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Antalya is the jewel of the Turkish Riviera, a stunning city where ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history meets the vibrant blue of the Mediterranean Sea. The heart of the city is the enchanting Kaleiçi (Old Town), a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman-era houses that spill down to the historic Old Harbour.
You can walk through the majestic Hadrian's Gate, a beautifully preserved Roman triumphal arch, or relax on the famous Konyaaltı Beach. The city is also a gateway to vast ancient ruins, such as the magnificent Aspendos Theater. With natural wonders like the Düden Waterfalls cascading into the sea and the opportunity to take a scenic boat trip along the coast, Antalya offers an unrivalled mix of history, relaxation, and adventure.
Antalya offers two main types of experience: immersion in the historical Old Town or a modern beach resort holiday. Your hotel choice will reflect this contrast.
The best area for culture and atmosphere is the Kaleiçi (Old Town). Staying here places you within the ancient walls, close to the historic Old Harbour, traditional Turkish restaurants, and landmarks like the Yivli Minare Mosque. This is the most romantic and atmospheric area, but be aware that it can be less accessible for transport and more pedestrianised.
For a modern beach holiday, the areas around Konyaaltı Beach or Lara Beach are the most popular choices. Konyaaltı is closer to the city centre and offers a mix of urban and beach life, while Lara Beach, known as 'Antalya's Las Vegas,' is famous for its concentration of high-end, all-inclusive resorts. These areas are modern and well-connected to the main roads.
Antalya is served by Antalya Airport (AYT), which is very close to the city centre. Transfers are simple via taxi, public tram (the AntRay line connects the airport to the city), or bus services. The local tram network is the most efficient way to travel from the central Kaleiçi area to the beach resorts like Konyaaltı. The Old Harbour is the hub for numerous boat tours along the scenic coastline.
Hotel prices in Antalya are at their absolute highest during the peak European summer holiday season, from June to September. Prices are severely inflated in the beach resort areas during this time due to high demand for all-inclusive packages. Avoiding the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha religious holidays is also wise, as these cause price spikes.
The best value is found during the low season, from November to March. The beautiful spring and autumn months of April/May and October offer a fantastic balance of warm weather and moderate prices. A unique tip for Antalya is to book a hotel or boutique stay within the Kaleiçi Old Town rather than a modern beach resort. The Old Town hotels often maintain more stable pricing and offer significantly better value outside of the peak months compared to the all-inclusive beach hotels, which strictly adhere to peak season rates.