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The Complete Guide to Your Antalya Holiday

At Secret Antalya we’re passionate about the place we live. To share this passion with you, we’ve decided to put together this guide which contains all the insider tips you need to know about to make the most of your trip.

Booking your Trip

The first step to your trip to Antalya is booking the trip itself. This part of the guide covers when is the best time to visit, the best places to stay, tips about booking flights, renting cars and much more.

Best Time To Visit

First things first. If you want to come to Antalya for a great holiday experience you first need to decide on the period of the year for your trip. Here is a summary our top recommended periods to visit Antalya.

1. Autumn
The best time to visit Antalya is autumn. This may sound strange for a place that is known for summer holidays but trust us, it’s true. The reason why Autumn is the best place to visit is mainly because the hottest part of the year is over. July and August are the hottest times of the year in Antalya with temperatures up to 40°C+ (104° F). A little too hot in our opinion to do anything other than sitting by to pool.

If you want the best weather to enjoy Antalya and its region to the fullest September onward is the best time. The sea is still at its warmest point, the weather is great and the high season has been left behind which means fewer crowds and lower prices. Perfect!

2. Summer
If you love hot weather and are looking forward to spending most of your time sipping cocktails at the the pool of your five star all inclusive hotel, we’d recommend summer. This period is definitely the time of the year when everything is happening in Antalya. Nightlife is bustling, the resorts are full and things to do are plentiful.

Coming to Antalya in summer is the best time to leave the daily stress of your life at home behind and relax to the fullest. Antalya has a wide range of all inclusive resorts on offer in all price classes for the perfect lazy holiday. If you decide to come in this period we would recommend you choose the resort with the most amenities as you will be spending most of your time there. We wouldn’t recommend you plan many activities or day trips during the day as it can get very hot.

3. Spring
The weather in spring is great, it is not crowded yet and the sea is starting to warm up. If you want an early escape from the gloomy weather at home the spring can be a great option.

4. Winter
Winter is by far the least popular time of year to visit Antalya. It can still be a nice time to go on hikes, golf, enjoy reasonable weather and do some shopping. There are even 2 ski resorts in Antalya’s vicinity, don’t expect great skiing like in the alps however!

For more details about the best time of the year to visit Antalya check out Antalya Weather – When is Best to Visit?

Places to Stay

If you decide to come to Antalya you really need to choose from two options. Either you decide you want to relax in which case we would recommend an all inclusive holiday, or you decide you want a holiday full of exciting activities in which case we have different recommendations.

All Inclusive Resorts

So you’ve decided you want to relax and have everything taken care of? Well Antalya is the perfect choice for that. There is an insurmountable selection of all inclusive hotels to choose from. The most popular destinations for all inclusive holidays are Lara, Belek, Side Kemer and Alanya.

All of the destinations mentioned above are great. The place we would recommend in particular to look for all inclusive resorts is Lara. The reason being that it’s close to the airport, close enough to to the city center for a visit by taxi and it has some of the best beaches and resorts.

If you decide for a resort in Side, Kemer or Alanya, keep in mind that they are all at least an hour drive from Antalya airport.

Antalya City Hotels

If you are looking for a holiday with more variety where you get the opportunity to explore all the amazing things to do in Antalya we would recommend staying in one of the many exquisite hotels in Antalya proper.

Rixos Downtown

Hands down the best hotel in Antalya, it offers many amenities and is centrally located. Its proximity to Konyaalti Beach Park makes it great to go to the beach and enjoy many of the great cafés and restaurants in its surroundings. For those who like to go for walks it is next to Falez park which offers breathtaking views and a friendly purrs from the many local cats. Ataturk park and even the old town are within walking distance for those who want to explore the best parts of the city.

Hotel Su

This hotel is close to Rixos Downtown and shares many of the advantages with Rixos. The price is more competitive than Rixos which makes it a great option for those who prefer to spend their money on other things.

Akra Hotel

Top notch facilities. Close to Lara which offers amazing nightlife and great shopping. This hotel has amazing views from both its restaurants. Pablito has a casual atmosphere with an extensive choice of drinks and cocktails. Asmani is located at the top floor and offers a more high-end experience.

Flights

Once you have decided where to go you have to decide how to get there. Antalya is generally quite easily reachable by plane. There are a few things to keep in mind however.

Make sure you book a direct flight if there are any available. If you plan to travel to Antalya during the high season there will almost certainly be a choice between direct and indirect flights. In case of an indirect flight you will have to make a stopover at one of the airports in Istanbul.

This may seem like a minor inconvenience but it is not. Your total travel time could more than double compared to a direct flight, especially if there are delays. It also introduces the risk of missing a connecting flight. These seemingly minor things could have a huge effect on your holiday for a usually relatively small savings. We would therefore strongly advise against it unless there is no other option.

Recommended Airline

Our favorite budget airline is SunExpress. They don’t charge extra for luggage and have comfortable, modern planes. It is a joint venture between the Turkish and German airlines, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa, which makes them more trustworthy than other budget airlines. They offer direct flights from many European cities to Antalya and domestic flights within Turkey.

Last Minute Deals

During the high season many tour operators are offering all inclusive holidays plus flights for very competitive prices. These may be a good option if you are looking to save the most you can on your trip. We would however recommend you to think twice before taking the plunge.

Last minute deals area usually offered by tour operators to fill flights and hotels that they otherwise weren’t able to sell. They could be offering a great deal with great savings for you. Usually however the hotels and flights included in these deals are not the best.

Make sure that there aren’t any better flights with more reasonable departure and arrival times. Check that the reviews of the hotel are reasonable on TripAdvisor or Google Maps. It is also important to check that the hotel is not in the middle of nowhere in case you want to visit some places and don’t want to spend a fortune on taxi fares.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is a great way to discover the areas around Antalya. There is a plethora of historical sites, hidden beaches, canyons, mountains, islands and other interesting places to visit. We therefore highly recommend renting a car.

The easiest way to rent a car in Antalya is probably through an international agency that is present at Antalya Airport’s International Terminal. We advise you book your car online through a website like SkyScanner. If you are looking for special deals on cars delivered to your hotel, you can get in touch with us via e-mail and we will find a tailor made solution for you.

Preparing for Your Trip

Once everything has been booked it is time to prepare for your trip! This section is a comprehensive guide of all the things to consider to prepare for your trip.

Visa Information

The first thing to check before you leave is whether you need a visa to enter Turkey. Whether you need one or not will depend on your nationality. In some cases no visa is needed at all, in other cases you can either buy an e-visa online or get one at the border. You can find official visa information from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs here.

In case you need to a visa to enter Turkey we highly recommend you to apply through the e-visa program. The last thing you want to do after your arrival is to wait in a queue to obtain a visa!

Currency

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. The Turkish Lira has been depreciating considerably in value against other currencies in recent years. This has made Turkey a very competitive destination price wise. There are a few things to keep in mind in order to get the best exchange rates when making payments or exchanging currency.

You can pay by card practically everywhere in Turkey and Antalya. In some cases they have a separate point of sale machine for foreign cards. If the payment machine shows a price in your local currency ask to pay in Turkish Liras. The exchange rate is unfavorable and there there will be a 3% commission on top.

The same applies to ATMs to withdraw cash. Do not use the currency conversion the ATM offers. Make sure you always get charged in Turkish Liras. Also try to find ATM machines that don’t charge a commission. We found QNB Finansbank and Halkbank to be the best to withdraw cash.

Nowadays there are many banks that offer travel cards that do not charge extra fees for foreign currency payments or cash withdrawals. We would highly recommend you find your local equivalent of the UK Starling Bank.

Travel and Health Insurance

If you’re traveling from the European Union it is important to note that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is NOT valid in Turkey. It is therefore important to make sure you have the appropriate medical coverage before you travel.

Health care is generally good in Turkey. If, God forbid, you are in need of medical assistance while in Antalya, try to go to a private hospital over a public one. Some of the best hospitals are Memorial and Medical Park.

Turkish Phrases

If you are planning to stray from the tourist hot spots you will find that the level of English in Turkey is quite poor. Here are a few Turkish phrases that will help you on your adventures.

Merhaba – Hello
Nasılsın? – How Are you?
Evet – Yes
Hayır – No
Ismin ne? – What is your name?

Check out Omniglot for a comprehensive list of Turkish phrases.

Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine = kebab right? Sure, but there is so much more too it! And kebab may actually not be what you think. You will find döner kebab joints all over the world which has made the word kebab synonymous with döner. In reality kebab is any kind of grilled meat and döner is basically the fast food variant of kebab.

It is most likely you will be eating at your hotel or at a restaurant so we will focus on that here. We like to divide Turkish cuisine up in three categories.

Street Food – Fast Food
Döner Kebab, Tantuni and Kokoreç are the most popular street food dishes. Döner Kebab is the famous rotating meat rotisserie, Tantuni is a spicy beef wrap and if you want to try something more hard-core Kokoreç is the way to go. Kokoreç is made from spicy grilled lamb intestines and is popular as a bite after a night of drinking.
Kebab
Kebab restaurats are basically grill restaurants. Here you can find a large variety of regional meat dishes
Fish
For fish we recommend you head out to a meyhane. A meyhane is a Turkish drinking den where alcoholic drinks like Rakı are served accompanied by small dishes called meze and fish as a main course.

Turkish Culture

Turkey is a very diverse country with a very rich history. Some of the earliest cultures originated in the lands that form modern day Turkey. It is a surprise to many people that much of early Christianity developed in Anatolia (Anatole means ‘East’ in Greek).

In fact both Saint Paul of Tarsus and Saint Nicholas of Myra were born and lived not far from Antalya, on the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean. Saint Nicholas is the saint that eventually evolved in the modern Santa Claus and his church is about 2 hours by car from Antalya.

Modern Turkey is a secular state which is predominantly Islamic. You will find that Turkey is quite Westernized. Many people drink alcohol and people dress and behave in Western fashion. That does not to apply to everyone however and you will also find many places where conservative values are more widespread and for example alcohol is not served due to Islamic practice.

Arriving in Antalya

Once you have arrived in Antalya you will need be taken to your hotel. Taxis are a great choice. They are quite affordable and we found that taxi drivers are generally quite fair with how much they charge to tourists and foreigners. If you want book a transfer in advance at great rates you can do so here or you can ask your hotel or tour operator whether they offer hotel transfers.

Things to do

The first thing many people think of when they hear “Antalya” is huge all inclusive resort hotels. We won’t deny their existence but we want to make sure you realize Antalya has much more to offer.

Restaurants

Antalya has many great restaurants to offer and we will write a detailed guide to the best restaurants in Antalya. But we’re going to cut to the case right now and reveal our two favorite restaurants that are guaranteed to not disappoint.

Kaleiçi Meyhanesi

Our favorite fish restaurant and meyhane in all of Antalya is located in the old town. Get a bottle of rakı and order a few mezes. In particular we like the grilled octopus, calamari and oven cheese when it’s available. Leave some room for some grilled sea bass which is beyond delicious. Make sure you make a reservation if you’re planning to come here on weekends, it can get busy!

Urfa Sofrası

Urfa Sofrası is a family-run Kebab restaurant which has been our favorite for more than 10 years. This restaurant is located in a residential area which makes it virtually unknown to tourists. The owners are people with traditional values originating from the Eastern provinces of Anatolia, alcohol is not served at these premises. It may be a bit far depending on which area you are in Antalya but the trip here is definitely worth it.

Theme Parks

Hands down our favorite theme park in Antalya is The Land of Legends. Land of legends features a water park, a luxury hotel, a shopping mall and various thrilling rides and a handful of restaurants. At first sight it looks a bit like a Disneyland knock off but we found both the water park and the theme park to be great fun for the whole family. Prices can be a bit steep in high season but it’s definitely worth the fun. Expect some huge adrenaline rushes!

Nightlife

The nightlife in Antalya is bustling, especially in summer. There two hots pots in Antalya with respect to night life. The first is the old town also known as Kaleiçi.

Old Town

The old town is located within the ancient Roman city halls. There are many steep streets filled with bars, restaurants and street food joints. The atmosphere is laid back and the average age is relatively low. Expect to see many students and young people sitting on terraces. The quality of the restaurants and bars is high. We would recommend The Old town if you’re looking for a laid back atmosphere with an ice cold beer.

Lara

The other option is Lara. Lara is the upscale neighborhood of Antalya. Here you will be able to find clubs, upscale restaurants catering to a slightly more mature and affluent clientele.

Hikes

Antalya is home to the famous Lycian way which is a trail through the heartland of ancient Lycia. It is a 540 km long stretch along the coast from Antalya all the way to Ölüdeniz.

The Lycian way is a very long hike however. If you are looking to experience a small part of it we would advise you drive to Karaöz and walk up the Gelidonya Lighthouse, which has an outstanding view of the three islands across the sea.

The view from the Gelidonya Lighthouse in winter

Historical Places

The Antalya region has seen the Lycian civilization flourish, was subsequently Hellenized and absorbed into the Roman empire. This rich history has left many marks in the form of ancient ruins. There are many historical sites to visit, here we will focus on our two favorites.

Termessos

Termessos is an ancient Psidian city which is in relatively good state for a ruin. It is located at the top of a mountain with a theatre at is summit which makes it truly unique. It can be reached in around 40 mintes from Antalya by car and it takes another 20-30 minutes to hike there from the parking lot. Termessos makes for the perfect day trip for those who like to combine activity with culture.

Phaselis

Phaselis is an ancient marine city located at the coast on the road from Kemer to Antalya. Its origins can be traced to 700BC. The site has a harbour, a main road, squre and a theatre. There is also a nice beach inside the bay, making Phaselis a nice place to combine sunbathing and exploration. It can be reached in about one hour from Antalya by car.

Shopping

If shopping is your thing there are plenty of options in Antalya. The four main shopping centers we would recommend are Terracity, Migros Shopping Center, MarkAntalya and Mall of Antalya. Check out The Best Places to Shop in Antalya for a complete shopping overview in Antalya.

Reach out

We hope this guide was useful for planning your trip to Antalya. If you have any questions whatsoever don’t hesitate to reach out.

Can You Swim in Antalya in May?

May is one of the best periods to visit Antalya. It is the perfect time to swim and enjoy other activities. Keep reading to find out what the best places are to swim in Antalya in May and much more!

Temperature

The weather in Antalya in May is perfect. For those visiting from Europe it’s a great way to experience summer a bit early. The great thing about the weather in May is that it’s warm enough, 26°+ C or 79°+ F, but not too warm yet. Making it the perfect time to enjoy the various activities that Antalya has to offer.

The sea temperature in May is 22° C or 72° F. Which is more than warm enough to swim comfortably and great to cool down from sunbathing.

Check out Antalya Weather – When is Best to Visit to find out all the details about the weather in Antalya.

Beaches

Antalya offers may different types of beaches to swim. The city of Antalya offers two beaches. The sandy Lara Beach and the pebbly Konyaalti beach. If you insist on a sandy beach and would like to stay in an all-inclusive hotel we recommend Lara Beach. If you have no such requirements Konyaalti Beach is the better option. See Konyaalti Beach vs Lara Beach for a detailed comparison.

Outside of the city of Antalya there are many other amazing beaches that are worth visiting. Many of them are located near architectural and natural sites. Antalya is an amazing destination for a road trip along the Mediterranean coast to discover all its beautiful beaches. Check out Antalya’s Best Sandy Beaches do find out about some of Antalya’s best beaches.

Activities

May is a perfect time to enjoy the various activities that Antalya has to offer. There are various beach activities like parasailing and jet skiing which are on offer at the various beaches.

Antalya is also the home of many cultural activities. The Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods have all left their marks. There are various archeological sites like Termessos and Phaselis which are true hidden pearls that combine culture and leisure.

If you are looking for other great activities in Antalya we suggest you check out our article Top 10 Things to Do in Antalya.

There is More!

Antalya has many more things to offer. There are great shopping centers, amazing hotels and exquisite restaurants. If you are curious to find out more, we suggest you have a look at our Complete Guide to Your Antalya Holiday which features a comprehensive overview of everything that Antalya has to offer.

Antalya’s Best Sandy Beaches

Antalya has many sandy beaches. Here is an overview of our favorite sandy beaches in the region. We have included as many pictures, video tours and maps as possible to give you the best possible idea of what to expect. Keep reading to find out more!

Kemer Beach

Kemer is an amazing little holiday village to the west of Antalya. It is a popular holiday destination for people from all around the world. It has many sandy beaches and has a very calm waters thanks to its location inside of a natural bay.

Kemer is an excellent destination for both day trips and complete holidays. Personally we take the trip down to Kemer from Antalya regularly to enjoy its amazing beach with calm waters.

If you’re planning to book a complete holiday in Kemer make sure you book a hotel at the seafront. If you’re planning to visit for a day trip we recommend moonlight beach, which is located next to the marina in a small bay. The waters are clear and calm which is great for snorkeling and the beach is sandy. There is plenty of choice of beach clubs which offer sunbeds, food, drinks parasols etc. Personally we recommend Dakapo Beach Club and Robert’s Coffee. Check out our map below for the exact location of Moonlight Beach.

Kemer Beach

Apart from the beach there are many excellent activities that can be enjoyed in Kemer area. There are handful of nightclubs which host international artists and Phaselis, an amazing historical site is not far from here. Which brings us to the next entry in our list.

Phaselis Beach

Phaselis is located just a few minutes south of Kemer by car. In our opinion it is one of the most amazing places to visit in the Antalya region due to its history and its secluded location in a calm bay. Even after having visited Phaselis multiple times, it never ceases to amaze!

Phaselis is the site of an ancient Greco-Roman city. The ruins are in a pretty good state and consist of a aqueduct, a harbor, market place and a theater. Phaselis beach consists of two bays on the opposing sides of the site. On the southern side you will find another beach which is a mix of sand and pebble. While on the northern side there is a small bay with a pebble beach at the location of the ancient harbor.

Phaselis is located just off the D400. Since the site is an archeological site there is a small entrance fee of 20 Turkish Lira. Entrance is free for Museum Pass holders. Phaselis is located at around an hour by car from Antalya itself making it an excellent destination for a day trip. See the exact location of Phaselis on the map below.

Phaselis Beach

Check out the video tour below to get a better understanding of all the amazing things you can expect to see at Phaselis.

Phaselis Video Tour

Kaputas Beach

Kaputas beach is a small sandy beach located west of Kas. Kaputas is famous for the turquoise color of the sea and its location at the mouth of a canyon. If you are looking for a sandy beach with an amazing scenery Kaputas is the place to be.

Kaputas beach now offers some limited facilities despite its secluded location. You will be able to find showers, changing huts and sunbeds can be rented at the l

Kaputas Beach

Kaputas beach looks stunning but it does have a few downsides to be aware of. Due to the small size of the beach it can get quite crowded during the high season. So make sure to arrive extra early if you’re planning to visit in this period. Also be aware that the number of parking spaces are very limited.

Kaputas is located along the D400. At around 20 minutes by car from Kas which is the nearest city. Check out the map below for its exact location.

Kaputaş Plajı

Patara Beach

Patara Beach is not far from Kaputas and is located on the western most edge of the Antalya region. Patara consists of a long stretch of sandy beach and is surrounded by untouched nature with sandy dunes and the ruins of the ancient city of Patara. Patara is famous for its especially white and fine sands.

Ancient Patara

Like Phaselis, Patara is an excellent destination to combine beach time with cultural activity. Patara has a rich history. It was conquered by Alexander The Great in 333BC and it is the birthplace of St. Nicholas of Myra, who became the inspiration for modern day Santa Claus.

Patara is located at a few minutes from Kalkan by car. Patara is under natural habitat preservation. Nonetheless it can be reached by car. It has a car park where you can leave your car and continue to the beach on foot for a few hundred meters. See the map below for the exact location of Patara beach.

Patara Plajı

Cirali Beach

Cirali beach is located in Olympos national park. It offers yet another opportunity to combine leisure and culture during your visit to Antalya. Cirali Beach is a mix of pebble and sand beaches. The western part is more pebbly whereas the eastern part offers sandy beaches.

Caretta Sea Turtles

Cirali is famous for its Caretta sea turtles which nest on its beach. Cirali is an excellent choice to try your luck to swim alongside these amazing animals. Cirali beach is closed at night to protect the turtles while they’re laying their eggs.

Ancient Olympos (Lycia)

Cirali is located very close to the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos. In fact you can reach the ruins from the beach on foot. Olympos was founded before 400 BC and was part of the Lycian League. Later the city was conquered by the Romans, Venetians, Genoese and Rhodians.

The Flames of Mount Chimaera

Another amazing site that is just a hike away from Cirali is Mount Chimaera which is famous for its constant burning fires. Methane and other flammable gases emerge from the rocks resulting in eternal flames. These flames have been attested by the famous classical authors like Pliny and Strabo among others.

Cirali can be reached in under one and half hour from Antalya by car. It is located on the coast along the D400. See the map for a detailed view.

Çıralı Plajı

Cleopatra Beach

Cleopatra beach is a long and wide stretch of sand to the west of Alanya’s peninsula. Alanya is a nice small town located at around 2 hours east of Antalya by car. It is famous for its castle and amazing beaches.

The beach consists of a wide and long stretch of sand. There are many beach clubs which offer all the amenities needed to enjoy your day at the beach. Some beach clubs even offer free Wi-Fi. The sea is known to be warm and wavy.

Check out the map below for the exact location of Cleopatra Beach.

Kleopatra Plajı

Lara Beach

Last but not least is Lara beach. Lara is located near the city of Antalya and is just a few minutes from its airport by car. It is a very long stretch of sandy beach which offers many activities due its location near Antalya.

Read our article Lara Beach – All You Need to Know to find out about everything Lara Beach and its surroundings have to offer!

Is Lara Beach Sandy?

Yes. Lara Beach is a sandy beach. Lara Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Antalya. Find out why!

Location

Lara Beach is very conveniently located. It is the nearest beach to Antalya Airport. At around 15 minutes by car from the airport it is an excellent place to book a hotel. Together with Konyaalti Beach it is one of the two beaches in Antalya’s city center. And it is the only sandy beach in Antalya. This makes Lara Beach the best beach for those who are looking for a sandy beach near Antalya’s city center.

Resorts

Lara Beach is home to some of the best resorts in Turkey and all of the Mediterranean Sea. All of these resorts offer all-inclusive packages and offer excellent facilities and activities.

Our personal favorite is Lara Barut Collection. It features 8 restaurants, 4 bars, a nightclub, outdoor pools with water slides and an amazing spa center. It is one of the most upscale all inclusive resorts near Lara Beach.

The rooms are very chic and come with Free-WiFi with balconies and terraces. Most rooms offer sea views and some have hot tubs. There is a plethora of activities to choose from like tennis, yoga, squash and archery.

Things To Do

Lara Beach offers a wide variety of beach activities from Water Sports, Parasailing, Beach Clubs. Thanks to it’s location near to Antalya’s popular neighborhood Lara there are also a variety of non-beach activities to enjoy like restaurants, cafés, shopping and night life.

Find Out More

Read our article Lara Beach – All You Need to Know for an in depth guide of activities and places to stay near Lara Beach.

If you are unsure whether you should choose Lara Beach over Konyaalti Beach make sure to check out Konyaalti Beach vs Lara Beach to help make up your mind!

Is Konyaalti Beach Sandy?

No. Konyaalti Beach is a pebble beach. Still, we believe that Konyaalti beach is the best beach in Antalya. Keep reading to find out why!

Location

Konyaalti Beach is the most conveniently located beach in Antalya. It is located right at the heart of the city and stretches out to its Western outskirts. Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historical city center is 30 minutes on foot and 10 minutes by taxi. Due to its central location Konyaalti Beach is located near many interesting places to visit and offers a wide variety of activities in its vicinity.

Things To Do

Due to its central location, Konyaalti beach offers loads of things to do.

Our favorite place is Antalya Beach Park which is a large park at the shore of Konyaalti Beach with many beaches, restaurants, cafés, terraces and hotels. Here you will also able to find water sports activities ant bike rentals.

Near Beach park you will find one of Antalya’s best shopping malls. Migros Shopping Mall is a three story shopping center with an intricate choice of local and international brands.

Find Out More

There are loads of other activities near Beach Park like great restaurants, Antalya’s Aquarium and Water Park. Read our in depth article Konyaalti Beach – All You Need to Know for all the ins and outs of Konyaalti Beach.

If you still haven’t made up your mind whether you should choose Konyaalti Beach over Lara Beach read our article with a complete comparison of the two: Konyaalti Beach vs Lara Beach.

Top 10 Things to Do in Antalya

When most people think of Antalya they think of beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Antalya has so much more to offer! Here is our list of top 10 things to do in Antalya.

10. Antalya Aquarium

Antalya’s Aquarium is the first thing to do on our list. The aquarium offers many fun activities for all ages. Its main attraction is the 130 meter long aquarium tank. Apart from the various aquariums and fish tanks there is also a collection of tropical reptiles and a cinema.

Right next to the Aquarium there are a few options for snacks and a quick bite like McDonald’s and Mado. The Aquarium is located at only 70 meters from Konyaalti Beach.

Prices for the Aquarium start at $33 per adult.

9. Cable Car to Tunektepe

The next thing to do on our list is taking the cable car up to Tünektepe. This is a great opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of Antalya and its surroundings. The cable car will take you up to an elevation of around 600 meters. It takes around 15 minutes to get to the top.

At the top you will find a cafeteria where you can enjoy some snacks and tea while enjoying the views.

The price of the cable car is 15 Turkish Liras per adult and parking is 5 Turkish Liras if you decide to come by car.

The spectacular view from the cable car on the way up

8. Duden Waterfalls

The Düden waterfalls are another popular destination for those who are looking for spectacular views. Düden waterfalls consist of 2 parts, the lower Duden falls which are located right by the sea in Lara and the upper Duden falls.

The Lower Düden Falls consist largely of a park with various cafes and restaurants and a waterfall from the cliffs right into the Mediterranean sea. These falls are a must visit if you are in the Lara area.

The Upper Düden Falls are in a completely separate location and you will need a taxi to take you there. These waterfalls flow from a river into various lakes. Thanks to the abundance of water these falls allow for some nice refreshing coolness on Antalya’s hottest days together with an opportunity to take dramatic shots of the water flows.

The Upper Düden Falls also host a range of restaurants and bars right next to the water.

7. Antalya Museum

The Antalya Museum is an excellent museum which showcases the rich archeological history of the region. Here you will be able to see treasures and artifacts from the stone age, classical Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

You will find a vast collection of coins, mosaics, sarcophagi and marble statues. Antalya’s museum is a place you must visit if you wish to discover more of the rich history of the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Entrance prices are around 35 Turkish Lira per person. Tickets can be bought at the entrance.

Statue of Hercules at the Antalya Museum

6. Quad Safari

Quad safari tours a fun way to explore nature in a fun packed adventure. There are various mountainous areas around Antalya which make for a great quad experience. Personally we would recommend Adventure Quad Safari. Prices start at around 40 Dollars per adult. Pro tip: do not wear your best clothes as they will get dirty!

5. The Land of Legends Theme Park and Water Park

The Land of Legends is Antalya’s equivalent of Disney Land. Except it is better because it’s also a huge water park!

The Land of Legends hosts of a theme park, water park, 5-star hotel, shopping mall, food court and multiple restaurants. With its wide variety of activities like swimming pools, water slides, rides and shows it is the ideal place to have loads of fun for all ages.

Prices start at around $60 per adult and $50 per child in the high season.

4. Lara Beach

Most people who visit Antalya do so to enjoy the amazing sun and beaches. If this is what you are looking for you definitely need to check out Lara Beach. Lara Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach which is located close to Antalya’s city center.

Lara beach has plenty of stuff to do. There are plenty of hotels at the beach front to choose from if you wish to stay in this area. At the beach you can enjoy other activities like parasailing and water sports.

Lara Beach is a 15 minute taxi ride from the popular Lara neighborhood. Lara has plenty of restaurants and shopping malls to spend your time if you’ve had enough of sunbathing.

Read our in depth article Lara Beach – All You Need to Know for more details.

3. Konyaalti Beach Park

Konyaalti Beach Park has recently reopened in 2019. It is a beautiful park located at the heart of the city along the shores of Konyaalti beach. Konyaalti Beach Park is a long boulevard along the beach which is filled with various restaurants, cafes and bars.

The beach is largely a public beach but there are also a number of beach clubs where you will be able to rent a parasol and sunbed. The beach is a pebble beach, so we recommend you bring some sandals or water shoes to make your access to the water more comfortable.

Thanks to it’s central location Konyaalti beach park has an outstanding choice of things to do. There are loads of restaurants, Migros Shopping Center is just around the corner, loads of great hotels, Antalya’s Aquarium and even a water park.

Read our in depth article Konyaalti Beach – All You Need to Know for more details.

2. Termessos Ancient Ruins

One of the most amazing things to do in Antalya is visiting Termessos’ Ancient Ruins. Termessos is an ancient Psidian city that was built at an altitude of 1000 meters. Alexander the Great, who likened the city to an Eagle’s Nest, surrounded the city in 333 BC but ultimately failed to to conquer it.

Termessos is part of Antalya’s rich classical Greek history. What makes it special is its location. At an altitude of 1000 meters it is surrounded by mountain peaks and astonishing views. Due to its sudden remote location and sudden abandonment in 500 AD the ruins are in relatively good state.

Termessos can be reached by car or taxi in about 30 minutes. From the car park it’s a 30-60 minute hike up to the ruins depending on your physical fitness.

1. Kaleici – Antalya’s Old Town

Our favorite thing to do in Antalya is visiting its Old Town, also known as Kaleiçi. Kaleiçi lies within the fortified walls which date from the Hellenistic period. One of the main entrances to the Old Town is Hadrian’s gate, which was built in name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian who visited the city in the year 130 AD.

In Kaleiçi you will find small winding streets, traditional architecture, ruins, mosques, churches, traditional shops, terraces, bars and excellent restaurants. The terraces are popular among students giving it a dynamic vibe.

Some of our favorite restaurants are Il Vicino for the best pizza in town and Kaleiçi Meyhanesi for the best traditional Turkish and Mediterranean food and atmosphere.

If you follow the roads down hill you will end up at Antalya’s Marina where you can also buy a ticket for the various boat round trips.

Konyaalti Beach – All You Need to Know

Konyaalti beach is a popular holiday destination in Antalya Turkey along the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean sea. It features a long pebble each which stretches from the center of Antalya’s city center all the way to the western outskirts. Here is all you need to know to make the best of your visit to Konyaalti Beach in 2020.

Beach

Konyaalti beach is one of the two main beaches in Antalya, the other being Lara Beach. Of the two Konyaalti beach is located closest to the city center, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing for those who are staying in the city. It features a long stretch of pebble beach with parks, terraces, hotels, restaurants and bars. On a clear day there is an amazing view of the Taurus mountains.

Public Beach

Konyaalti Beach is huge and is comprised from public beaches for the most part. Here you can use the showers and changing cabins that have been made available to the public. The Public beach is free which makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy the beach on a budget.

Beach Clubs

Alternatively you can check out one of the many beach clubs that are to be found at Konyaalti Beach. These beach clubs offer sunbeds, food & drinks. A great choice if you want to be taken care of while sunbathing at the beach. Our personal favorite is Roxy Beach.

Antalya Beach Park

One of the best things about Konyaalti is Beach Park. It has reopened in 2019 and it has become a beautiful boulevard filled with an excellent choice of terraces. Here you will find bars, restaurants and cafés. An excellent place to spend your evenings after the beach!

Things to Do

Apart from sunbathing and swimming Konyaalti beach offers an outstanding choice of other activities.

Water sports

At Konyaalti beach you can choose from many different types of water sports to inject some adrenaline into your beach experience. You can go parasailing, jet skiing diving and more. The best place to go for water sports in our opinion is Watersports Konaalti Beach Park. Make sure your travel insurance covers such activities before you embark on them.

Shopping

The great thing about Konyaalti beach is that it is very centrally located, opening up opportunities for all types of other activities after your day at the beach.

Shopping being one if them. One of the best malls in Antalya is located at walking distance from Konyaalti beach park. Migros shopping center has one of the widest selection of local and international brands in all of Antalya.

Water Park

If you are looking for water slides Konyaalti beach has you covered as well. Aqualand is a stone’s throw from the beach. Here you will find many pools and slides with food courts and bars. A perfect place for some excitement in the water for you and your family.

Aquarium

Opposite the water park is Antalya’s Aquarium. It is a large contemporary building which hosts many themed exhibits. Apart from the obvious fish exhibits there is a long tunnel tank, tropical reptiles and a few cafes and restaurants. There is a McDonald’s and a Mado near the entrance if you’re looking for a quick snack or an ice cream.

Bike and Scooter Rental

The long boulevard along the whole of Konyaalti Beach is a nice stretch for cycling and scooter riding. Various types of bicycles, electric bicycles and scooters are available for rent at shops near the beach. Our favorite is Mola Konsept Kahve & Bisiklet, which has an excellent choice of bikes and electric bikes. The prices are reasonable and there are also drinks and snacks.

How to Get There

Due to its central location Konyaalti beach is very easy to reach. If you’re staying near the old Town it’s a 30 minute walk, or a few minutes by taxi. There is also a tram that runs from the old Town to Konyaalti Beach. Either way, if you are more than a 30 minutes away on foot we would recommend you take a taxi there. Taxis are the simplest means of transport in Antalya for a reasonable price.

Places to Stay

Konyaalti Beach is an excellent place to spend your holidays. Here are our top 3 hotels in the area.

3. Crowne Plaza Antalya

Crowne Plaza Antalya is located right at the seafront of Konyaalti Beach. It is a large modern building that offers a luxurious 5-star accommodation. Crowne plaza has 3 restaurants and a spa center with gym. The rooms are modern and clean and the corner suites even have a Jacuzzi in the room with sea view.

2. Hotel Su

Hotel Su is located near Antalya Beach Park and Aqualand. It is set in a modern white minimalist building. It features an indoor pool, outdoor pools and 6 restaurants. The outdoor pool has ample sun beds and a bar. The beach is at 150 meters from the property.

On the premises you will find a spa center with Turkish bath, sauna and massage rooms. There is also a gym on site for those who are looking for a workout. Aqualand is located right next to it with its 12 water slides, wave pool and children’s pool.

1. Rixos Downtown

Rixos Downtown is by far our favorite hotel in the Konyaalti Beach area. It is set in the exotic gardens of Ataturk Culture Park overlooking the Konyaalti Beach, Mediterranean Sea and Taurus Mountains.

Rixos is a very luxurious resort well worth its 5-star rating. It features 3 restaurants a lagoon-style pool, gym, spa center, tennis courts and much more. There is also a range of bars serving cocktails and snacks.

Rixos Downtown is not located directly at the beach but it is only a few minutes on foot by taking the lift or stairs down the cliffs right in front of the hotel. There is also a beach club available for guests. Ask at the reception for more details. In summer Rixos also offers a free shuttle bus service to the Land of Legends Theme Park.

Places to Eat

Here are our Top 3 places to satisfy your hunger after a day at Konyaalti beach.

3. BigChefs Konyaalti

BigChefs Konyaalti has opened its doors in 2020. It was a popular restaurant in Lara that has now made its way to Konyaalti as well. BigChefs offers a huge selection of various international and Turkish dishes. From Mexican to Italian, the quality is excellent. It is located just across the road from the sea front.

2. My Meating Steak House

My Meating is a great choice if you are looking for a Steak House. It is located in Beach Park right at the boulevard. It has a nice terrace and offers a great choice of steaks and drinks and the service is excellent.

My Meating also offers an excellent Turkish breakfast. You have to try it if you haven’t yet. On occasion My Meating also hosts fun events on their upper floor like karaoke nights.

1. La Rocca

Our favorite place in the Konyaalti Beach area is La Rocca. Like My Meating, it’s located at beach park. It offers a very wide selection of dishes, snacks and drinks. The quality of the dishes is excellent and the staff is very friendly and attentive.

La Rocca features a very large terrace making it an excellent place to have dinner followed by drinks. La Rocca also has a wide selection of water pipe tobaccos for those who fancy to try a Turkish water pipe.

Lara Beach – All You Need to Know

Lara Beach is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Antalya, Turkey. It features a long sandy beach with many hotels and beach clubs, making it one of our favorite destinations in Antalya. Here is all you need to know about Lara Beach in 2020.

Beach

Lara beach is a long stretch of sandy beach on the eastern side of Antalya at around 15 km (10 miles) from the city center. It is the second closest beach to the city after Konyaalti beach and the only sandy beach. It has earned the European Blue Flag which is a guarantee for safety, sustainability and cleanliness of the beach and waters.

Public Beach

The cheapest and easiest way to enjoy the beach is to simply throw a towel on the beach near the sea and enjoy life. This is certainly possible at Lara Beach given its sizeable stretch of public beach.

You don’t need to worry about showers and changing cabins as these are available to everyone at these public beaches.

Beach clubs

The other option is to check out one of the many beach clubs. Here you will be provided with individual sunbeds or a cabin to lounge. These beach clubs have a private beach where people who haven’t paid for a sunbed are not allowed.

The beach clubs also provide drinks, snacks, food and entertainment in the form of lounge music. They are a great choice if you are looking for a more upscale experience while at the beach and like to be served while sunbathing. Our personal favorite is Oba Beach Club.

Things to Do

Apart from the usual sunbathing and swimming there are countless other activities that can be enjoyed at Lara beach.

Jet Ski

Jet skiing is a popular activity that can be done at Lara beach. It is amazing fun to jet over the water with a machine. The rental price of a Jet Ski is usually around $50-80 per 10-15 minutes.

Parasailing

Parasailing is another amazing activity where you get towed by a boat while attached to a kite. By gaining altitude you can enjoy the amazing views of Antalya’s surroundings. Check out parasailing in Antalya for a truly unforgettable experience.

How to Get There

Lara beach is located near the city center making it easily accessible. If you’re staying in Antalya we recommend you take a taxi there. Taxis are relatively cheap and are easy to find anywhere in the city or near the beach on your way back.

It is also possible to get to Lara Beach by bus but in our opinion it is not worth the extra hassle over taking a taxi.

Places to Stay

There are many excellent hotels to choose from at Lara Beach. Lara Beach is an outstanding place to stay due to its location near Antalya Airport. It will only take you 15 minutes to reach any of these hotels by car. Here is our top 5 places to stay near Lara Beach.

5. Delphin Imperial Hotel

Delphin Imperial Hotel is a modern high-end beachfront resort featuring an art-deco decor. It features 9 restaurants, outdoor pools, water slides, a spa, gym, kid’s clubs and private beach.

The rooms are very modern and are in good condition. The cleanliness of the rooms and bathrooms at this hotel are good. The staff is known to be professional and friendly especially housekeeping.

4. Ramada Resort Lara

Ramada Resort Lara is an excellent choice if you are looking for something slightly more subdued compared to Delphin. It is also a very modern hotel with excellent amenities.

The services and facilities are highly rated. It features a huge 25.000 m² beach area with a big outdoor pool with 4 water slides. There is a diving school, water sports club, spa and fitness center on site.

There are 6 restaurants to choose from with a variety of international cuisines. There is a bar at the lobby one by the pool and another one on the beach.

3. Baia Lara Hotel

Baia Lara Hotel is another excellent choice for your stay at Lara Beach. The service is world-class and this offers outdoor pools, an aqua park with 9 slides and a heated indoor pool. The beach is outstanding and has access to a wooden pier.

The buildings comprising the hotel are very modern featuring contemporary rooms, some with sea views. Free Wi-Fi is widely available.

2. Royal Holiday Palace

Our second favorite place to stay at Lara Beach is Royal Holiday Palace. It is a 5-star luxury resort which spans an area of 53.000 m2. It features a spa, outdoor pools with water slides and a funfair.

Royal Holiday palace offers a variety of restaurants with Italian, Mexican an fish dishes. Cocktails, snacks and drinks are available throughout the day at the pool bar.

There is a kid’s club which organizes live shows and games throughout the day for kids of all ages.

1. Lara Barut Collection

Barut our top place to stay at Lara Beach. It features 8 restaurants, 4 bars, a nightclub, outdoor pools with water slides and an amazing spa center. It is one of the most upscale all inclusive resorts near Lara Beach.

Places to Eat

Lara Beach is near the Lara neighborhood of Antalya which offers excellent dining opportunities. In our opinion the best places aren’t the ones nearest the beach so expect to travel around 10-15 minutes by taxi to get to these restaurants.

3. Kaison Sushi

In our opinion Kaison is the best sushi restaurant in Antalya. The setting is chic, the service is good and the quality of the food is top notch. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed making this an excellent choice for sushi in Antalya.

2. Turgay Et

Feeling like a steak? Turgay Et is the place to be. This is by far our favorite Steak House in Antalya. You can choose from a wide range of beef and lamb cuts which are seared to perfection.

1. Antalya Balik Evi

Antalya Balik Evi is our favorite restaurant in Lara and one of our favorite fish restaurants in Antalya in general. The service is impeccable and the freshness of the fish is unmatched.

For starters you need to choose from a range of small plates known as meze accompanied by a few glasses of raki. As a main we recommend the grilled sea bass. You won’t be disappointed by the quality of the dishes at this restaurant.

On top of all this the terrace has a good view of the sea. We visit this restaurant regularly for a good reason!

How Safe is Antalya for Travel?

Antalya is situated in Turkey. Despite sharing borders with war torn states tourism is booming. Find out how safe it really is to visit Antalya.

Overall Risk

Low risk. Overall Antalya is a safe place to visit with over 10 million visiting tourists from all over the world each year.

Antalya is not located near any war zones nor is it a politically relevant city in Turkey. Antalya is considered the tourism capital of Turkey whereas Ankara is its political and Istanbul its commercial capital.

Antalya is dwarfed in a population based comparison with those two cities. Istanbul has around 15 million inhabitants, Ankara 5 and Antalya merely 2. Antalya’s population is not small by any means but this should give you a good intuition of the difference in scale compared to the other two. This makes Antalya a much less likely place for tensions.

We recommend you check your government’s travel advice for the most up to date and reliable information. For example, the United Kingdom’s travel advice can be found here with an overview in the image below.

Pickpockets

Medium risk. As mentioned above. Antalya is not a small city by any means. You should definitely be cautious for pickpockets in crowded places. It should be emphasized that the risk is slightly larger for those who clearly look like tourists.

Be cautious but not overly alarmed, the risk of pickpockets in Antalya is the same as in any other major tourist destination.

Scams

Low risk. Most scams in Antalya are directed against locals and not the tourist population. That does not mean you should be wary of them. For example, you may find some people in the street with stands containing birds and rabbits. They will try to convince you to make a picture and ask for money afterwards.

If you are looking to buy a house or anything of larger monetary value in Antalya we obviously advise to do your due diligence and reach out to a lawyer. If you need any such help feel free to reach out by e-mail so we can steer you in the right direction.

Public Transport and Taxis

Low risk. Public transport and taxis are safe in Antalya. In some cities like Istanbul taxis are likely to scam tourists and foreigners. We have found this to absolutely not be the case in Antalya. Taxis are the safest and most efficient means of transport in Antalya.

Women’s Safety

Medium risk. Women are generally safe in Antalya. We would recommend women keep out of poorly lit and isolated areas. We also advise not to travel alone as much as possible and to take taxis where possible, especially at night.

Terrorism

Medium risk. Terrorism is a serious threat in many countries around the world. This is definitely applies Turkey in general and to a lesser extent to Antalya. There have been terrorist attacks in Turkey in recent years so it is important to be alert at all times and to check the travel advice from your countries government before you plan your visit.

That said, while there exists a terrorist threat in Turkey it is considerably lower in Antalya. Our advice is to be alert in crowded areas and avoid large events and gatherings.

Natural Disasters

Medium risk. There is a small risk of earthquakes and droughts in Antalya. There have been no major earthquakes in Antalya in recent years. There have however been earthquakes in the surrounding areas that could be felt to some degree. Overall Antalya is safe from natural disasters with a moderate risk of earthquakes.

Check out our complete Antalya Holiday guide for an in detail overview of all you need to know about your holiday to Antalya.

Konyaalti Beach vs Lara Beach

A common question we get asked a lot: Which beach should I go to in Antalya, Lara beach or Konyaalti beach? Both these beaches are located near Antalya’s city center. Here we discuss what makes each of these two beaches special so you can pick the right one according to your preferences.

Konyaalti Beach

Konyaalti beach spans from central Antalya all the way to the West of the city. It is a long stretch of beach which features a wide variety of parks, beach clubs, restaurants and bars.

The most important thing when considering Konyaalti beach is to be aware of the fact that this is a pebble beach. This in conjunction with the fact that in some areas sea access can be a bit steep we would recommend you bring water shoes or sandals for comfort.

The main advantage of Konyaalti beach is its location. Its central location makes it very easily accessible and makes for some great opportunities to combine your visit to the beach with some other interesting activities.

The most recent development is Beach park at Konyaalti Beach that has opened in 2019. It features excellent beach clubs and public beaches. Apart from the beach there is a long promenade filled with restaurants, cafes and terraces. It has become one of the most popular hot spots for flâneuring and relaxing in the evening after a relaxing day at the beach.

Nearby you will find the Antalya Aquarium, Aquapark and the Migros shopping mall. All in all Konyaalti beach is the perfect place to combine a day at the beach with a range of other activities.

Read our in depth article Konyaalti Beach – All You Need to Know for more details.

Lara Beach

Lara beach is a sandy beach which spans from Lara all the way to Kundu. Most all-inclusive hotels in Antalya are situated along the coast that makes up this beach. Therefore you will find that for the largest part the beaches here are private and exclusively accessible by hotel guests.

There are also a number of beach clubs and public beaches available in case you are not staying at any of the hotels in this area. The public beach is located on the western most side of the beach nearer the city center. The beach clubs are all quite similar and offer snacks, drinks, shisha, sunbeds and parasols for a fee.

The main advantage of Lara beach is that it’s a sandy beach. This makes it perfect the perfect place for children to build sand castles and the sand makes it easier to access the sea compared to a pebble beach. Our favorite Lara beach club is Oba.

Besides the beach itself there aren’t many other things to do in the vicinity of Lara beach as it’s located on the outer edge of the city. The nearest place with activities like shopping, restaurants and bars is the Lara neighborhood (not to be confused with Lara Beach), which is around 15 minutes by taxi.

Read our in depth article Lara Beach – All You Need to Know for more details.

Which one should I choose?

If you’re looking for a sandy beach you have no choice but to go to Lara. Otherwise we would recommend Konyaalti beach due to its superior location and the broad variety of things to do in the surrounding area.

The Best Places to Shop in Antalya

Whether you’re looking for great souvenirs to bring home or a new outfit, Antalya is a great place for shopping. With its many malls, shopping centers and bazaars you are assured to find what you are looking for. Here is a highlight of all the top spots for shopping in Antalya.

Malls and Shopping Centers

Antalya is home to a bunch of malls and shopping centers which are worth a visit. Here we sum up our favorites.

Terracity

Terracity, the most popular mall in Antalya, is located in Lara. It is a multistory indoor shopping center with around 180 stores, a handful of restaurants, a food court and a cinema. At this shopping center you can find anything from local brands to glamorous international fashion houses.

We recommend this shopping center because it is the one that has the widest variety of stores and places to eat. The area surrounding the mall is also known for its dining and nightlife making it a perfect destination to shop during the day followed by a evening out.

In its vicinity we would recommend Sushico for some nice sushi and Big Chefs for a casual bite accompanied by a drink. The food court at the top floor has many fast food options for those who want to grab a quick bite to take a break from their shopping spree.

Migros Shopping Center

Migros is another popular multi level shopping center. Not the be confused with the common Migros super market. If you decide to go this shopping center make sure you go to the right place which is to be found here.

This shopping center boasts a huge number of stores and one of the biggest supermarkets for grocery shopping. It is located near Konyaalti beach, the Antalya Aquarium and the Aqualand water park. 7 Mehmet, one of the best restaurants in Antalya is also within walking distance. This makes this shopping center an excellent choice if you want to combine your shopping with some other activities.

MarkAntalya

MarkAntalya is located centrally near the Old Town. Making it a great option for shopping if you are planning to visit that area. It is also a large multi level mall with loads of stores and food options. MarkAntalya offers a bit more choice if you are looking for baby stores, otherwise we prefer the two malls above.

Markantalya can get quite crowded so we would recommend you visit it outside the busiest times. The best thing to visit near MarkAntalya is the old town which is a 15 minute walk away.

Mall of Antalya

Mall of Antalya is a very spacious mall with two levels. It is conveniently located close to the airport for those who want to kill some time before their flight. It has a large variety of stores but nothing extraordinary compared to other malls previously mentioned.

There is also a food court to grab a quick bite. There isn’t much in the surroundings worth mentioning. We would therefore mostly recommend this mall if you happen to be close to it or on your way to the airport.

Agora

There is not much between Agora and Mall of Antalya. They are located very close to each other and offer a similar range of stores. Agora is a bit bigger and has a wider variety of food options.

Erasta

Erasta is in the vicinity of the Migros Shopping Center. It is not an indoor shopping mall which can make it quite hot in the summer period. It has a small cinema and a medium variety of stores.

It is usually a bit less crowded than the other stores so it may be a good option if you want to avoid the crowds. There isn’t anything of interest int he surrounding area.

Old Town – Kaleiçi

If you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home from your holiday the old town may be a good place to try your luck. The winding roads going up and down the hills filled with small shops make for an authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

Shopping wise you can find anything from Turkish delight, souvenir, amulet and carpet stores. The prices are not always set so it is a great opportunity to negotiate a good deal. Do not feel embarrassed to negotiate on the prices here, it’s part of the experience!

Where to buy Turkish Delight

Turkish delight is sold almost everywhere in Turkey but the quality varies greatly from place to place. From our experience the best stores to buy good Turkish Delight are:

Tuğba Kuruyemiş, a chain of stores which can be found all over town.
The Turkish delight store at the Migros shopping center at level -1.

In the worst case they also sell Turkish Delight at the departures at Antalya airport. We would strongly recommend to go with our choices as the quality is vastly superior.

Duty Free

Duty free shopping is available at most of the stores at the malls mentioned above. Ask the sales assistant before making your payment. They will provide you with a special invoice that you need to bring to a counter at the airport. Once you get the appropriate stamps on your invoice you can exchange it for cash. Usually you can choose between Dollars or Turkish Liras.