The 14 essential things to do in Antalya

Kaleiçi, the historic heart of Antalya, unfolds its cobbled lanes behind walls dating back to Roman times. The name means "inside the castle": you enter through the monumental Hadrian's Gate, raised in the 2nd century in honour of the Roman emperor. Restored Ottoman houses, guesthouses, small mosques such as the fluted-minaret Yivli Minare and craft shops line its alleys. Walking down to the old harbour you reach the Hıdırlık Tower, of Roman origin, overlooking the sea. The quarter also concentrates cafes and restaurants for Turkish cuisine, making it the ideal starting point for a walking tour of the city.

Antalya stretches between its two main beaches. To the west, Konyaaltı rolls out several kilometres of pebbles backed by the Taurus mountains, with a landscaped seafront (Beach Park) of bars, restaurants and beach clubs; it is served by the AntRay tram. To the east, Lara is a golden-sand beach lined with hotels and resorts, prized for its sunsets. Both offer sun-lounger hire, water sports and dining. Swimming is pleasant from late May to October, the sea staying warm into autumn.

The Antalya Archaeological Museum (Antalya Müzesi), in Muratpaşa, is one of Turkey's richest. Its galleries trace the history of ancient Pamphylia and the region, from the Greek and Roman civilisations to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Highlights include the sculptures from the Perge site, the Hall of Emperors with its Roman statues, finely carved sarcophagi and the Elmalı coin hoard. The Müzekart is accepted here. As the museum may close for works, it is best to check its status and opening hours on muze.gov.tr before visiting.

Tucked at the foot of Kaleiçi, Antalya's old harbour (Kaleiçi Yat Limanı) sits in a sheltered cove below the cliffs. Long a Roman and then Ottoman port, it has become a marina lined with restaurants, shops and bars that come alive in the evening. Above all it is the departure point for boat trips that follow the Mediterranean coast and let you admire the lower Düden waterfall plunging into the sea. Late afternoon is especially beautiful here, as the sun sinks over the cliffs and the Gulf of Antalya.

Formed by the Düden river flowing down from the Taurus mountains, the Düden waterfalls come in two sets. The upper falls (Düdenbaşı), about ten kilometres northeast of the centre, drop into a shaded gorge laid out as a park. The lower falls, closer to the city at Lara, are unusual in plunging off a cliff straight into the Mediterranean. You can watch them from the coastal park's viewpoints or, for the most dramatic angle, from a boat leaving the marina. Park access is free.

About twenty kilometres east of Antalya, near Aksu, Perge was one of the great cities of ancient Pamphylia, at its peak in the 2nd and 3rd centuries under the Roman Empire. You can walk a long colonnaded street once crossed by a water channel, monumental fountains, vast baths, a Hellenistic twin-towered gate and one of the largest stadiums in Anatolia. The ancient theatre is temporarily closed for restoration. The site is open by day; many of its finest sculptures are now displayed at the Antalya museum.

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, the Pamukkale-Hierapolis complex lies about 250 kilometres north of Antalya, nearly 3 hours by road. There you discover the famous white travertine terraces, formed by calcium-rich hot springs, and just above them the ancient city of Hierapolis with its theatre and vast necropolis. To enjoy it without rushing, it is best to leave early or take a guided tour. Plan to walk barefoot on the travertines and bring a swimsuit for the antique pool.

A national park since 1973, the Köprülü Canyon lies about 1h30 by road northeast of Antalya, where the Köprüçay river has carved a deep canyon with clear water. It is the region's rafting hotspot: local operators run descents in calm to moderate water, suitable for beginners, beneath old Roman bridges such as the Oluk bridge. The park also shelters protected nature and hiking trails. Most visitors book a day tour that includes transport from Antalya.

About 1h15 east of Antalya, the ancient Roman port city of Side occupies a sea-washed peninsula. You can visit a large Roman theatre with a monumental stage, the agora, and above all the Temples of Apollo and Athena, whose seafront columns are stunning at sunset. The Side museum, housed in former Roman baths, gathers sarcophagi, statues and reliefs from the site's excavations. The site is open by day, with night access offered in season.

Opened in 2017, the Tünektepe cable car links the lower Sarısu station, on the Konyaaltı side, to the summit of Tünek Tepe (about 600 metres) in a few minutes. The ride reveals a panoramic view over Antalya, the gulf and the surrounding mountains. At the top, a panoramic restaurant, picnic areas and viewpoints invite a break. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset over the bay; buses serve the lower Sarısu station.

Setting off from the Kaleiçi marina, cruises follow Antalya's cliffs, pass below the lower Düden waterfall seen from the sea and stop in coves for swimming. Options range from a few-hour outing to a full day with lunch on board. The sea is generally calmer in the morning, while a late-day trip offers a fine sunset. Before booking, check the duration, the number of stops and what is included.

Laid out on a cliff just south of Kaleiçi, Karaalioğlu Park is a large public garden overlooking the Mediterranean and Antalya's harbour. Shaded lawns, palm trees, fountains and walkways make it a favourite stroll for locals and visitors alike, especially in the late afternoon for the sunsets. At its edge stands the Hıdırlık Tower, of Roman origin, marking the transition to the old town. Entry is free and the visit combines easily on foot with Kaleiçi.

Konyaaltı and Lara beaches concentrate most of Antalya's water sports: jet ski, parasailing, towed buoy, windsurfing or diving depending on the operator. The season runs from late May to October, with the sea staying warm into autumn. Konyaaltı is easily reached by AntRay tram. Before any activity, it is best to check the supervision, equipment and insurance offered by the operator, and to agree clearly on the price.

Antalya comes alive after dark. The centre and the Kaleiçi quarter line up bars, terraces and taverns where evenings stretch out by the water, while the Lara area concentrates large clubs and discotheques. Things get going fairly late, especially in summer. It is wise to scout the venues by day, keep a little Turkish lira on hand and, for the return, favour an official taxi or a ride-hailing app.