Holidays in Antalya
Turkey’s founder, Atatürk, said that Antalya was 'the most beautiful place on earth' – and millions still agree. Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, this picturesque resort combines natural beauty, buzzing beaches and archaeological gems. There’s something for everyone with a holiday to Antalya, from the triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate, to fish restaurants around the natural yacht harbour, and energetic watersports on sun-drenched beaches. It’s also a handy base to see the Roman sites of Aspendos and Termessos.
10-28 °C
With its year-round sunshine, Antalya can be enjoyed at any time.
4-5 hours
Antalya International Airport is a busy year-round airport.
Recommended offers in Antalya
Pasha Star Hotel & Apartments
Side, Antalya
7 Nights, Bed & Breakfast
- Two swimming pools, one with waterslides
- Pool and lobby bar
- Only 100m from local restaurants
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 497 reviews
What is included?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
From
£222
Aytur Eftalia Hotel
Alanya, Antalya
7 Nights, Half Board
- Within 100m of beach and shops
- Buffet restaurant serving Turkish food
- Children's playground
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 417 reviews
What is included?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
From
£250
Eftalia Resort Hotel
Konakli, Antalya
7 Nights, All Inclusive
- Only 150m from the beach
- Family rooms
- Three outdoor pools, one with waterslides
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 524 reviews
What is included?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
From
£272
smartline Sunlight Garden
Side, Antalya
7 Nights, All Inclusive
- Only 500m from the beach
- Friendly and relaxed atmosphere
- Two swimming pools
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 997 reviews
What is included?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
From
£282
Alaiye Kleopatra Hotel
Alanya, Antalya
7 Nights, All Inclusive
- Only 100m away from beach
- Late check-out option
- Restaurant serving breakfast and evening meal buffet
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 308 reviews
What is included?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
- Return Transfers
From
£292
Closest to the city is Konyaalti beach, its golden sands a favourite with locals. The surrounding Bey Mountains, stretching to the west, seem close enough to touch. Close by, squeal-inducing giant water slides at Beach Park Aqualand, and charming performances by dolphins and sea lions at Dophinland, provide plenty of family-friendly fun. Lara Beach is a huge attraction in Antalya, the city's longest and most popular. Most of the top hotels here have their own private beach, so you don’t have to walk far. At Side, the Roman ruins are a huge appeal – as is the unspoilt beach lined with little waterfront restaurants!
Far from being famed just for its beaches, Antalya has a swathe of historic sites – after all this was an ancient kingdom over 2,000 years ago. You can still see the Roman-era wheel ruts in front of Hadrian's Gate, built to honour Emperor Hadrian, and Bronze Age treasures and Byzantine church silver in the outstanding Antalya Archaeological Museum. It’s an easy day trip to reach more Antalya attractions: historic gems include the huge abandoned amphitheatre at Perge, and the beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre at Aspendos, venue of the famous summer Opera and Ballet Festival!
There’s a huge choice of places to go in Antalya for dining on Turkish cuisine and fresh fish. Breakfast is a typical local feast of white cheese, fresh bread, honey and black tea. In the evening, head to the legendary restaurant 7 Mehmet, located on a hillside overlooking Konyaalti beach, famed for its traditional fresh grilled meats. For a hearty, good-value feast, head to an informal kebabci (literally, kebab house) in Kaleiçi. Or perhaps you're tempted by freshly caught local fish. In Antalya’s restaurants it is usually simply grilled or fried; taste it in the fish restaurants lining the yacht harbour!
More About Antalya
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ANTALYA IS BEST FOR...
Beach lovers: Visit lively, pine-forest-draped Lara Beach or go diving from Topcam beach
History lovers: Explore the old town Kaleiçi, a maze of narrow streets lined with 18th-century Ottoman wooden houses
Golfers: Perfect your swing at world-class golf courses in Belek, a growing sporting beach resort
FAST FACTS
Language: The language spoken in Antalya is Turkish.
Currency: The currency used in Antalya is the Turkish Lira (TL).
Local time: Antalya is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: Antalya International Airport is a busy year-round airport, located around 12km east of central Antalya.
Flight time from UK: 4-5 hours
Tourist Information: Further Antalya tourist information can be found at www.goturkey.com
Visa & Health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Antalya.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Temperature: 10-28 °C
Antalya receives plenty of glorious sunshine throughout the year, but summer is the best time to come if you’re planning on hitting the beach. For slightly cooler weather, book your holiday for spring or autumn, when average temperatures hover in the 20s. Winter guests can look forward to fewer crowds and pleasant weather in the mid-teens.
GETTING AROUND
By minibus: Hop on a dolmus (minibus), each one plying a different route, or the main city buses.
By tram: Two tramways give you contrasting experiences: the new AntRay is the major light rail line, a streamlined service linking the main bus station with other areas of the city. In contrast, the historic little Nostaljic Tramvay passes Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya Museum and the main beaches, along the seafront boulevard.
By taxi: Taxis are readily available; make sure the meter is switched on, or negotiate for a longer journey out of town which is the best option for small groups
EVENTS
Outdoor opera: A highlight of the year is June’s Aspendos International Opera And Ballet Festival, with live performances from top companies in the gloriously restored Roman amphitheatre.
Summer fun: June to September are lively months for summer fun in Antalya’s beaches and bars.
The big screen: In September, the prestigious Golden Orange Film Festival sees the screenings of dozens of independent films from around the world.
Top tip: Keep up to date with religious festivals in Turkey – the dates alter according to the lunar year. Ramadan is a month of fasting, where most Muslims refrain from eating and drinking in daylight hours. Following this, Eid al-Fitr sees many Turks travelling to visit friends and family.
