Antalya

Day Trips

Touch down at Antalya Airport as the warm Mediterranean breeze welcomes you. Wander along the palm-lined waterfront boulevard, feeling the gentle sea breeze as you admire views of the Taurus Mountains. Let the rhythmic lapping of the waves and the calls of seagulls announce the start of your adventure.

Head into the heart of Kaleiçi’s narrow streets to discover hidden courtyards and Ottoman-era architecture. Pop into artisanal shops selling handwoven carpets, colorful ceramics, and copperware as the midday sun casts playful shadows on ancient walls. Stop at a traditional lokanta for a leisurely lunch of gozleme and ayran, immersing yourself in local flavors.

Watch the sunset paint the Mediterranean in fiery hues while dining al fresco at a seafood restaurant overlooking the marina. Absorb the mellow hum of live Turkish music drifting through the night air as lanterns flicker around you. Savor a plate of fresh grilled fish and a glass of local white wine, toasting to the beginning of your journey.

Rise early to wander the winding alleys of Antalya’s historic center before the crowds gather. Admire the restored Ottoman houses adorned with flower-laden balconies and snap photos of the iconic Hadrian’s Gate as golden light filters through its arches. Pause for a strong cup of Turkish coffee in a charming courtyard café to fuel your explorations.

Visit the Antalya Toy Museum and the ethnographic exhibits that reflect the region’s rich cultural tapestry. Lose yourself in time at the Kesik Minare and the Yivli Minare Mosque, marveling at their distinctive Seljuk architecture. Refuel with a light lunch of pide and salads at a local meyhane tucked away behind stone walls.

As dusk falls, join a walking tour that illuminates hidden stories of ancient Roman ruins scattered among boutique hotels. Sip a glass of raki on a rooftop terrace, inhaling the aromas of kebabs grilling below. Let the twinkling lights of the marina guide you back through the narrow lanes of this living museum.

Begin with yoga stretches on the pebbled shore as the first rays of sun kiss the sea. Feel your worries melt away as you swim in the crystal-clear waters framed by the mighty Taurus Mountains. Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at a beachfront café, savoring menemen and freshly baked simit.

Lounge under cabanas or rent a paddleboard to explore the gentle waves for a refreshing break from the sun. Wander along the shore and collect smooth pebbles while vendors sell cold beverages and ice cream. Stop for a light lunch of grilled calamari and salad at a charming beachside eatery.

As the sky turns pastel pink, join locals in a spirited game of beach volleyball or simply stroll the promenade. Dine on mezze platters and fresh seafood at an open-air restaurant overlooking the sea. End the day with a cooling mint lemonade while watching the lights of the city come alive.

Escape the city heat with a trip to the upper Duden Waterfalls, where mist drifts through lush greenery and pine-scented air. Wander along scenic trails that wind to hidden lookout points, feeling the refreshing spray on your face. Enjoy a picnic breakfast by the tumbling waters, serenaded by chirping birds.

Descend to the lower falls where the river plunges dramatically into the turquoise sea at Lara Beach, a spectacular spectacle from the viewing platform. Explore the surrounding dunes and golden sands, then retreat to Karaalioglu Park for a leisurely stroll along manicured paths. Stop at a park café for gozleme filled with cheese and spinach.

Return to the city center as dusk descends and join a scenic walk along the Antalya Boulevard overlooking the cliffs and sea. Dine in style at a rooftop restaurant in Kaleiçi, sampling local delicacies like hunkar begendi and baklava for dessert. Let live tavern music and the cool night breeze transport you into Antalya’s enchanting twilight.

Drive east into the fertile plains to explore the ancient city of Perge, where time-worn columns stand sentinel along a marble-paved agora. Imagine gladiators marching down the colonnaded streets as the morning light highlights intricate carvings. Sip fresh pomegranate juice at a shaded kiosk while you admire the Roman baths.

Continue to the legendary theater of Aspendos, renowned for its near-perfect acoustics and grandeur. Stand center stage to experience the thrill that would have greeted emperors and citizens alike. Enjoy a rustic lunch of kebab and village salad at a local eatery close to the site.

Return to Antalya as the sun dips behind the mountains and join a sunset cultural performance in the restored amphitheater of Aspendos if available. Indulge in a leisurely dinner at a countryside restaurant, sampling regional specialties like testi kebab slow-cooked in a clay pot. Savor the rich flavors under a canopy of stars, feeling the weight of centuries around you.

Set out early for the windswept heights of Termessos, a mountaintop city encircled by pine forests and jagged peaks. Hike along rugged trails to discover an ancient theater and gymnasium carved seamlessly into sheer rock. Pause at the summit to gaze out over Antalya Bay framed by distant snow-capped peaks.

Descend into the cool depths of Karain Cave, one of the oldest known human settlements in the region. Marvel at stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by strategically placed lamps as you learn about prehistoric finds. Refuel with a hearty lunch of gozleme and ayran at a rustic roadside diner nearby.

Return to Antalya as dusk paints the sky in soft pastels and head to a cozy taverna for dinner. Sample meze platters brimming with eggplant dips, stuffed vine leaves, and fried zucchini blossoms. End your evening with a leisurely stroll along the illuminated marina, reflecting on the day’s timeless wonders.

Board a traditional gulet at the harbor for a day-long cruise toward the sunken city of Kekova. Feel the gentle sway of the vessel as you glide past rugged coastlines peppered with pine and olive groves. Dive into the warm Aegean for a refreshing swim amid hidden coves.

Anchor near the ghostly ruins submerged beneath crystalline waters and snorkel to glimpse ancient stone walls and amphorae. Enjoy a freshly prepared seafood feast aboard the boat, with calamari, shrimp, and seasonal salads. Sail on to Simena Village and climb to the medieval castle for panoramic vistas of the turquoise bay.

As the gulet drifts back toward Antalya, sip a glass of chilled white wine on deck and watch the sun dip into the sea. Return to the dock with the scent of salt on your skin and the softness of twilight settling over the harbor. Dine at a seaside restaurant, reminiscing about the day’s hidden treasures over a plate of spicy meze.

Embark on an adrenaline-packed jeep safari into the rugged Taurus Mountains, where pine and cedar forests cloak rocky gorges. Feel the engine rumble beneath you as you traverse serpentines that offer sweeping views over emerald valleys. Stop at a remote mountain village to sample fresh goat cheese and homemade bread.

Continue deeper into the wilderness, crossing babbling streams and ascending to highland plateaus carpeted with wildflowers. Enjoy a riverside barbecue of marinated meats and vegetable skewers, served with cool ayran under a canopy of clouds. Chat with your guide about local flora and fauna as you recharge for the next leg.

Return to Antalya under a sky bursting with stars, the cool mountain air gradually giving way to coastal warmth. Head to a lively Turkish grill house in town, inhaling the aromas of charcoal-roasted kebabs. Pair your meal with a side of cacik and finish with soft lokum as you discuss the day’s epic landscapes.

Drift into a leisurely morning reclining on the fine sands of Lara Beach, shaded by colorful umbrellas. Sip a fresh smoothie as the surf gently laps at your toes and the horizon stretches endlessly. Browse the beach bar’s menu for a light meze platter to keep you energized.

After sunbathing, drive to Kursunlu Waterfall Nature Park for a serene retreat among oak and plane trees. Wander along wooden walkways above the river and feel the cool mist as the water cascades over mossy rocks. Spread out a picnic lunch of local cheeses, olives, and freshly baked bread by the tranquil streams.

Return to Lara district for sunset cocktails at a beach club that overlooks the glowing city skyline. Dine at a sophisticated open-air restaurant specializing in Mediterranean fusion dishes. Let the gentle rhythms of live saxo music carry you into a restful night’s sleep.

Start your final day at the Antalya Archaeological Museum, where over forty thousand artifacts chronicle the region’s storied past. Lose yourself among statues of gods, sarcophagi, and mosaics that sparkle under well-curated lighting. Pause for a cappuccino in the museum café, reflecting on the civilizations you’ve walked among.

Head back to Kaleiçi for any last-minute souvenir shopping in boutique galleries offering handmade crafts and jewelry. Stop at a street-side stand for a flavorful durum rolled with spicy kofte and fresh herbs. Wander through hidden courtyards one last time, capturing final photographs of ivy-draped walls.

Toast to your unforgettable journey with a memorable farewell dinner at a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the marina. Savor a multi-course meal featuring regional delicacies paired with Anatolian wines. Finish the night with a sweet baklava and Turkish coffee, carrying the warmth of Antalya back home in your heart.