3 days in Antalya with a full day among the ruins
Build this stay around three different experiences: the harbor and old town, a full archaeological excursion, and a relaxed coastal day. Put Perge and Aspendos in the middle so you can recover with a beach morning afterwards. A small morning boat trip adds a view of the coastline without taking another full day, while the final afternoon remains deliberately light before departure.
At a glance
- Where to stay
- Choose Işıklar and Güllük for access to Kaleiçi on foot and a straightforward meeting point for day tours. Confirm the exact collection address, since narrow old town lanes can affect where a minibus meets you.
- Book ahead
- Aspendos theater and Perge day trip, Boat trip from the old harbor
- Other lengths
- 2 days 4 days
Day 1: The harbor from land and water
- Morning
- Walk down to the old harbor for a morning boat departure. Confirm the route and duration before boarding, since trips differ. Bring sun protection and choose a shorter sailing that leaves enough time for the old town afterwards.
- Afternoon
- After lunch, enter the old town through Hadrian's Gate and explore the lanes toward the Yivli Minaret. Use shaded stops to break up the walk. Avoid adding a beach transfer to this already varied day.
- Evening
- Follow the lanes toward Hıdırlık Tower, then continue into Karaalioğlu Park for coastal views. Have dinner in the old town and prepare water, a hat and comfortable shoes for tomorrow's excursion.
- Dinner
- Choose a Turkish restaurant in Kaleiçi and order stuffed vegetables or grilled meat with rice and salad.
Day 2: Perge and Aspendos with time to look
- Morning
- Leave Antalya early for Perge. Follow the colonnaded street and look at how the baths, public spaces and water channels relate to one another. Take shade breaks instead of trying to cover every exposed corner.
- Afternoon
- Continue to Aspendos after a lunch stop. Give the theater your main attention, then visit the aqueduct remains if your transport and energy allow. Agree the return meeting point before separating from your driver or group.
- Evening
- Return to Antalya and keep the evening simple. A short walk near your accommodation is enough after a day on exposed archaeological sites. Leave any shopping or longer harbor stroll for tomorrow.
- Dinner
- Order lentil soup followed by a vegetable stew or grilled chicken at a casual restaurant near your hotel.
Day 3: Konyaaltı and an unhurried final afternoon
- Morning
- Spend the morning at Konyaaltı Beach, arriving before the strongest sun. Swim first, then walk a short stretch of promenade. Choose a clear meeting point if your group splits between swimming and walking.
- Afternoon
- Return to your accommodation to shower and rest, then use the remaining time for shops around the center. If you want a museum visit, check the Antalya Museum's official site for current access before making the journey.
- Evening
- Finish with dinner close to your accommodation, or return to Kaleiçi if you still have time. Allow space for packing and checking your airport terminal rather than scheduling another attraction.
- Dinner
- Choose a fish restaurant and ask for grilled fish with seasonal salad, checking the available catch before ordering.
Tips for 3 days in Antalya
- Ask whether your ruins tour includes both sites and how much walking time it allows at each stop.
- Confirm the boat's return time before boarding so lunch and the old town walk remain comfortable.
- Carry enough water for the ruins; opportunities to refill should not determine how long you can stay.
3 days in Antalya with a full day among the ruins
Should I visit the ruins independently or on a tour?
A tour simplifies transport between Perge and Aspendos. Independent travel gives you more control over walking time, but you need to arrange the connection between the sites and your return.
Does the boat trip include swimming?
Some departures include a swimming stop and others focus on sightseeing. Ask the operator about the route, swimming arrangements and duration before booking rather than assuming they are included.
Can I swap the beach for waterfalls?
Yes. Replace the final beach morning with Lower Düden and keep the afternoon light. Visiting both waterfall parks would require more travel and make the departure day less flexible.
Where should I meet my day tour?
Use the meeting point supplied by your operator. If you stay inside Kaleiçi, confirm whether collection is at your hotel or on a nearby road accessible to the minibus.