Top things to do in Antalya

If you fancy exploring Antalya’s historical past and want to escape the bustling activities around the beaches and main areas, head to Antalya Old Town with its maze-like Kaleici neighbourhood. This labyrinth of faithfully restored Ottoman buildings with traditional white walls and red roofs lining cobbled streets, creates a wonderfully nostalgic place to escape the sun's heat and immerse yourself in the past. As you stroll through the interconnected alleyways, explore delightful boutique shops, family-run restaurants and art galleries. Visit the main square, where you'll find the old fortress gate and stone clock tower. Don't miss the 18th-century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, known for its amazing interior.

The Antalya region is renowned for, and proud of its historical past, particularly the Roman period. We think one of the best ways to explore the area's beautifully preserved past is to consider taking an organised day trip that includes visiting the ancient Roman towns of Aspendos and Perge before continuing to the natural beauty of the Manavgat Falls. Dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, both Roman settlements boast spectacular ruins that can be explored and the 15,000 seat, fully restored Aspendos theatre is one of Turkey’s most popular attractions. In total contrast to manmade achievements, the Manavgat Falls are a great place to get close to nature where interconnecting gangways allow you to get up close and lose yourself in the overwhelming cacophony of sound created by hundreds of gallons of cascading water.

If you want to escape the crowded beaches and the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas and maybe get a small hit of adrenalin, then we recommend that you take a trip out to the Koprulu Canyon National Park, about 90 km Northeast of Antalya. The park has plenty of well-marked hiking routes through some spectacular, mountainous scenery and has hidden ruins to explore; but our advice is to head to the Koprulu River itself and enjoy some thrilling white-water rafting. Your organised experience will take you down the winding river flanked by dramatic cliff faces; whilst safe and well managed you will be guaranteed some hairy moments, and of course you will get wet!

Fancy something a little different for a day? If so, head Southwest of Antalya to the Mountain areas of Olympos and Chimaera. Here you can explore the delightful twin villages of Olympus and Cirali as well as ancient Lycian ruins. But these are only starters; take the Teleferik Cable Car for a spectacular ride to the summit of the 2,364m high Mount Olympos. Step inside one of two large, bright red cabins and join up to eighty others for the ten-minute ride to the top. As the ascent starts you will be treated to panoramic views of Kemer town followed by vistas of undulating, forested hills as you gradually climb higher. We recommend that you complement that experience with a visit to neighbouring Mount Chimaera. Named after a mythical beast that was able to launch fire from its mouth, this rocky, mountainous region features flames leaping from rock crevices and the soft, soot covered soil. Caused by methane trapped in the ground, flames randomly burst into life as the gas becomes exposed to the air. Approximately 5 km of trails wind through this wonderful and unusual landscape providing an unforgettable experience.

If the Roman period is just too ‘modern’ for you then think about taking a short 27 km trip to Karain Cave near Dosemalti. This natural formation was inhabited by prehistoric man and archaeologists have unearthed evidence of human habitation from the Lower and Middle Palaeolithic eras; many of the artefacts are displayed in the small but well-presented on-site museum. There are several caverns that can be accessed and explored providing a cool and different break from the normal activities encountered in Antalya. Whilst the caving is easy and great for families, we do advise that you wear sensible footwear and be aware that it can be a little slippery inside, also if you can plan your trip for a weekday, you will be rewarded with a much less crowded experience.