Top 10 Things To Do in the Antalya Region

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1. Discover Ancient Cities and Historical Sites

Antalya is a historically rich city containing many ancient cities and historical sites to visit. Antalya is a destination where you can travel back in time and see the wonders of the past, from the great remains of Perge to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Xanthos.

Some of Antalya's must-see Ancient Towns and Historical Sites

• Perge - This ancient city was once a major Pamphylian civilisation center. Perge has several remarkable remains, including a Roman theater, a gymnasium, and a temple.
• Xanthos - The remnants of an ancient Lycian city may be seen at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The well-preserved temples, tombs, and other buildings of Xanthos are well-known.
• Aspendos - This ancient city has a beautifully restored Roman theater. Today, the Aspendos theater is utilized for concerts and other shows.

Antalya is Also Home to a Variety of Other Historical Sites

• Hadrian's Gate - This gate was built in the 2nd century AD to commemorate the presence of Roman Emperor Hadrian.
• Yivliminare Mosque - This 13th-century mosque is one of Antalya's oldest and most important.
• Antalya Museum - This museum displays relics from Antalya's rich past, like as sculptures, mosaics, and coins.

Antalya is a fantastic place to learn about the ancient world and experience the glories of history, with so much to see and do. So, what are you waiting for? Begin your trip right now!

For more about ancient cities, read our guide, Antiquity in Antalya: Ruins of Cities, Theaters, and Memorials

2. stroll around the Old Town (Kaleiçi)

Step into Antalya's Old Town, Kaleiçi, and wander the labyrinth of lanes lined with wonderfully maintained Ottoman-period homes, succumbing to the whispers of a bygone past.

Antalya's Old City, Kaleiçi, is located in the central part of Antalya. It can be easily reached by various means of transportation, including buses, taxis, or by walking from nearby areas. 

Kaleiçi, Antalya's Old Town, is a wonderful spot for exploring. Ottoman-era homes surrounding the small lanes, many of which have been turned into stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Top Things To Do in Antalya Kaleiçi

• The best way to see Kaleiçi is to simply explore the streets and soak up the ambiance.
• Visit the historical sites. Hadrian's Gate and the Hıdırlk Tower are two of Kaleiçi's historical landmarks.
• Shop for souvenirs. Souvenirs can be purchased at a variety of stores in Kaleiçi. You will find many kinds of items, including Turkish carpets, pottery, and jewelry.
• Eat at a local restaurant. Kaleiçi has numerous excellent eateries providing traditional Turkish food.
• Take a boat trip. From Kaleiçi, you can take a boat excursion to explore the neighboring coastline.
• Get a City Tour with Cable Car. On this full-day excursion, you can discover Antalya's natural beauty in a very different aspect. To view even more, go to the Duden Waterfall, visit a natural cave, and take a boat ride. Then, see the attractions of Kaleici's old town.
• Keçili Park. This park is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Kaleiçi is an excellent destination for a day or two of exploration. It's a quaint and historic location that will take you back in time.

For additional ideas, check out our thorough guide to Antalya's Old Town.

3. Take a dip in the breathtaking Waterfalls

Begin your adventure through Antalya's famed waterfalls, where beautiful flowing water meets flawless tranquillity.

Antalya's Most Magnificent Waterfalls

• Lower Düden Falls plunge into the Mediterranean Sea from a limestone cliff. Upper Düden Falls run through a cave and emerge from the ground below.
• Manavgat Waterfall is one of Turkey's largest waterfalls and is surrounded by beautiful flora. The Manavgat River has a great environment for water sports in Antalya. Indeed, rafting on the river and a safari around the waterfall are some of the most popular activities in the region
• Köprülü Kanyon - Enjoy an adventure away from the beaches of Antalya Province with a full-day canyoning and rafting tour in Koprulu Canyon National Park.
• Kurşunlu Waterfall is a hidden gem located in the Kursunlu National Park. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush woodland and crystal-clear waters tumble over rocks, creating pleasant pools.
• Sapadere Waterfall - This 160-meter long and 30-meter high waterfall located in the Sapadere Canyon National Park. It is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and rock climbing.
• Uçansu Falls is a 100-meter high waterfall located in the Uçansu Canyon National Park. It is a popular spot for picnicking, hiking, and camping.
• Değirmendere Waterfall is 30-meter high waterfall located in the Değirmendere Canyon National Park. It is a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and fishing.
• Göynük Canyon Waterfalls are a series of waterfalls located in Göynük Canyon National Park. They are a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and canyoning.

4. Head Out on a lovely boat ride

One of the greatest ways to discover Antalya is on a boat trip.

There are several boat activities offered in Antalya. There are several types of boats to select from, including yachts, catamarans, and ferries. There are also a number of itineraries available, such as a day outings, sunset cruises, and overnight excursions.

Whatever you decide, you will have a fascinating and enjoyable time on your Antalya boat tour. You will get the opportunity to explore the gorgeous coastline, discover secret coves and beaches, and experience some of Turkey's most breathtaking beauty.

Things You Can Do On an Antalya Boat Adventure

• Explore the ruins of ancient Phaselis, a once-thriving Greek city.
• Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Paradise Bay.
• Visit Pirate Cave, a hidden cave where pirates are said to have once hidden their treasure.
• Relax on the deck of your boat and soak up the sun.
• Enjoy a delicious meal on board your boat.
• Dance and party with your kids and friends on a fun-filled boat cruise.

Antalya boat tours are a fantastic opportunity to see the best of what Antalya has to offer and create unforgettable memories.

Check out our other articles for tickets for a comprehensive guide to Antalya's excellent boat tours, which showcase the best of the coastline jewels for additional ideas and inspiration.

• The Guide to Blue Cruise Voyages in Antalya
• Guide to Green Canyon in Manavgat: Boat Tours, Access, and Tips
• Visit Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park in Antalya: Access and Tips

5. Unwind by Dim river & cave

Dim River and Cave is a lovely natural place in Alanya, Turkey. It is a famous tourist attraction because of its beautiful surroundings. It has an interesting cave and great riverfront eateries.

The Dim River is a famous swimming, rafting, and fishing location. It's also a nice location for relaxing and take in the view. Dim Cave is an intriguing cave with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. It is an excellent location for exploring and learning about the natural world with your family, kids and friends.

A great supper may be had at one of the numerous concept riverfront eateries. The restaurants provide Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. You can have your lunch while listening to the river and admiring the magnificent environment.

What To Do at Dim River & Cave

• Swim in the Dim River. The Dim River is a great place to cool off on a hot day. The water is clear and refreshing.
• Raft on the Dim River. Rafting is a great way to experience the power of the Dim River. You will float down the river, surrounded by stunning scenery.
• Fish in the Dim River. Fishing is a popular activity on the Dim River. You can catch a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish.
• Explore Dim Cave. The Dim Cave is a fascinating cave with stunning stalagmites and stalactites. It is a great place to explore and learn about the natural world.
• Enjoy a delicious meal at a riverside restaurant. The restaurants offer a variety of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy your meal while listening to the sound of the river and taking in the beautiful scenery.

To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Antalya's city center to get there. We recommend renting a car because the river and cave are located distant from the city center and there is are signs, making it easy to find.

Don't miss our entire guide to Antalya's natural treasures, which includes the location, entrance, and tips for Dim Cave, Dim River and its delightful riverside eateries for additional inspiration and extensive information.

6. See Golden Beaches of Antalya

Antalya is a Turkish city on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a well-known tourist attraction for its beaches, historical sites, and natural beauty.

Antalya has some of the world's most gorgeous beaches. The beaches are extensive and sandy, with crystal clear blue water. They are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in water sports.

Must-See Beaches in Antalya

• Konyaaltı Beach - Konyaaltı Beach is the longest beach in Antalya. It is located in the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation. 
• Lara Beach - Lara Beach is another popular beach in Antalya. It is located just south of the city center and is home to many luxury resorts. The beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the amenities of the resorts.
• Patara Beach - Patara Beach is a secluded beach located about 100 kilometers south of Antalya. The beach is known for its long, sandy dunes and its protected status. Patara Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
• Kleopatra Beach - Kleopatra Beach is a popular beach located in Alanya, a town about 100 kilometers east of Antalya. The beach is named after Cleopatra, who is said to have bathed in its waters. Kleopatra Beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the historical atmosphere of Alanya.
• Kaputaş Beach - Kaputaş Beach is a secluded beach located about 20 kilometers west of Kaş, a town about 150 kilometers south of Antalya. The beach is known for its turquoise waters and its dramatic setting, tucked into a cove surrounded by towering cliffs. Kaputaş Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
• Olympos Beach - Olympos Beach is an unspoiled paradise set between towering mountains and the stunning turquoise sea. Its beautiful sandy coastlines, secret coves, and crystal-clear seas provide nature lovers with a calm vacation, making it a genuine treasure off the Mediterranean coast.

Antalya's beaches are ideal for unwinding, soaking up the sun, and creating memories. If you want to go on a beach holiday, Antalya is the place to go.

Don't miss our complete guide to Antalya's 25 stunning beaches, which details the best spots for your ideal beach vacation, for additional inspiration and information.

7. Take a tour of Antalya's islands 

Antalya is surrounded by various islands that provide an escape from daily life, where you can reconnect with nature, explore ancient treasures, and have incredible adventures along the lovely coastline.

Antalya's Most Popular Islands

• Suluada - Suluada is a small island located off the coast of Antalya. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Suluada is a great place explore a different side of Antalya.
• Kekova - Kekova Island is a larger island located off the coast of Antalya. The island is home to the Sunken City, an ancient underwater ruins site. Kekova is a great place to dive and explore the ruins of the ancient city.
• Dolichiste - Dolichiste is a small island located off the coast of Antalya. The island is known for its unspoiled beaches and stunning scenery. Dolichiste is a great place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
• Üç Adalar - Üç Adalar is a beautiful trio of islands with stunning scenery and blue waters. It's a snorkeling and diving paradise, with brilliant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and isolated beaches. Discover a secret paradise by exploring the beautiful beauty of Üç Adalar.
• Dolphin Island - Dolphin Island is located in the Manavgat River delta, approximately 10 kilometers from Antalya. A pod of bottlenose dolphins that have been trained to interact with humans live in the waters near the island. Here, you can swim with and feed the dolphins and learn about their habits.
• These are only a few of the many islands accessible from Antalya. If you're seeking a quiet and refreshing holiday, Antalya's islands are the ideal destination.

Don't miss our full guide to Antalya's lovely islands, which highlights the best places to visit on your island excursion.

Here are some of our favorite island tour tickets

• Antalya/Kemer: Suluada Island Small-Group Boat Tour w/ Lunch
• From Antalya: Day Trip to Demre, Myra and Kekova Boat Trip
• Green Canyon Boat Trip from Antalya

8. Experience The Land of Legends

The Land of Legends theme park in Antalya, Turkey, is a must-see. It is an intriguing fantasy and adventure world with many attractions for everyone to enjoy, especially families and children!

The park features a fairy tale castle, a water park, an adrenaline park, and a retail center, as well as other attractions. Throughout the day, there are also a variety of events and performances, such as boat displays, laser shows, and water shows.

Land of Legends is a fun destination to visit with family and friends. It's a thrilling location where you. can let your imagination run free.

Top Things To Do at Land of Legends Theme Park

• Ride the roller coasters. The park has a variety of roller coasters for all ages, from the family-friendly Pirate Coaster to the adrenaline-pumping Hyper Coaster.
• Explore the water park. The water park has a variety of slides, pools, and lazy rivers for you to enjoy.
• Go on a quest. The park has a variety of quests that you can go on, such as the Pirate Quest and the Adventure Quest.
• See a show. The park has a variety of shows throughout the day, including a Magic Show, a Laser Show, and a Water Show.
• Shop. The park has a variety of shops where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, and other items.

Popular Ticket Options

• Land of Legends Entrance Ticket 
• Land of Legends Entrance Ticket + Transfer

Read more about tickets and how to get there in our complete Land of Legends Guide.

9. Explore amazing historical places and Colorful Culture in Manavgat & Side

Manavgat and Side are two of Antalya's most famous tourist spots. You can engage in a range of activities such as shopping, sightseeing, swimming, and resting.

Manavgat is a riverside settlement on the Manavgat River. It's famous for its vibrant marketplaces, waterfalls, and lakes. You can browse the town's various marketplaces for souvenirs and local items. You can also go on a boat excursion along the Manavgat River to witness the stunning waterfalls. In addition, Manavgat has various lakes that are ideal for swimming and boating.

Side is a town on the coast of the Mediterranean. It is well-known for its historical sites, ancient ruins, and scenic port. Side's ancient ruins, including the Temple of Apollo, the Side Amphitheater, and the Side Nymphaeum, can be explored while you are there. You can also go to Side's historical sites, such as the Side Clock Tower and the Side City Walls.  The city also boasts a lovely port, which is ideal for taking a boat trip or simply resting and admiring the scenery.

More Top Things To Do in Manavgat & Side

• Visit the town of Side. Side is a charming town that is full of history and culture.
• Go shopping in the Manavgat Bazaar. This is a great place to find souvenirs and other items.
• Take a boat trip down the Manavgat River. This is a great way to see the waterfall and the town of Manavgat from a different perspective.
• Visit Köprülü Canyon National Park. This is a great place to see stunning scenery and go for a hike.
• Visit Side's Ancient Ruins. These are the remains of an ancient city that was once a major trading center.
• Visit the Side Amphitheater. This is an ancient amphitheater that was once used for performances and gladiatorial contests.
• Visit the Temple of Apollo. This is an ancient temple that was once dedicated to the Greek god Apollo.
• Visit the Side Harbor. This is a historic harbor that is now a popular tourist destination.
• Go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea is a beautiful spot that is perfect for swimming, boat tour, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Go on a dolphin watching tour. This is a great way to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Go hiking in the Taurus Mountains. The Taurus Mountains are a great place to go hiking, camping, and mountain biking.

These are just a few of the many things you can do and see in Manavgat. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, in this article you will find more about things to do in Manavgat

You can purchase tickets for the events listed below that you will attend with your family and friends

• From Side: Antalya Old City and Waterfall Day Trip
• From Side: Full-Day Scuba Diving in Manavgat
• Side: Adler Canyon & Selge Guided Tour with Hotel Transfers
• From Antalya: Day Tour of Ancient Roman Sites
• From Side: Cabrio Bus Safari and Boat Tour with Lunch
• Rafting, Quad (ATV) Safari & Zipline Super Combo Adventure

10. Hike the Lycian Way

Lycia is a historical area on Turkey's Teke Peninsula in southern Anatolia. It is a hilly area with a long history that dates back to the Bronze Age. The Lycians were an independent people with their own language and customs. They were well-known for their maritime abilities and commercial prowess.

The Lycian Way is a long-distance (520km) hiking trail that travels across the Lycian Mountains. It is a well-known hiking trail with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. Hikers can stop along the road to see ancient sites like as Xanthos, Patara, Myra, Pinara, Tlos, Olympos, and Phaselis.

The Lycian Way is a fantastic way to learn about Lycia's history and culture. It is also a wonderful chance to appreciate the natural splendor of the Taurus Mountains. It is an excellent alternative for anyone seeking a tough and rewarding trekking adventure.

Sights and Activities Along the Lycian Way

• Visit the ruins of ancient Lycian cities. The Lycian Way passes through the ruins of several ancient Lycian cities, including Xanthos, Patara, Myra, Pinara, Tlos, Olympos, and Phaselis. These ruins offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the Lycian people.
• Hike through the Taurus Mountains. The Lycian Way winds its way through the Taurus Mountains, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. Hiking through the Taurus Mountains is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region.
• Visit the Lycian tombs. The Lycians were known for their rock-cut tombs, which can be found throughout the Lycian Way. These tombs are a testament to the Lycian people's skill in stonework.
• Swim in the Mediterranean Sea. The Lycian Way passes by several beaches, where you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Visit local villages. The Lycian Way passes through several small villages, where you can experience the local culture and cuisine.

Discover more about the Lycian Way. The complete guide to the Lycian Way has everything you need to know before visiting the Lycian Way.

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