Antalya holidays

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Antalya holidays

Best hotels in Antalya Region

Antalya holidays put you at the heart of the stunning Turkish Riviera - also known as the Turquoise Coast. And that makes this gorgeous destination one of the leading sunspots for Turkey holidays. 

With 400 miles of Mediterranean coast, the Antalya area is a magnet for sun-seekers. But it's not just about blissful beaches (although they are pretty impressive) - Antalya is also surrounded by lush mountains that provide a stunning backdrop to the city. Plus, with must-visit hotspots such as Hadrian’s Gate and the Ancient City of Perge at your fingertips, there’s plenty to explore too.  

Find out more with our top tips for holidays to Antalya below. 

Antalya holiday highlights: 

  • Home to the Old City of Kaleici brimming with bazaars 
  • Backed by the breathtaking Taurus Mountains 
  • Impressive archaeology sites including Perge, Side and Olympos 
  • 213 Blue Flag-awarded beaches 

Looking for budget options? Check out our 10 free things to do in Antalya.

Where are the best areas to stay in Antalya? 

Best for beaches: For sun-drenched sands and gentle waves, Lara Beach holidays are the answer! Not only is this stretch award-winning, but it’s lined with glitzy All Inclusive hotels and sunset-facing restaurants. And you’ve got your pick of adrenaline-pumping watersports too (we see you, daredevils)! 

Best for family fun: Horse riding? Yes! Paddle-friendly beaches? Yes! Waterparks? Yes! We can only be talking about all-singing, all-dancing Alanya. Here days are made up of picnics by the Dim River and ice creams along Cleopatra Beach. That’s when you’re not climbing to the top of Alanya Castle with your mini prince or princess, of course. 

Best for couples: When you want to combine luxury with relaxation, holidays to Belek are worth shouting about. Think awe-inspiring nature reserves,  including the Köprülü Canyon National Park, ancient marvels such as the Aspendos Theatre and colourful coves. Pair this with a swanky adult-only stay and you’re onto a winner. 

Best for party-goers: Wanting to dance from dusk till dawn? Antalya’s city centre, Kaleici, is filled with karaoke bars and clubs including Tudors Pub. Aura in Kemer has quite the reputation for its DJs and light shows. While, Alanya’s Cello Cafe is just the place for a cheeky cocktail (or two). 

What are the best beaches in Antalya?

Jet-ski rides, sunbathing stints, palm-lined promenades - now that’s what beach holidays are made of! And luckily for you, Antalya has no shortage of jaw-dropping coastal delights. 

  • Lara Beach: Taking the crown as one of the most popular stretches in Antalya (and rightly so), this crystal-clear bay is eight kilometres of powder-white sands. 
  • Konyaalti Beach: From its Instagram-worthy mountainous backdrop to its pebbled shore and lavish beach clubs, it’s the ultimate sand, sea and sunbathing spot just 3km from the city centre!  
  • Olympos Beach: Head off the beaten track to find this Mediterranean gem next door to the ruins of ancient Olympos. Not only can you spend hours topping up your tan on its secluded sun-soaked sands, but there’s rock climbing and hiking opportunities too. 
  • Cleopatra Beach: Situated in the charming town of Alanya, this iconic cove is named after the Egyptian queen. Kick back and watch the sun set behind the waves at one of the Turkish eateries lining its shore or take in the views of Alanya Castle while parasailing. 
     

Top hotels in Antalya

Discovering the perfect place to stay in Antalya can be overwhelming with so many fantastic options. To help you out, check out our top recommendations and explore more hotels in Antalya.
 

More travel guides

Sounds good, right? Find out more about our Antalya holidays with these guides: Alanya | Beldibi | Belek | Goynuk | Kemer | Konakli | Lara Beach | Side

Map of Antalya Region

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10-35 ℃

With its year-round sunshine, you can enjoy holidays in this part of Turkey at any time of year. For max heat, go between June and September.

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4-5 hours
Antalya International Airport is the regional hub for this part of Turkey, with flights from around the UK. Check our resort guides for transfer times.
Types of holidays in Antalya

Antalya Province is best for...

Beach holidays: With irresistible sand spots all along the Mediterranean coast, the Antalya area is basically beach heaven! For a total winner, head for Lara Beach. Think 8km of pine-swathed sands, an Old Town that’s brimming with character, and glitzy themed hotels.

Ancient sights: The Antalya area’s littered with jaw-dropping remnants of its rich past. Divers can explore the Sunken City near Kekova Island, while history buffs can step back in time with a visit to the ancient city of Phaselis.

Golfers: Enjoy the sunshine on the greens and fairways in Belek, where many of the courses were designed by world-class golfer David Jones. Some are attached to top All Inclusive hotels, making it super easy to combine tee times, spa treats and poolside cocktails in one amazing holiday.

Fast facts for the Antalya area

Language: People in Antalya speak Turkish. Many also know some English, but it’s worth downloading a language app or packing a phrasebook to help you out.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your Sterling for Turkish Lira (TRY).

Local time: Antalya is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Antalya Airport. Transfer times for our destinations around Antalya can vary between 30 minutes and at least two hours.

Flight time from UK: Flights to Antalya take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

Tourist information: Find out more about holidays to the Antalya province from the Turkish Tourist Information Office.

Visa / health: Make sure you check up on the Turkey visa requirements and health recommendations well before your holiday.

Getting around the Antalya area

By dolmus: Antalya’s dolmus (minibus) network is a cost-effective way of getting from A to B. Routes and prices are fixed, and the dolmus only leaves when it has enough people on board.

By city transport: Get yourself an AntalyaKart to jump on and off the frequent buses and trams in Antalya city - perfect for exploring. There’s a similar system for the buses in Alanya.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful but can be pricey. To make sure you don’t pay over the odds, check the meter is running, or be prepared to negotiate a price for longer journeys.

By boat: Board a traditional gulet (sailing boat) for a leisurely way to see the coast, or check out the local water buses and taxis.

By hire car: Prefer to drive yourself? It’s a flexible way to fit in as much as you can, at your own pace. Just make sure you’re familiar with the way people drive here, as there are lots of differences to at home.

Events in Antalya

Kemer Carnival: Kemer pops with fireworks and colour in April, when carnival comes to town. Get ready for live music, a kaleidoscope of costumes, and all-night parties.

Opera and ballet: Leading performers top the bill at Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival every summer or early autumn. Set in the restored Roman amphitheatre, it’s quite a spectacle!

Antalya Festival: In September, join the locals celebrating their city’s culture - an exciting family event showcasing traditional food, drink and traditions.

Film: The prestigious Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival sees the screenings of hundreds of independent films from around the world each September, with a breathtaking closing ceremony in the Aspendos amphitheatre.

Antalya entry requirements, safety and security

Do I need a passport for Antalya holidays?

Yes, passports are essential for Antalya, so make sure everyone’s meets the most up-to-date requirements - including validity for both your entry and exit dates. You can check all the passport rules for Antalya on the UK government’s Turkey advice pages.

If you need a new one, make sure you apply for your passport as far ahead as possible.

Do I need a visa to go to Antalya?

Most British Citizens won’t need a visa for a holiday on the Turkish Riviera. Have a look at the current Turkey visa guidelines to find out if you should apply for one or not, and for information on who to contact if you’re not sure.

Should I take out travel insurance?

Absolutely! Whether you’ll be spending your well-earned break stretched out under blue Mediterranean skies or throwing yourself down waterslides and into white water rafting adventures, it’s really important to protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance. You don’t want to be the person who gets hit with big bills!

Make sure you choose a product that covers you for emergency healthcare in case you get injured or fall ill on holiday, as well as for things like lost suitcases and cancellations. And don’t forget to check you’ll be covered for any sports and activities you want to try during your trip.

Safety advice

For a stress-free holiday, plan ahead with the FCDO advice on safe travel to Antalya, including tips for driving in Turkey if you’re planning to hire a car.

Antalya Region weather

Temperature: 10-35°C

With Mediterranean sunshine throughout the year, there’s no bad time to visit the Turquoise Coast. However, if you want to soak up some serious rays, book your break between June and August. July’s the hottest month, averaging a divine 27.5°C. Definitely not the time to forget your hat and sunscreen!

For temps that are cool enough to explore Roman ruins but still perfect to pack shorts and swimwear, book your holiday for autumn (September / October). Averages hover in the low to mid 20s.

Looking for a winter sun break? You can still enjoy highs of around 20°C in November and 15°C December to February. Just be aware you’re more likely to get some rain at that time of year.

Or, pick the spring weather of March to April, when the sun shines a little longer and any outdoor pools and al fresco restaurants that may have been closed over winter are likely to start reopening.

More hotels in Antalya Region

FAQs

FAQs

Which is better to visit, Bodrum or Antalya?

That’s a tricky one! History buffs may prefer Bodrum, which is home to the ancient ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and Bodrum Castle. And it’s a firm favourite with party animals thanks to a roaring after-dark scene – including the Haspa Club and Mood. 

Whereas those who are seeking cascading waterfalls, mountain panoramas and toe-sinking beaches may be drawn to Antalya. Not to mention its timeless Old City hiding away some of Turkey’s most delicious authentic eats such as Kaleici Meyhanesi restaurant.

Are holidays to Antalya affected by earthquakes?

Holidays to Antalya have not been affected by the recent 2023 earthquakes in Turkey. But to keep up to date with the latest on safety and security check out the FCDO advice on safe travel to Antalya.

Do you have any ideas on how to make my trip to Antalya cheap?

Ah, so you’re looking to save some money on your Antalya holiday - don’t worry, we’ve got some tips for you! 

• Visit during off-season - Antalya still enjoys highs of 20+°C in months like May to June and September to October. And guess what? You tend to score the best bargains just outside of summer. 

• Be flexible with your dates - If you’re not restricted by specific dates, times or months, you’ll be able to use our deal finder to find the cheapest rate for the hotel you want! 

• Take advantage of the free or low-cost activities in Antalya - hike the Lycian Way, browse Antalya Bazaar or explore Duden Waterfalls without spending a penny. 

What is the best month to visit Antalya?

Of course, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the best time to visit Antalya.

If you're looking for warm weather and plenty of sunshine, then the summer months from June to August are the most popular times to visit. This is when you can expect temperatures to soar above 30°C, making it the perfect time for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying outdoor activities.

However, if you prefer milder temperatures and smaller crowds, then September to November is a must. It’s still warm enough for the beach, but not as hot as peak season. Plus, there are fewer holidaymakers around, which means you’ll beat the queues at the area’s largest attractions. 

If you're interested in outdoor activities like hiking trails or mountain biking, then the spring months from March to May are ideal. During this time, the weather sits around 20°C, and the scenery is in full bloom. You can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Antalya's surrounding mountains and countryside without having to worry about the sizzling heat.

Can you sunbathe in Antalya in October?

Pack your suncream and shades, October can still bask in highs of 25°C, which is definitely warm enough to soak up some Vitamin D. Of course, the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you jump on a plane. But in general, October is a great month for topping up your tan. And the sea is still comfortable enough for watersports and swimming - an added bonus!

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