Antalya is a popular holiday destination in Turkey, boasting miles of uninterrupted coastline and luxurious resorts. The city charms with its ancient ruins, while offering all the comforts of a modern metropolis.
Right in the heart of Antalya lies its old town, Kaleici (meaning ‘inner castle’). The one-square-kilometre area is a maze of cobblestone streets, Ottoman-style architecture and crumbling Roman ruins. It is best explored on foot, starting with the imposing Hadrian's Gate – a 2nd-century triumphal arch that served as a gateway to the ancient walled city. As you wander around, you’ll see the city’s many mosques, the Clock Tower and the old Roman Harbour, now a pretty marina decked with yachts. After a day of exploring, you can pause at any of the surrounding waterfront cafes to sip on some Turkish coffee and take in the stunning view.
Antalya sits on the Turquoise Coast, home to beaches framed by mountains on one side and the bright blue waters of the Mediterranean on another. For a sun-soaked afternoon, you can head to the pebble Konyaalti Beach or the sandy shores of Lara Beach.
On your Antalya trip, set aside some time to explore the Antalya Museum, boasting an impressive collection of archaeological treasures. When travelling with kids, Antalya Aqualand & Dolphinland and the stylish Antalya Aquarium promise hours of educational entertainment for the little ones. If you’re after a peaceful interlude amid nature, Düden Waterfalls and Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park feature cascading falls set against lush green backdrops.