Antalya is a gorgeous city located on the Turkish Riviera, surrounded by blissful turquoise coastlines and towering mountains. It’s the perfect choice for a beach break with stunning blue flag beaches, and there are other natural wonders to marvel at including waterfalls, valleys, nature parks, and exotic gardens. Brightsun Travel offers cheap all-inclusive holidays to Antalya, taking you to the heart of this charming Turkish hotspot.
Antalya is steeped in history; the city was ruled by several acient civilisations so visiting here will feel like stepping back in time, especially in the charming old town of Kaleici. The choice of dining options is extensive in Antalya; there are bustling bazaars with street food stalls, charming cafes, and contemporary restaurants to name a few, serving traditional Turkish cuisine like grilled seafood, kebabs, and Baklava.
Kemeragzi, Yasar Sobutay Bulvari No:397, 07112 Aksu/Antalya, Türkiye
Sahil caddesi no:11, 07980 Kemer/Antalya, Turkey
Merkez Mah.Deniz Cad. No: 14 Camyuva, Camyuva, 07980 Kemer, Turkey
Antalya offers a variety of shopping experiences, from modern malls like TerraCity and MarkAntalya to traditional bazaars like the Old Bazaar in Kaleiçi. Haggling is common in markets and smaller shops.
Antalya is also known for its jewellery shops, particularly in areas like Kaleiçi and Lara. You'll find a variety of stores selling gold, silver, diamonds, gemstones, and handcrafted jewellery.
Antalya's Old Town is dotted with antique shops offering a treasure trove of vintage items, including furniture, ceramics, rugs, and artwork.
Don't miss out on trying authentic Turkish cuisine, including grilled kebabs, mezes (appetisers), gözleme (stuffed flatbread), salads, olive oil dishes, and baklava (sweet pastry). Seafood is also a specialty due to Antalya's coastal location; popular seafood staples include levrek (seabass) and midye dolma (stuffed mussels).
Antalya has an extensive network of public buses, connecting different neighbourhoods within the city as well as nearby towns and attractions. The buses are an affordable and convenient way to get around Antalya.
Antalya's modern tram system, known as Antray, provides an efficient way to travel between different parts of the city, including the city centre, Lara, and Varsak. The tram system is air-conditioned and operates from early morning until late at night.
Dolmus are shared minibus taxis that follow specific routes within the city and its suburbs. They are a flexible and budget-friendly option for getting around Antalya. Fares are typically paid directly to the driver when boarding.
Taxis are readily available throughout Antalya, and they offer a convenient way to travel, especially for shorter distances or when travelling outside the city centre. Taxis in Antalya operate on a metered fare system.
Hadrian's Gate
This magnificent ancient monument is in the heart of Antalya's Old Town, Kaleiçi. The triple-arched gateway is made of white marble and is adorned with decorative elements, including intricate carvings, columns, and reliefs.
Karaalioglu Park
Karaalioglu Park, situated in the heart of Antalya, is a beautiful urban green space that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Within the park, you'll find historical landmarks including the Roman-era Hidirlik Tower.
Antalya Museum
The Antalya Museum is one of Turkey’s largest and most important museums, featuring a vast collection of artifacts from the region's rich history, including Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
Düden Waterfalls
There are two sets of waterfalls that make up the stunning Düden Waterfalls: Upper Düden Falls and Lower Düden Falls. The Upper Düden Falls are in a scenic park area, while the Lower Düden Falls cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
Konyaalti Beach
This long, pebbled Antalya beach boasts clear blue waters along the Mediterranean coastline and is home to modern amenities including cafes, restaurants, and water sports facilities.
Lara Beach
Lara beach is considered as one of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches, home to fine golden sands, crystal-clear waters, beach clubs, restaurants, and luxurious resorts. The area is also known for hosting the annual Sandland festival with impressive sand sculptures.
Antalya Aquarium
This is of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life, themed exhibits, and a long underwater tunnel.
Karain Cave
This prehistoric cave, situated under an hour’s drive from Antalya is one of Turkey's most important prehistoric sites that has been inhabited by humans for an extended period, spanning the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages.
Koprolu Canyon National Park
This park, located around 1.5hrs from the city, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering rafting on the Köprüçay River, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery with ancient ruins nearby.
Olympos and the Chimera
The ancient city of Olympos, around 1.5hrs drive from Antalya is a series of ruins that include a theatre, Roman baths, temples, sarcophagi, and remains of houses. The nearby Chimera is worth visiting too, where eternal flames blaze from the rocks due to natural gas emissions.
Aspendos Theatre
This is one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres, located around a 45-minute drive from Antalya. It still hosts performances and events due to its excellent acoustics, allowing even a whisper from the stage to be heard in the highest seats.
Perge Ancient City
The ancient city of Perge, less than a 30-minute drive from Antalya, was one of the most important towns of ancient Pampylia, comprising a well-preserved stadium, Roman baths, and Hellenistic gate.
Antalya enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Summer in Antalya is hot, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C. Expect plenty of sunshine, with long, sunny days ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Rainfall is minimal during the summer months, and humidity levels are relatively low.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures to Antalya, with average daytime highs ranging from 25°C to 30°C, and nighttime temperatures dropping to around 15°C to 20°C.
Rainfall increases gradually, with occasional showers and thunderstorms becoming more frequent towards November. The sea remains warm enough for swimming throughout much of the autumn.
Winter in Antalya is mild, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. At night, temperatures drop to around 8°C to 12°C. Winter is the wettest season in Antalya, with moderate to heavy rainfall and occasional storms. However, there are still plenty of sunny days between the rainy periods.
Spring brings pleasant weather to Antalya, with temperatures gradually warming up. Average daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C, with nights becoming milder.
Rainfall decreases as spring progresses, but occasional showers can still occur, especially in March and April. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Antalya, as the surrounding countryside bursts into bloom.
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