Best Places to Visit in Antalya

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking relaxation, Antalya has something to offer everyone. In this guide, we will explore the top places to visit in Antalya and the exciting activities they have to offer. To make the most of your visit, choosing the best time to travel is essential. You can pick spring and autumn to avoid extreme weather conditions, while summer offers warm temperatures for outdoor activities. It’s also crucial to have travel insurance to ensure peace of mind during your trip.

Top Places to Visit in Antalya

• Antalya Cable Car

• Termessos

• Lara Beach

• Antalya Museum

• Demirhan Bath

1. Antalya Cable Car

The Antalya Cable Car project is one of the best places to visit in Antalya. Launched in 2013, it links Tünektepe, a scenic hill overseeing Antalya, to the Sarısu Neighbourhood on the outskirts of the Konyaaltı district. The cable car facility is closed on Mondays and generally operates from 10 am to 6 pm on other days. 

Things to Do at Antalya Cable Car

• You can enjoy dining at restaurants. 

• You can let your kids enjoy themselves at the playground. 

• You can join a club. 

• You can use binoculars to take in the breathtaking panoramic views. 

2. Termessos

The exact founding date of the city of Termessos, one of the excellent places to visit in Antalya, remains unknown. Historical sources mention Termessos around 334 BC when Alexander the Great passed through but chose not to attack due to its strategically advantageous location in the mountains. 

Termessos was abandoned in the 5th century, likely prompted by earthquakes evident in the ruins. Considered a National Park, Termessos has yet to undergo archaeological excavation.

Things to Do at Termessos

• You can explore the ruins of temples.

• Look around the cemeteries adorned with rock-cut tombstones. 

• Check out the ancient houses. 

• Explore the statues that provide a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Termessos.

3. Lara Beach

Lara Beach, Turkey, situated along the Mediterranean coastline, is one of the best places to visit in Antalya. It is a picturesque vacation spot and a place of significant historical and cultural importance. The region’s past, steeped in ancient civilisations, draws countless visitors to the place. Today, Lara Beach, Turkey, thrives as a modern tourist destination, blending relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, while celebrating its diverse traditions in folk dances, music, and cuisine.

Things to Do at Lara Beach

• The public section provides convenient facilities like showers, umbrellas, sunbeds, and changing rooms. 

• Take a stroll along the beautiful beach promenade. 

• You can participate in exciting water sports to satisfy your adventurous side.

4. Antalya Museum

The Antalya Museum, one of the best Antalya places to visit, situated west of Kaleiçi in Turkey, has a rich history. In response to Italian archaeologists taking treasures from the city centre after World War I, Sultan’s advisor became the voluntary curator of antiquities and founded the Antalya Museum to collect and preserve the remaining artefacts. Plans for a new museum building are currently under discussion.

Things to Do at Antalya Museum

• Visitors can marvel at ancient sculptures depicting Greek gods and goddesses, including the Hercules marble statue. 

• The museum also currently showcases an impressive collection of pottery, sarcophagi, and artefacts from the Ottoman era.

5. Demirhan Bath

Since its establishment in 1995, Demirhan Hammam, one of the excellent places to visit in Antalya, has preserved the tradition of enjoying a Turkish bath. As an Osmanlı Hamamı, it values beauty, health, and religious practice. Turks integrated this culture, constructing hammams in their dominions. Hammams hold great cultural significance, serving diverse purposes such as postnatal and circumcision baths, soldier and bridal hammams, sacrificial ceremonies, and rituals for the deceased. These traditions enrich Turkish culture and showcase the reverence for cleanliness in hammams.

Things to Do at Demirhan Bath

• The traditional Turkish bath includes a steam bath session, a thorough scrubbing, and an oil massage and soap wash to cleanse and invigorate the body. 

• Depending on the chosen package, the facilities may include or exclude services.
  
  

Best Time to Visit Antalya

The optimal time to check out the best places to visit in Antalya is from April to mid-June (Spring) and September to mid-October (Autumn) to avoid extreme weather conditions. During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant, and outdoor activities such as canoeing, trekking, and rafting are popular. While summers (June to August) can be warm and attract many tourists, making it crowded, July is the driest month. 

Travel Insurance for Antalya

Since 2016, all foreigners visiting Turkey (including Antalya) must possess valid travel insurance coverage. Hence you must acquire comprehensive travel insurance to safeguard against any unforeseen incidents or potential difficulties while in a foreign country. Travel insurance ensures peace of mind, covering issues such as flight delays, lost baggage or Passport, political/civil unrest, medical emergencies, and more. Carefully review the policy’s terms and conditions to understand the extent of your coverage.