Things to Do in Antalya: Kaleici, Waterfalls, Ancient Cities and Coastal Routes

Best Things to Do in Antalya: From Kaleici to the Lycian Coast

People who take Antalya for a single resort are surprised within two days. This is Turkey's most visited province after Istanbul; but the point is not the numbers, it is the variety. Within the same provincial border there is a two-thousand-year-old port city like Kaleici, waterfalls pouring off cliffs into the sea, ancient cities left standing like Perge and Aspendos, crowded coastal centres like Side and Alanya, quiet tree-house coves like Olympos and Cirali, and boutique towns like Kas. From Gazipasa in the east to Kas in the west the coast runs over 600 kilometres; just behind the shore begin the highlands, canyons and caves of the Taurus.

So the sentence "I'm going to Antalya" is not a plan on its own; the real question is which Antalya you are going to. This guide covers the province region by region, in 20 numbered stops: from the centre to Alanya, from the Kemer line to the Kas-Demre Lycian coast and the Taurus highlands, all with the correct district. At the end there are day-by-day routes, season choice, food and classic traps.

The channel walked this city's streets, shores and coves on camera. The distances below are measured straight-line from Kaleici; because the coast road winds, the real drive takes much longer. The numbers match the pins on the map exactly.

Quick Answer

Central Antalya (Kaleici, the museum, Duden, the beaches) fits into 3 days; the Perge-Aspendos-Side eastern line, Kemer-Olympos, and the Kas-Demre Lycian coast are separate days. Do not try to fit them all into one trip; decide which Antalya you want.

• **First visit:** The centre 3 days + one coastal line (the Side direction or the Kemer direction) 2 days.
• **Base:** Kaleici (history + evening), Konyaalti (beach + city balance), Lara (new hotels).
• **Car-free:** The central triangle works by tram + bus; for Perge/Aspendos/Termessos/Kas, renting a car saves the trip.

Understanding Antalya in Five Minutes

Even Antalya's name comes from a king's "search for paradise." The city was founded by Attalus II of Pergamon (159-138 BC); by tradition the king told his soldiers to "find paradise on earth," set up a harbour here and gave the city his own name (Attaleia). In the Roman age the city grew: in 130 AD, in honour of Emperor Hadrian's visit, the three-arched Hadrian's Gate that stands at the entrance to Kaleici today was built and the walls repaired. The Seljuks took the city on 5 March 1207; it grew under Alaeddin Keykubad, and Kaleici's symbol, the Yivli Minaret, dates from this period.

But Antalya's history is not limited to Kaleici. The province takes in the ancient regions of Pamphylia and Lycia. In the east, Perge and Aspendos were among Rome's grandest cities in Anatolia; the theatre Aspendos built in the 2nd century AD (138-164) by the architect Zenon is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres to reach us with its stage intact, and its acoustics are legendary. In the west on the Lycian coast, the 4th-century bishop of Myra, St Nicholas, spread across the world as Santa Claus; Patara was the capital of the Lycian League. To the north, Termessos on the slope of the Taurus is the city that even Alexander the Great could not take.

Knowing these layers changes the visit. Passing beneath Hadrian's Gate in Kaleici, you witness an emperor's visit; at Aspendos you drop a metal coin on the stage and hear it from the top row; at Myra you stand at the real tomb of Santa Claus. Antalya lays its history not over a single city but over a whole coast.

The Centre: Kaleici, the Museum and the Waterfalls

The central triangle is toured by tram and short taxi; Kaleici, the museum, Duden and the beaches are close together. The six stops below are within 12 km of the centre.

1. Kaleici and the Yacht Harbour

Antalya's two-thousand-year-old heart. The walled old port city; narrow stone streets, restored Ottoman mansions, Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret and the slopes down to the marina are all here. In the late afternoon the streets come alive, and the boats in the marina light up. Kaleici lives like an open-air museum; getting lost is the best method.

• **Getting there:** The centre's ground zero; the tram (AntRay) and buses stop near Kaleici (0 km).
• **Best time:** Early morning (quiet and cool) or sunset (marina lights).
• **While you're here:** The Archaeology Museum (2) is a few tram stops away; Konyaalti (4) is nearby.
• **Budget:** Wandering the streets is free; marina cafes are mid-to-upper.
• **Common mistake:** Just taking a photo of Hadrian's Gate and leaving; Kaleici's soul is in the side alleys and the slopes down to the marina.

2. Antalya Archaeology Museum

The museum in Konyaalti, home to finds from the region's ancient cities (especially Perge) and one of Turkey's most important archaeology museums. The god and goddess statues of Perge, sarcophagi, mosaics and the hall of finds; stopping here before or after touring the ancient cities tells the world behind the stones.

• **Getting there:** A few tram stops west from Kaleici (1); 3 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** In the midday heat; enclosed, cool and precious.
• **While you're here:** Konyaalti Beach (4) and Tunektepe (6) are nearby.
• **Budget:** Paid entry; Museum Pass valid.
• **Common mistake:** Touring Perge without seeing the museum; most of the city's statues are here, and the two complete each other.

3. Duden Waterfalls

Antalya's famous waterfalls pouring off cliffs into the sea. Lower Duden, near Lara, falls straight from the cliff into the Mediterranean; passing in front of it by boat is striking. Upper Duden (Kepez) is a cave-waterfall in a wooded park that you can walk behind. The two are different experiences; this nature break inside the city cools a hot day.

• **Getting there:** Lower Duden is 8 km from the centre, towards Lara; by bus or car.
• **Best time:** Afternoon; plenty of water, good light on the cliff.
• **While you're here:** Lara Beach (5) is near Lower Duden.
• **Budget:** Park entry is cheap; the boat trip separate.
• **Common mistake:** Confusing the two; Lower Duden is cliff-sea, Upper Duden is park-cave. Go knowing which you want.

4. Konyaalti Beach

The long pebble beach west of the city; the silhouette of the Beydaglari behind, the open sea in front. With its clifftop parks, promenade and cafes, Konyaalti is the address of the beach-and-city balance. Blue Flag and organised; it suits families and those wanting quick sea from the city centre.

• **Getting there:** West by tram/bus from Kaleici (1); 5 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Morning and late afternoon; the pebbles heat up at noon, so water shoes help.
• **While you're here:** The Archaeology Museum (2) and Tunektepe (6) are nearby.
• **Budget:** Public sections are free; facilities separate.
• **Common mistake:** Walking the pebbles barefoot; water shoes are useful all along the Antalya coast.

5. Lara Beach

The wide sandy beach east of the city; against Konyaalti's pebbles, Lara is sand. Large hotels, organised facilities and the cliffs where Lower Duden falls into the sea are here. The choice for those wanting a sand beach and comfortable facilities.

• **Getting there:** East by bus/car from Kaleici (1); 9 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Morning and late afternoon.
• **While you're here:** The Lower Duden (3) cliffs adjoin it.
• **Budget:** Hotel beaches are paid; there are public sections.
• **Common mistake:** Expecting sand and going to Konyaalti; the sand is at Lara, the pebbles at Konyaalti.

6. Tunektepe Cable Car

The cable car at the western end of Konyaalti; it climbs from Sarisu to the Tunektepe summit and shows the whole Bay of Antalya from above. From the summit terrace and cafe, the city, the beaches and the Beydaglari stretch in one frame. One of the city's best viewpoints for sunset.

• **Getting there:** From the western end of Konyaalti (4); 12 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Sunset; the bay and mountains catch the light.
• **While you're here:** Konyaalti Beach (4) is below.
• **Budget:** The cable car is paid, mid-range.
• **Common mistake:** Going up on a foggy/windy day; the view closes, so check the weather first.

Eastern Line: Perge, Aspendos, Side

East of the centre, the ancient cities of the Pamphylian plain and Side. By car or tour; Perge is near, Side a day trip.

7. Perge Ancient City (Aksu)

The Hellenistic-Roman city east of the centre; with its colonnaded main street, stadium, baths and monumental gate, one of Pamphylia's grandest sites. It is also remembered as the city St Paul visited on his first missionary journey. Most of the statues in the museum came from here; see the city and the museum together.

• **Getting there:** By car east from the centre (1); 16 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Early morning; there is no shade on the colonnaded street, and midday heat is hard.
• **While you're here:** Aspendos (8) as you continue east; the Archaeology Museum (2) completes it in the centre.
• **Budget:** Paid entry; Museum Pass valid.
• **Common mistake:** Going without water and a hat; the site is shadeless and wide.

8. Aspendos (Serik)

One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD (138-164) by the Aspendos architect Zenon, the theatre is the soundest example to reach us with its stage building intact; its acoustics are legendary, and a metal coin dropped on the stage is heard from the top rows. It is still used today as a concert and festival stage. The nearby aqueducts, at 15-30 metres high, are also worth seeing.

• **Getting there:** By car east from the centre (1); 42 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Morning or late afternoon; at midday the theatre stone heats up.
• **While you're here:** Perge (7) is on the road; Side (9) and Koprulu (10) continue east.
• **Budget:** Paid entry; Museum Pass valid.
• **Common mistake:** Not testing the acoustics; go down to the stage and whisper, and have your friend hear it from above.

9. Side (Manavgat)

The ancient port town built on a peninsula and the most popular stop on the eastern line. With the seaside columns of the Temple of Apollo, its ancient theatre and its sand beaches, history and sea interweave. It is crowded and touristy, but the sunset between the temple columns is a classic.

• **Getting there:** East by bus/car from the centre (1); 62 km from the centre. For detail, see [Side travel guide](/travel-guides/side-travel-guide-things-to-do).
• **Best time:** Sunset at the Temple of Apollo; the beach by day.
• **While you're here:** Aspendos (8) and Koprulu Canyon (10) are on the same eastern route.
• **Budget:** The site is paid; the town mid-to-upper.
• **Common mistake:** Coming in the midday crowd; the site in the morning and the temple sunset in the evening are better.

10. Koprulu Canyon and Selge (Manavgat)

The deep canyon and rafting centre in the Taurus; rafting in cold water in the gorge carved by the Kopru River, an ancient Roman bridge and the ancient city of Selge above. Nature and history together; in the summer heat, the canyon's cool and the rush of the water are a day entirely different from the city.

• **Getting there:** By car northeast from the centre (1); 53 km from the centre, mountain road.
• **Best time:** A summer morning for rafting; the water is cold but exhilarating.
• **While you're here:** Aspendos (8) and Side (9) on the way back.
• **Budget:** The rafting tour is mid-range; access needs a car.
• **Common mistake:** Going without a change of clothes; rafting soaks you and the water is icy.

The Alanya Direction

At the eastern end of the province, Antalya's second-largest centre with its long beach and castle silhouette. It is far from the centre and needs a separate base.

11. Alanya Castle and the Red Tower

The medieval castle crowning the peninsula and the 1226 Red Tower at the harbour. The walls, shipyard and tower built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad are among the best-preserved medieval defences on the Mediterranean. From the castle, Alanya's two bays, long beach and sea stretch in one frame.

• **Getting there:** East by bus/car from the centre (1); 122 km from the centre. For detail, see [Alanya travel guide](/travel-guides/alanya-travel-guide-things-to-do).
• **Best time:** Late afternoon; both the heat breaks and there is sunset.
• **While you're here:** Damlatas Cave and Cleopatra Beach are at the foot of the castle.
• **Budget:** Castle/tower paid; cable car separate.
• **Common mistake:** Squeezing Alanya into a centre visit; it is 122 km away and needs a separate base.

The Kemer Line

Southwest of the centre, the mountain-and-sea strip where the Beydaglari drop to the sea. Ancient cities, eternal flames and a cable car are here.

12. Phaselis Ancient City (Kemer)

The ancient port city stretching to the sea within a pine forest. The three-harbour city founded around 690 BC by the Rhodians interweaves history and sea with its marble main street and swimmable coves. Swimming in the ancient harbour's cove, among stones two and a half thousand years old, is the Kemer line's most special experience.

• **Getting there:** By car southwest from the centre (1); 43 km from the centre. For detail, see [Kemer travel guide](/travel-guides/kemer-travel-guide-phaselis-goynuk-cirali-beaches).
• **Best time:** Early morning; the coves are quiet, the shade cool.
• **While you're here:** Tahtali (14) and Olympos-Yanartas (13) on the same line.
• **Budget:** Paid entry; Museum Pass valid. Bring a swimsuit.
• **Common mistake:** Going without a swimsuit; swimming in the ancient harbour is the real experience.

13. Olympos and Yanartas (Kemer/Kumluca)

The ancient Lycian city of Olympos scattered through forest and stream, and above it Yanartas, the natural flames that have not gone out in two and a half thousand years. Cirali's protected beach, the tree-house guesthouses and the fires rising from the rock at night are Antalya's most fairy-tale corner. Climb to Yanartas in the evening; the flames stand out in the dark.

• **Getting there:** By car southwest from the centre (1); 55 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Beach and Olympos in the afternoon, Yanartas in the evening.
• **While you're here:** Phaselis (12) and Tahtali (14) on the same line.
• **Budget:** The site and Yanartas entry are cheap.
• **Common mistake:** Climbing to Yanartas without a torch; the path is rocky and dark.

14. Tahtali Mountain (Kemer)

The cable car to the 2365-metre summit; you reach the snow line from sea level in minutes. From the summit, a panorama of Kemer, the Bay of Antalya and the Beydaglari stretches out. The view is extraordinary when the weather is clear, but the cable car can close in wind and fog; confirm the conditions before going up.

• **Getting there:** Southwest from the centre (1), to the cable-car base station; 45 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Morning, when the weather is clearest.
• **While you're here:** Phaselis (12) and Olympos (13) on the same line.
• **Budget:** The cable car is upper tier.
• **Common mistake:** Going without checking the weather; in fog and wind it closes and there is no view.

The Lycian Coast: Demre, Kekova, Kas

West of the centre, Antalya's most characterful and most distant region. Ancient Lycia, a sunken city and boutique towns. Worth a trip of its own; at least 90 km.

15. Myra and Santa Claus (Demre)

The ancient Lycian city of Myra and the Church of St Nicholas. Myra's rock tombs and theatre are striking; but what made Demre known to the world is St Nicholas, the 4th-century bishop here who became the legend of Santa Claus. His tomb and frescoes are in his church; faith and history meet here.

• **Getting there:** By car west from the centre (1); 95 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Morning; both cool and before the tour buses.
• **While you're here:** Kekova (16) and Kas (17) on the same western route.
• **Budget:** The rock tombs and church are separately ticketed; Museum Pass valid.
• **Common mistake:** Only seeing the church; Myra's rock tombs and theatre are a must too.

16. Kekova (Sunken City)

The remains of the ancient city partly underwater from the rise in sea level; you pass over it by boat. Under the clear water, stairs, walls and sarcophagi appear; the castle in the village of Simena (Kalekoy) and the sarcophagus in the sea are the most iconic image of the Lycian coast. Swimming is banned, but exploring by glass-bottomed boat is striking.

• **Getting there:** By boat from Ucagiz or Kas; 108 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** Morning, when the sea is still and the clarity highest.
• **While you're here:** Myra (15) and Kas (17) are in the same area.
• **Budget:** The boat trip is mid-to-upper.
• **Common mistake:** An afternoon windy boat trip; the morning sea is calm and clear.

17. Kas and Antiphellos

The province's most characterful town; a calm Mediterranean stop with bougainvillea stone streets, boutique hotels, a marina and dive centres. The ancient Antiphellos theatre within the town faces the sea; the surrounding coves, dive sites and the view of Meis island make Kas one of Antalya's most peaceful corners.

• **Getting there:** By car west from the centre (1); 122 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** The streets and marina in the late afternoon; the coves and diving by day.
• **While you're here:** Kekova (16) and Patara (18) are at the same western end.
• **Budget:** Boutique hotels are upper tier; the town mid-range.
• **Common mistake:** Taking Kas for a day trip; it is 122 km away and needs at least a night.

18. Patara (Kas)

The capital of the Lycian League and an ancient city with one of Turkey's longest beaches. At Patara, the birthplace of St Nicholas, there is one of the world's oldest parliament buildings, a monumental gate and ruins swallowed by the sand. Its 18-kilometre beach is a loggerhead nesting shore; it is protected, with no entry at night.

• **Getting there:** By car west from Kas (17); 142 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** The site and beach in the morning; no shade in the midday heat.
• **While you're here:** Kas (17) and the Saklikent Canyon are nearby.
• **Budget:** Paid entry; Museum Pass valid.
• **Common mistake:** Going down to the beach at night in nesting season; a protected shore, follow the rules.

The Taurus Route: Termessos and Karain

Just behind the coast, the ancient city and prehistoric cave of the Taurus. Near the centre but with mountain air.

19. Termessos (Dosemealti)

The ancient city 1000 metres up in the Taurus; the Pisidian city that even Alexander the Great could not take, leaning on the mountain's natural defence. Its theatre sits on the edge of a cliff, facing the mountain view; with its rock tombs, cisterns and walls, it is a site that takes effort to reach but rewards greatly. Within a national park, surrounded by pine forest.

• **Getting there:** By car northwest from the centre (1), then a climb; 24 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** In the cool of the morning; the climb is steep, and midday heat is hard.
• **While you're here:** Karain Cave (20) on the same northwest route.
• **Budget:** National park entry is cheap.
• **Common mistake:** Going in light shoes; the climb to the theatre is steep and stony, so sturdy shoes are essential.

20. Karain Cave (Dosemealti)

The prehistoric cave carrying Anatolia's oldest traces of settlement; a place where human presence reaching back hundreds of thousands of years has been found. With its wide galleries facing the plain and its archaeological importance, it shows that Antalya's history goes far further back than Kaleici. Finds are displayed in the museum beside it.

• **Getting there:** By car northwest from the centre (1); 25 km from the centre.
• **Best time:** In the midday heat; the cave is cool.
• **While you're here:** Termessos (19) on the same route.
• **Budget:** Cheap entry.
• **Common mistake:** Expecting a grand structure; its value is in its archaeological depth and cool galleries.

Route Suggestions

**3 days (centre):** Day 1 Kaleici and the marina, sunset in the evening; Day 2 the Archaeology Museum and Duden waterfalls, Konyaalti in the afternoon; Day 3 Perge-Aspendos (the eastern line by car) or Termessos-Karain (the Taurus).

**5 days (centre + one line):** Add to the above 2 days for the Side direction (Aspendos, Side, Koprulu Canyon) or the Kemer direction (Phaselis, Olympos-Yanartas, Tahtali).

**7+ days (heading west):** Base in Kas and add Myra-Santa Claus, Kekova, Patara and Saklikent; the Lycian coast is worth a trip of its own.

Food and Drink

Antalya's cuisine combines the sea with Mediterranean vegetables. Alongside skewered kofte and tandoor meat, piyaz (Antalya's roasted-pepper, tahini bean piyaz, different from other cities'), hibes (a spicy tahini meze) and seafood stand out. Try the tahini piyaz for sure; it is unique to Antalya. For dessert, tavuk gogsu and kunefe; to drink, fresh orange juice (the province is a citrus region). Instead of the tourist restaurants of Kaleici, prefer the tradesmen's eateries in the side streets; both cheaper and more real. For fish on the coast, the harbour restaurants of Kas and Ucagiz stand out.

Classic Mistakes

• **Saying "Antalya" and choosing one base.** The province is 600 km of coast; Kas is 142 km, Alanya 122 km away. Decide which Antalya you want and choose your base accordingly.
• **Going to the ancient cities at midday.** Perge, Aspendos and Termessos are shadeless; go in the first hours of the morning or late afternoon.
• **Not testing the acoustics at Aspendos.** Go down to the stage and whisper; two-thousand-year-old engineering still works.
• **Confusing Duden's two waterfalls.** Lower Duden is cliff-sea, Upper Duden is park-cave.
• **Going up Tahtali without checking the weather.** In fog and wind the cable car closes and there is no view.
• **Taking Kas and the Lycian coast for a day trip.** It needs at least a night; otherwise you burn out on the road.

Bad-Weather Plan

Antalya's "bad weather" is mostly the summer midday heat. On a very hot day, an ancient city/beach in the morning, a cool museum or cave (Karain, Damlatas) at noon, and a waterfall or cable car in the afternoon is a good order. In the rare winter rain, Kaleici, the Archaeology Museum and indoor places offer a dry route; Antalya's winter is still like most European cities' spring, and Kaleici and the ancient cities are toured empty.

Where to Stay

• **Kaleici (Muratpasa):** The best base for a first visit and those who love an evening walk; restored mansion hotels, streets down to the marina. Some streets are noisy with bars on season nights, so check the street before booking.
• **Konyaalti:** The beach-and-city balance; clifftop parks, close to the museum and Tunektepe.
• **Lara (Muratpasa):** A wide beach, new hotels, the Duden cliffs.
• **Kemer, Cirali, Adrasan:** The sea-and-nature side; not the place for those seeking nightlife.
• **Side and Alanya:** The two large centres of the eastern direction.
• **Kas:** The province's most characterful town; about 122 km from the centre, boutique hotels and a cove route.

Transport and Car-Free Antalya

The airport is about 13 km from the centre; the tram (AntRay) runs from the airport to the centre and is practical even with luggage. The central triangle (Kaleici, Konyaalti, Lara, the museum) is toured by tram, bus and short taxi. But if Perge, Aspendos, Side, Termessos, Cirali or Kas enters the plan, renting a car saves the trip; in season, coast-road traffic and the search for parking change the plan. For the Lycian coast (Demre-Kekova-Kas), a car is almost essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

**How many days do you need for Antalya?** Three days for the centre alone. Five days for the centre plus one coastal line; at least seven for the western route down to Kas or the eastern Alanya tour.

**When is the best time to visit Antalya?** April-May and September-October are the most balanced. Summer is hot for the sea but hard at the ancient cities at midday; winter is calm and good for touring.

**Do you need a car in Antalya?** No if you stay only in the centre; the tram and bus are enough. If points like Perge, Aspendos, Termessos and Kas enter the plan, renting a car eases the trip.

**What should you see in Kaleici?** Hadrian's Gate (130 AD), the Yivli Minaret, the yacht harbour and the narrow stone streets. The slopes down to the marina and the side alleys are Kaleici's soul.

**Why is Aspendos special?** Built in the 2nd century AD by the architect Zenon, it is one of the best-preserved Roman theatres to reach us with its stage intact; its acoustics are legendary and it is still used as a concert stage.

A Realistic Way to Plan Antalya

Antalya is too large to plan as one simple beach stop. Decide first whether your trip is focused on the old town, beaches, ancient cities, nature or coastal towns. Kaleici, Duden Waterfall, Konyaalti and Antalya Museum work well from the center. Perge, Aspendos, Side and Kursunlu are better with a car. Kas, Kalkan, Demre, Olympos and Adrasan should be treated as separate holiday bases rather than quick stops from the city center.

A First-Time 4-Day Antalya Plan

• Day 1: Kaleici, the marina, Hadrian's Gate, Karaalioglu Park and sunset.
• Day 2: Duden or Kursunlu Waterfall, Perge Ancient City and Antalya Museum.
• Day 3: Aspendos, Side Ancient City and Manavgat area.
• Day 4: Konyaalti, Lara or a transfer toward Olympos and Cirali if you have more time.

This route shows Antalya as more than resorts: old streets, archaeology, waterfalls, city beaches and Mediterranean scenery. In summer, avoid packing every stop into midday. Early mornings and late afternoons are much more comfortable.

Do You Need a Car?

If you only stay around Kaleici and central Antalya, a car is not essential. For ancient cities, waterfalls, canyons and coastal towns, a car makes the trip much easier. Public transport exists, but it can cost valuable time. For families or short trips, renting a car usually improves the experience.

Use Video Before Choosing Areas

Antalya photos can hide crowds, heat, walking distances and beach texture. Kaleici videos show the old town streets. Beach videos show water entry, facilities and crowd levels. Ancient city and route videos help you understand how much time and walking each place needs. Use the related videos as part of the planning process, not just as background viewing.