enAntalya Travel Guide
About Antalya
| Area | 20,909 km² |
| Climate | Mediterranean |
| Currency | Turkish Lira (TRY) |
| Area Code | 242 |
| Elevation | 39 m |
| Time Zone | GMT+03:00 |
| Population | 2,696,231 (2024) |
| Country Code | +90 |
| License Plate Code | 07 |
Map of Antalya
How to Get to Antalya??
As the tourism capital of the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is one of the most easily accessible cities in Türkiye. Whether you arrive by air, land, or sea, renting a car upon arrival gives you the ultimate freedom to explore everything from pristine beaches to ancient ruins.
By Air
Flying is the most popular way to reach the region, served by two main international airports:
Antalya Airport (AYT): Located just 13 km from the city center, this is the primary hub for reaching popular areas like Lara, Konyaaltı, Belek, and Kemer. You can reach the center via HAVAŞ shuttles, municipal buses, taxis, or rental cars.
Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP): Situated further east, this airport is ideal if your final destination is Alanya, Side, Manavgat, or Gazipaşa.
You can easily book your flight tickets to both Antalya Airport and Gazipaşa Airport directly through Yolcu360. Renting a car at either location is highly recommended to discover distant gems like Kaş or Olympos.
By Road
Antalya is well-connected by comfortable, dual-carriageway highways and a comprehensive intercity bus network terminating at the Antalya Bus Terminal (Otogar).
From Istanbul: ~700 km (Approx. 9 hours by car).
From Ankara: ~480 km (Approx. 6 hours by car).
From Izmir: ~450 km (Approx. 6 hours by car).
By Rail and Sea
While there is no direct train line to Antalya, you can take a high-speed train to Konya or Burdur and transfer to a bus or rental car. For sea transit, cruise ships frequently dock at the Antalya Port during the summer, and several world-class marinas are available for private yachts.
Travel Tip: During the peak summer season, flight tickets and rental cars sell out rapidly. Booking your vehicle and flights on Yolcu360 well in advance guarantees the best rates and vehicle availability.
What to Eat in Antalya
Antalya offers a unique gastronomic journey that blends fresh Mediterranean produce with traditional Anatolian recipes.
Tahinli Piyaz: A local classic; a white bean salad uniquely dressed with a rich tahini sauce and topped with boiled eggs.
Hibeş: A traditional spicy Mediterranean meze made from tahini, lemon, garlic, and cumin.
Şiş Köfte & Sac Kavurma: Enjoy perfectly grilled meat skewers (often served alongside piyaz) or tender meat roasted on an iron plate with fresh vegetables, a staple of the Taurus mountain villages.
Fresh Seafood: Daily catches like Sea Bass (Levrek) and Sea Bream (Çipura) are grilled to perfection at coastal restaurants.
Desserts: Do not leave without trying the iconic Pumpkin Dessert topped with tahini and crushed walnuts, or refreshing semolina halva served with ice cream.
Popular Dining Areas:
Kaleiçi (Old Town): Full of historic charm, offering traditional meze houses and kebab restaurants.
Lara & Konyaaltı: Known for upscale seafood restaurants, modern cafes, and vibrant seaside dining.
Kaş: Stands out with its bohemian atmosphere, offering boutique seafood spots and cozy meze bars.
Best Time to Visit Antalya
Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Antalya is a year-round destination:
Spring (March – May) & Autumn (September – November): The most ideal times to visit. The scent of orange blossoms fills the air in spring, while autumn offers perfect temperatures and fewer crowds—ideal for exploring Kaleiçi or hiking.
Summer (June – August): Hot and highly energetic. This is the peak season for beach resorts in Konyaaltı, Lara, and Kemer.
Winter (December – February): Mild and quiet. It is a fantastic time for nature walks, visiting waterfalls, and exploring ancient ruins without the summer heat.
Key Districts of Antalya
Antalya’s vast geography encompasses 19 distinct districts, each offering a different flavor of the Mediterranean.
District | Highlights & Characteristics |
Muratpaşa | The city center; home to Kaleiçi (Old Town) and close to Konyaaltı. |
Konyaaltı | Famous for its long Blue Flag pebble beaches and modern waterfront. |
Alanya | Renowned for Cleopatra Beach, the historic Alanya Castle, and nightlife. |
Kemer | Features stunning mountain backdrops, pristine beaches, and luxury resorts. |
Manavgat | Home to the famous Manavgat Waterfall and the ancient city of Side. |
Serik (Belek) | The luxury capital, famous for world-class golf courses and 5-star resorts. |
Kaş & Kalkan | Bohemian and romantic; offering top-tier scuba diving and boutique hotels. |
Demre | A historical hotspot featuring the Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) and Myra. |
Kepez & Aksu | Inland hubs housing the Düden and Kurşunlu Waterfalls, and ancient Perge. |
Olympos / Kumluca | Famous for the Lycian Way, nature camps, and ancient coastal ruins. |
About Antalya
Widely known as the tourism capital of Türkiye, Antalya masterfully blends stunning natural landscapes with deep historical roots. Visitors can wander through the narrow, historic streets of Kaleiçi, pass beneath the ancient Hadrian's Gate, and marvel at the iconic Yivli Minaret.
Beyond the city center, millions of global travelers flock to the luxury resorts of Belek and Kemer, or seek tranquility in the bohemian coastal towns of the west. Public transportation within the city is well-developed, featuring trams, municipal buses, and sea buses. However, by booking a flight to Antalya Airport and securing a rental car, you unlock the freedom to explore the entire coastline - from hidden waterfalls to ancient amphitheatres - at your own pace.