Best Things To Do in Antalya

Undoubtedly, Antalya is a city that will surprise you and to which you will not hesitate to return. From its old town to its turquoise water coves, every corner is unique. Here you can live a relaxing experience where your only concern will be to enjoy.

There are many things to do, such as taking advantage of a paragliding jump and feel the adrenaline to the limit, or relax in the sauna and massages typical of a Turkish bath. Waterfalls and mountains are also among the highlights and can be visited by jeep or quad. Ready? Here's a guide to the places and activities you can't miss.

It is impossible to go to Antalya and not pass by Kaleiçi, its wonderful old town. Its colorful, rustic and colonial houses contrast nicely with the beaches. You wouldn't even think it was once just walls and ruins. It is also the commercial center of the city and I would not leave without buying some souvenirs, such as the mythical Turkish spices.

You have to go over Hadrian's Bridge and learn about the history of the Roman emperor and travel through 2000 years of history by climbing the Hidirlik Tower, as well as enjoying the panoramic views of the harbor. And as the past is a part of the essence of Antalya, I would also not miss the Broken Minaret which is the sample of an ancient mosque.

One experience I suggest to visit this area is to book a guided tour of Antalya. This type of experience can include visiting the attractions I mentioned, but it can also be combined with a boat ride. In addition, you will conquer the heights aboard the Tunektepe cable car that connects Kaleiçi with Tunektepe Mountain. And all from only 34€ per person.

When you arrive in Antalya, the first thing that will catch your attention are the green areas surrounding the city. The Lower Düden Waterfalls are ten minutes away from the local hustle and bustle and are a treat for the senses. Something that makes them doubly special are the daily rainbows that occur due to the weather conditions. In fact, one is likely to form every hour.

They are a favorite for comfortable swimming, but if you don't know the area it is preferable to visit with professionals and not try to reach remote areas without the proper equipment. Another option is to hire a bike tour of Antalya, as they usually visit the main tourist attractions and then make a detour to the charming beaches and waterfalls of the city.

Turkish baths are a tradition that dates back to ancient civilizations and were an obligatory stop for the Ottomans. Luckily, they are still performed and are a complete moment of bliss. During this ritual the idea is that you can relax and socialize, as well as take advantage of the benefits of the Turkish bath for the body, soul and mind. They are usually held in stone buildings that have dim lighting, soft aromas and even traditional music.

Booking a traditional Turkish bath experience in Antalya allows you to enjoy relaxing massages, enter the steam room and enjoy a sauna. You may also be invited inside the salt chamber and enjoy special Turkish massages with oil, scrubs or foam.

If I were planning a trip to Antalya the first thing I would pack in my suitcase would be swimsuits. Although if you have forgotten, in the local stores there are plenty of places to buy them, with a variety of prints and at a very good price. The Turquoise Coast is worth a dip in the crystal clear waters and a summer tan.

You can choose from private beaches like Lara beach or central bays like the incomparable Olympos beach. They are also full of attractions and it is possible to connect with the animal world. If you have enough time, you could book a diving experience for beginners in Antalya.

This way, you will ensure an unforgettable adventure that will take place with a professional instructor. For a couple of hours you will do guided dives to see reefs, fish and all that the depths of the Mediterranean Sea hide. It is completely safe, as during the training you will learn movements, safety procedures, how to communicate underwater and how to stay calm in case of emergency.

I am sorry to inform you that you can only dive if you are going to stay several days in Antalya. There should be an interval of 12 to 48 hours between a flight and a dive. It will depend on the type of dive and the decompression techniques used but in general the aim is to avoid decompression sickness.

There is no place more suitable for quad biking than the Taurus Mountains. They are special because of their peaks, deep valleys and rivers that appear out of nowhere. Although you can get to know it on foot, it is more convenient to book a quad bike ride through Antalya which usually explores such mountainous destinations and makes it easier to pass through the steeps.

The area is also popular for rock climbing, rafting and mountain biking. You will probably witness the Göynük Valley, famous for its spectacular cliffs. This experience is ideal in the morning, when the coolness floods the mountains and the sun is more pleasant. In addition, if you do it with experts, you may find remote places little exploited by tourism.

Paragliding over Antalya is a fun and safe activity. It is done in the surroundings, where there are terrains with the ideal conditions for take-off and landing. In addition, it is important to do it with a professional instructor who will train and guide you before and during the experience.

During the jump you will feel the cool breeze and you will probably be able to see some natural attractions, such as Babadag Mountain and the nearby cliffs. While you are in the air you will see the city and the Mediterranean Sea, but also Mount Olympos.

It will surely bring out some screams of adrenaline and happiness, but you will be safe at all times. When booking a paragliding flight in Antalya you may land on Cleopatra beach. This bay is famous for its sand brought from Egypt, but it not only stands out for its beauty, but also because this type of sand does not heat up, which reduces the risks of burns when the descent is faster.

Museums are interesting and a great way to learn about local history, but nothing compares to Sandland. This open-air museum is located on Lara Beach. Here you'll step out of the ordinary and explore hundreds of gigantic sculptures molded into the seashore.

Some depict nature, but there are also eye-catching mythological figures. The surprising thing is that they are all made of sand, with a technique that allows their conservation over time and under any type of climate. Can you imagine the amount of sand that was used? Although it sounds crazy, it is estimated that more than 10,000 tons.

You can buy tickets for Sandland in Antalya and take advantage of its proximity to the beach to enjoy a dip and eat at the nearby beach bars.

If adrenaline is your thing and you want to explore all the plans available in Antalya, I recommend buying tickets for the Land of Legends park. This theme park is famous for its water rides that include mechanical games and slides of different intensities.

You can also enjoy roller coasters, such as the Hyper Coaster that takes you up to 115 km per hour and stands out for its loops and unexpected turns. You should not miss the live shows, where you can delight yourself with the animal kingdom in a show of lights, acrobatics and music. I find it easy to navigate because it is divided into two zones:

• Aqualand: the world of water attractions.
• Adventureland: a paradise of mechanical attractions of pure adrenaline.

If you want to explore Antalya's indoor activities, you could take advantage of a visit to the Antalya Aquarium and Wax Museum. At the aquarium you can walk through the transparent underwater tunnel, one of the largest in the world with an extension of 131 meters that will allow you to walk among sharks and other species.

In addition, there are other interesting exhibits in 40 thematic tanks and the possibility of interacting with some marine animals. For its part, the Face 2 Face Wax Museum is ideal for you to take a picture with a famous Turkish celebrity, although there are also Hollywood celebrities, famous athletes and historical figures. In total there are 70 figures, including Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Cleopatra and Kobe Bryant.

Buying tickets for the aquarium and the Antalya Wax Museum is a great way to save. There are even tickets that add other experiences such as:

• Snow and Ice World Museum: you'll enter the world of ice sculptures, where out-of-the-ordinary attractions like the sub-zero rooms await.
• Tropical Reptile House: a space dedicated to the care of snakes, lizards, exotic turtles and other reptile species.
• Oceanride XD Cinema: a 4D cinema that offers projections with special effects including water, unexpected twists and turns and wind.

Although Antalya has numerous great places for photographs, it's always a good idea to find some additional ones to capture unforgettable moments of your vacation. At Selfie Park, a creative world awaits you with themed scenarios that you can explore as a family. It has about 50 sets and decorations that will elevate your photos.

It also has interactive areas, such as the mirror maze where you will surely have fun with the variety of optical illusions. I recommend buying tickets to Selfie Park online to take advantage of a skip-the-line pass.

The Temple of Apollo is a historical marvel dedicated to the Greek god of light and prophecy. It is located a short distance from Antalya, in neighboring Side. Don't expect to see its interior, because today all that remains are its ruins, although I promise you they are a visual spectacle. At dusk, it is impressive how it contrasts with the clear sky and the bright stars in the background.

Annually you can see the famous star shower or the Perseids phenomenon. They take place between July and August, although it is difficult to identify the exact moment. Everything indicates that the night of August 12 is the best to appreciate it, so you could try your luck. People usually do it at the Temple of Apollo because there is less light pollution.

The Temple of Apollo has always been a popular place, however visits increased because it was a location for the famous Turkish series Sen Çal Kapımı.

During your visit you can delight in a wide range of excursions and get to know Antalya's hidden coves, as well as canyons, mountains and historical ruins.

You will be surprised by Antalya's connection with Greece, as the city is close to several Greek islands, in addition to the fact that some Turkish enclaves were occupied in the past by Greeks and Romans. I advance you that, in addition to the Temple of Apollo in Side, you can visit temples dedicated to this god in Hierapolis and Aspendos.

Excursion to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

If you are in Antalya you can not miss a trip to the wonderful Turkish cotton castle, known as Pamukkale. In addition, this route allows you to walk among the ancient cities that once belonged to the gods and marvel at the ruins of Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo and Plutonius.

Booking an excursion to Pamukkale and Hierapolis from Antalya also allows you to soak in the thermal waters of Cleopatra's Pool to discover the legends surrounding this oasis and take advantage of its benefits for the body.

Excursion to Aspendos, Perge and the Manavgat waterfall

If I were you, I would not fail to book an excursion to Aspendos, Perge and the Manavgat waterfall. The journey starts in the Greek-Roman city of Aspendos, where the Temple of Apollo and other preserved historical ruins await you. Along the way you can stop to refresh yourself at the Manavgat Waterfall and admire it from the highest point.

Of course, this excursion is ideal to visit Pergue, the home of Apollonius. Consider that today you can only see settlements and archaeological sites, most of which date back to the 12th century BC.

Boat excursion to Suluada Island and Adrasan

During your visit you should take advantage of the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and book a boat excursion to Suluada Island and Adrasan. Between the two bays, crystal clear waters and hidden coves await you, where you can enjoy a private evening with your family or friends.

If you like adventure, you will have a great time exploring pirate caves, cliffs and rock formations. Overall though, it's a relaxing experience combined with magical places like the Düden waterfall.

Excursion to Yumaklar

If you'd like to conquer the wild side of this city, nothing beats booking a jeep tour of Antalya. You will set off in search of the most suitable terrain for this activity and get to see wonders such as the Taurus Mountains.

Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty because you will be submerged in the dust and mud. You will also get to explore picturesque villages like Yumaklar, which is a window into Turkish village life where you could try Turkish delicacies like:

• Shish Kebab, which consists of skewered meat with Turkish spices.
• Pide, a thick wood-fired dough that is prepared with different fillings.
• Burnt ice cream, a refreshing dessert with a light smoky flavor.

Adventure excursion of rafting, canyoning and zip-lining.

If there is one thing that characterizes the Turks, it is their adventurous spirit. Near Antalya you can book a rafting, canyoning and zip-lining excursion. Generally, suitable locations are sought in the mountains, allowing you to get to know the Koprulu canyon and go through the Köprüçay river.