Antalya's Most Beautiful Holiday Destinations

Antalya draws you in with the deep blue tones of the sea, lush green nature and historical sites. Everything here is so intertwined yet so different. It blends the traces of the past with modern life, blending the depth and vitality of the past together at every step. Antalya has been home to many civilizations throughout history, blending this rich heritage with modern life to create a unique identity. You can embark on a pleasant historical journey while visiting ancient cities such as Aspendos, Olympos and Termessos, which have survived centuries ago. There is a story waiting to be discovered around every corner. Accompanied by the sea, mountains and ancient ruins, time stands still here.

1- Kas

Kaş is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Antalya... This beautiful village surrounded by the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea attracts attention not only with its sea but also with its history. Bearing the traces of the ancient Lycian Civilization, Kaş takes history lovers on a journey through time with its rock tombs, ancient theater and ancient city ruins. Antiphellos Ancient City is also one of the important historical places. History on one side and the unique blue waters of the Mediterranean on the other... The nature of Kaş is completely different and beautiful, the kind that makes visitors want to come back again and again. The golden yellow beaches of Kaputaş Beach and the clear sea of Küçük Çakıl Beach are natural wonders. You can also see the ruins of the sunken city with boat tours to Kekova Island. Kaş is also one of the most popular diving spots in Turkey. It is a unique place for water sports with its clear water and richness under the sea. When all these beauties come together, it is clear that Kaş is not only a holiday destination but also an escape point with the integration of history and nature.

Kaş offers the unique beauties of the Mediterranean together, check out our page for Kaş hotel options for accommodation options.

Must-See Places to Visit in Kas

• Antiphellos Ancient City: Very close to the center of Kas. One of the oldest settlements of the Lycian period. The better preserved structure in Antiphellos is the theater. The theater at the southern foot of the Acropolis hill is leaning against the slope and faces the sea with twenty-six seating rows. On the hill that borders today's Kaş from the northeast, there are many rock tombs with Gothic style or Lycian inscriptions. The most interesting of these is the tomb with a Lycian inscription on the second floor in the form of a Gothic arch. Centuries later, when the tomb was used again by a woman named Claudia Recepta, a Latin inscription was added.
• Kekova Island and Sunken City: This island, also known as 'Caravola', is one of the most popular sailing destinations on the Turkish Mediterranean coastline. You can come here by boat and explore it. This place attracts attention not only for its clear waters but also for being close to the Lycian Way hiking trail. Across from Kaleköy is the ancient Sunken City, where thousands of people come every year to admire the mysterious underwater world.
• Patara Ancient City: One of the important cities of Lycia. In addition to its archaeological and historical values, it is also a place of special importance as it is one of the rare beaches where Caretta-Carettas, the Mediterranean turtles, lay their eggs and breed for millions of years.
• Lion Sarcophagus: It is located close to the center of Kaş. It is an important tomb monument from the Lycian period. If you are interested in history, you should definitely see it.

2- Olympos 

Located in the west of Antalya, it is a place that fascinates with its historical and natural beauties. Traces of the ancient Lycian period are still visible today. Olympos, an important Lycian city in ancient times, carries its historical heritage to the present day. Among the ancient ruins, baths, thiotra, agora and walls shed light on the past of Olympos. It dazzles not only with its history but also with its natural beauties. Olympos is also famous for being the breeding ground of Caretta Caretta (Sea Turtles). Its protected beaches also increase the ecological value of the region. Yanartaş (Chimaera), which is located right next to Olympos, is also famous for the fire of natural gases coming out of the ground and constantly burning.

If you are looking for an accommodation experience in touch with nature, Olympos offers unique options. Check out our page for Olympos hotel options.

Places to see in Olympos

• Go to Suluada: It is located very close to Olympos. It is an island famous for its clear sea and calm atmosphere. It is also a breeding ground for Caretta Carettas. You can explore the island by joining the boat tours organized here.
• Visit the Ancient City of Olympos: An important point with the ruins of the Lycian period. You can witness the past of Olympos by breathing the historical atmosphere.
• Go to Phaselis Ancient City: If you want to have an experience intertwined with history and nature, you should definitely come.
• Watch the sunset in Gelidonya: The place where Turkey's highest lighthouse is located. Here you can watch the sunset against the unique view of the Mediterranean Sea. The sea and the sky almost merge here.

Ancient City of Olympos

3- Kemer

Kemer is a unique holiday destination stretching from the foothills of the Taurus Mountains to the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists with its eye-catching beaches, lush nature and historical richness. Its pine forests and bays are like paradise. Göynük Canyon and Çıralı Yanartaş are among the most impressive places where you can feel the power of nature. Not only its nature but also its history is worth exploring. Phaselis Ancient City is a historical port city located by the sea with its Roman and Byzantine ruins. The place, which has been home to many civilizations throughout history, is an indispensable part of history and culture trips today...

Kemer, one of the popular holiday resorts of Antalya, has various accommodation options that appeal to every budget and taste. Check out our page for Kemer accommodation options.

Kemer Must-See Attractions

• Yoruk Park If you want to spend a nice day getting to know the culture of Yoruks closely, Yoruk Park is one of the right places. This park, which is an open-air museum on the Küçükburun Peninsula in the center of Kemer, is one of the must-see places in Kemer. In the park, hair tents, mannequins in authentic clothes, goods and tools reflecting the daily traditional lives of Yoruks are exhibited.
• Tekirova Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches of Kemer. The blue flagged beach is calm and waveless. You can also do water sports such as water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing and diving here.
• Paris 2 Shipwreck: If you like diving, you should definitely see this place. It is considered one of the 100 best diving sites in the world. The wreck is located at a depth of 25 meters. The Paris 2 warship was used as a cargo and hospital ship during the First World War.
• Molla Deligi Cave: It is located on the 910-meter-high eastern slope of the 2,364-meter-high Tahtalı Mountain. Molla Deliği Cave is a natural cave and one of the most prominent places in Kemer. You can only reach here on foot. Since there are many entrances and exits, getting to the end of the cave is a bit challenging, but it is worth seeing.

Tekirova Beach

4- Adrasan

Adrasan, located in Kumluca district of Antalya, is perfect for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful holiday with its clean beaches and rich history. It is located on the shore of clear waters and in nature. You can swim especially at Adrasan Beach and explore the underwater world by diving. Musa Mountain is also a great route for hikers, and when you climb it, you can see the panoramic view of Adrasan. You can join a boat tour to explore the surrounding bays. Adrasan's history, culture and sea are too beautiful to ignore.

Adrasan, one of the hidden paradises of Antalya, is one of the favorite destinations of vacationers with its clean sea and peaceful atmosphere. Check out our page for Adrasan accommodation options.

Must See Places in Adrasan

• Karaöz beach: This area is actually the beach of a small village. It is a quiet, calm place right in nature, at a point where the forest and the sea meet. It is located on the Lycian Bay.
• Pirate Bay: It is also the harbor of the ancient city of Melanippe. This bay is especially preferred by those who want to camp. You can stop for a break on the way to Gelidonya Lighthouse, and if you want to get to know the Hellenistic period closely, you can explore the ancient city.
• Sazak Bay: Sazak Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the region, is located close to Adrasan. Note that there are no facilities in the bay. This untouched virgin place is also free of charge.
• Adrasan Bay: You can explore it by boat tour, do water sports and diving.

Pirate Bay

5- Kalkan 

Kalkan is another place in the Mediterranean famous for its clear waters and natural beauties... With its whitewashed houses, narrow streets decorated with bougainvillea and peaceful atmosphere, Kalkan is also an important center for yacht tourism. This place full of natural beauties, you can explore the surroundings with the deep blue waters of Kaputaş Beach, the golden sands of Patara Beach and the ancient city of Xanthos, which bears the traces of the Lycian Civilization. You can spend your vacation calmly with its calmness and natural beauties.

Accommodation options in Kalkan are quite diverse. There are many alternatives from luxury accommodation to boutique accommodation. You can browse our page for Kalkan accommodation options.

Kalkan Must-See Places

• Fırnaz Bay: One of the most beautiful places in the Kalkan Region. It is located just west of Kalkan. Fırnaz Bay is known for its crystal clear sea. It is almost a peaceful refuge. A perfect place to watch the sunset. You can reach Fırnaz Bay with a short boat ride from Kalkan.
• Islamlar Village: Approximately 6 kilometers from the town of Kalkan, a quaint village surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and pine forests. The village, which has a history of about 300 years, attracts attention with its clean air and natural beauties.
• Kınık Neighborhood Market
• Palm Beach Club

Fırnaz Bay

6- Manavgat

One of the largest districts of Antalya. It attracts attention with its natural beauties and historical heritage. Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the south, this place comes to life with the Manavgat River. The river is one of the most important touristic spots with its cool waters and lush nature. Side and Selge Ancient Cities also shed light on the region's thousands of years of history.

Manavgat is one of the favorite touristic regions of Antalya and there are accommodation options for every budget and taste. Check out our page for Manavgat hotel options.

Manavgat Must-See Places

• Manavgat Waterfall The waterfall, which has become the symbol of Manavgat, is frequently visited by the people of the region. It is indispensable for the summer months with its impressive view and coolness intertwined with nature. The waterfall, which was formed as a result of the waters coming from the Manavgat River pouring down from a small height, has a white appearance with the erosion of the forms where it is poured.
• Temple of Apollo: Built around 150 AD, the temple was named after Apollo, known in mythology as the god of poetry, art and the sun. The temple, which is one of the most visited structures of the region by tourists, is also very suitable for nature walks. The Corinthian columns in the structure, which has an impressive appearance with its sea view, have survived to the present day as they were in the period when it was built.
• Köprülü Canyon: It is approximately 65 kilometers from Antalya district center. Transportation to the park is carried out by private car or Bozyaka minibuses. Many rafting organizations are also organized worldwide. It has the longest canyon in Turkey.
• Aspendos Ancient Theater: The theater, which is one of the structures of the Roman period, still hosts many concerts, events and organizations today. Aqueducts and basilica are among the structures that should be seen.

Manavgat Waterfall

7- Side

Side, a neighborhood of Manavgat district, is located 78 kilometers from Antalya. Side has a cozy atmosphere with its cobbled streets, white houses and balconies decorated with bougainvillea. It was one of the important port cities of the Pamphylia region. Today, it is one of the popular tourist destinations that attracts attention with its ancient ruins and natural beauties. One of the most striking structures of Side is the Temple of Apollo at the tip of the peninsula.

If you want to examine the best hotel options for a comfortable and enjoyable holiday in Side, you can take a look at Side hotel options on our page

Places to see in Side

• Side Ancient City: Famous for its Hellenistic and Roman ruins, this ancient city is a unique place for history buffs.
• Side Ancient Theater: One of the largest ancient theaters in the region, this structure attracts attention with its impressive architecture.
• Side Museum: This museum, where artifacts from ancient times are exhibited, reveals the rich history of the region.

Side Ancient City

8- Belek

One of the important tourism centers of Turkey. Belek is famous for its clean, white sandy beaches and the surrounding pine forests. Belek attracts attention not only for its beaches, but also for its historical and cultural richness; important buildings such as the Aspendos Ancient Theater, you can trace the traces of the past to visitors to the region. 

Must-See Places in Belek

Belek Beach: A beautiful seaside town located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. With its beautiful coastline and beach, it is an ideal place for those looking for a relaxed vacation. Whether you want to spend time sunbathing, swimming or snorkeling... You can enjoy the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, dive into the warm seas and take in the breathtaking views of the Belek coastline.

Ancient City of Perge: It is located in Aksu district, 17 kilometers east of Antalya city center. Believed to have existed during the Hittite Period and known as “Parha”, the city was one of the most organized cities in Anatolia during the Roman Period. Famous for its architecture and marble sculpture, the sculptures unearthed during excavations in the ancient city have made the Antalya Museum one of the most important sculpture museums.

Ancient City of Perge

9- Kekova

An uninhabited Turkish island. Known as “Dolichiste” in ancient times, this island is famous for the ruins of the ancient city on the north shore, which is partially submerged. It was largely destroyed by an earthquake, but was rebuilt and revitalized during the Byzantine period. Since this is a special protection area, diving and swimming activities are restricted in the parts where the sunken city is located. The area covers 260 square kilometers, including Kekova Island, the villages of Kaleköy (ancient Simena) and Üçağız (ancient Teimioussa) and the ancient cities of Simena, Aperlae, Dolichiste and Teimioussa. You can explore the sunken city on boat tours in the crystal clear waters of Kekova and visit the historical castle in Kaleköy to see the rich history of the region.

Kekova

10- Kaleici

Kaleiçi, surrounded by sea and land waters, sheds light on the city's past and attracts attention with its narrow streets and stone houses. This region, which bears traces of the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, takes visitors on a journey through time. Among the places to visit in Kaleiçi are important buildings such as Hadrian's Gate, Kesik Minaret, Yivli Minaret and the historical Clock Tower. In addition, many of the old Turkish houses in the region continue to serve as boutique hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Take a look at our Kaleiçi Hotels page to examine accommodation options in Kaleiçi, the historical district of Antalya.

Must-See Places in Kaleiçi, Antalya

Hadrian’s Gate: Built in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Antalya in 130 AD, Hadrian’s Gate (Üçkapılar) is one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks. Over time, parts of the city walls covered the gate, preserving it in excellent condition. It was later revealed once again after the walls were demolished. Designed as a two-story structure, this elegant gate stands out with its white marble columns and intricate carvings. Walking through Hadrian’s Gate is an unforgettable experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Antalya’s rich history.

Walk on the Glass Terrace: The glass-floored terrace offers a unique perspective on Antalya’s natural beauty and historical charm. This experience is a must for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. Especially at sunset, the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean makes it an ideal spot for visitors.

Antalya Marine Biology Museum: As Turkey’s first marine biology museum, this is one of the must-visit places in Kaleiçi. It is an excellent destination, particularly for families with children, offering an educational and enjoyable experience.

Yivli Minaret Mosque and Complex: Built in the 13th century by Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, this mosque is one of the oldest Islamic structures in the city. Its distinctive fluted minaret, made of red bricks, has become one of Antalya’s iconic symbols. The complex also includes a madrasa and a mausoleum.

Historic Clock Tower: Constructed in 1901 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, this clock tower sits atop the Kale Kapısı bastion. With clocks on all four sides, it serves as an important symbol of the city.

Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum: Housed in a 19th-century Antalya mansion, this ethnographic museum offers thematic exhibits showcasing the region’s traditional lifestyle and culture. The museum complex also includes the Aya Yorgi Church.

Antalya Toy Museum: Opened in 2011, this museum exhibits around 3,000 antique toys dating from the 1860s to the 1980s. It offers a nostalgic experience for visitors of all ages and is open daily from 09:30 to 18:30, except on Mondays.

Kaleiçi Marina: Surrounded by historic walls, this harbor was once an important trade center. Today, it serves as a tourist hotspot where yachts dock, and visitors can enjoy restaurants and cafes. Strolling through the narrow streets around the marina while admiring the sea view is a delightful experience.

Kırk Merdiven (Forty Stairs): These historic stairs, located in Kaleiçi, lead down a steep slope to the marina. As you descend, you can take in the stunning sea views and admire the surrounding historical structures.

Hadrian’s Gate: While exploring Antalya’s fascinating attractions, you may also want to visit some of its stunning beaches. Check out our article on Antalya’s Top 10 Beaches to discover the most breathtaking coves and pristine shores along the Mediterranean coast.

Hadrian’s Gate

While exploring the fascinating vacation spots of Antalya, you may also want to see the most beautiful beaches of this region. You can discover the bays and beaches that stand out with their deep blue sea by reading our 10 Most Beautiful Beaches of Antalya article.