Antalya, Turkey-6-day-itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Antalya
- Arrive at Antalya Airport (AYT)
- Transfer to hotel (we recommend Hotel Pasa) for check-in
- Spend the afternoon relaxing on Konyaaltı Beach, a 7 km stretch of coastline with calm waters and sandy beaches
- For dinner, head to Fish Restaurant Karaköy for fresh seafood and stunning views of the marina
Day 2: Explore Antalya’s Old Town
- Start the day at Antalya Museum, which showcases the city’s rich history, from ancient civilizations to the Ottoman Empire
- Visit the famous Hadrian’s Gate, a Roman gate built in 130 AD and one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks
- Wander through the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old town, where you’ll find charming shops, cafes, and restaurants
- For lunch, try some traditional Turkish cuisine at Restaurant Tark
- In the afternoon, visit the Yivli Minare Mosque, a stunning 13th-century mosque with an impressive minaret
- Enjoy dinner at Korsan Restaurant for delicious kebabs and meze
Day 3: Düden Waterfalls and Olympos
- Start the day with a visit to the breathtaking Düden Waterfalls, where you can swim in the natural pools or simply enjoy the scenery
- Head to Olympos, an ancient city with ruins dating back to 2,000 BC
- Explore the remains of the city, including a Roman theater and an impressive aqueduct system
- For lunch, try some street food at one of the local vendors near the waterfalls
- In the afternoon, visit the Manavgat River for a boat tour or simply to enjoy the views
Day 4: Perge Ruins and Aspendos Theater
- Visit the ancient city of Perge, where you can explore the ruins, including an impressive Roman theater and an impressive basilica
- Head to the Aspendos Theater, a stunning 2nd-century Roman theater with an incredible acoustics system
- For lunch, try some traditional Turkish cuisine at Restaurant Aspendos
- In the afternoon, visit the nearby Dilek National Park for a relaxing walk or swim in the lake
Day 5: Side and Colossus of Perge
- Visit the ancient city of Side, where you can explore the ruins, including an impressive temple dedicated to Apollo
- See the stunning Colossus of Perge, a massive statue of Zeus built in 2 BC and one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks
- For lunch, try some traditional Turkish cuisine at Restaurant Side
- In the afternoon, visit the nearby Apollo Temple for stunning views of the Mediterranean
Day 6: Shopping and Departure
- Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring one of Antalya’s many markets
- Visit the famous Kaleiçi Bazaar, a bustling marketplace with everything from spices to textiles
- For lunch, try some traditional Turkish cuisine at Restaurant Kaleiçi
- Depart for Antalya Airport and your return journey home
Places to Go:
- Konyaaltı Beach - a 7 km stretch of coastline with calm waters and sandy beaches
- Antalya Museum - showcases the city’s rich history, from ancient civilizations to the Ottoman Empire
- Hadrian’s Gate - a Roman gate built in 130 AD and one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks
- Kaleiçi Antalya Old Town - a charming historic old town with narrow streets and shops
- Yivli Minare Mosque - a stunning 13th-century mosque with an impressive minaret
- Düden Waterfalls - breathtaking natural pools and scenery
- Olympos Ancient City - an ancient city with ruins dating back to 2,000 BC
Activities:
- Swimming in the natural pools at Düden Waterfalls
- Visiting the Roman theater at Antalya Museum
- Exploring the narrow streets of Kaleiçi Antalya Old Town
- Shopping for souvenirs at the Kaleiçi Bazaar
- Enjoying a traditional Turkish meal at one of the local restaurants
Where to Eat:
- Fish Restaurant Karaköy - fresh seafood and stunning views
- Restaurant Tark - traditional Turkish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
- Korsan Restaurant - delicious kebabs and meze
- Restaurant Aspendos - traditional Turkish cuisine with a modern twist
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Pasa - a comfortable and cozy hotel in the heart of Antalya
- Hotel Kaleiçi - a charming historic hotel in the old town of Antalya
Things to Know:
- The best time to visit Antalya is from April to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- The city has a rich history and culture, with many historical sites and landmarks to explore.
- Try some traditional Turkish cuisine at one of the local restaurants or street food vendors.
- Be sure to try some of the local wine and rakı (anise-flavored spirit) at one of the bars or clubs.
Transportation:
- The most convenient way to get around Antalya is by taxi, which can be hired at the airport or from a local driver.
- There are also buses and dolmuşes (mini-buses) that connect different parts of the city.
- For longer trips outside the city, consider renting a car or hiring a private driver.
Tips:
- Try to visit the popular tourist attractions early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the crowds.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.
- Don’t be afraid to try some of the street food or local cuisine – it’s delicious and often very affordable!
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for easy internet access.
Other Things:
- Visit the Manavgat River for a boat tour or simply to enjoy the views.
- Explore the nearby Dilek National Park for a relaxing walk or swim in the lake.
- Visit the Perge Ruins for an impressive Roman theater and basilica.
- Explore the nearby Aspendos Theater for a stunning Roman theater with incredible acoustics.
This itinerary provides a comprehensive overview of Antalya’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant markets, Antalya is a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in exploring Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.