The Best Tourist Attractions in Antalya, Turkey

Dear readers, today we continue our journey through the best tourist destinations in Antalya, Turkey. Antalya is a Turkish resort city with an old harbor filled with yachts and beaches surrounded by large hotels. It is considered the gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its stunningly blue waters.

Remnants still remain from Antalya’s time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honor the visit of the Roman emperor in 130 AD, and the Hidirlik Tower dating back to the 2nd century, overlooking the harbor.

Antalya is located in the western Mediterranean region. In ancient times, the area was called Pamphylia, meaning “the land of all tribes.”

In the 1st century BC, King Attalos III of Pergamon ordered his men to find the most beautiful place on earth. He asked them to discover “paradise on earth.” After a long search across the world, they found this land and declared, “This must be paradise,” and the king founded the city there.

When the Romans took control of the Kingdom of Pergamon, Antalya became a magnificent Roman city. It was visited by the great Roman Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD, and an arch was built in his honor, which is still worth seeing today.

Later came the Byzantines, followed by the Seljuk Turks who captured the city in 1207, gave it a different name, Adalia, and built the Yivli Minaret.

In the city center, you can visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which won the “Museum of the Year” award in 1997. The city is also home to many ruins from different historical periods and natural sites, including three waterfalls and numerous beautiful parks.

Antalya stands out with ancient cities hidden among trees, lush green plateaus, forests rich in oxygen-filled air, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches.

1- Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is a famous waterfall located on the Manavgat River in the Manavgat district of Antalya. It lies about 80 kilometers from Antalya city center.

The waterfall is 4.9 kilometers from the center of Manavgat, 68 kilometers from Antalya Manavgat Airport, and 104 kilometers from Alanya Airport. Buses and taxis are suitable means of transportation to reach the waterfall.

The main source feeding the waterfall is known as the “Dumpling Spring.” Water flows powerfully through rocky formations, merges with the river, and splashes around, creating a spectacular view. Manavgat Waterfalls spread across a wide area and offer breathtaking scenery.

Around the waterfall, there are picnic areas, tea gardens with nature views, fish restaurants, cafeterias, rest areas, and souvenir shops. The strong water flow also creates a suitable environment for water sports.

The Manavgat River stretches from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea and is considered one of the most picturesque natural landscapes for tourism in Antalya.

Just outside the Side region, the low and wide waterfalls form a stunning backdrop for photos and serve as a popular recreation area where visitors come to swim, picnic, or enjoy river cruises.

You can spend a wonderful day sailing along the Manavgat River, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the charm of the waterfalls. River cruises start from the city of Manavgat and glide through green waters.

Along the riverbanks, you will see many small turtles basking on tree branches. At the end of the Manavgat River, there is a large sandy beach separating the river from the Mediterranean Sea.

2- Hadrian’s Gate

One of the best tourist attractions in Antalya is Hadrian’s Gate. It was built in 130 AD to celebrate the visit of Emperor Hadrian to the city, which was known as Attaleia at the time. Integrated into the city’s circular walls, the gate served as a main entrance to the city.

Two towers stand on either side of the gate, dating back to different historical periods. The southern tower (on the left side of Atatürk Street) dates back to the Roman era and was most likely built independently from the gate itself. The architectural distinction of the tower supports this theory. This structure is called the Julia Sancta Tower, and its ancient origins are confirmed by a stone inscription.

Hadrian’s Gate was introduced to the Western world by Francis Beaufort, who published a description of it in his travel memoirs along the southern coast of Asia Minor in 1817.

The text includes information about an upper level of the gate, which was later destroyed in the 19th century. Other European visitors to Antalya, such as Charles Texier in the 1830s and Lanckoroński, also described its appearance in detail.

Hadrian’s Gate resembles a typical Roman triumphal arch. It has three arches of equal size, measuring 4.15 meters in width and 6.18 meters in height up to the top of the arch. The entire structure stands over 8 meters tall from the ancient pavement to the top.

The gate is located next to Atatürk Street in the center of Antalya. It can be reached on foot, by walking through the historic Kaleiçi district, or by tram. The tram line passes right by the monument, and the station is called Hadrian.

3- Antalya Aquarium

A tour of Antalya Aquarium takes you from Alanya to one of the largest aquariums in the world. The aquarium complex is located in Antalya province, about 130 kilometers from Alanya.

Antalya Aquarium features the world’s largest tunnel aquarium, measuring 131 meters in length and 3 meters in width, along with 40 themed aquariums, a shark hall, a shark gift shop, a submarine cave, fish feeding areas, an ice museum, doctor fish, restaurants, and cafés.

You will be up close with thousands of species and tens of thousands of underwater creatures at Antalya Aquarium. You can turn your visit into unforgettable memories by taking souvenir photos using Hollywood-style green screen backgrounds and visiting the specialized gift shop.

Such opportunities to explore the fascinating underwater world during your Alanya holiday are truly irreplaceable. The Antalya Aquarium complex offers inspiration, entertainment, and education all at once.

The aquarium features multiple themed sections to make your journey more exciting and memorable. The Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean welcome you through four themed aquariums.

You can observe examples of marine life found in and around Antalya Province in the large cylindrical aquarium on the left and the smaller surrounding tanks. Then, discover fascinating creatures living in the world’s rivers, including Asian rivers, the Nile, and the Amazon.

You will also encounter the tropical reef section, where you can closely observe live coral reefs, clownfish, seahorses, lionfish, octopuses, and giant moray eels. The final stop in the themed section is the shark tank, where you can even catch the regular daily shark feeding sessions.

4- Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo is one of the most important tourist attractions in Antalya. It features a well-developed harbor for small boats and was one of the most significant locations in Pamphylia, as well as a major commercial center in the region.

According to Arrian, when settlers from Cyme arrived in Side, they could not understand the local dialect. After a short time, the influence of the native language became so strong that the newcomers forgot their original Greek and began using the Sidetic language. Excavations have revealed many inscriptions written in this language.

These inscriptions, dating back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, remain undeciphered, yet they prove that the local language continued to be used centuries after colonization.

An Ionic capital on a fluted column from the Temple of Apollo, built in the 4th century BC, is located in Letoon near Xanthos, Antalya, Turkey. Letoon was the sacred religious center of Lycia and its most important sanctuary, dedicated to the three national Lycian deities: Leto and her twin children. Leto was also worshipped as a family goddess and guardian of tombs.

The site is located 10 kilometers south of the ancient city of Xanthos in Lycia, near the modern village of Kumluova. Founded in the 6th century BC, the Greek site flourished throughout the Roman period, and a church was later built there during the Christian era. The site was abandoned in the 7th century AD.

If asked, most tourists visiting Side would point to the Temple of Apollo as the city’s most recognizable symbol. The temple is located in a magnificent spot at the tip of the peninsula where the ancient settlement developed, attracting crowds especially at sunset, when it looks its best.

5- Kurşunlu Waterfall

This waterfall is located in a vegetation-rich area among pine trees, 7 kilometers after turning left from the Antalya–Mersin road at the 24-kilometer mark.

The canyon stretches for two kilometers, and the waterfall drops from a height of 18 meters, connecting seven small lakes through minor cascades. The area has been open to visitors since 1986 and covers 33 hectares of land.

The waterfall is about 10 meters high and forms a small pool where freshwater turtles, crabs, and fish live. A small mill, restored during environmental arrangements, is located on the western side of the area.

The picnic area offers a relaxing experience with fountains, benches, barbecue areas, and playgrounds. The waterfall is a small cascade set within a cool pine forest.

The rich flora and fauna of the surrounding area make it a prime location for eco-tourism activities such as nature walks and wildlife observation. Walking through Kurşunlu amid the unique scents of blackberries, wild roses, and many other plants may lead to encounters with rabbits, squirrels, woodpeckers, turtles, or other small animals.

Although the waterfall itself may not appear large or dramatic, the picnic area and the walking paths along the stream formed by its waters are highly appealing due to the plant diversity. This area is known as the “Plant Tunnel” and attracts visitors for its vegetation except during winter.

The fresh air and enchanting scenery encourage many visitors to take day trips for relaxation and picnics. Viewing terraces, playgrounds, parking areas, and other facilities are available for visitors.

6- Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town)

This article about Kaleiçi (Antalya’s Old City) was originally written in 2011. Years have passed since then, and many things have changed. As we visit Antalya annually, we felt it was time for a small update.

In the early 2000s, Antalya was one of the fastest-growing cities in Turkey. However, in the city center, the story is different, with new controls on development and careful restoration of historic buildings. For us, Antalya’s city center feels more like a charming town than a large city.

There is one area in the center where it is very easy to lose yourself: Kaleiçi, meaning “inside the city walls.” Enter the world within these ancient walls through Hadrian’s Gate, the harbor, or the passages leading from the clock tower.

The old quarter is not huge, but it is large enough to wander around and suddenly realize you have made a full circle while thinking you were walking straight ahead. Kaleiçi has only recently undergone restoration. The municipality has now deemed it appropriate to add street names and numbers at intersections.

Small area maps show where you are, and the narrow cobblestone streets invite exploration. Getting lost in Kaleiçi is not a problem. If you have time and no particular destination, wandering through its alleys is actually very enjoyable.

Every side is guarded by Ottoman-era houses. Some have been beautifully restored to their former glory, while others patiently await their turn for a new lease on life. Antalya’s large university campuses attract students from all over Turkey, adding to the youthful atmosphere of Kaleiçi.

There is a lively, youthful vibe in this historic part of the city, with live music venues and cafés that help you relax.

7- Karaalioglu Park

Karaalioglu Park is a large green park in Antalya tourism, offering stunning views of the city and built directly on cliffs. It is well worth a stroll in the city center and is easily accessible, making it one of the most popular spots.

The park was built by Haşim İşcan, the governor of Antalya in the early 1940s, covering an area of 70,000 square meters under the difficult conditions of World War II.

Beş Dağlar is one of three major viewing terraces, referred to by locals as “Miradors.” Konyaaltı Beach presents a magnificent coastal view with a swirl of colors that constantly change, captivating visitors for hours without boredom.

Construction of Karaalioglu Park began in 1941 during World War II, when Europe was engulfed in flames. Water flows through a canal adorned with palm trees and colorful lights, passing by the former ice factory at Işıklar Beach and cascading into the sea as a waterfall.

You can walk further into the park and along the city’s coastline toward Konyaaltı, where the view opens up. From here, glimpses of the harbor are also possible, offering a scene that combines Roman Antalya and 21st-century Antalya in one view.

It is believed that Hidirlik Tower once served as a lighthouse, which makes sense given its position on a sheer cliff overlooking the harbor. With suitable clothing and weather that may only threaten your feet, especially in March, these views make Karaalioglu Park a must-visit, where you can admire sculptures and ruins against the Mediterranean backdrop.

8- Phaselis, Antalya

Phaselis is one of the best tourist destinations in Antalya. Its shallow, sandy sea and beach are ideal for families with young children. The calm, clean water allows children to enjoy the sea fully and play freely in the sand.

The second bay, known as the Middle Harbor, is accessed through the walls and ruins of the ancient city. It is a sheltered beach that is never overcrowded. The beach is sandy, with large pebbles in the sea. The water is just a few steps away, and the shade of pine trees provides a pleasant environment for children throughout the day.

There is also a café nearby selling snacks, water, drinks, and ice cream. Phaselis Ancient City is located near the village of Tekirova within the boundaries of Olympos National Park. It lies just 16 kilometers from Kemer. If you are traveling by car toward Antalya, you must turn south from Highway 57 at Kumluca.

After following this road, you will reach the entrance ticket area of the ancient city. You can then park near the beach area you wish to use. There are three access points, allowing you to choose your preferred swimming spot in summer.

Sun loungers and umbrellas are not available at Phaselis. However, the shade provided by trees just behind the beaches prevents any inconvenience.

9- Antalya Museum

This impressive museum is one of the largest in Turkey and is located in Konyaaltı, Antalya, serving as a reminder of ancient times amid modern real estate developments.

The museum’s size and scope are overwhelming even for casual visitors. It consists of 13 exhibition halls and an open-air gallery covering 7,000 square meters and housing 5,000 artifacts, with an additional 30,000 artifacts stored in reserve.

The museum highlights the ancient Mediterranean and is considered one of the country’s key historical resources. Its history is remarkable. At the end of World War I, Antalya was under Italian military occupation. Italian archaeologists began removing artifacts from the city and surrounding areas, transferring them to the Italian embassy, claiming this was a way to preserve Turkish history.

Fortunately, a teacher named Süleyman Fikri Bey quickly appointed himself as a voluntary curator of antiquities and established the first museum in Antalya, filling it with all the remaining artifacts he could gather.

Initially housed in two mosques, the museum moved to its current location in 1972. The exhibitions are arranged across more than 13 halls. The Natural History Hall is dedicated to regional wildlife, ranging from animal displays to single-celled organisms, along with charts, images, bones, and fossils.

Karain Cave is also featured, a large natural structure inhabited by several civilizations. Artifacts range from the Paleolithic era to the Roman period and include animal fossils and kitchen utensils.

10- Antalya Zoo

Antalya Zoo was established under the leadership of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality in 1989. Visitors can explore both large and small enclosures. Wildlife parks provide great enjoyment for families and children, and picnic areas are available in the nearby Kepez district.

Various measures are taken to protect animals from extreme heat in southern Antalya. The animals are cared for by dedicated keepers. Covering more than 330 square meters, Antalya Zoo is home to over 800 animals, including up to 80 exotic and native species from around the world.

These include birds of prey, African ostriches, crocodiles, snakes, bears, leopards, camels, zebras, mandarin ducks, peacocks, and pelicans, among many others. The zoo features a wide range of large and small animals. Entrance fees range between 2 and 4 lira, with a vehicle fee of 15 lira.

July can be extremely hot, so visitors are advised to bring large cold drinks, wear comfortable shoes, and dress lightly. Access to Antalya Zoo is easy: take the tram to the Fatih stop. From the final station, cross the road to reach the path leading to the zoo. While the walk may be long for summer, the natural surroundings and animals make it worthwhile.

11- Düden Waterfalls

Düden Waterfalls are a group of waterfalls in Antalya Province, located about 12 kilometers northeast of the city. The waterfalls end where the Lower Düden Falls cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea from a rocky cliff.

The waterfall, one of the natural symbols of the city, drops from a height of 20 meters. Its main source is in the Kırkgöz area, while the lower section is located on the road to Lara Beach.

Situated southeast of the city center, the water flows from cliffs as high as 40 meters. Water is brought back to Düden from the treatment plant through a long canal, forming artificial waterfalls. The water volume equals that of a large river and is distributed through seven irrigation channels across northeastern Antalya.

After Düden, the water splits into several streams and finally falls 40 meters into the Mediterranean Sea east of Antalya. The waterfalls are surrounded by a park and can also be viewed from the sea by taking a boat trip from Antalya’s yacht harbor.

12- Olympos Cable Car

If you plan your holiday well, you can swim and play in the snow on the same day. The cable car substation is about 55 kilometers from the city center. Upon arrival, it is important to move quickly, as cabins with a capacity of 80 people fill up fast depending on the time of day.

If you want a window seat, it is best to be among the first to board. Holding onto the glass edges limits you to breathtaking views. If you are not among the first, try to board last.

As you ascend, you will notice changes in vegetation, eventually giving way to snow-covered landscapes. After a 10-minute cable car ride, you reach the summit, where a three-story facility welcomes you amid unique scenery. The restaurant also offers a panoramic view, and the terrace provides the best vantage point.

Even if you are not hungry, you can enjoy playing in the snow in the middle of summer or visit the specially designed ice room for photos. Walking at the summit is limited due to snow, and barriers are in place to guide visitors.

Beyond the scenery, you can observe climate changes and even conduct a small experiment. Take a bottle of water with you, open it at the top, and you will notice how the cold air cools the water, producing a sound similar to opening a soda bottle.

13- Köprülü Canyon

Köprülü Canyon is a remarkable natural area located in the Manavgat district of Antalya. Declared a national park in 1973, it covers an area of 36,614 hectares. The Köprü River Canyon is one of the longest river canyons in Turkey and is located in the village of Beşkonak.

The national park lies along the country’s most popular rafting route on the Köprü River. Camping areas along the lush green riverbanks attract nature lovers. The canyon floor features varying shades of pine, cypress, cedar, maquis, and rich vegetation extending to the mountain peaks.

For many years, wildlife populations declined due to illegal hunting. Today, it is possible to see deer, mountain goats, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits, martens, and badgers. The Köprü River also hosts trout.

In addition to natural beauty, cultural and archaeological riches enhance the park’s value. Notable landmarks include the theater, agora, temples of Zeus and Artemis, cisterns, aqueducts, and the ancient stone-paved road of Selge, dating back to the 5th century BC.

Rafting in the canyon is mostly done using two-person kayaks or river boats carrying 6 to 10 people. Upon arrival, visitors receive safety instructions before setting off. Rafting along the Köprüçay River is an adrenaline-filled experience.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking, trekking, nature walks, exploring a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge, off-road jeep safaris, camping, dining at riverside restaurants, or staying in nearby hotels.

14- Hidirlik Tower

Hidirlik Tower is one of the most mysterious tourist landmarks in Antalya. Located in the historic Kaleiçi district along the Mediterranean coast, it attracts around 300,000 visitors annually for its stunning views. To this day, historians and scholars have not agreed on the tower’s original purpose.

After visiting, you may even come up with your own theory. The tower dates back to the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire. It resembles a massive cylinder standing on a square base and rises to a height of 14 meters. According to historians, the base is older and was built during the Hellenistic period.

The tower may have served as a lighthouse, given its clear visibility from the sea and its position overlooking the bay. Alternatively, it may have functioned as a defensive structure, as its thick walls suggest protection against frequent raids during ancient times.

From the bus station or airport, you can reach the tower by taking bus number 600 or 600A to the Sarampol stop. From other parts of Antalya, you can reach it by tram or bus to Karaalioglu Park, or by taxi.

The tower is one of the city’s oldest archaeological structures, built from yellow and brown stone blocks. Its lower level was constructed on a square plan in the early 2nd century AD as part of the city’s fortifications. Shortly afterward, a circular second level was added. The upper part of the structure underwent extensive renovations during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.