Must-See Places in Antaly
The long-awaited holiday season has arrived! If your choice is Antalya, known as the tourism capital of Turkey, you can be sure an unforgettable vacation awaits you. This vast city is visited by millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year.
Spanning a wide area, Antalya covers a surface of 1,417 square kilometers. If you want both exploration and relaxation during your trip, it offers you endless activity options. In this Antalya travel guide, we have compiled the most important places you will want to discover in Turkey’s tourism capital. Enjoy reading!
Patara Beach
Patara Beach tops our list of places to visit in Antalya. Why? With its crystal-clear shallow waters, fine sandy shores, and endless views, this stunning beach will make you feel the essence of your long-awaited vacation deep in your soul. Patara Beach is also within walking distance of the ancient city of Patara, home to Lycian-era ruins. As one of the largest beaches in Antalya, it stretches for 18 kilometers.
There’s another charming reason that makes Patara Beach special: Caretta Caretta sea turtles! Every year, many tourists visit Patara Beach to see these turtles, whose importance for the marine ecosystem is constantly emphasized. The period from mid-May to the end of August is their nesting season. During this time, volunteers guard the beach to ensure the hatchlings grow safely and reach the sea.
Phaselis Ancient City and Beach
Phaselis Ancient City and Beach is a unique destination that combines Antalya’s natural beauty with its rich cultural and historical heritage. Located right in the middle of lush pine forests at the foot of Mount Tahtalı, Phaselis is only 45 minutes from the city center and should definitely be on your list of ancient cities to visit in Antalya.
Phaselis Beach lies right next to the ancient city, surrounded by every shade of blue and green. The Mediterranean, with its shallow, turquoise, aquarium-like waters, invites you to cool off. Since this is a protected archaeological site, there are no umbrellas or sunbeds available. If you plan to spend a long time here, we recommend bringing your own portable chair and umbrella.
Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Aspendos Ancient Theatre ranks first on our list of historical places in Antalya. This historical site is one of the most magnificent surviving examples of Roman architecture. Built in the 2nd century AD, it has a capacity of around 15,000 people and an impressive acoustic structure.
Today, Aspendos still hosts events such as concerts and operas. Listening to your favorite melodies in this majestic venue under a starry sky is an unforgettable experience. Visiting Aspendos is a perfect choice for those wondering what to do in Antalya.
Phaselis Ancient City and Beach
Phaselis Ancient City and Beach is a unique destination that combines Antalya’s natural beauty with its rich cultural and historical heritage. Located right in the middle of lush pine forests at the foot of Mount Tahtalı, Phaselis is only 45 minutes from the city center and should definitely be on your list of ancient cities to visit in Antalya.
Phaselis Beach lies right next to the ancient city, surrounded by every shade of blue and green. The Mediterranean, with its shallow, turquoise, aquarium-like waters, invites you to cool off. Since this is a protected archaeological site, there are no umbrellas or sunbeds available. If you plan to spend a long time here, we recommend bringing your own portable chair and umbrella.
Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Aspendos Ancient Theatre ranks first on our list of historical places in Antalya. This historical site is one of the most magnificent surviving examples of Roman architecture. Built in the 2nd century AD, it has a capacity of around 15,000 people and an impressive acoustic structure.
Today, Aspendos still hosts events such as concerts and operas. Listening to your favorite melodies in this majestic venue under a starry sky is an unforgettable experience. Visiting Aspendos is a perfect choice for those wondering what to do in Antalya.
Kaleiçi (Old Town)
Kaleiçi, the oldest and most historic part of Antalya, takes its name from its walled structure, meaning “inside the castle.” With its central location, narrow stone streets, Ottoman architecture, and unique atmosphere, Kaleiçi is a must-see in Antalya.
Here you can enjoy sea views from Hıdırlık Tower, stroll through the ancient harbor, or take a relaxing swim at Mermerli Beach.
Olympos Cable Car
How about seeing Antalya from the sky? If your answer is yes, the Olympos Cable Car should be on your holiday list. It takes you to the summit of Mount Tahtalı, treating you to mesmerizing views from the sea to the sky along the way.
The cable car ride starts at the base station at sea level and covers a distance of 4,359 meters in about 10 minutes. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, as well as restaurants and souvenir shops. In summer, you can also go hiking or paragliding in the area.
To make your Antalya trip unforgettable with a unique accommodation experience carrying the magic of the Mediterranean, Melas Hotel Lara awaits you—book now and enjoy Antalya with the privileges of Melas Hotel.
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