Antalya travel guide: Kaleiçi, the sea and Perge
Antalya is a resort coast with a real city and a well-kept Ottoman old town on top of it. Spend a day in Kaleiçi, a day at the sea and a day among the Roman ruins in the hills, and you will have seen most of what matters. The sun is strong from June, so plan outdoor sights for early morning.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in or near Kaleiçi, swim at Konyaaltı, then take a day trip to Perge and Aspendos.
- Where to stay
- Kaleiçi for the old town, Konyaaltı for a long pebble beach, Lara for resort hotels.
- How many days
- Three days covers the old town, the beach and the Roman sites. Add more if you want to hike or swim.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot.
- Book ahead
- Boat trips and tickets for the Aspendos theater in high season. Hotel rooms in Kaleiçi book out in summer.
- From the airport
- Antalya Airport is about 30 to 40 minutes from the center by Havaş bus, tram connection or taxi.
Where to stay in Antalya, in brief
Kaleiçi
old town atmosphere and walkability
Narrow streets, Ottoman houses and the old harbor, with restaurants at every corner. It has little beach, and some lanes are noisy on summer nights.
Konyaaltı
a long beach and mountain views
A broad pebble beach with a promenade, cafés and the Taurus mountains behind. It is about 15 minutes from Kaleiçi by tram or taxi.
Lara
large resort hotels
Big all-inclusive hotels with sandy beaches east of the center. It suits families who want to stay in one place and is a car ride from the old town.
Mermerli and Işıklar
a quieter sea view
The streets just outside the old town walls, with small hotels and cliff-top views. You are close to Kaleiçi without being in the busiest lanes.
Things to do in Antalya
Kaleiçi old town
Walk through Hadrian's Gate, then wander the old lanes to the Roman harbor. Early morning and evening are the best times, before and after the tour groups.
Antalya Museum
One of the best archaeological museums in the country, with Roman statues from Perge and the Gods Gallery. Allow two hours and visit in the heat of midday.
Yivli Minaret and Hıdırlık Tower
The fluted minaret is the city's symbol, and the Roman tower above the harbor is a good sunset spot.
Düden Waterfalls
A short trip from the center to see the Upper Düden falls in a park, and the Lower Düden falls drop into the sea. Go in spring when the water is strongest.
Konyaaltı Beach
A long pebble beach with clear water and a promenade. Go before noon, and rent a sunbed rather than stand in the sun.
Old harbor boat trip
Short boat trips leave from the marina below Kaleiçi to coves along the coast. Choose a small boat with a morning departure.
a day or two ahead in summer
Tünektepe cable car
A short cable car ride up Tünek Hill gives views of the whole bay and the mountains, with a café at the top.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Antalya can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Antalya, and which to pick- Aspendos theater and Perge day tripa week ahead in high season
A guided minibus avoids parking and finds you shade.
- Boat trip from the old harbora day or two ahead in summer
Small boats fill early in July and August.
What to skip in Antalya
- Midday sightseeing in July and August
The heat is hard on the stone lanes and ruins. Do the old town at dawn and dusk and swim in the middle of the day.
- Souvenir shops in the harbor lanes
Prices are high and stock is generic. Buy local olive oil, spices and ceramics at a market instead.
Best time to visit Antalya
April to June and September to October are the best months, with warm water and bearable sun. The sea is warm enough to swim from May to November.
July and August are hot and crowded, often above 35 degrees. Winter is mild and quiet but many resort businesses close.
- From Antalya AirportThe airport is about 13 kilometers from the old town. Havaş buses and taxis run all day, and the tram connects through the city.
- Tram and busesA nostalgic tram runs from Kaleiçi along the old streets. For Konyaaltı and Lara, use the buses with an Antalyakart.
- Taxis and day toursTaxis are cheap for short rides, and guided tours are easier than driving to the ruins in the heat.
Antalya in three days
- Day 1
Walk through Kaleiçi from Hadrian's Gate to the harbor, visit the Antalya Museum, and watch the sunset from Hıdırlık Tower.
- Day 2
A morning swim at Konyaaltı, lunch on the beach, and the Düden Waterfalls in the late afternoon.
- Day 3
A day trip to Perge and Aspendos, returning to Kaleiçi for dinner by the harbor.
Day trips from Antalya
- Perge and AspendosTwo Roman cities about 30 and 45 minutes east. Aspendos has one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world.
- TermessosA ruined mountain city about an hour inland, reached by a steep path. Go early in the day and bring water.
Antalya: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Antalya?
Three days covers the old town, the beach and the ruins at Perge and Aspendos. A week suits a beach holiday with day trips.
Where is the best area to stay in Antalya?
Kaleiçi for the old town atmosphere, Konyaaltı for the beach, and Lara for big resort hotels.
Is Antalya good for a city break?
Yes, if you like the old town, Roman ruins and the sea together. Winter is quiet, and summer is hot and busy.
What is the best month to visit Antalya?
May, June and September are the best balance of warm sea, sun and fewer people.