If you are interested in what to see in Antalya and the surrounding area on your own when organizing your own vacation as a “savage”, then we advise you to read our review article. In it, we will tell you about the most striking places of this popular tourist destination and give some tips for those who have never been here before. Antalya, with its pristine beaches and interesting historical sites, is the most popular holiday destination for Europeans. Wander around the old town, see Hadrian’s Gate and the broken minaret. Visit Karain Cave or head to the top of Mount Tahtali. Discover the ruins of ancient Greek cities and don’t forget to stop by the karst springs!
KALEİÇİ OLDTOWN
Kaleiçi is an old picturesque area in the center of modern Antalya. It is famous for its narrow, winding streets that pass by numerous old houses, bars, restaurants, and Ottoman-style boutique hotels, so it’s a great place to wander around the city in peace or even rent a place while visiting Antalya. The history of this area dates back to the times of Ancient Rome – Kaleiçi was built around the old port and was supposed to protect it from the west. To date, only two walls and one gate have survived from the once mighty defensive structures.
OLD HARBOUR
Today, Antalya’s old harbor is a picturesque place with many trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, bustling bazaars, and luxury yachts waiting to enter the Mediterranean. Looking at this tranquil place, it is difficult to imagine that it was once the main economic center of Antalya: from the 2nd to the mid-20th century, goods from all nearby regions arrived here, which ensured the prosperity and growth of the city. Now people come here for shopping or to enjoy the sea sunset with a cup of coffee in one of the coastal cafes. You can also go on a boat trip to the Mediterranean by renting one of the many sightseeing boats.
Antalya Museum
The Antalya Archaeological Museum houses more than 12,000 exhibits that tell the rich history of the region and is one of the largest and most important museums in all of Turkey. It was created in an attempt to prevent the looting of the archaeological treasures of Anatolia by Italian troops during the First World War and was originally located in a mosque – the museum moved to the current building only in 1972. Today, there are 13 exhibition galleries, including the Prehistoric Period Hall and the Natural History Gallery, halls with ancient ceramics, mosaics, various statues, as well as sarcophagi, coins, jewelry and specialized ethnographic collections. The museum has an open-air gallery and a wonderful garden.
Yivli Minaret Mosque
The most striking attraction of Antalya is the Yivli Minaret (translated from Turkish “Yivli” means “fluted”), built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad in 1226. The minaret is a typical example of Seljuk architecture – its foundation has a square cross-section, which then turns into an octagon. The mosque of the XIV century, attached to the minaret, is still used for its intended purpose. The minaret is located right next to the Calais Gate, through which the entrance to the old city is carried out. Opposite the minaret you can see an Ottoman-era chapel, and next to it are several tombs dating back to the 14th century.
Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate is the local triumphal arch. It was built in 130 AD and named after the Roman Emperor Hadrian. At that time, Antalya was a prosperous port city, surrounded by thick defensive walls and several gates that reliably guarded the city from invaders. The most impressive of them was Hadrian’s Gate, and it is the only one that has survived to this day (and it is very well preserved).
Hıdırlık Tower
This squat, 14-meter-high cylindrical tower, built approximately in the 2nd century AD, looks out over the old harbor from the western elevation of Karaalioglu Park. No one knows exactly what its main function was, but most locals agree that it was a cross between a watchtower and a port lighthouse. Now it is a popular tourist attraction, offering a superb panoramic view of the old harbor. Karaalioglu Park itself is the main place for family picnics and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Locals love to come here at sunset for walks along the promenade. If you get tired of walking, you can relax with a cup of coffee in one of the local cafes.
Amphitheater and ruins of Aspendos
Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city founded around 1000 B.C. It was located about 25 miles from modern-day Antalya and now attracts tourists thanks to its well-preserved ancient amphitheater (despite being built as early as 155 A.D.). A small part of the amphitheater rests on the hillside on which the Acropolis once stood, and the upper part of the theater is decorated with fifty-nine vaulted arches. Unfortunately, the sloping wooden ceiling that covered the stage from rain and sun has not survived to this day. On the upper level, there are dozens of technological holes, which at one time served to stretch the awning, designed to protect spectators from the sun. As the theater is in excellent condition, it still hosts entertainment events. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival takes place here in spring and early summer.
The Ancient City of Termessos
Termessos is an ancient city that is not so easy to reach. Perhaps its location in a remote mountainous area was the reason why Alexander the Great decided not to conquer Termessos during his campaign in 333 BC. Nowadays, you can drive to the lower reaches of the ancient city through the Gulluk Dagi National Park. Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to do a bit of rock climbing to reach the highest ruins. Like all ancient cities in Turkey, Termessos has been hit hard by endless earthquakes. Be sure to get to the local amphitheater – this is the brightest place in Termessos. Perched on a hillside, this theater will give you incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
The Ancient City of Perge
The remains of the ancient city of Perge are only 17 km northeast of Antalya and are considered the main ancient Roman ruins of the region. Dating back to the Bronze Age, Perge was settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC, and with the advent of Roman rule, this settlement turned into one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. During the heyday of the Byzantine Empire, Perge became a major religious center. It is believed that in 46 AD, St. Paul preached his first sermon here.
Karst springs
Antalya is rich in karst springs, swallows’ nests, and waterfalls. Over the course of 1.5-2 million years, the limestone deposits from these springs turned into vast travertine terraces, similar to those seen in Pamukkale. The most extensive springs are located in Kirkgöz and Pinarbaşı (northwest of Antalya), and in Düdenbaşı you can see a cascade of waterfalls going into a narrow gorge. Here you can admire the upper and lower waterfalls (Düdenbası Selalesi and Düden Çayı respectively) – such a natural wonder is rarely found anywhere else. A trip to the karst springs will allow you to take your mind off visiting the endless historical sights of Antalya.
Karain Cave
The Karain Cave, located near the village of Yağca (Yeniköy district), was the habitat of prehistoric people, so scientists found artifacts dated to the Lower and Middle Paleolithic in it. Among the most interesting finds are bones and teeth that belonged to Neolithic man. Some of the exhibits are exhibited in a small but extremely interesting museum, organized right on the spot. The wide vaults attract local families who come here to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. We advise you to come to the caves on weekdays, when there are not so
Oceanarium
Located next to Konyaalti Beach, the aquarium is considered one of the largest aquarium complexes in the world. It is definitely worth a trip for those who travel with children. The complex includes 40 themed aquariums, including a 430-foot (131-meter) tunnel aquarium located below the water level. The aquarium boasts not only impressive water tanks. In WildPark you will see many tropical reptiles, and the XD Cinema will give you a three-dimensional journey through the sea. Perhaps the most unusual attraction of the aquarium is its “Snow World” – a section with a constant temperature of about 0 degrees Celsius, in which you can find yourself in the conditions of the polar region for a while.
Düden Waterfalls
Düden Waterfall attracts thousands of tourists, and the gardens surrounding it are a popular picnic spot for locals. The Düden River stretches from the Taurus all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and forms two natural cascades known as the Upper and Lower Düden Waterfalls. The upper waterfall is located in a picturesque valley and has a height of 15 m and a width of 20 m. The gardens surrounding the waterfalls feature restaurants, sidewalks and picnic tables to help you make the most of your time surrounded by nature.
Clock Tower
What to visit in Antalya if not its clock tower? The 2nd-century clock tower is considered one of Antalya’s most popular landmarks and is one of the few surviving ancient Roman towers. Once the tower was part of the city fortifications, and the clock itself appeared on it much later. The Kaldekapisi (City Gate) district, where the clock tower is located, is considered the border between the old and new towns. In front of the Clock Tower there are many stalls selling handicrafts and fresh pomegranate juice. The tower is invariably included in all tourist routes in Antalya.
Konyaalti Beach
Konyaalti Beach is one of the two main beaches of Antalya, located on the western side of the city. It is a 7-kilometer strip of fine pebbles and coarse sand with a nearby park, residential area, bars, cafes and hotels for all tastes. At one end of the beach there is a beach park with many cafes, bars and open-air restaurants. Showers are available, as well as sun loungers and umbrellas for rent.