Antalya, Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations, where the sun, sea, and history come together. With its unique natural beauty, historical ruins, and stunning beaches, Antalya offers an unforgettable experience to every visitor. In this guide, we have compiled the 10 important places you must see in Antalya. You will be enchanted by the magic of ancient cities, relax in the cool waters of unique waterfalls, and trace the footsteps of history. If you’re ready, let’s start our journey into the enchanting world of Antalya.

Following the Footsteps of Ancient Cities: The Historical Riches of Antalya

Antalya is a historical and touristic city located on the southern coast of Turkey. It is known for its historical riches and hosting numerous ancient cities. Here are some important ancient cities found in Antalya:

Aspendos: Aspendos is one of the most famous ancient cities located in the Serik district of Antalya. Established during the Persian Empire in the 5th century BC, Aspendos experienced significant development during the Roman period. Its most important structure is the ancient theater, which is still in use. The Aspendos Theater is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world.

Perge: Perge is an ancient city located approximately 18 kilometers from the city center of Antalya. It has a history that dates back to the 13th century BC, reaching the Hittite period. Perge became a major city during the Roman period and served as a center where many important structures were built. Its remains, including the ancient theater, agora (marketplace), stadium, bathhouse, and colonnaded street, are worth exploring.

Side: Side is an ancient city located in the Manavgat district of Antalya, along the coastline. Founded during the ancient Greek period in the 7th century BC, Side also held great significance during the Roman period. It is famous for its ancient theater, ancient harbor, temples, and ruins. Additionally, the Temple of Apollo in Side is one of the region’s most renowned structures.

Termessos: Termessos is an ancient city located in the Döşemealtı district of Antalya, at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains. Due to its higher elevation compared to other ancient cities, it had a strategic defensive position. Termessos was a city that witnessed the construction of impressive structures during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The ancient theater, agora, monumental tombs, and city walls are important sites to visit.

Olympos: Olympos is an ancient city and natural reserve located in the Kumluca district of Antalya. The city was founded in the historical Lycia region. Olympos was established during the Hellenistic period and maintained its importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods. It is known for its ancient theater, walls, bathhouse, and numerous ruins. Olympos is also famous for its beaches and natural beauty.

The ancient cities listed above are just a few examples of Antalya’s historical riches. There are many more ancient cities in the Antalya region, offering visitors an opportunity for a historical and cultural journey.

Kemer Tourism Center: Beaches, Sea, and Entertainment

Kemer is known as an important tourism center in Antalya. With its beautiful beaches, clear sea, and various entertainment options, it is a popular destination for vacationers. Here is some information about Kemer’s beaches, sea, and entertainment activities:

Kemer Beach: Kemer has its own unique beach. With its wide sandy shore, clean sea, and beautiful scenery, it is a pleasant spot for vacationers to enjoy. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, engage in water sports, and bask in the sun.

Phaselis: Located approximately 15 kilometers from Kemer, Phaselis is an ancient city that is also famous for its beautiful beaches. The city has three different beaches: A, B, and C beaches. You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere at these beaches.

Moonlight Park & Beach: Located near the center of Kemer, Moonlight Park is a place that attracts vacationers with its beach and entertainment areas. It has a spacious beach where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Additionally, there are restaurants, cafes, and water slides for entertainment.

Göynük Beach: Göynük Beach, located in the Göynük district of Kemer, stands out with its natural beauty and clear sea. You can swim in the sea, engage in water sports, or sunbathe in a tranquil environment. There are also hotels and restaurants near the beach.

Water Planet Aqua Park: For vacationers seeking entertainment, Water Planet Aqua Park in Kemer is an important option. This water park is filled with activities such as water slides, wave pool, and lazy river, offering fun for both children and adults. It also features restaurants and resting areas.

In Kemer, there are also various entertainment options such as yacht tours, sea bike tours, diving activities, and nightclubs. With its beaches, sea, and entertainment facilities, Kemer is a pleasant destination for vacationers.

Perge Ancient City: The Magnificent Ruins of the Roman Era

Perge is an ancient city located approximately 18 kilometers east of Antalya, currently belonging to the Aksu district. Throughout history, Perge has been influenced by various civilizations such as Lycia, Persia, Macedonia, Rome, and Byzantium. However, its most glorious period was during the Roman Empire.

Perge Ancient City is famous for its impressive ruins from the Roman period. Among the city’s most important structures are:

Ancient Theater: The largest and most impressive structure in Perge is the ancient theater. It attracts attention with its capacity of approximately 15,000 people. The orchestra, stage building, and seating steps of the theater are well-preserved.

Agora: The Agora in Perge is an important structure that served as the center of trade in ancient cities. Built during the Roman period, the Agora is worth seeing with its colonnaded galleries, shops, and other commercial buildings.

Stadium: The stadium of Perge Ancient City has a seating capacity of approximately 12,000 spectators and hosted Olympic games. The semi-circular stadium still stands with its seating rows, passageways, and the track used for athletics competitions.

Baths: The Roman baths in Perge offer visitors the opportunity to understand the bathing culture of the ancient era. These baths include hot and cold water rooms, sweating rooms, and swimming pools.

Columned Street: The columned street stretching in Perge Ancient City is one of the main thoroughfares of the city. You can explore the shops and structures from the Roman period by walking between the columns.

Perge Ancient City provides visitors with a fascinating experience with its rich history and ruins from the Roman period. The majority of the structures are well-preserved, making it an important place to understand the city’s history and cultural heritage.

Düden Waterfall: A Magnificent Gift of Nature

Düden Waterfall is one of the most famous natural beauties of Antalya. It is located approximately 10 kilometers away from the city center and offers visitors a magnificent gift of nature. Here is some information about Düden Waterfall:

Upper Düden Waterfall: Located in the Sources area of Düden Stream, the Upper Düden Waterfall is situated in a wooded area. The waterfall cascades from the cliffs, creating a captivating view from a height of about 20 meters. There are walking trails around the waterfall, allowing visitors to spend time in a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Lower Düden Waterfall: The Lower Düden Waterfall is located at the point where Düden Stream flows into the Mediterranean Sea and is the most famous one. The waterfall rushes forcefully towards the sea from a height of approximately 40 meters, offering a magnificent view created by the water. Boat tours are organized, allowing visitors to experience the waterfall up close.

Cave: In the vicinity of the Lower Düden Waterfall of Düden Waterfall, there is a cave located at a higher point above sea level. This cave is a fascinating natural formation that visitors can explore. It contains pools and stalactites.

Düden Waterfall is a popular tourist destination attracting both local and foreign visitors. There are picnic areas, cafes, and restaurants around the waterfall, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful day. Additionally, the illuminated view of the waterfall during the night is quite impressive.

Düden Waterfall contributes to the tourism potential of Antalya by showcasing the power and beauty of nature. The waterfall offers a relaxing and enchanting atmosphere for visitors, making it a memorable part of your trip to Antalya.

Kaleiçi: The Historical Center and Narrow Streets of Antalya

Kaleiçi, known as the historical center of Antalya and famous for its narrow streets. Here is some information about Kaleiçi:

History and Atmosphere: Kaleiçi is the old city center of Antalya, and its historical texture is still preserved. It is enriched with historical structures dating back to the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Its narrow streets, stone houses, historical baths, fountains, and ancient castle offer visitors a nostalgic atmosphere.

Yivli Minaret: One of the iconic structures of Kaleiçi, the Yivli Minaret is one of the most famous symbols of Antalya. Dating back to the Seljuk period, the minaret has an impressive appearance and reflects the historical texture of Antalya.

Hadrian’s Gate: Built in 130 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, Hadrian’s Gate is located at the entrance of Antalya. This gate, adorned with intricate decorations and reliefs, carries the traces of the past to the present.

Ancient Clock Tower: The Ancient Clock Tower, located in the center of Kaleiçi, is a structure from the Ottoman period. Serving as one of the city’s symbols, the clock tower contributes to the historical atmosphere.

Ancient Baths: There are several historical baths in Kaleiçi. Kesik Minaret Bath and Karatay Bath are just a few examples of these historical baths. These baths offer visitors the opportunity to experience the bathing culture and architecture of the Ottoman period.

While strolling through the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, you can explore historical houses, boutique hotels, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Additionally, the marina located in the harbor area stands out with its sea view and yachts. Kaleiçi is one of the tourist attractions of Antalya with its historical texture and atmosphere, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

Olympos and Yanartaş: A Natural Wonder Hosting Legends

Olympos and Yanartaş are important natural wonders in Antalya, known for their natural beauty and hosting legends. Here is some information about Olympos and Yanartaş:

Olympos: Olympos is a coastal town located in the southwest of Antalya, within the borders of the Kumluca district. It is famous for both its historical and natural beauties. It is home to an ancient city and beaches.

Ancient City: Olympos was an ancient city belonging to the Lycian Civilization. Visitors have the opportunity to take a historical journey with its well-preserved ancient theater, walls, baths, and other structures whose ruins can still be seen. As the ancient city is situated within a natural forested area, visitors can explore both the historical remains and enjoy the natural beauty.

Beaches: Olympos has beautiful beaches stretching along the coastline. Olympos Beach has a wide sandy shore surrounded by pine trees, and its sea is clean and clear. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, and engage in water sports.

Yanartaş: Yanartaş is a natural formation located near Olympos. It has been famous for its flames since ancient times and has been the subject of legends. Yanartaş is one of the vent points formed by the accumulation of natural gas underground.

Flames: The most striking feature of Yanartaş is the constant flames emerging from the ground. These flames occur as natural gas rises to the surface from the ground. The impressive sight of Yanartaş becomes more prominent during the nighttime. According to legends, these flames have never extinguished since ancient times and represent the breath of the goddess Chimera on Mount Olympos.

Legends: Yanartaş also appears in mythological stories. In Greek mythology, it is believed that a legendary creature named Chimera lived around Yanartaş. This creature is depicted with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a dragon.

Olympos and Yanartaş are places that attract attention with their historical and natural beauties, offering visitors unique experiences. They can be visited as one of the tourist attractions in Antalya, where you can discover its exceptional natural and cultural richness.

Aspendos Ancient Theater: One of the Best-Preserved Ancient Theaters

Aspendos Ancient Theater is a renowned structure located in the Serik district of Antalya, known as one of the best-preserved ancient theaters. Here is some information about Aspendos Ancient Theater:

History: Aspendos Ancient Theater was built in the 2nd century AD during the Roman Empire era. Aspendos was an ancient city that served as a wealthy and significant trading center of the time, and the theater was used as a major cultural hub during this period.

Architecture: Aspendos Ancient Theater is one of the most important examples of Roman architecture. It has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators and is exceptionally well-preserved. Much of the theater is still standing, and structures such as the orchestra, seating tiers, and stage building can be clearly seen. The acoustics of the theater are extraordinary, and it is still used for concerts and events.

Details: Aspendos Ancient Theater boasts several remarkable details. With its two-story columned façades, marble carvings, and rich decorations, it presents a stunning appearance. Additionally, a tall tower located at the back of the theater offers an impressive view.

Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival: Aspendos Ancient Theater is the host venue for the annual Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. This festival is a significant event where internationally renowned opera and ballet companies showcase their performances. The unique atmosphere and acoustics of the theater contribute to an enchanting experience during the festival.

Aspendos Ancient Theater captures the interest of visitors with its impressive Roman-era structure and excellent preservation. The historical and cultural significance of the theater, along with its remarkable architecture and the festivals held there, offer visitors an unforgettable experience.

Side Ancient City: History, Beaches, and Blue Flag Beaches

Side is an ancient city and a tourist resort located in the Manavgat district of Antalya. It is famous for its historical ruins and beautiful beaches. Here is some information about Side Ancient City:

History: Side Ancient City was founded as an ancient Greek colony in the 7th century BC. It later experienced significant development during the Roman Empire era. The historical ruins of the ancient city include structures dating back to the Roman period.

Theater: The most remarkable structure in Side Ancient City is the ancient theater. With a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators, the theater boasts impressive architecture. The seating tiers, stage building, and orchestra section of the theater are still intact.

Agora: The Agora, located in Side Ancient City, served as a central square for trade and social life. The columns and remnants of structures in the Agora reflect the wealth of the ancient city.

Ancient Roads and Walls: The ancient streets and walls used in Side Ancient City can still be seen today. These ancient roads and walls demonstrate the size and importance of the ancient city.

Side is also famous for its beautiful beaches. In particular, Side Beach is among the Blue Flag beaches, offering visitors a pleasant seaside vacation with its clean waters and spacious sandy shore. Other beaches like Apollo Beach and Kumköy Beach are also popular.

The historical ruins and beautiful beaches of Side Ancient City offer visitors the opportunity to experience both historical and natural beauty. A visit to Side can be filled with various activities such as historical tours, sunbathing, and enjoying the sea, providing an unforgettable holiday experience.

Termessos Ancient City: A Hidden Gem in Nature

Termessos Ancient City is an important ancient city located near the Göynük Canyon, hidden within nature and considered a hidden gem in the south of Antalya. Here is some information about Termessos Ancient City:

Location and Natural Beauty: Termessos is situated at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. The ancient city, surrounded by canyons, forests, and steep cliffs, captivates visitors with its natural beauty. The natural environment contributes to the mystical and impressive atmosphere of the ancient city.

History: Termessos Ancient City was a significant city-state in the Lycian region and was founded in the 5th century BC. The city experienced great development during the Hellenistic period and maintained its importance during the Roman Empire era. Due to its strategic location, Termessos was constructed in a fortified manner to protect against attacks.

Defensive Structures: Termessos Ancient City was built on steep cliffs and surrounded by natural walls. The “Alexander Gate,” which serves as the main entrance to the city, is quite impressive. Additionally, structures such as the ancient theater, agora, temples, aqueducts, and tombs are among the ruins of the ancient city.

Fauna and Flora: Termessos is located in an area rich in flora and fauna. Its natural environment is home to endemic plant species and various animals. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the beauty of natural wildlife while exploring the ancient ruins.

Trekking Opportunities: Termessos is an ideal destination for nature trekking enthusiasts. While exploring the ruins in the ancient city, visitors can also enjoy hiking in the natural park area and savor the stunning views.

Termessos Ancient City offers visitors a unique experience with its natural beauty and historical atmosphere. This mysterious ancient city enchants visitors with impressive landscapes and historical remnants. For those who seek a journey intertwined with nature, Termessos is a destination not to be missed.

Antalya Museum: Treasures of History and Culture in the Region

Antalya Museum is an important museum located in the city center of Antalya. It houses a rich collection of the region’s historical and cultural treasures. Here is some information about Antalya Museum:

History: Antalya Museum was established in 1922, but its current modern building was opened in 1972. Over time, the museum has expanded and enlarged its collection.

Collection: Antalya Museum is a museum that showcases artifacts obtained from archaeological excavations in Antalya and its surroundings. The collection spans from the Prehistoric period to the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. Among the artifacts are sculptures, mosaics, sarcophagi, ceramics, coins, and many other historical objects.

Galleries: The museum consists of various galleries. One of the significant galleries is the “Ancient Sculpture Gallery,” where many sculptures from ancient times are exhibited. Other galleries such as the “Roman and Byzantine Period Gallery,” “Prehistoric and Protogeometric Periods Gallery,” and “Ottoman Period Gallery” are prepared for visitors to explore.

Display Techniques: Antalya Museum utilizes modern and impressive techniques for displaying the artifacts. Elements such as lighting, sound effects, and interactive screens provide visitors with a more engaging experience. The museum also offers documentaries and videos that depict the process and work of archaeological excavations.

Atatürk Hall: Antalya Museum includes a section known as the Atatürk Hall. In this section, documents and photographs related to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s visits to Antalya and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey are displayed.

Antalya Museum is an important cultural center that presents the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region to visitors. The exhibited artifacts provide a unique opportunity to understand and explore the historical past of Antalya and its surroundings.