Things To Do Around Antalya

Take in the presence of Alanya Kulesi

Alanya Kulesi (Alanya Tower)

If visiting Alanya a must see is the castle, which is a huge and regal building that is visible from the coast and beaches, meaning that few people are able to resist a visit. The journey up to the castle can be made by coach, bus or taxi, but the more active and adventurous choose to walk the winding path.

Not only is the walk dotted with cafes and beautiful flora for rest stops, but allows fantastic views of Alanya below. Don’t forget though, if you are going to attempt the walk, not to do it during the heat of the day, as Turkey in the summer can be sweltering. When you do arrive at the gigantic Kalesi, there is a small entrance fee but then you are left to explore the beauty of both Alanya and its historic icon. Keep in mind though that Alanya Castle is only open from April to October.

Take a splash at Alanya's Cleopatra Beach

Alanya's Cleopatra Beach

Alanya has two main beaches, split by the promontory in the centre, but while Eastern beach is lovely, Cleopatra Beach is outstanding. Known and remembered by everyone who visits, Cleopatra Beach has fantastic resources and flawless sand. And on top of that, legend has it that the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was given this beach by her lover Marc Antony.

Explore Alanya's Caves with gulet tours

One of the best ways to see Alanya is from the water and so the Pirate boat tours that are offered in the harbour are perfect. Regular boat tours run out along the peninsula, giving the opportunity to see a number of caves that are set into the cliffs such as the Korsanlar Magrasi, or Pirates Cave. Way back when Selcuks ruled Alanya (which was Corascesium at the time) it was infamously home to Cilician Pirates and the boat tours are a very relaxing way to learn about local history in such a beautiful setting.

Cool off at Alanyas Sapadere Canyon

Sapadere Canyon is about an hour drive from central Alanya, and unfortunately cannot be reached by public transport so that the best way to access this outstandingly beautiful natural wonder is to hire a car or join a tour that visits the location. However, the canyon has some of the best spots in all of Alanya for taking photos, and is a great day trip for those who are looking for something different.

Be intrigued by Antalya city's Archaeological Museum

When visiting Antalya it’s easy to believe that all of the history is still in the landscape, from castles to mosques, there are many fascinating sites that are definitely worth a visit. However, the Antalya Archaeological Museum is here to prove you wrong!

The fairly small museum is a perfect size so as not to overwhelm its visitors with room upon room of the same information. The attraction is laid out so as to be viewed in chronological order, and each room is unique from the hall of coins to the sarcophagus hall, the Antalya Archaeological Museum is simply fascinating, even to those who aren’t normally into history, it makes a truly memorable day out.

Wander the Winding Cobbled Streets of Kaleici

When visiting Turkey and also Antalya it’s easy to believe that all of the history is still in the landscape, from castles to mosques, there are many fascinating sites that are definitely worth a visit. However, the Antalya Archaeological Museum is here to prove you wrong!

The fairly small museum is a perfect size so as not to overwhelm its visitors with room upon room of the same information. The attraction is laid out so as to be viewed in chronological order, and each room is unique from the hall of coins to the sarcophagus hall, the Antalya Archaeological Museum is simply fascinating, even to those who aren’t normally into history, it makes a truly memorable day out.

Antalya's Kaleici area is quaint and historic, makng it a perfect place to spend lazy days while taking in the traditional Mediternean environment.

Feed Your Adrenaline by Rafting Along Koprulu Canyon

Rafting along Koprulu Canyon

The Koprulu Canyon is a long stretch marked by Roman bridges and greenery that covers the rock faces on either side of the river but to truly appreciate this fantastic location you must be in a boat, or rather a raft. The setting is beautiful and white water rafting is an extremely popular activity that absolutely must be experienced while in this special part of the world.

This can be arranged locally for a very reasonable price and the entire journey, which takes a few hours, is truly breathtaking. No one could possibly take part in rafting this fantastic river and not have the time of their life.  

Relax in Karaalioglu Park

Karaalioglu Park and the Hirdirlik tower

When you’ve tired of souvenier shopping in Kaleici, head to the nearby Karaalioglu Park, east of the Yatch harbour. A space great for relaxing, or for everyone just to enjoy the wide open green space and amazing views of the harbour below. And keep an eye out for Hirdirlik tower, a 14 metre circular stone tower believed to have been a Roman lighthouse.

Take in the Energy of Antalya’s Kursunlu Waterfalls

The Kursunlu waterfalls are based inside a large and beautiful natural park that is rich with pine, olive and fig trees. The national park is the perfect place for a long walk, hike or picnic depending on the region and there are also nearby sites that can offer horseback riding.

The actual waterfalls are understandably the main attraction; a beautiful cascade of water that is surrounded by the beautiful flora that earned the area its status as a national park over twenty years ago.

Step Back in Time at the Perge Ruins

Perge is an astounding city that seems untouched since the point at which it first crumbled. It is famous for having been visited in 46 AD by St Paul and it is where he preached his first sermon.

The site includes the remains of an agora, acropolis, theatre and Hellenistic gate. Ruins lie almost in the exact position of their origin, with some buildings still being largely intact and therefore being some of the most exquisite ancient ruins in this area of Turkey.

Take In the Views at the Green Canyon Near Colakli

The green canyon was created when the Oymapinar Dam was built on the Manavgat River in 1984. It was built to hold 300 million cubic metres of water, and is in itself an interesting attraction that many people stop at, offering fantastic views of the river as well as part of the green canyon itself.

The surrounding hills and rocky outcrops are covered in green scrub which makes the whole area even more beautiful. Boat and coach tours of the area are widely available, offering guests the ability to swim in the tranquil waters and to enjoy the surroundings that make beautiful photos, from the submerged trees to the Brown Fish Owls that rest in them.

Relax at Olympos National Park & Phaselis 

Phaselis is an ancient Lycian city that is based between the majestic Bey Mountains and the greenery of the Olympos National Park that is one of a very few ancient coastal locations to still have beaches. This is due to many other ancient ports having moved inland as the tides have moved out over time.  

Culturally, Phaselis has a wealth of history, dating back to its 700 BC when it was set up. Hundreds of years later in 334 BC Phaselis fell to Alexander and it is believed that he once spent the winter there. In modern times, Phaselis’ locality to Kemer, only 16km away, has allowed this beautiful place to become a popular site for tourist day trips, with accessibility around the shore for yacht tours.

The beaches are the perfect place to relax for a few hours in the sun, and although the beaches at the northern harbour are the most accessible, the southern ones have better sand and a much smaller proportion of pebbles. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hike in and around the Olympos area, where you might be lucky enough to stumble across the eternal flames, also known as Chimera, in the neighboring Cirali.

Ascend Tahtali Aerial Cableway for Amazing Views

The Tahtali Aerial Cableway offers travellers the opportunity to ascend from Kemer to a summit station at the top of Mount Tahtali 2,365m above sea level. The summit station has a large panorama terrace that allows visitors a breathtaking 360° view of the surrounding Beydaglari Mountains as well as the coastline of Kemer and the further Antalya resorts.

Having opened in 2007, the Tahtali Aerial Cableway is the longest aerial tramway in Europe at a length of 4,350 metres, and it is also impressively the second longest in the world. Each 80 person cabin is almost entirely clear, offering some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea in the region during the climb and ensuring that not a moment of the ascent is missed by anyone.

Without a doubt, the cable car journey and ultimate visit to the summit station is one of the most awe inspiring opportunities in all of Kemer, if not all of Antalya.

Admire Side's Ancient Walls & Roman Remains

The well preserved city walls of ancient Side are still visible around the city, with the Hellenistic main gate still standing. A colonnaded street is also around, although the marble columns no longer remain. Public Roman baths have been restored and some serve as museums, one displaying statues and sarcophagi from the Roman period.

The square agora also remains, and one can still see remnants of the Tyche and Fortuna temple (2nd B.C). Three temples also remain, but to experience the real beauty of these ancient sites you simply have to travel around the city, for they are almost everywhere.

Roam Side's Cobbled streets, leading to the Temple of Apollo

The temple of Apollo is one of the best known and most popular sites in Side, and even Antalya, for the breathtaking white columns that still stand, and the other smaller remains that are scattered around.

At night the columns are lit from below and make the perfect place to take a photo, especially as the sun is still setting. Maybe not the best ruins in the world, but definitely some of the prettiest, and well worth a day trip at the very least.

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