Antalya, Turkey: A Booking Guide

Antalya, a vibrant city nestled on the picturesque Turkish Riviera, beckons travelers with its stunning Mediterranean coastline, rich historical tapestry, and a plethora of exciting activities. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Antalya, covering everything from the best time to visit and flight options to accommodation choices, local transportation, and must-do activities.

When to Visit Antalya

Antalya has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters 1. The best time to visit is during the summer months, between June and September 2. These months offer the perfect combination of warm weather, minimal rainfall, and sunshine-filled days, ideal for exploring the city’s historical sites, indulging in water sports, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches. The average temperature during this period hovers around 30°C (86°F) 2. July is the driest month with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities 1.

If you prefer a quieter experience with fewer crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April to mid-June and September to mid-October) 3.

Visiting Antalya in the low season (December to March) has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you’ll find lower prices and fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy the city’s attractions without the queues. However, some attractions and facilities may have limited operating hours or be closed during this time 4.

Here’s a monthly overview of Antalya’s weather:

 

Month	High/Low (°C)	Rain
January	15°/ 7°	5 days
February	15°/ 8°	14 days
March	19°/ 10°	6 days
April	22°/ 12°	6 days
May	27°/ 16°	2 days
June	31°/ 21°	3 days
July	34°/ 24°	1 day
August	35°/ 25°	0 days
September	31°/ 22°	3 days
October	29°/ 19°	4 days
November	23°/ 15°	7 days
December	17°/ 10°	13 days

Flights to Antalya

Several airlines offer direct flights from London to Antalya, including easyJet, SunExpress, Wizz Air, Pegasus, and Jet2 5. Pegasus Airlines is the most popular airline for this route, offering the most frequent flights 5. The cheapest round-trip flight currently available is with Wizz Air, starting at $74 5. For those seeking the fastest option, the quickest nonstop flight takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes 5.

When booking your flights, consider factors such as:

• Price: Compare prices from different airlines and travel websites to find the best deals. Skyscanner’s “Whole month” tool can be particularly helpful if your travel dates are flexible 6.
• Timings: Choose flights with convenient arrival and departure times to maximize your time in Antalya.
• Airline: Consider factors such as baggage allowance, in-flight services, and overall reputation when selecting an airline.
• Flexibility: Check the airline’s policies on flight changes and refunds in case your travel plans change5.

Accommodation in Antalya

Antalya offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts and vacation rentals. The average price for a weekly vacation rental is $454, while a monthly rental averages $1,945 7.

Here are some highly-rated hotels in Antalya:

 

Hotel	Rating	Description	Amenities
Megasaray Westbeach Antalya	9.0	Located on Konyaalti Beach, this hotel offers spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi8.	Outdoor pool
La Paloma Hotel	8.7	A family-run hotel in the old city quarter of Antalya, built in the Ottoman style8.
Falcon Hotel	8.7	Set in the city center, this hotel features a private platform beach, pools, and a garden lawn overlooking the Mediterranean Sea8.	Private beach, pools, garden lawn
Sky Kamer Hotel Antalya	8.4	Located centrally in Antalya, this hotel is just 1312 feet from Yatch Marina8.	Spa center, sauna
Doubletree By Hilton Antalya City Centre	8.1	Located in Antalya city center, this hotel offers a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center8.	Seasonal outdoor pool, fitness center
Sea City Devran Hotel & Spa	7.9	This hotel is on the seaside, only a few steps from the sandy Konyaalti Beach, and features a terrace with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea8.	Terrace with sea views

If you prefer a more independent and home-like experience, consider booking a vacation rental. Websites like Vrbo, Booking.com, and Kayak offer a wide variety of apartments, villas, and holiday homes in Antalya 7.

Things to Do in Antalya

Antalya offers a diverse range of attractions and activities to cater to every interest. Here are some must-do activities:

Rhapsody in Turquoise

Antalya boasts a stunning coastline with picturesque beaches and historical attractions. Some of the top attractions include:

• Duden Waterfalls: The Duden Waterfalls are a mesmerizing natural wonder where the Duden River cascades down cliffs into a valley next to the Mediterranean11.
• Antalya Old Town (Kaleici): Explore the charming streets of Antalya’s Old Town, a historic district with traditional wooden houses, bars, restaurants, and Ottoman-style boutique hotels11.
• Perge (Perga): Discover the ancient Greco-Roman city of Perge, home to significant Roman ruins dating back to the Bronze Age11.
• The Land of Legends Theme Park: Enjoy a day of fun and entertainment at The Land of Legends Theme Park, featuring a water park, amusement park rides, and a luxurious shopping avenue11.
• Köprülü Canyon: Explore the breathtaking Köprülü Canyon, a natural wonder carved out by the Koprucay River, offering opportunities for hiking and white-water rafting11.
• Antalya Marina (Kaleici Yat Limani): Take a stroll along the vibrant Antalya Marina, located beneath the steep cobbled streets of Antalya’s Old Town11.
• Aspendos: Visit the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman theater, which is still used as a venue today11.

Other Activities

• Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town): Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic Old Town, and discover its hidden gems, including Hadrian’s Gate, the Hıdırlık Tower, and the Antalya Museum12.
• Relax at Konyaaltı Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Konyaaltı Beach, with its soft golden sands and stunning backdrop of the Taurus Mountains12.
• Visit Düden Waterfalls: Witness the spectacular Düden Waterfalls, where the Düden River cascades down dramatic cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the Upper Düden Falls, surrounded by lush greenery, or take a boat trip to witness the Lower Düden Falls plunging directly into the sea12.
• Discover Antalya Aquarium: Dive into the fascinating world of marine life at Antalya Aquarium, one of the largest aquarium complexes in the world. Explore its themed exhibits, including the tropical reef, shark tank, and underwater tunnel12.
• Take a Boat Tour: Embark on a scenic boat tour along the Mediterranean coastline and discover hidden coves, secluded beaches, and picturesque bays12.
• Explore Perge Archaeological Site: Step back in time at the ancient city of Perge, one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey. Explore its well-preserved ruins, including the stadium, agora, and theater12.
• Visit Aspendos Theatre: Admire the architectural splendor of Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. Marvel at its grandiose facade, perfectly preserved seating tiers, and remarkable acoustics12.
• Experience Turkish Night: Immerse yourself in Turkish culture and traditions with an unforgettable Turkish Night experience, featuring traditional music, dance performances, and delicious Turkish cuisine12.
• Hike in the Taurus Mountains: Explore the scenic trails of the Taurus Mountains, which offer breathtaking views of Antalya’s coastline and hinterland12.
• Shop at Antalya Bazaar: Indulge in a shopping spree at Antalya’s bustling bazaars, where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, spices, and textiles12.
• River Rafting: Experience the thrill of river rafting in Koprulu Canyon National Park, navigating the rapids of the Koprucay River13.
• Quad & ATV Tours: Embark on an adventurous quad or ATV tour through the Taurus Mountains, exploring off-road trails and enjoying panoramic views13.
• Paragliding: Take to the skies and experience the exhilaration of paragliding over Antalya’s stunning coastline, enjoying breathtaking aerial views13.

Popular Tours

• Antalya Sightseeing City Tour with Waterfalls & Cable Car: This tour takes you to some of Antalya’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duden Waterfalls, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Antalya Cable Car14.
• Antalya Exclusive Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: Explore the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis on this day trip from Antalya14.

Day Trips from Antalya

Antalya serves as a great base for exploring nearby destinations. Consider taking day trips to places like Side, Belek, Kemer, and Manavgat, each offering unique attractions and experiences 13. You can find various tour packages and transportation options to these destinations.

Local Transportation

Antalya offers a variety of transportation options to help you navigate the city and its surroundings 15:

• Buses: Antalya has an extensive bus network that covers the city and nearby areas16.
• Trams: The Antalya Tram system provides convenient transportation along the coastline. The nostalgic tram (“Nostalji Tramvayı”) offers a charming way to see key attractions along the coast16.
• AntRay: This light rail system connects the city center with other districts, including the airport16.
• Ferry: Take a ferry from Kaleiçi Marina to explore nearby seaside towns like Alanya and Kemer16.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout the city. You can find designated spots with call buttons for taxi services15.
• Rental Cars: Renting a car provides flexibility to explore the region at your own pace16.
• Scooters: Scooters offer a fun and convenient way to navigate the city’s streets16.

For those traveling beyond Antalya, the Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal serves as a transportation hub for the entire Mediterranean coastline. You can reach the terminal from the airport by city bus or AntRay tram. From the city center, you can take a bus or the AntRay tram to the terminal 17.

To make the most of Antalya’s public transportation system, consider downloading useful apps like ANET’s official app or Google Maps for real-time information on schedules and routes18.

Booking Resources

Several travel websites and agencies can assist you with booking flights and accommodations for your Antalya trip:

• Travelocity: This website offers a wide selection of vacation packages, flights, and hotels, allowing you to bundle your travel needs and potentially save money19.
• KAYAK: KAYAK is a metasearch engine that compares prices from various travel sites, making it easy to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and vacation rentals. They also offer last-minute deals for spontaneous travelers20.
• Expedia: Expedia provides a comprehensive platform for booking travel needs, including a vast selection of hotels, flights, vacation rentals, and activities22.
• Booking.com: Booking.com offers a user-friendly interface for booking accommodations, flights, and car rentals, with a focus on providing a wide range of options and competitive prices23.

Antalya’s Best Beaches

Antalya is home to some of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm:

• Lara Beach: Known for its long, sandy shoreline and clear turquoise waters, Lara Beach is a popular choice for families and those seeking a lively beach experience with plenty of amenities24.
• Konyaalti Beach: Located close to Antalya’s city center, Konyaalti Beach offers a mix of sand and pebbles, stunning views of the Beydağları Mountains, and a variety of nearby restaurants and beach clubs24.
• Kaputas Beach: Nestled between Kaş and Kalkan, Kaputas Beach is renowned for its pristine beauty, with vibrant turquoise waters and fine golden sand24.
• Olympos Beach: Located in a natural reserve, Olympos Beach offers a tranquil escape with calm waters and a secluded atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful beach experience24.

Conclusion

Antalya offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a diverse and memorable experience. With its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant city life, and convenient transportation options, Antalya has something to offer everyone. By utilizing this comprehensive guide and the recommended booking resources, you can plan your trip with ease and embark on an unforgettable adventure in this Turkish paradise. With its blend of ancient wonders, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Antalya promises an unforgettable escape for every traveler. Start planning your journey today and discover the magic of the Turkish Riviera.