Antalya, like everywhere else in Turkey, sometimes receives earthquakes and tremors. The city is rich in history, with a charming Old Town (Kaleici) as well as plenty of ancient ruins dotting the gorgeous and diverse landscape. A lot of the food thats used in Antalyas cuisine is locally grown and sourced, thanks largely to the fertile coastal plains and tablelands. The region is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Turkey and exciting watersports. Solo female travellers and families with children will feel safe. Its a region that has become increasingly popular over the years with more and more resorts opening up, offering all-inclusive stays next to some of the most pristine beaches. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons why Antalya draws so many visitors every year is its amazing warm weather all year round. For something savory, make sure you try the all-important kebab. The history of Antalya city, originally called Pamphylia in ancient times, spans thousands of years. Antalya attracts most of the tourists that come from all around the world firstly with its magnificent beaches. Inciralt beach is located very close to Lara beach and is operated by the Antalya municipality, thus considered as a public beach. Buses and trams are very safe and the drivers are honest and respectful. Here are some beaches that you should consider putting into your Antalya trip schedule: Lara beach possibly the most popular beach for both locals and tourists that among the ones located in the city center. The region around Antalya is a mecca for hikers. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link at no extra cost to you. You would see the fish and the see formations even without needing a snorkel and diving. Of course, traditional Turkish vibes are on every corner, but enjoy different themes for each day of your holiday in Antalya. Thanks to its geographical location next to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is known for stunning beaches and exhilarating water sports. Or a bad glass of wine: This is definitely paradise for day drinkers, to say nothing of how relaxing it can be to end the day with a glass or white or red. Spring and Fall are also great seasons to visit Antalya. If you have reached the bottom of this article, then you should know by now that Antalya is totally worth visiting. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission atno extra cost to you! Because youre alone, youre an easy target, so its always a good idea to be vigilant about this. Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Cleopatra Beach is located in the Alanya district of Antalya which is approximately 1.5 hours away from the Antalya city center. What does this mean? Read our guide to learn how to buy a Turkey SIM card. It is possible to come across various venues playing all kinds of music. If you are planning to go on a trip to Antalya, make sure to visit the bazaar area before you start shopping. However, many beach resorts are located outside the city center, notably just west of it near Konyaalti Beach. It is not as sandy as the ones mentioned before, it has more pebbles. The city has a fantastic public transport network where buses and trams run regularly and are on time. On one side of the city, you will see the dramatic Taurus mountains, and on the other side, the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea. To many travelers these days, Antalya is known primarily as a resort city filled with Russians. Certainly, if eating delicious meals al fresco in cute restaurants is your thing it will be. From the man playing American folk songs on his guitar near the marina, to a quiet burqa-wearing Western woman who watched one evenings sunset from my hotels rooftop with me, the characters I observed in Antalya were at least as memorable as the scenes they emerged from. This is a selection of small dishes served as a starter. 0 1 4 minutes read Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog! Im not being dramatic when I say that the old town of Kaleii was everything I needed. For something more laid-back, there are plenty of rooftop bars (such as Asmani Restaurant) that overlook the sea or have stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Whether you are looking for a waterfall with a hike, or one you can see on a boat, Antalya has something for you. So as you can see, Antalya offers delightful parks, natural beauty spots, mountain ranges, exciting walks, historical value, exciting nightlife, street tours, and variety for every traveller. Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Antalya. But its not just the history that attracts thousands upon thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Antalya, backed by the Taurus Mountains range and fronted by Turkey's the Mediterranean Sea and beaches, is delightful, but if we have not already convinced you to visit, read on to find more reasons to book that flight ticket to Antalya, Turkey. Besides beaches, tourists are never bored in Antalya. Most travelers will tell you that they feel less safe at night than they do in the daytime, and this is because some shady characters come out at night. Therefore, the city grows its own food to an extent. Antalya beaches are spread far and wide across the region, and there are many to choose from. On the whole, if you are staying only in the center, then Antalya is safe at night. It can be ensured to the reader that thisTurkish regionwill leave an ever-lasting memory in the mind of those who will visit it. Best hostel: Sibel Hotel The city was then conquered by the Romans soon after, where they built theHadrians Gate and expanded the region by creating neighboring cities. Antalya, located in the southwest region of Turkey, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea is a glamorous resort city worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. So do not just take our word for it. Without a doubt, one of the things that make Antalya so worth visiting is its world-class beaches. Antalya features the Turquoise Coast, otherwise called the Turkish riviera. Which is the best area to stay in Antalya? You can get a glimpse into the past of Antalya by taking a visit to the citys old town, Kaleici. Antalya is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey and is definitely worth visiting. Read about the fantastic beaches in Antalya. Thus, it would be recommended to bring your own food in your backpack or in your car if that is the case. Is Antalya Worth Visiting - What You Need To Know. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As you can see, there are plenty of good things about Antalya, but you should also be aware that it is an increasingly popular destination. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. 7 Reasons To See This Town, Best Water Parks in Turkey: 7 Fun-Filled Days Out, Turkish Food Culture: 9 Local Dishes You Must Try in Turkey. Take a licensed taxi home and make sure you dont leave drinks unattended. The short and simple answer is yes, Antalya is 100% worth visiting! Join our mailing list to get the latest updates!! Check out these seven pointers, which reveal a variety of reasons why this Turkish town should be on your bucket-list this year History Weather Food Beaches Day trips Nightlife Hiking History All opinions are my own. Generally speaking, Antalya is definitely worth visiting. It would be best for someone who will go to Antalya for the beaches to plan such travel for the beginning or end of the season mentioned above to escape the crowds and the intense heat. Antalya also played a role in WWI history. Here the beach is the most important breeding area for sea turtles in Turkey, therefore you can only use the beach to swim until 7 pm. There are also plenty of places to enjoy some live music in downtown. From the stylish environs of what I now consider the best boutique hotel in Turkey, to the charming cobbles of one of the worlds most underrated old towns, Antalya is so much more than the Russian-filled resort town you might be expecting if you believe everything you read online. Additionally, Antalya even has a winter ski resort. Another attraction for a lot of tourists to Olympos is that Caretta turtles make their nests in the fine sand of its shores. Things to Do in Antalya: The Good, Bad and the Ugly. These days, Russian travelers in particular flock to Antalya due to an abundance of nonstop flights and a large number of high-quality hotels. Read about the most popular attractions to visit, experiences you shouldn't miss, unique excursions, adventure parks, and off the beaten path locations that are worth mentioning. Reasons To Visit Antalya: The Pros Antalya is a popular coastal city in Turkey and it really has a bit of something for everyone. Imagine waking up and taking a stroll through the Old Town before heading to one of the beautiful beaches for the afternoon. Its quite easy to see why Antalya is a place worth visiting but is Antalya safe? Generally speaking, Antalya is definitely worth visiting. Kindly tell them you would like to pay by the meter or look for another taxi. The name Antalya refers to the city centre and larger region covering eastern Mediterranean Turkey. Finally, Konyaalti beach, a famous city area, features a promenade and nearby food restaurants and shops for a perfect beach and sea life. If your trip to Turkey is about sampling its rich and diverse cuisine, then Antalya is the perfect place to go. This charming Mediterranean city combines an exceptional mild climate on a year-round basis with a scenic landscape like no other. Here you will find a long and fascinating history shown by several ancient ruins and landmarks. LivingOutLau is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Theres also the historic Gulluk Mountain Termessos National Park and Olympos-Bey Mountains Shore National Park, which are the perfect places to do some hiking or swim in the lakes. From ancient ruins to mountaintops and bustling bazaars to lively nightlife, there is something for everyone in Antalya! It is worth to walk the Lycian Way when you come to Antalya if you are into hiking. You can expect the beaches to be full of people, lines at popular attractions, and busy restaurants across Antalya. By creating an account you agree on Property Turkey Terms of use and Privacy Policy. Otherwise, head to all-inclusive city malls for modern brand names. Likewise, the Antalya region sits on the D400 highway from east to west of Turkey, which makes getting here by car or bus easy. Antalya is located on the South Coast of Turkey, but when you look at it on the map, its pretty much in the center of the country. The average temperatures in July and August happily sit at over 90 F. Thats just about perfect for a summer vacation, dont you think? Here are some of the best things to see and do in Antalya if you only have one day: 1. Antalya is brimming with history. Thats a maze of cobbled streets that converge on Ottoman buildings and minarets that have stood for centuries. As voted by Trip Advisor, Antalya is home to Turkey's best beaches. This beach has been a Blue Flag Beach as well for a long time. Anyone living in Antalya annually enjoys over 300 days of sunshine. For more seclusion and privacy, consider taking a boat tour from Antalya to one of the uninhabited islands, hidden bays or coves. Its a whopping 500km long and links up all the beaches west of Antalya, along with some incredible coastal locations like the Butterfly Valley. As well as these, they are often clean and well maintained. Are you one of those who are planning . The overall crime rate in Antalya is pretty low, though not uncommon. If you decide to rent a car, you can use Antalya city as a base to take day trips. Records also show the area is Turkey's second most popular tourist destination after Istanbul, but for beach holidays, rather than cultural tourism, Antalya ranks number one in Turkey. Among the many reasons one can think of for visiting Antalya is its overwhelmingly alive nightlife that can be considered as one of the main motivations for one to plan a trip to Antalya. They also offer luxury amenities such as outdoor swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, and sometimes even their own Turkish Hammam. Ask questions, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us! Think 300 days of sunshine a year. Antalya airport is Turkey's number one air travel hub hosting flights worldwide and other places in Turkey, like Istanbul. Thanks a lot for the feedback . On the beach, there are food courts, showers, changing cabins, and toilets. So yes, it is a little touristy, but its still nice. The Ottomans ruled Antalya for five hundred years. Historically, Antalya derived a great deal of its popularity from its associate with Ataturk, who loved it for its beautiful geography and relative convenience to most Turks. The beaches in Antalya arent just perfect for swimming and sunbathing. 4: Get There Via the Airport Antalya Airport is Turkey's number one touristic air travel hub. Antalyas position between the Mediterranean sea and the Taurus Mountains means that the area is protected from cold northerly winds, allowing average temperatures to be a lot higher than many other cities in Turkey. In fact, for those who enjoy a party, you dont have to travel far. Whichever one you choose, you are guaranteed to have an enjoyable beach day in Antalya! Duden waterfalls are the best natural place of beauty, with the result tumbling over the small hillside into the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, however, it was notable as a favorite holiday spot for Mr. Ataturk, the beloved founder of the modern Turkish Republic. We recommend investing in a filtered water bottle so you can clean out that taste before drinking. Antalya is home to some of the best beaches in all of Turkey with soft white sand and crystal clear water. Journeying The Globe. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. She simply seemed to want to be held and touched, to have a few moments of genuine companionship instead of transactional food stealing. Located in the Mediterranean, you can expect hot and sunny summers with mild and dry winters. Some of the most popular beaches in Antalya include: Antalya is one of the most historical cities in Turkey. This is also considered monsoon season, and tropical cyclones do happen on occasion. Some of the most popular and best beaches here are Konyaalti Beach, Lara Beach, and Olympos Beach. Find out more about the Lycian way. That makes for some seriously lovely coastal walks with sweeping views of cliffs and glowing golden sands, while everything from sometimes-snow-capped summits to hidden waterfalls lurks deeper inland. On an average year, not hampered by COVID travel restrictions, 15 million international tourists visit Antalya city and surrounding coastal resorts. Antalya is a resort town in the Southeastern region of Turkey. AboutContactWork With UsPrivacy PolicyArchive. There is breathtaking scenery all around Antalya, most notably along the coastline.