With a rich history and striking landscapes, Antalya is one of the world’s major holiday spots. The Taurus Mountains on one side and the heritage of old empires on the other can fill a trip.
If you have chosen Antalya this year, learn the historic sites in advance and fill your list.
The old town holds the city’s historic places. Additions to the yacht harbour and shore have made it a popular centre. Old and new sit together; it is fair to call it Antalya’s heart. Historic buildings, entertainment, hotels, restaurants and bars keep it busy.
Walk or take a taxi to Kale Gate, the main square. You will see the statue of Attalus II of Pergamon and the Ottoman clock tower. Walk into Uzun Carsi Street opposite the tower to enter Kaleici.
Visible from almost everywhere, this Seljuk minaret is a symbol of Antalya. It sits in a complex with Yivli Mosque, madrasas, a Mevlevi lodge and tombs.
Beside Kaleici walls, with sailing boats of every size. Worth seeing morning and evening. From here you can take a short trip to Duden Waterfall, eat, or shop for souvenirs.
A Roman triumphal arch for Emperor Hadrian, close to the old square on a busy street. Almost all white marble (except support columns), with well-preserved detail.
An old Lycian city known for nature as well as ruins: aqueduct, agora, baths and theatre. It had three harbours. The richest remains line the street between the War Harbour and the South Harbour.
One of Turkey’s finest Greco-Roman cities. The theatre is world-famous and well preserved, though much of the city has fallen. An entry fee is worth it.
Less crowded than some sites: ruined temples, columns, Roman baths, Hellenistic gates and an acropolis. Follow the natural route. Many call it one of the most complete ancient cities.
Lycia’s capital. After a Roman occupation and later raids the city fell silent. Theatre and pillar tombs still stand, with well-preserved mosaics.
Among Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities, built high for defence. The view from the theatre to the Taurus Mountains is unique. A top historic stop on an Antalya trip.
Near Demre, once a Lycian capital and home of St Nicholas. A Greco-Roman theatre, rock-cut tombs and the so-called Lion or Painted Tomb.
Not fully excavated. A beautiful corner of Antalya and a holiday spot. Roman and Byzantine works include a temple gate, theatre, north and south necropolises, an entrance complex, harbour tombs and an agora.
