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Guide

20 things to do in Antalya

From the old town to the mountains and islands: our list for a first visit, grouped so you can plan your days.

By the IONETO Antalya team · Published 8 November 2026

Kaleiçi old harbour in Antalya with wooden excursion boats and the Taurus mountains behind
Kaleiçi old harbour in Antalya with wooden excursion boats and the Taurus mountains behind

In short: the essential things to do in Antalya are walking Kaleiçi and the old harbour, seeing the Düden waterfalls, a boat trip along the cliffs, a day at Konyaaltı, and the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos. With more time, add Köprülü Canyon rafting, the Tahtalı cable car, Suluada and Olympos.

In the city

  1. Walk Kaleiçi. Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret and the lanes down to the harbour; see our Kaleiçi walking guide.
  2. Sit by the old harbour at the end of the day as the boats come in.
  3. Watch the sunset at Hıdırlık Tower in Karaalioğlu Park; more spots in Antalya sunset spots.
  4. Visit Antalya Museum, home to many statues from Perge.
  5. Walk or cycle Konyaaltı's promenade beside the long pebble beach.
  6. See Lower Düden Waterfall drop into the sea at Lara, and the shady paths of Upper Düden.
  7. Eat tahini piyaz with şiş köfte and try hibeş; see where to eat in Antalya.
  8. Browse a neighbourhood market for citrus in winter and fruit in summer.

On the water

Passengers photographing Lower Düden Waterfall from a boat
Passengers photographing Lower Düden Waterfall from a boat
  1. Take a boat trip from Kaleiçi along the cliffs to Düden; compare routes in Antalya boat tours.
  2. Swim at Suluada, the clearest water near Antalya; see the Suluada guide.
  3. Spend a day in Kemer's bays where the mountains meet the sea.
  4. Try diving with an instructor around Kemer; see the diving guide.
  5. Go sea kayaking along rocky shores; see Antalya activities.

History

  1. Walk Perge's colonnaded street, 17 km from the centre.
  2. Stand on the stage at Aspendos, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres.
  3. End a day at Side's temple ruins; plan all three with Perge, Aspendos and Side in one day.

Nature and adventure

Helmeted rafters paddling with a guide through the wooded limestone scenery of Köprülü Canyon
Helmeted rafters paddling with a guide through the wooded limestone scenery of Köprülü Canyon
  1. Raft Köprülü Canyon, beginner-friendly with a guide; read what to expect.
  2. Ride the Tahtalı cable car to 2,365 m above Kemer; see the Tahtalı cable car.
  3. See the Chimaera flames and the ruins of Olympos; read the Olympos and Çıralı guide.
  4. Take a day trip to Kaş along one of Turkey's most beautiful coast roads; see Antalya to Kaş.

How to plan it

With three days: day one Kaleiçi and the harbour, day two a boat trip and Düden, day three Perge and Aspendos. With a week, add rafting, Tahtalı and a day at Suluada or Olympos. Where to stay depends on what you choose; see where to stay in Antalya. When you are ready, send a request from the Antalya experiences page and a local provider replies directly. IONETO's motto fits: mutlu insan dünyayı aydınlatır, a happy person lights up the world.

Quick answers

What is Antalya best known for?

Kaleiçi old town, the Düden waterfalls, beaches like Konyaaltı and Lara, and ancient cities such as Perge and Aspendos.

How many days do I need in Antalya?

Three days for the city and one day trip; a week to add rafting, Tahtalı and the islands.

What can I do in Antalya for free?

Walk Kaleiçi, Karaalioğlu Park, Konyaaltı promenade and the Düden waterfalls.

What is the best day trip from Antalya?

Perge, Aspendos and Side for history; Köprülü Canyon for adventure; Suluada for the sea.

Sources

Illustrative images. Mutlu insan dünyayı aydınlatır: a happy person lights up the world.

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