From stunning beaches and a host of historical sights to magical waterfalls, there are plenty of things to do in Antalya. If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out, whitewater rafting in Koprulu Canyon National Park is a great option.
If you’re a history buff, Perge is one of the top places to see in Antalya. It boasts a range of incredible ruins, including one of the world’s best-preserved Roman theatres.
1. Tunek Tepe Cable Car
The Tunek Tepe Cable Car is an incredibly unique and stunning way to view Antalya from above. With its spectacular views of the city and Mediterranean coast, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
It’s also kid-friendly and wheelchair friendly, making it an ideal activity for families.
Located on the west side of Antalya, Tunek Tepe is a 618-meter-high hill terrace with a revolving restaurant, observation terraces, and social facilities intertwined with nature.
The mountain gondola lift, which was opened in 2017, is capable of transporting over 1,200 passengers per hour. The 36 cabins, which can accommodate 8 people each, are connected by a 1706-meter-long aerial track.
2. Antalya Archaeological Museum
The Antalya Archaeological Museum, a large and popular museum in Turkey, is renowned for its extensive collection of historical artifacts. Its 13 exhibition halls display over 5000 pieces of art, while 25,000-30,000 items are in storage.
It showcases works of art, which illuminate the history of the Mediterranean and Pamphylia regions. The museum won the European Council Special Prize in 1988.
The museum features Ottoman and Seljuk period treasures, marble sarcophagi reflecting the ancient world of Antalya, statues of gods, emperors, empresses and mythological heroes, as well as jewelry, glass, bronze and ceramic artifacts. It also includes prehistoric finds from Karain Cave and a collection of archaeological finds from sites such as Perge, Aspendos and Patara.
3. Patara Beach
One of the most unique and extraordinary places in Turkey, Patara Beach combines nature with history. In addition, it has a desert-like sand cliff that's a popular spot for tourists.
The clean and pure water of the sea is a paradise for swimmers. Part of the beach is also the spawning ground for Caretta Turtles.
Getting to Patara is very easy and affordable. You can take the Kas - Fethiye buses and get off at Patara junction. Then, you can use a local public minibus service to reach Gelemis village.
4. Duden Waterfalls
Located in the Upper Duden Park, Antalya's Upper Duden Waterfall offers a serene retreat from city life. It is a perfect picnic spot and day trip destination for those looking for something a little more adventurous from the city center.
The falls form a curtain of water that rises 15 meters high and splashes to the rocks below. The falls also have a natural cave behind them that is popular with swimmers.
The waterfall is a must-see on any trip to Antalya. It's also a great place to escape the sun and enjoy a swim!
5. Antalya Aquarium
Antalya Aquarium is one of the best places to visit if you love marine life. With an impressive collection of sharks, tropical fish, and other sea creatures, it is the perfect place to learn about ocean wildlife.
As one of the biggest aquarium complexes in the world, Antalya Aquarium offers inspiration, entertainment, and education all at once. It features 40 thematic aquariums and the world’s largest tunnel aquarium, 131 meters long and 3 meters wide.
The decorations in the main tank were designed by Italian sculptor Benedetti and show the underwater world of a coral reef. You can also see an airplane, ship wrecks, and a submarine in the tank.
6. Turkish Ice Cream
Turkish Ice Cream is a unique kind of ice cream that was first discovered as an extension of a type of iced dessert called "Karsambac" in Ottoman palaces. This food item was made by mixing sugar, milk and salep (wild orchid root powder) in skilled hands.
This traditional ice cream differs from other ice cream in its pleasant flavor, aroma, hard yet flexible consistency, bright white color and resistance to melting along the low temperature. It stays in this state for a long time thanks to its special shock methods.
