Small and Boutique Hotels in Antalya City Center

The central part of Antalya, Kaleiçi, is still highly significant today. With its history, sea, nature, and beauty, it remains a favorite destination for vacationers. The comfort and quality offered by Kaleiçi hotels also make the area stand out.

Surrounded by city walls and the sea, walking through the streets of Antalya's Kaleiçi reveals the traces of many civilizations that once lived there.

Especially with the restoration of old Greek and Ottoman houses and their transformation into hotels, the Kaleiçi hotels offer a unique atmosphere and architecture that transport you to different worlds. These hotels are located not on the seafront but in the narrow streets of the town, and each one has its own charm. No matter where you stay in Kaleiçi, you will receive comfortable and high-quality service. These historic hotels, while preserving their past, also offer modern amenities to guests. The prices for Kaleiçi hotels are quite reasonable considering their historical value, and you can check our website for available options and booking facilities for a historical getaway

When to Visit Kaleiçi in Antalya?

The best time to visit the historical Kaleiçi region of Antalya is generally in the spring and autumn months. During these months, temperatures are milder, and humidity is lower, creating an ideal environment for exploration. However, Kaleiçi can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own unique beauty. Our recommendation is spring, as it’s less crowded and offers a better chance to enjoy the sea.

How to Get to Kaleiçi in Antalya?

You can reach Antalya by road or air from almost every part of Turkey. Flights are available from most major cities to Antalya, and there are also bus services connecting many cities to the city. In some cities, there may be fewer bus services during the winter, but there are always buses available. After arriving at Antalya's terminal or airport, you can easily reach Kaleiçi using various transport options.

If you're driving to Kaleiçi, here are some distance details:

From Izmir to Kaleiçi: approximately 727 km (about 10 hours).
From Istanbul to Kaleiçi: approximately 472 km (about 7 hours).
From Ankara to Kaleiçi: approximately 547 km (about 7.5 hours).
From Bursa to Kaleiçi: approximately 560 km (about 8 hours).
Must-See Places in Kaleiçi, Antalya
After thoroughly exploring Kaleiçi, there are many activities and places to visit. First, you can visit the Hadrian’s Gate, the city walls, the ancient structures, and landmarks such as the Hıdırlık Tower and the Kesik Minaret Mosque. Be sure to take plenty of photos.

You can also plan a day trip to the nearby towns of Kaş and Kalkan, known for their unique sea and nature. In Kalkan, you could take a boat tour to explore the sunken cities and turquoise waters. Afterward, enjoy a fish dinner in one of the restaurants in Kaş, overlooking the sunset.

The ancient city of Myra is a must-see, home to Lycian ruins such as the ancient tombs, the Roman theater, and the Byzantine-era St. Nicholas Church, where St. Nicholas, known as Santa Claus, is buried.

The well-preserved ancient city of Termessos is also worth a visit. Additionally, you can visit Düden Waterfalls, Olympos, Yanartaş, and Çıralı on a day trip.

If you enjoy museums, you can check out Antalya Museum, Side Museum, Alanya Archaeological Museum, Kızılkule Ethnography Museum, Atatürk House Museum, Perge Museum, and many others.

Antalya is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, and there are plenty of bars and nightclubs both in Kaleiçi and other tourist areas, offering an energetic and fun nightlife experience.

Shopping Suggestions in Kaleiçi, Antalya

• Atatürk Street: The main street in Kaleiçi is ideal for souvenir and gift shopping. You can find handicrafts, traditional Turkish motifs, jewelry, and textiles here.
• Yivli Minare Bazaar: A historic shopping area where you can find handmade carpets, kilims, ceramics, glass products, and other arts and crafts.
• Antalya Clock Tower Bazaar: Located near the Clock Tower, this market offers a variety of traditional Turkish souvenirs, jewelry, textiles, and leather goods.
• Antique Market: Kaleiçi's antique markets offer ancient items, Ottoman-inspired objects, handmade ceramics, and antique pieces.
• Handicraft Shops: Many shops sell unique handmade products such as ceramics, glass items, silver jewelry, and handwoven carpets and kilims.

Entertainment Suggestions in Kaleiçi, Antalya

• Bars and Live Music Venues: There are numerous bars and live music venues in Kaleiçi, where you can enjoy traditional Turkish music, jazz, pop, and rock performances.
• Walking and Discovery Tours: Exploring the narrow streets of Kaleiçi and discovering its historic buildings is a delightful experience. Key landmarks include Yivli Minaret, Hadrian's Gate, Clock Tower, and Kesik Minaret.
• Boat Tours and Water Activities: From Kaleiçi, you can join boat tours to explore the beautiful coves and beaches of Antalya. You can also engage in activities like diving, kayaking, and jet skiing.
• Shows at the Ancient Theater: The nearby Antalya Ancient Theater hosts various performances, including concerts, theater plays, and other cultural events.

Kaleiçi History

Kaleiçi has been a settlement since the Ancient Greek period and has been influenced by the Lycians, Pamphylians, and Romans. The region has historically been a port city, and in ancient times, it was known as Attaleia. The city's port played a significant role in Mediterranean trade. Throughout history, the area has been under the control of various empires and civilizations. One of its most notable structures is the Yivli Minaret, a symbol of the city, built during the Seljuk period. During the Ottoman era, Kaleiçi's walls were expanded and various buildings were added. Today, Kaleiçi, with its preserved historical texture, narrow streets, old mansions, markets, and port, attracts tourists.

What Is Famous About Kaleiçi?

• Yivli Minaret: One of the symbols of Antalya, this Seljuk-period minaret is a key landmark in Kaleiçi.
• Clock Tower: An Ottoman-era tower located at the heart of Kaleiçi, another defining feature of the area.
• Ancient Structures: Kaleiçi is home to many ancient monuments, including Hadrian's Gate, Kesik Minaret, Hıdırlık Tower, and the Antalya Museum.

Where to Swim in Kaleiçi?

• Mermerli Beach: Located on the west side of Kaleiçi, this beach is close to the city center and offers easy access to the sea, with cafes and restaurants nearby.
• Kaleiçi Marina Beach: On the eastern side of Kaleiçi, this small beach offers a peaceful environment for swimming.
• Konyaaltı Beach: A popular and wide beach near Kaleiçi, known for its clean waters and modern facilities.

Best Things to Do in Kaleiçi, Antalya

• Boat Tours: A boat ride along the coast to see the old houses around Kaleiçi.
• Jeep Safari: Explore Olympos National Park by jeep or go rafting in the Köprüçay Canyon.
• Visit Ancient Cities: Day trips to ancient cities like Myra, Demre, and Termessos.
• Teleferik (Cable Car): Take a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Olympos for stunning views.
• Historical Sites: Explore Kaleiçi's historical buildings, such as Hadrian's Gate and Kesik Minaret Mosque.

Dining and Drinking Recommendations in Kaleiçi

For local delicacies, Kaleiçi offers many options where you can try traditional Yörük dishes such as saç kavurması, tandır kebabı, and kölle (a stew made of wheat, beans, and peas). Sweet treats include patlıcan, bergamot, and orange marmalades. Additionally, there are numerous Turkish and international restaurants, offering everything from seafood to pizza. For a romantic dinner, "7 Mehmet" and "Arma" offer excellent ambiance and high-quality food.

For breakfast, try Börekçi Tefik Usta (famous in Antalya). Some notable restaurants for lunch or dinner include:

Topçu: Famous for its köfte and piyaz (a Turkish salad).
7 Mehmet: Expensive but offers exquisite flavors.
Vanilya: A place with live music and great pizza.
Pio Street Flavors: A casual spot for local street food.
Cancan: Known for pide and delicious local dishes.