Situated in ancient lands and adorned with natural wonders, the city basks in sunshine almost all year round. Known as a modern holiday destination, its shores capture the constantly changing shades of the Mediterranean blue. The historic Old Town, or Kaleici, offers picturesque harbour views and is encircled by medieval walls, dating back to before the Roman and Byzantine periods, which have been meticulously restored over time.
The Antalya Museum (Antalya Muzesi) stands out as a remarkable destination, offering a glimpse into the city’s Roman and Ottoman history. Another excellent choice is the Suna and Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum, and nearby, additional museums await visitors in the coastal city of Alanya.
There is a remarkable array of tourist attractions located on the outskirts of Antalya, including stunning Roman ruins, scenic stretches of coastline and national parks. For the most awe-inspiring historical sites, a day trip to Patara or Termessos is sure to impress. Antalya is also conveniently located near the port town of Bodrum, the Turkish capital Ankara, and the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, as well as other popular tourist destinations like Aspendos, Izmir, Kemer, Olimpos (Olympos), and Demre – the birthplace of the famous Saint Nicholas of Myra, who is widely recognized as Santa Claus.
The Antalya area offers a wealth of things to explore, so we've put together a list of several exciting excursions that you can learn more about: