Antalya, Turkey is the Ultimate Mediterranean Escape
Antalya travel guide – an introduction
Antalya is Turkey’s Mediterranean jewel, a coastal city framed by the Taurus Mountains, ancient ruins and clear blue water. Despite welcoming millions of visitors each year, it somehow still feels relaxed, especially if you lean into slower travel. This Antalya travel guide covers where to stay, what to eat, the best beaches, ancient sites and everything you need to plan your trip.
Why visit Antalya
There are very few places that I visit where I instantly feel at home and at ease. A place where the weather is sublime and consistent, the food is great, the beaches are clean and inviting and the people are lovely. Enter Antalya, the Mediterranean gem that stole my heart with the glistening turquoise water of the Turkish Riviera. It’s a slow traveller’s dream – long beach days and warm evenings. It almost feels like time stands still and can truly relax. It’s also dangerous, for your feet and your waistline. More about that later.
You might be thinking why Antalya over Istanbul? Simply put, different energy entirely. More affordable, more laid back, easier to navigate and it’s flat! Resort town meets ancient history and turquoise water instead of city intensity. Istanbul is magnificent and I love it (check out the Istanbul guide here), but Antalya is where I wanted to stay longer and where I want to return to next time and I think you will too.
A guide for travelling to and around Antalya and where to stay
Getting to Antalya is fairly straightforward and there are a number of options available. Flying is the best way, as there are no trains that come here.
How to get to Antalya
There are flights via European hubs. If already in Turkey, it’s easy to grab a flight from Istanbul which flies direct from IST and SAW airports, and takes approximately 1.5 hours. I flew with Turkish Airlines but you can also get flights with Pegasus, Turkey’s low-cost carrier. The airport is in close proximity to town, roughly taking 25 minutes via Uber/Taxi to Konyaalti beach or approximately 15minutes to either Kaleici or Lara Beach.
Getting around Antalya
I would personally recommend using Uber to get around as it’s fairly affordable and perfect for slow travel when you don’t have fixed plans. If wanting to explore more of the coastline or doing day trips hiring a car is a better option, although there are buses that run between towns/cities for a more budget option.
Where to stay in Antalya
Given Antalya’s coastal sprawl, many of the resorts sit on the outskirts and whilst I did explore these options, they were more expensive so I focused on the three zones for accommodation: Lara, Konyaaltı and Kaleiçi. In the end, I opted to stay in Konyaaltı and split the week between an apartment and hotel and there are plenty of accommodation options for all budgets.
The main beach options are Lara and Konyaalti which offer different experiences. Then there’s also the old town Kaleici. Anywhere you choose, you can’t go wrong as the entire stretch is beautiful. I stayed at both the Stile Suite Marine Hotel which was a fantastic apartment and Rodinn Park Hotel in Konyaalti beach and both were excellent. The last hotel in particular was a standout as the customer service was great, breakfast was included and served poolside and the rooms were large, clean and had everything you needed.
A guide on what to do in Antalya and surrounds
Walk around and take in the city. Watch the locals gathering at their local square for Turkish coffee, games and some banter. Observe people living their day to day, swimming in the calm blue sea, playing volleyball or getting together for dinner & drinks at their favourite local – life is life wherever you go. And when you’ve had your fill of simply watching it unfold, Antalya delivers on sights too.
Antalya beaches
Konyaalti Beach
This was my base and it didn’t disappoint. A long stretch of pebbled beach with crystal clear calm water, sun lounges with umbrellas (rentable at restaurants), and the stunning Taurus mountains in view. It’s very walkable and easy to navigate. Inland from the beach, there are also lots of great restaurants and it’s compact enough to walk around. A word of caution. There is no sand here, only large pebbles and they are not comfortable to sit on, so bring a chair if you have back issues and have water shoes so you don’t hurt your feet.
Lara Beach
When I booked the Uber to go to Lara Beach, we ended up in a desolate stretch of beach, thinking what is going on? Thankfully, the driver suggested he take us somewhere else that was more lively, not the beach but into town. I didn’t spend much time at Lara Beach itself, but the surrounding area is lined with large resorts, restaurants and coastal walks. Duden Falls was easily accessed using Google Maps on foot.
Antalya sights
Kaleiçi old town
No visit to Antalya is complete without a visit to the old town. Filled with tourists and locals alike, it’s charming, steeped in history and beautiful. Make your way to Hadrian’s Gate, the striking Roman arch entrance to the old town and stop for some tea at the nearby cafe to watch the world go by. Afterwards, walk through the winding cobblestone streets down to the Marina, particularly at sunset. Grab a seat on the rocks and enjoy the breeze and the views. There are lots of restaurants and bars here, just wander and choose at random.
From the harbour, when you want to head back into town, go via the Panoramic Elevator (you will have to line up) but it’s the quickest way up. In town, you’ll see lots of restaurants, shops and souvenirs. We were convinced to come into a local shop and sample the lokum (turkish delight) with some tea and wow it was AMAZING. So good that we bought some – just note that they charge by the kilo and it’s more expensive than you think, but worth it.
Düden Falls
I knew there was a must-see waterfall but I wasn’t expecting it to be so majestic, cascading right off the cliffs into the Mediterranean, on the side of the highway coming from Lara Beach. Truly worth seeing, and when we were there at night there was no one around. Watching the water in the moonlight and then finishing the evening with a cup of chai and baklava was extremely memorable, an unexpected highlight.
Perge Ancient City
This was a real highlight and the Roman ruins that many visitors skip. It was very quiet, hardly any crowds but well worth it. Just note, that it gets very hot under the sun so stay hydrated. There is a small shop at the entrance. Here you need internet in order to call a taxi/uber. It cost ~ $15 AUD to enter and you can pay by card. You can walk around exploring the old well preserved ruins, there was even a stadium and beautiful old passage that had a remaining fountain intact with running water. There are other ancient cities dotted around Antalya that you can also visit if you so desire. Just make sure you give yourself time to enjoy it all.
Other places you could visit include Kas, Fethiye and Olympos and they are certainly on my list for next time.
Antalya guide to food & drink
Turkish breakfast is elite and no other competes. It’s a feast of eggs, bread, fruit, vegetables, olives, condiments, tea, coffee and is meant to be enjoyed slowly. There are so many lovely Turkish dishes that you have to try. From the well known doner to chicken rice and lesser known Manti (turkish dumplings in a yoghurt sauce) and my favourite soup çorba. Turkish Pizza or Pide is also delicious and comes with simple toppings and a variety of sides. One thing you have to try is Ayran, a salty yoghurt drink that’s really popular and it’s delicious.
Let’s not forget that the tea, coffee and dessert scene is phenomenal – baklava, pudding, kunefe, turkish delight (lokum) it’s an art form and to be savoured daily. If you have food sensitivities, you should manage fairly well in Turkey as there is a lot of variety.
If staying in an apartment with kitchen facilities, you can buy fresh produce from the many supermarkets. I didn’t have any issues with food even travelling with IBS which you can read about here. Try to avoid restaurants in any tourist strip as the quality will most likely reduce and cost double, and you’ll miss the gems the places locals actually dine in. It’s more affordable here than in Istanbul and much of Western Europe but with inflation these days it’s marginal.
Here’s a list of restaurants that I enjoyed
- Maharet Manti Antalya – famous for Turkish dumplings. I also tried a dish that was like lasagna made from lavash.
- The Trend Park Coffee – fantastic cafe near the waterfront. Great Turkish Coffee and good breakfast.
- Urfa Sofrasi – recommended by the hotel. It’s where the locals go so you know it’s going to be good.
- Corbaci Restaurant – a nearby soup restaurant. Simple, excellent.
- Altunzade Kunefe – a dessert shop with very good kunefe.
- Ada restaurant – close to the beach, we ate here several times as the kebabs were so good.
- Big Chefs – a more Western restaurant if you want a variety of options
- BEX coffee – Kaleici – a beautiful cafe next to Hadrian’s gate for tea/coffee and cake.
Practical tips for your Antalya visit
No travel guide is complete without covering important tips and practical considerations for planning & preparation.
Visa — No longer required for Australians but please check the requirements for your country before travelling.
Currency — Turkish Lira (TRY). Whilst some cash is useful, cards are widely accepted.
What to pack — Bring water shoes or something with thick soles for the beaches. Those pebbles are uncomfortable. There are stores selling cheap options along the beach if you forget. You can find my packing guide here for suggestions on what to bring but ultimately you want light, loose clothing and swimwear for beach days.
eSIM — Fantastic to have from the moment you arrive. I use Airalo, just note that for Turkey you need to install and activate before arrival. You won’t be able to reload whilst in the country.
Best time to visit — I travelled in October and it was warm and sunny. Opt for spring or shoulder summer months to avoid peak heat.
Travel insurance — Very important, don’t travel without it.
Safety — Very safe but standard precautions apply like anywhere. Always felt very comfortable walking at all hours of the day or night.
Language – English is widely spoken as there is a lot of tourism here. Alternatively, you can always use Google Translate for conversing.
Shopping – There are various malls in Antalya but I stumbled upon an outlet that was selling great brands at incredible prices in Konyaalti. Turkey is a global manufacturing hub and many global brands are produced here.
Wellness on the road – If you’re anything like me, you’ll be searching for a massage after all that walking. I found a random Balinese massage which was lovely. I even got a simple trim at the salon. No English – the power of gesticulation!
FAQ guide for travelling to Antalya
Is Antalya safe for tourists?
Yes, Antalya is considered very safe for tourists. I felt comfortable walking around during the day and evening, especially in tourist areas like Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı. As with anywhere, use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas.
Is Antalya safe for solo female travellers?
Yes. Antalya is generally considered safe for solo female travellers, especially in popular tourist areas. The locals were friendly and welcoming, and the city has a relaxed atmosphere. As always, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions when travelling alone.
What is the best area to stay in Antalya?
My favourite area was Konyaaltı Beach. It has a more relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, great cafés and restaurants, and stunning mountain views. If you want something more historic and walkable, Kaleiçi (Old Town) is also a great option.
How many days do you need in Antalya?
I think one week is perfect. It gives you enough time for slow beach days, exploring the Old Town, visiting nearby ruins and waterfalls, and possibly taking a day trip along the coast.
What is the best time to visit Antalya?
The best months to visit are April to June and September to October, when the weather is warm but not unbearably hot. I travelled in October and the weather was absolutely perfect with sunny days, warm water, and fewer crowds.
Is Antalya expensive?
Antalya is generally more affordable than Istanbul, especially for accommodation and dining. That said, I wouldn’t describe it as ultra-cheap, particularly during peak summer season or in resort areas.
Do I need a car in Antalya?
A car is helpful if you want to explore beaches, ruins, and coastal towns outside the city. However, I didn’t hire a car and got around easily walking or using taxis, and Uber.
Do Australians need a visa for Turkey?
As of April 2026, Australian passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a recent and very welcome change for Australian travellers. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and always check the latest advice from Smartraveller before travelling.
Antalya is definitely worth your time
Antalya surprised me in the best possible way. Less rushed than Istanbul, endlessly scenic and ideal for slower days by the sea. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to extend your trip “just a few more days”… and honestly, I probably will next time.
One thing I had arranged before travelling and was really excited for, was a live Gipsy Kings concert, and the chances of finding a concert on the dates you’re travelling is rare! Unfortunately, a few days before the show, I was advised it was cancelled. The only show out of 5 in other locations that was. I was disappointed, but it was just another opportunity to enjoy a balmy evening stroll along the beach and stumble across a random pub with live music so not all was lost. When travelling and in life, the tension between planning & spontaneity is real but sometimes it’s the random finds that can be most unexpected and rewarding.
Bookmark this Antalya travel guide for your trip planning. Happy travels!
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