What to do in Antalya
Antalya is one of the largest Turkish cities on the Mediterranean coast. Its sunny harbour, ancient architecture and vibrant nightlife attract over 2 million tourists a year. Visitors who want to soak up the city's atmosphere and culture, as well as the sun, should consider making a list of the places they most want to visit.
As a bustling, culture-rich city, it's impossible to see all it has to offer in just a few days. That said, with the right travel plan, you can make the most of your trip. With this in mind, we’ve added an example of a 3-day itinerary to cover just some of the best things you can see and do in the city, and beyond.
Day 1: Getting your bearings and exploring Kaleici Old Town
After some breakfast at your accommodation or one of Antalya’s charming cafes, get your bearings with a stroll to the beach and take in the lush natural surroundings of the city. Then you can start your first day off with some confidence in your surroundings.
Walk the idyllic streets of Kaleici Old Town, the historic centre of Antalya. Stroll alongside the old boat-lined harbour and down quaint narrow streets lined with bars, shops and cafes. Look out for historic sites like Hadrian’s Gate, named after the Roman emperor, as well as the traditional wooden ottoman houses. Stop for lunch and enjoy some delicious street food like ezogelin (bulgur and red lentil soup) and kabak tatlisi (sugared pumpkin).
End your day overlooking the harbour at one of the fantastic rooftop bars or restaurants. There’s no better way to enjoy traditional Turkish treats like kebabs, falafel and sweet baklava.
Day 2: Visiting the Apollo Temple and making a splash in the Nemo Aquarium
Take a trip to the ancient port town of Side (See-Day) and visit the quaint markets selling traditional Turkish tea, spices and more. Side, named after the original word for ‘pomegranate’, is rich with stunning beaches and historical sites, such as the Apollo Temple and the Temple of Athena ruins. If you have time, no visit to Side is complete without visiting Aspendos, the impressive Roman amphitheatre where plays are still held to this day.
Visit Antalya’s water theme park, Land of Legends, for some thrill-seeking action. The water park is open during the summer season and has 41 slides and a wave pool, as well as rollercoasters and even a shopping centre. During the off-season, the water park is closed, which means the theme park can easily be explored in the afternoon. In summer, you might want to hang around for most of the day hopping from water slides to rollercoasters.
Hungry and too tired to head into town for dinner? For those who want to wind down after the aquatic action but don't have the energy to head into town, the park has its own luxury restaurant.
The Nemo Aquarium Restaurant & Lounge sits in the heart of the Land of Legends and is dripping with opulence. Descend the floating staircase to enjoy a delectable pan-Asian menu surrounded by the underwater aquarium, complete with fish and even sharks!
Day 3: Making the most of the turquoise coast on Antalya’s beaches
Make the most of your dwindling time in Antalya and check out Sandland, the year-round sand sculpture exhibition. Why not check out the sand art before doing some last-minute souvenir shopping at the traditional bazaars or Antalya Mall? It has over 100 shops, as well as a food court for lunch and a large indoor playground for children!
Head along the coast to visit Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, where the Egyptian queen is said to have swam in the waters. The beach offers magnificent views of Alanya Castle and several beachside cafes.
A good way to take in the views one last time is to head down to the old town’s harbour, where you can hop in a sailing boat on a 2-hour guided coastal tour. End your trip with a special meal at one of the high-end restaurants that surround Konyaalti Beach, Antalya’s smaller beach.
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in Antalya and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to Antalya
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
Rules about children travelling alone differ between airlines so it's always best to check the airline's policies on their website before you book. Flight attendants can check on children during the flight but for more assistance, some airlines and airports offer Unaccompanied Minor services, which need to be booked in advance. To make sure, it’s always worth ringing the airport and airline customer services who can provide you with the exact information.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
Airlines are required to allow assistance dogs on flights for no additional charge, though you should tell the airline when you book your flight. They may want to know details like your dog's breed, size and any certification or documents confirming the status as a service animal.
How do I find cheap flights to my destination city that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
Opodo offers a Flexible Travel Dates Guarantee, which allows you to change the dates of flights until 24 hours before your flight Flexible Travel Dates is an additional service that you must add when you book.
How can I book cheap hotels on Opodo in my destination city?
Opodo can help you find where to stay, so you can book your flight and hotel to Antalya at the same time. To find low-cost hotels, go to the 'Flight + Hotel' tab on the Opodo website or app to use our search engine. Here, you can filter options by price, location, rating, facilities and more to see the best choices for you. If you've already booked your flight, just go to the 'Hotels' tab to compare hotels in Antalya.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
Baggage allowances are specific to the airline and route of travel. When you book you can check the baggage amount included with your ticket, though you can usually add more bags at an additional cost when you book or by going to ‘My Trips’ on Opodo.
In general, the maximum weight for checked baggage is between 20kg-23kg and 15kg-20kg depending on your carrier. Hand baggage weight is usually up to 10 kg.
How can I check in with Opodo?
You can check in at the airport easily using the Opodo app to speed up your travel. You will receive your boarding pass before your flight so you can go straight through to security or straight to baggage drop-off if you have checked baggage. You can request your boarding passes in advance at any time by going to ‘My Trips’ and ‘Request now’ on the app.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from the city departure to the arrival city?
When you cancel your flight, Opodo will charge a £25 administration fee. Some airlines may also apply a cancellation fee. The exception is if your ticket has Free Cancellation or you purchased the 'Cancel for Any Reason' at checkout, in this case, you can cancel directly by clicking 'Cancel Now'.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
Many budget tickets are generally not eligible for refund and any full or partial refunds are dependent on the airline's conditions. You might also be offered vouchers or the ability to rebook rather than a cash refund.
Airport code
AYT
The IATA code for the arrival airport on flights to Antalya is AYT
Most popular airline
Turkish Airlines
Most popular airline with flights to Antalya
High season
August
According to search data from our customers, August is the busiest time to fly to Antalya
Low season
January
According to search data from our customers, January is the least busy time to fly to Antalya
