Although not often discussed in American circles, Antalya is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most popular destinations.
Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, perhaps the most overlooked part of the world-famous basin, it is exactly what should come to your mind when we reiterate, as we have been for years, that Turkey is so much more than just Istanbul.
According to data released by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the city and its wider province welcomed 100,646 foreigners on July 12, the highest single-day figures of the last five years. Based on the current projections, the city could wrap up 2025 with a whopping 18–20 million guests.
Not bad for a largely unheard-of Mediterranean spot that has historically been visited by low-income German families and Russians:
What Is The Antalya Buzz All About?
If you’re wondering what the buzz is all about, just take a look at the picture above.
Picture the gentle ruffling of the wind on the palm trees and the clacking of passerby shoes on cobblestones. Feel the ocean breeze on your face, and try to hear the muffled call to prayer emanating from a medieval mosque in the distance.
Smell the grilling kebab, the spices, and the salt air. Oh, and did we mention the ancient aura all around? There you have it, an all-around, perfect summary of what being in Antalya feels like, and why millions of tourists keep flocking here every year.
If you need more convincing, however, how about we start with Kaleiçi, or in good old English, ‘The Old Town’ area?
A Portal Back Into Ancient Times
Surrounded by walls that were constructed by the Romans themselves nearly 2,000 years ago, Kaleiçi is Antalya’s beating heart, where most of the tourist activity is centered.
A maze of cobbled streets that act as a gateway to times immemorial, it is reflective of the city’s diverse cultural tapestry:
The fortifications and their landmark Hadrian’s Gate are Roman, but the former-churches-now-mosques inside are Greek, and the townhouses, with their beautiful prominent wooden porches and colorful facades, are Ottoman in character.
In a way, Kaleiçi is the Mediterranean in a nutshell. It’s been home to all of the most powerful civilizations you only read about in your History textbooks, and it’s still a lively, lived-in center dotted with taverns, cozy cafes, and vintage bookshops.
If you’re looking for a couple of unique spots to add to your bucket list, make sure Mermerli Restaurant (and its adjacent pebbly beach, wedged between city walls and the sea) and Octopus Book & Cafe are top priority.
The Turkish Copacabana
Beautiful as it may be, Antalya can’t be reduced to Kaleiçi only.
In case you’ve ever wondered what’s the Turkish equivalent to Brazil’s iconic Copacabana, Konyaaltı is a close-enough equivalent. This 4-mile-long beach unfolds along the crystal-clear Mediterranean, and it’s backed by a palm tree-lined promenade and upscale waterside eateries.
It’s also where you’ll find a myriad of water-based attractions, from the kid-friendly Aqualand, a water park featuring slides and lazy rivers, to the Antalya Aquarium, ranked as one of the world’s longest glass-tunnelled aquariums, with themed tanks exhibiting sharks and other big-toothed fish.
A must-see attraction in this part of the city is the Tünektepe Cable Car, which ascends 600 meters above Konyaaltı Beach, heading towards a mountain summit topped with a rotating restaurant. The views from the very top are breathtaking.
Antalya Beyond The Obvious Tourist Hotspots
Most tourists will split their time between the Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı areas, but something they fail to realize is that Antalya is, in fact, one of the largest and thus most vibrant metropolises on the Turkish Coast.
Needless to say, the tourist offer is endless.
Even in quieter, less touristy districts like Kepez, north of the city center, there are lush parks criss-crossed by walking trails that lead to epic waterfalls, over at Yukarı Düden, and an urban forest (Kepez Kent Ormanı) that offers panoramic views of the conurbation.
In Lara, the more exclusive, dressy side of Antalya, east of Kaleiçi, there are beautiful golden-sand beaches, luxury all-inclusive resorts, and splendid shopping malls—as well as a fascinating Sand Sculpture Museum, with exhibits that change every year.
Our personal favorite has to be Belek, most notably for its inclusion of The Land of Legends, the Turkish Disney, and a massive theme park and shopping hub that’s guaranteed fun for all ages. As you can see, there’s plenty in Antalya to keep you busy for days.
Explore The Wider Antalya Province
As if that weren’t enough, you won’t want to miss out on all the amazing day trips you can go on if staying in the city for a prolonged period.
Some of the Mediterranean’s most historically-charged sites are actually within short driving distance from Antalya, such as Aspendos, often referred to as the best-preserved theater of Antiquity (and it still hosts concerts!)
Side, a small, charming coastal town, boasts an equally-rich Greco-Roman heritage: its amphitheater is one of the largest still standing in Turkey, and walking its inner galleries feels a lot like being back in the Colosseum in Rome, and of course, there’s the unbelievably-scenic Temple of Apollo.
A grouping of pillars that have stood the test of time, right where Side meets the sea, provides the perfect stage for the most mystical blood-orange Med sunset you’ll ever experience.
Even beaches in the province can’t help but be shrouded in mythology!
Ever heard of Kleopatra Beach, by any chance? Just know it is only a 50-minute drive east of Side, and it’s supposedly where the Queen of Egypt herself bathed in during her visit to this former Greco-Roman heartland.
Antalya Can Be Dirt Cheap
Manmade and natural wonders aside, Antalya is known for being one of the least expensive Mediterranean destinations out there.
It’s always been a preferred option for middle- to low-income European families seeking package holidays, remember? While it’s true that prices have doubled, or even tripled, in recent years, especially due to the volatility of the Turkish Lira, it remains more affordable than many Western European resorts.
The chart below gives you an indication of what to expect vacationing in Antalya for summer 2025, though it is important to note that prices can, and will probably change as tourism increases, and Turkey’s economic situation grows more unstable.
Before you travel, make sure you check for updated figures to budget accordingly.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
| Meals | $7 | $18–$37.62 | $37.20–$74.40+ |
| Public transportation | $0.63–$0.88 | – | – |
| Taxi (average 3-mile fare) | $1.26–$1.76 | – | – |
| Accommodation | $7.49–$19 | $35 | $150+ |
Going to Turkey in the near future? Check out our new TOP Entry Requirement Checker to verify any visa conditions that may apply to you as an American visitor here.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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