Antalya
Currency
TRY
Language
Turkish
Timezone
Istanbul
Continent
Asia
Discover Antalya
Antalya has two faces that do not resemble each other: a resort coast stretching for tens of kilometres, and a Roman old town held inside its walls. Kaleiçi, the old quarter, descends in narrow lanes to the ancient harbour. Hadrian's Gate, three marble arches, was raised in 130 for the emperor's visit and is still an entrance. The Fluted Minaret, Seljuk and thirteenth-century, is the city's emblem. The Roman Hıdırlık Tower closes the cliff to the south and faces the sunset over the bay. The Antalya Archaeological Museum is among Turkey's most important, above all for the sculpture from Perge. And the Lower Düden waterfalls drop straight into the sea, best seen from a boat.
When to go
April to June and September to October are the best months: twenty-eight degrees, the sea warm into November, and the ancient sites walkable. July and August regularly pass thirty-five degrees, and coastal humidity makes sightseeing punishing before evening. Winter is mild at fifteen degrees, the season of almond blossom and empty sites; many coastal hotels close, but the city lives all year.
Getting around
A tram links the centre to the archaeological museum and to Kaleiçi, which is then walked. Dolmuş, shared minibuses, serve the beaches and surrounding villages very cheaply. The ancient sites — Perge, Aspendos with its almost intact Roman theatre, Termessos up in the mountains — need a car or an organised trip; the nearest is twenty minutes away. The airport is thirteen kilometres from the centre.
Where to eat
Antalya piyaz, a white bean salad with tahini, is the local speciality and bears no resemblance to piyaz elsewhere in Turkey. Şiş kebap and pide are everywhere. Citrus from the plain — oranges, pomegranates — is pressed on every corner. Tea is served in tulip glasses at any hour, and refusing politely takes practice. Six halal addresses are listed, and most of the local cooking is halal in practice.
Good to know
The Turkish lira is the currency; it depreciates quickly, so prices quoted in euros in tourist areas are usually unfavourable. Four sites are free. The archaeological museum deserves a full two hours. Boat trips from the Kaleiçi harbour are sold by touts: prices are negotiable and vary twofold along the same quay.
Where to Stay in Antalya
Top Activities in Antalya
landmarkLower Duden Waterfall
landmarkYivli Minaret Mosque
museumAntalya Archeological Museum
landmarkHadrian's Gate
landmarkTekeli Mehmet Paşa Camii
landmarkHıdırlık Tower
landmarkKesik Minare
museumAtaturk museum
Free
landmarkMuratpaşa Camii
Antalya Toy Museum
Free
landmarkArapsu bridge
Mediterranean Civilizations Museum
parkKaraalioğlu Parkı
Free
parkTophane Parkı
Free
Clock Tower
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Bir Bakışta Türkiye, Açık Hava Müzesi
Free