Antalya Travel Guide

09.12.2024
22
Reading Time: 13 minutes
A+
A-
Antalya Travel Guide

Antalya, as the tourism center of Turkey, is one of the most popular destinations for summer holidays with its unique sea, pine forests, rich historical sites and sunny climate. This city, which can be visited throughout all four seasons, hosts millions of local and foreign tourists every year. Antalya has hosted many civilizations such as Lycia, Byzantium, Seljuk and Ottoman throughout its history, and it is possible to see this cultural heritage in every corner of the city. While it attracts attention with its historical and natural beauties, it also stands out with its rich nightlife and cultural events. Among the most popular districts of Antalya Belts, Muratpaşa, Konyaaltı, Alanya, Kumluca, Kepez, Manavgat and Eyebrow .

When to Go to Antalya?

Mediterranean In Antalya, which is under the influence of the climate, temperatures rise to 45-50 degrees in the summer months, while in the winter months the temperature drops to around 5-10 degrees. The city is known for its high temperatures as well as heavy rain and windstorms. However, the days are generally warm and sunny. The temperature and humidity reach their peak between mid-July and mid-August. In the winter months, the lowest temperature is seen at the end of January. Antalya is most crowded with tourists in the summer months. If you want to get away from the crowds and have a more comfortable holiday by avoiding the high temperatures, the months of April-May or September-October are ideal.

How to Get to Antalya?

It is possible to reach Antalya by land and air. You can reach Antalya Bus Terminal, which is approximately 9 kilometers from the city center, by direct bus services from many cities in Turkey. You can easily reach the city center from the bus terminal by free shuttles, municipal buses or Antray (light rail system). If you are looking for a faster and more comfortable option, Antalya AirportYou can choose . This airport, which is located 15 kilometers from the city center, has frequent flights. You can easily reach the city center from the airport with Antray, public bus, airport shuttles, private transfers or car rental options.

What to Eat in Antalya?

Antalya, with the advantage of being a touristic city, hosts a wide range of restaurants serving both Turkish and world cuisine. Many famous restaurants in the city center have sea and city views, allowing you to feast your eyes while eating.

Antalya's local cuisine is also worth exploring. The city is especially famous for its citrus fruits and it is possible to find jam or marmalade made from almost every fruit and vegetable. We recommend that you try local dishes such as Antalya-style tahini piyaz, şakşuka, hibeş, and also discover desserts such as pumpkin dessert with plenty of tahini and Finike dessert. Another local flavor is Korkuteli ice cream or Yanık ice cream, which is a must-try.

Activities to Do in Antalya

  • Skiing in Saklıkent: Although Antalya is famous for its sea, it also has a great alternative for winter tourism. In Saklıkent, on the Antalya-Korkuteli direction, you can ski in the winter months, enjoy the snow and watch the city from above. January and February are the best times for skiing. Moreover, it is possible to ski in the mornings and swim in the sea in the afternoons in March.
  • Rafting and Canoeing in Köprülü Canyon: Köprülü Canyon National Park offers many activities for those who love nature sports. Rafting and canoeing are at the top of these activities. You can do both rafting and canoeing by choosing one of the water sports centers in the region. In addition to full-day and half-day tours, these centers also provide meals, transfers and necessary equipment, making your experience easier.
  • Cable Car to Tahtali Mountain: You can reach the summit of the mountain with a cable car, which is 2365 meters high, with a wonderful view. Here, you can go trekking on hiking trails, explore climbing routes or fly with a paraglider. If you want to spend a quieter day, you can have a pleasant meal in an oxygen-rich atmosphere and enjoy the city view.
  • Olympos Ancient City: Olympos, which you can reach by car from Antalya Terminal to Kumluca, is famous for its sea, ancient ruins and tree houses. You can pay a daily fee to visit the ancient city or MuseumCard You can log in with . After visiting the ancient ruins, you can swim in the sea and explore the vibrant nightlife in the area.
  • Marina Departure Boat Tours: Antalya Marina is a point that you can reach from Cumhuriyet Square or by visiting Kaleiçi. There are boat tours here that appeal to every budget and taste. During the tours that last all day, there are swimming breaks, you can join musical entertainment and participate in competitions. On special sunset tours, you can see the point where Lara Düden Waterfall flows into the sea and watch the sun set over the sea.

Antalya Night Life

Antalya, with its touristic identity and the advantage of being a big city, offers a wide range of nightlife options from live music to concert venues, from nightclubs to pubs. This lively nightlife continues 12 months a year. The venues concentrated in areas such as Kaleiçi, Lara and Konyaaltı keep the city lively in terms of nightlife. You can also have a pleasant evening in the restaurants and cafes in Atatürk Park.

For those who want to have fun with their family, Aktur Luna Park, Konyaaltı City Square and Karaalioğlu Park in the city center are ideal places. You can enjoy entertainment with DJ performances and parties throughout the day and night at Antalya's private beaches. For more detailed information Antalya Night Life You can read our article.

What to Buy in Antalya?

Antalya offers a variety of options for shopaholics with its wide range of shopping opportunities. Deepo Outlet Center, one of the most affordable shopping centers in the city, offers attractive opportunities. Apart from this, you can find any product you are looking for in the large shopping centers located all around the city.

Kaleiçi and Işıklar Street are ideal shopping spots for those who want to shop for authentic products and clothing. If you want to buy local products, you can visit Çakırlar Marketplace and buy fresh vegetables, fruits, pickles, jams and village bread. Also, the famous breakfast places in Çakırlar are among the places to visit.

Antalya Festivals and Fairs

Event Name DESCRIPTION Date
Golden Orange International Film Festival Starting in 1964 and Asia The Golden Orange, one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe, opens with an artist procession that tours the entire city every year. Film screenings, talks and autograph sessions are held throughout the week-long event. The award ceremony ends with a statue of a woman holding an orange. In October
Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival This event, which is the first opera and ballet festival of Turkey, is held in the ancient Aspendos Amphitheatre in the summer months. Artists and audiences from all over the world participate. The shows are performed in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient theater and the festival ends with a Gala Concert. in summer
Book Fairs Antalya, with the importance it gives to culture and art, organizes its own book fairs for each municipality. These fairs are organized in different seasons and include book signings, publishing stands, writer-reader meetings and various workshops. Throughout the year, on different dates
Runtalya Marathon This marathon, which was started in 2006 and organized to contribute to winter tourism, is held in Antalya city center. The marathon, which is held in different categories from public running to professional races, hosts colorful images. in November
International Theatre Festival Organized by Antalya State Theaters, this festival hosts many local and foreign theater groups every year and presents theater, musical and dance performances. Workshops and talks are also held. Most of the events are free. At different times of the year
Municipality Festivals Municipalities in the city center and districts of Antalya organize various festivals and fairs throughout the year. These festivals, which appeal to a wide range of activities from music to sports, from dance to agriculture, include concerts, talks, workshops and shopping areas. Throughout the year, each municipality determines its own calendar.

As a city full of culture and art, Antalya offers different experiences to its visitors with its festivals and fairs.

Things to Consider / Important Information

  • Temperature and Humidity: Especially in the summer months, Antalya's high temperatures and humidity can cause dehydration and negatively affect your health. Spending time in the shade or in closed areas during midday hours will help protect you from sunstroke. It is important to carry water and sunscreen with you.
  • Theft and Pickpocketing: With the increase in the number of tourists in the summer months, it is necessary to be careful about incidents such as theft of goods and money on beaches and in crowded areas. Although the risk of theft is low, be careful to keep your belongings in a safe place.
  • Vehicle Use and Parking: If you plan to use a private vehicle while traveling around the city, choose parking lots. By using a parking lot, you will prevent both theft and the risk of your vehicle being towed away due to incorrect parking. Due to the narrowness of the roads in the center of Antalya, vehicles are often towed away from the side of the road.
  • Bargaining and Shopping: While haggling is common in tourist shops, haggling is generally frowned upon and not necessary in shops where locals shop. When shopping, it is important to be respectful of local customs.

Transportation

Antalya is a very comfortable city in terms of urban transportation, and you can easily move around the city by bus, Antray (light rail system) and nostalgic tram. Although traffic is heavy in the summer months, it may be more practical to reach some remote areas by renting a car. Public transportation is easily available from the airport and bus station to the city center, and transfer services are also widely offered in the city.

Antalya offers its visitors an unforgettable holiday experience with both its natural beauties and historical riches. While exploring the city, you can make a different discovery at every step, from historical ruins to unique beaches, from colorful festivals to delicious stops. Antalya Travel Guide is a comprehensive guide for those who want to get to know this magnificent city better and learn about places to visit. Places to visit in Antalya You can check out our related article to get more information about it.

Write a Comment

Visitor Comments - 0 Comments

There are no comments yet.