Duden Waterfalls
Located in a park, these upper waterfalls of a partly underground river cascade in front of a cave.
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet
Roman ruins, cliffside bars, and cold raki on the Turkish Riviera.
Too many travellers dismiss Antalya as merely a transit lounge for all-inclusive beach packages, which is an enormous tactical error. The city itself clings to high limestone bluffs over an inky turquoise gulf, flanked by jagged mountain ridges that keep snow on their caps well into the swimming season. At its heart sits Kaleiçi, an ancient walled district of heavy timbered Ottoman townhouses and Roman stone where fig trees push through garden walls and the call to prayer echoes off the water.
Days here take on a decadent, unhurried rhythm. You might spend a morning wandering past the marble arches of Hadrian's Gate or taking in the sheer, dizzying scale of Aspendos amphitheatre down the coast, before retreating from the midday heat over a long, lazy lunch. Come twilight, life moves down to the cliff edges, where sea breezes cut through the heat and plates of charred octopus, grilled halloumi, and cold aubergine dips arrive alongside chilled glasses of anise-scented raki.
Antalya rewards groups who want sun and sea without sacrificing cultural heft. It is big enough to absorb lively parties without feeling tacky, yet compact enough that half the group can wander ruins while the other half lounges on beach platforms carved straight into the cliff face, reuniting effortlessly for dinner.
Culture with a tan. Few coastal towns let you inspect imperial Roman masonry at breakfast and swim off sea platforms before lunch.
Feast-centric weekends. Long, boisterous nights in the traditional meyhanes of Kaleiçi revolve around endless shared meze, fresh fish, and cold raki.
Active outdoor crews. The eastern trailhead of the Lycian Way and the rapids of Köprülü Canyon offer proper mountain and trail adventures on your doorstep.
Multi-generational family groups. The mix of straightforward beach clubs, ancient amphitheatres, and leafy cliffside parks offers something real for all ages.
Kaleiçi Historic Quarter. Antalya's fortified historic center is defined by narrow cobblestone lanes, restored Ottoman-era timber mansions, and sweeping cliffside vistas over the ancient marina.
Hadrian's Gate. This monumental triple-arched marble triumphal gateway was erected in 130 AD to commemorate the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to the ancient city of Attaleia.
Düden Coastal Waterfalls. The Lower Düden cascade plunges dramatically off 40-meter rocky limestone cliffs directly into the open Mediterranean Sea.
Aspendos Roman Theater. Located on Antalya's doorstep, this monumental second-century amphitheater is celebrated worldwide as one of the most complete and acoustically pristine surviving Roman theaters.
Lycian Way Trailhead. Antalya serves as the eastern terminus and main gateway for Turkey's renowned 500-kilometer coastal trek past cliffside tombs and ancient ruins.
Kaleiçi. Antalya's ancient walled quarter, internationally renowned for its charming Ottoman-era architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and historic harbor.
Düden Waterfalls. A dramatic natural cascade where the Düden River plunges directly off towering seaside cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea.
The best-loved places, ranked by rating and how many people have reviewed them.
Read our full guide: the best things to do in Antalya with friends
Located in a park, these upper waterfalls of a partly underground river cascade in front of a cave.
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet
Step-free entrance · Accessible toilet · Good for kids
Remarkably well-preserved Roman theater, still used for open-air performances & film screenings.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
This 587-hectare nature park features picnic areas & a waterfall along an Aksu River tributary.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
Large, contemporary aquarium with themed exhibits, a long tunnel tank, tropical reptiles & eateries.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
Good for kids
Well-reviewed hotels. Live prices for your dates are in the planner.
Read our full guide: where to stay in Antalya with friends
Contemporary resort resembling an ocean liner, offering 4 restaurants, pools & a beach.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
High-end lodging with stylish restaurants, a plush spa & a pool, plus tennis & water sports.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
Polished rooms & suites in a contemporary getaway with a private beach, 2 pools, 3 bars & dining.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
Sleek hotel featuring minimalist rooms & an airy restaurant, plus a cafe & parking.
Step-free entrance · Good for kids
Based on 106 places in our guide and details listed on Google. Always check accessibility with each place before you go.
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