Antalya area holidays

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Holidays to the Antalya area are a mixed bag. Nature gave the Turkish Riviera pristine beaches, while nurture gave it glitzy marinas.

Coastal scenery

Good looks are in the Antalya area’s genes. This region, in Turkey’s south-west corner, boasts a 400-mile sweep of white-sand beaches and secluded coves. And the coast is backed by olive groves, avocado plantations and the pine-clad Taurus Mountains.

Turkish Riviera

Over the years, nature has been given a helping hand, and the Antalya area is now one of Turkey’s most upmarket regions. In fact, it’s often referred to as the Turkish Riviera. In resorts like Side, the coastline is complemented by a yacht-filled marina and avenues of designer boutiques. In Belek, immaculate golf courses sidle up to the sand. And in Lara Beach and Kemer, hotels come with a luxury label.

Traditional Turkey

For all the Antalya area’s glamour, it’s easy to experience the region’s traditional side. In Antalya town, for example, the backstreets are brimming with bazaars, Ottoman architecture and restaurants serving up sizzling kebabs. Elsewhere, Side has its fair share of historical sites. The Roman baths, Byzantine basilica and Temple of Apollo are just the start of the story here.

Popular hotels in Antalya area

Top things to see and do in Antalya area

Beaches

Turkey’s southern sands

The shores of the Antalya area are strung with beaches. If you’re staying in Lara Beach or Belek, expect lively sweeps of coast freckled with cafés and watersports centres. In smaller towns like Kemer and Alanya, meanwhile, the pockets of sand are hemmed by forests and come with a little more towel space.

The big beach

Lara Beach tends to draw the biggest crowds in the area. The park behind the sand is prime barbecue and picnic territory, and family-sized benches are scattered among the pine trees. You can often buy bottles of water and freshly cut watermelon from locals looking to make a bit of cash.

The secret beach

Moonlight Beach in Kemer runs parallel to picturesque Moonlight Park – a huge expanse of pine and cedar trees. It’s a peaceful patch of sand, which tends to attract in-the-know locals rather than hordes of holidaymakers. Walk along the shore, and you’ll eventually come to a marina brimming with Turkish cafés and seafood restaurants.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The markets in the Antalya area are among the best in Turkey. Side’s Manavgat Market, which takes place on a Monday from 8am, is one of the biggest. Haggle your way around the leather, jewellery and clothes stalls, and you’ll find some great designer copies – in particular, wallets and handbags. Antalya Town’s Saturday Bazaar, meanwhile, is the place to head for fruit and veg in every colour of the rainbow.

Mid-range buys

For bespoke jewellery and ornaments, don’t miss the Sunday Folks Bazaar in Kemer – you’ll find it opposite the bus terminal. Over in Belek, there are a good number of stores offering quality embroidery and furnishings. For something that’ll remind you of your trip, pick up a hippy-esque dream catcher or a necklace adorned with the symbolic evil eye – Turkish residents swear it wards off bad spirits.

Designer buys

For the best jewellery stores and big-name fashion outlets, Antalya town’s Konyaalti Caddesi and Isiklar Caddesi avenues hit the mark. Over in Lara Beach, you’ll find glossy shopping malls like the Laura Market, which heaves with high-end department stores and designer boutiques.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Antalya town’s old quarter knows a thing or two about romantic nights out. Stroll down any of the cobbled paths within the vast castle walls and you’ll come across tavernas turning out giant platters of meze by candlelight. Lara Beach and Belek are pretty sedate, too, with a handful of bars, hotel shows and acoustic singers providing the bulk of the after-dark entertainment.

Lively evenings

Side leads the way when it comes to nightlife in the Antalya area. The nightclubs lining its harbour don’t close until the early hours. For stylish cocktail bars and a buzzy atmosphere, meanwhile, check out the harbour-side joints in Alanya. Casablanca and The Doors are popular haunts, with the latter known for its live rock music.

Food & drink

Gozleme

This is the Turkey’s answer to a Cornish pasty. Hand-rolled pastry is stuffed with fried aubergines and cooked over a griddle, before being served with dollops of cool, creamy yoghurt. There are tonnes of variations of the dish – other popular fillings include spinach, feta cheese and mushrooms.

Mussels

Unsurprisingly, seafood is a mainstay on menus across the Antalya area. You’ll be able to sample everything from barbecued swordfish to lemon-soaked calamari while you’re here. A popular Turkish seafood dish is freshly plucked mussels, stuffed with pine nuts, herbed rice and currants.

Testi kebab

You can’t visit Turkey without getting your teeth into a sizzling kebab, and this is the Antalya area’s twist on the national classic. Tender chunks of lamb, crunchy peppers and juicy tomatoes are sealed in a jar and cooked over hot coals, and then the jar is cracked open and prepared for serving.

Piyaz

Piyaz is made from beans, hard-boiled eggs and vegetables, all of which are tossed together with onion, parsley and sumac. Traditionally, it’s served as a meze dish, but in the Antalya area, it’s often offered as a main course along with fluffy mashed potatoes.

Raki

It’s rumoured that Greeks knock back around 60 million litres of raki a year. This clear brandy is made from grapes and raisins, and it’s flavoured with anise, which gives it a liquorice-like taste. Sip the sticky liquid slowly after your main meal to aid digestion.

Average Weather in Antalya area

Jan

15°C

Avg. Rain:: 208mm

Feb

16°C

Avg. Rain:: 120mm

Mar

18°C

Avg. Rain:: 102mm

Apr

22°C

Avg. Rain:: 68mm

May

27°C

Avg. Rain:: 40mm

Jun

32°C

Avg. Rain:: 8mm

Jul

35°C

Avg. Rain:: 4mm

Aug

35°C

Avg. Rain:: 4mm

Sep

31°C

Avg. Rain:: 15mm

Oct

27°C

Avg. Rain:: 96mm

Nov

21°C

Avg. Rain:: 156mm

Dec

17°C

Avg. Rain:: 274mm

Top Hotels in Antalya area

Facts about Antalya area

Currency

New Turkish Lira

(TRY)

Language

Turkish

Time zone

GMT +3

Flight duration

4 hours from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

How long does it take to fly to Antalya?

Flights from the UK to Antalya take approximately four to four and a half hours depending on which UK airport you fly from.

What is the time difference between the UK and Antalya?

Antalya is two hours ahead of the UK – so when it's 9am in the UK, it's 11am in Antalya.

What are the best beaches in Antalya?

Antalya boasts some of Turkey's best beaches, including Lara Beach with its sun-kissed sands, Konyaalti Beach with its dramatic mountainous backdrop, and the sandy cove between two cliffs known as Kaputas Beach. Many beaches in the region have Blue Flag status.

What currency should I take to Antalya?

The currency used in Antalya is the Turkish lira. While some places may accept euros, you'll get better value using the local currency, especially in markets and local restaurants.

When is the best time to visit Antalya?

The best time to visit Antalya is between April and October when the weather is warm and sunny. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures often going above 30°C, while spring and autumn offer more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

What are the must-see attractions in Antalya?

Must-see attractions in Antalya include the historic Kaleici Old Town with its narrow winding streets, Hadrian's Gate, the ancient city of Perge, Duden Waterfalls, and the impressive Antalya Museum. The region is also close to the ancient cities of Aspendos and Side.

What type of plug sockets are used in Antalya?

Antalya uses European-style two-pin plug sockets (type C and F). You'll need to bring a European travel adapter to use UK electrical appliances.

What are the popular resorts near Antalya?

Popular resorts in the Antalya region include Belek, known for its golf courses, Lara Beach, famous for its luxury all-inclusive hotels, Side, with its ancient ruins, and Kemer, nestled between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Is Antalya good for family holidays?

Antalya is an excellent choice for family holidays, with kid-friendly beaches, waterparks like The Land of Legends, boat trips, and many all-inclusive resorts with kids' clubs and entertainment. The warm, shallow waters of Antalya’s beaches are ideal for children.

What local dishes should I try in Antalya?

While in Antalya, you can try local specialities such as piyaz – a type of bean salad – and shish kofta, which is a meat skewer grilled with herbs. Gozleme is a popular savoury flatbread, typically stuffed with spinach and feta or spicy minced meat. Don’t forget to save room for baklava for dessert – it’s a famous filo pastry treat stuffed with chopped nuts and drenched in honey.

How do I get around Antalya?

Antalya has an efficient public transport system including buses and trams. Taxis are readily available, and hiring a car is a good option if you want to explore the wider region. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to popular attractions.

Do I need a visa for Antalya?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Is it an affordable holiday destination?

Yes, Antalya is generally considered an affordable holiday destination, especially when compared to Western European resorts. The favourable exchange rate between the Turkish lira and the pound offers excellent value-for-money. All-inclusive resorts make it simple to stick to a budget, while local restaurants, transport, and activities are reasonably priced. However, costs can vary significantly depending on your travel style, the season, and the specific location you choose in the Antalya region.

Is Antalya good for families?

Yes, Antalya is an excellent destination for families. The region offers many family-friendly resorts with kids' clubs, pools with water slides, and entertainment programmes. The beaches generally have gentle slopes and clear waters, ideal for children. Attractions like Antalya Aquarium, The Land of Legends Theme Park, and Aktur Park are a big hit with families.

How many days should I stay in Antalya for?

For a well-rounded experience in Antalya, a week is ideal. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the charming old town, visit nearby ancient ruins like Perge and Aspendos, and perhaps take a day trip to attractions like Duden Waterfalls.

What’s the nightlife like?

Antalya offers a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene. The city centre, particularly around the old town Kaleici, features lots of bars, pubs, and clubs with live music and DJs. The Beach Park area is also popular for its seaside clubs and restaurants. For a more upscale experience, Lara Beach and Konyaalti Beach are home to sophisticated beach clubs and lounges. All Inclusive resorts in Antalya also typically offer evening entertainment programmes. During summer, open-air venues and beach parties are common, with nightlife carrying on until the early hours.

Do I need a SIM card or is there Wi-Fi everywhere?

While Wi-Fi is widely available in Antalya, a local SIM card could help with consistent connectivity. Most hotels in Antalya, restaurants, cafés, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi, but the quality and speed can vary. Public Wi-Fi is available in some areas but may be limited. A Turkish SIM card provides reliable data for navigation, translation apps, and staying connected while exploring outside tourist zones.

What’s the best way to get around Antalya without a car?

Antalya offers lots of convenient public transport options. The tram system – called AntRay – is excellent for getting around the city centre and to Konyaalti Beach. Public buses also cover extensive routes throughout the city and to nearby attractions. Shared minibuses known as dolmus are affordable and frequent, connecting different neighbourhoods and beaches. Taxis are readily available, but you should confirm the fare or ensure the meter is running before departing.

Is it ok to wear shorts and swimwear outside the hotels?

In Antalya's tourist areas and beaches, shorts are perfectly acceptable for both men and women. Swimwear is appropriate on beaches and at pool areas, but it's respectful to cover up when leaving these areas. In the city centre and shopping districts, casual clothing including shorts is fine, but very revealing attire might attract unwanted attention. When visiting Antalya's mosques or religious sites, more conservative dress is expected – shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may need to cover their heads.

How much does a typical meal cost?

The cost of meals in Antalya varies widely depending on the type of establishment. At local restaurants, a simple Turkish meal might cost 100-200 Turkish lira (£3-6) per person. Mid-range restaurants typically charge 200-400 Turkish lira (£6-12) per person for a meal with a drink. Upscale restaurants, especially those in tourist areas or with sea views, can cost 400-800 Turkish lira (£12-24) or more per person. Street food like kebabs, pide, or gozleme ranges from 50-150 Turkish lira (£1.50-4.50). Many All Inclusive resorts in Antalya include meals in their packages, offering excellent value.

Are there vegetarian restaurants?

Yes, Antalya has several dedicated vegetarian restaurants, particularly in the city centre and tourist areas. Many traditional Turkish restaurants also offer excellent vegetarian options. Turkish cuisine naturally includes many meat-free dishes like meze platters, stuffed vegetables, bean dishes, and vegetable stews. Most restaurants in Antalya can accommodate vegetarian requests, and the Mediterranean influence means fresh vegetables feature prominently in local cooking.

Is Antalya a party town?

Antalya offers a balanced nightlife rather than being primarily a party destination. The city provides diverse entertainment options ranging from relaxed beach bars to energetic nightclubs, particularly in summer. The Kaleici old town area features bars and pubs with live music in a historic setting. The Beach Park area and Konyaalti Beach both also have several clubs and bars. Lara Beach hosts some of the more upscale beach clubs. While Antalya's nightlife can be vibrant, it's generally more laidback than dedicated party destinations like Bodrum or Marmaris.

Is Antalya good for couples?

Antalya is an excellent destination for couples, offering a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and relaxation. The region features long sandy beaches for sunset strolls, boutique hotels in the charming old town, and adults-only resorts with private beaches. Couples can enjoy romantic dinners overlooking the Mediterranean, sunset boat cruises along the turquoise coast, and couples' spa treatments at upscale hotels. The diverse landscape also delivers on shared adventures like hiking in the Taurus Mountains or exploring ancient ruins.

Can I use my debit card?

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, especially Visa and Mastercard, in hotels, restaurants, larger shops and tourist areas. However, smaller establishments, local markets and rural areas may only accept cash. It’s advisable to carry some Turkish lira for these situations.