Antalya is the largest city along the Mediterranean coast with all kinds of fun activities for younger and older kids alike. There are many options for spending time in the water, hiking, or for adventure seekers, paragliding, or parasailing.
As Spring arrives, locals are anxious to get outside from being indoors from the cold rainy winter months. The flowers are blooming, the weather is still cool but beginning to warm up as you get closer to the summer months. While the weather may be warmer, the sea and the local rivers are still quite cold and not ideal for swimming. If hiking and outdoor adventures in the sunshine with less crowds is what you are looking for, this is a great time of the year to be here!
To travel to the Antalya coast from Istanbul or any other major city in Turkey, you can fly one of the smaller airlines such as Pegasus, SunExpress or Onur Air during the high season. There will be less flights available in the low season. Turkish Airlines flies to Antalya from the Istanbul Airport, but typically you will pay more to fly.
There are 2 trams lines in the city that can be used with the pre-paid Antalya Kart. You can pick one up at any tram stop. You need a minimum of 15 Lira to get the card and can refill at any stop. Antray connects the town center with the airport and bus station.
The nostalgic tram line runs in the town center along the coastline. Its fun ride for the kids to see a bit more of Antalya without having to walk through the entire city. You can use the tram to get to the Antalya Museum and Konyaalti Beach.
Looking for the best places to stay in the Mediterranean city of Antalya with kids? There are many types of accommodation options as well as different areas of the city you can stay, and it can get overwhelming. In this guide we tell you the best areas to stay depending on your type of travel, who you are traveling with and the length of your trip.
Belek is another beach location a good 45-minute car ride from the city center, hosts high-class all-inclusive 5 star hotel complexes on its beach. This is a favorite for families wanting to enjoy an all inclusive vacation on the beach. You can even enjoy a few golf games too. You can hire a driver to take you in to the Antalya City Center for the day to enjoy shopping, local sites and activities and restaurants.
Mediterra Art Hotel is an Ottoman style house in historical Kaleici. You can easily access local shops and cafes in the Old Town. The hotel hosts art exhibitions, an indoor restaurant, a courtyard, and a pool.
A five-star experience overlooking the sea and the Taurus Mountains. Easily enjoy a day at the beach or take a short 5-10 minute ride on the tram to check out the Old Town, shopping or arrange day tours from the hotel.
Antalya is a great location for a beach vacation, water activities in the sea or in nearby canyons, hiking, or exploring ancient ruins in and near the city. Below is a list of our favorite family friendly things to do in Antalya:
The most popular beach along the Antalya coast is Konyaalti Beach, the longest stretch of pebble beach in the region. Be sure to take sandals to walk on the pebbles with as they can hurt your feet a bit to walk on. This is a fun beach with lots of activities in and out of the water. In the evening, you can visit a local caf for drinks, tea, and playing a few games of okey.
Take a morning or afternoon and explore the ancient city of Perge and the Roman amphitheater in Aspendos, one of the best preserved architectural sites in the area. Take your time exploring the ancient ruins, mostly dating back to the Roman period.
Depending on how much time you have, you can take a boat trip sailing along the Antalya Coast for a few hours up to all day. Enjoy lunch, swimming, waterfalls and some magnificent views sailing on the Mediterranean.
You can start planning your Antalya travel and find out what to pack in our guides. Our Mediterranean Travel Guide gives you more information on day trips from Antalya or having a more extended stay.
Dania Demirci is your go-to travel expert for exploring Turkey and co-founder of Adventurefolio.com. With her extensive knowledge and personal experiences spanning over 20 years, Dania helps fellow travelers create the ultimate Turkey itineraries. From hidden gems to must-visit spots, she shares practical tips so you can confidently explore Turkey.
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Konyaaltı Plajı has a swath of rough sand and pebbles running west for several kilometers. The sand is somewhat softer along Lara Plajı (Lara Beach) to the east. There's also the private beach of Mermerli Plajı, both excellent places to enjoy the Turkish Riviera.
The historic center of Antalya, called Kaleii (Old Antalya), surrounds the Roman Harbor. There are many entrances to Kaleici, but the most stunning is walking under the three large arches of Hadrian's Gate, which was built for the Roman Emperor Hadrian for his visit in 130 AD. Many of the buildings here date from Ottoman and Roman times. Wander down more of the narrow streets to discover hotels, restaurants, and other historical sights.
Standing atop the cliff of the old town, you get panoramic views of Antalya Marina (Kaleii Yat Limanı) and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a stroll in the cobbled streets of the old city before enjoying the delicious local cuisine or exploring the stunning beaches nearby.
Antalya Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is near other amusement parks and the Antalya Archeology Museum. There are abundant options for shopping, whether you have a preference for a traditional bazaar, one of Antalya's many modern shopping malls, or shops selling souvenirs and traditional handicrafts that line the cobblestone streets inside Kaleii.
While in Antalya, we recommend enjoying the best Mediterranean cuisine. Read our recommendations for the best cafes, ice cream, and restaurants. For a taste of local flavor, try our recommendations on the best places to try kofte, piyaz, and more.
Antalya is known for its pristine private and public beaches nestled around the seashore. While in Antalya, go for a swim on one of the beaches. We recommend going outside the city lines for a more calming experience.
Those who prefer an active lifestyle can always go for water sports in Antalya. There is rafting, diving, sailing, and a lot more to experience. Also, many five-star hotels will include these water sports in their programs, and the professionals will guide you through every second.
Sailing along the shore in Antalya Marina (Kaleii Yat Limanı) is one activity that has formed the foundation of Antalya's tourism industry for years. The programs provide music, food, and tours of natural caves around the shore. It also gives you a different perspective on the city.
Antalya is also a very walkable city with many pedestrian roads, hiking routes, and natural wonders to stroll through. Try going for a walk in the famous Atatrk Park, Manavgat Şelalesi, or near the wonderful hiking routes of Olimpos and ıralı for a more serene experience. Don't forget to go to Konyaaltı and Beach Park for a nice stroll along the seashore in the evening.
Antalya, in the summer, is known for its lively nightlife. Turkish people know how to have fun; the weather is hot, and the clubs are open throughout the night. It is a popular option for anyone who wants to get to know the locals better.
Perge was an ancient Lycian settlement that was also used by the Greeks and Romans in the region. Today, just outside of the city, sits the ancient ruins of Perge. Here, you can see the ancient Agora, stadium, gates, and other remains of the settlement. A bit further out of the city limits, Aspendos features a well-preserved Roman theater.
Side is an ancient port town founded in the 7th century BCE. It has a sparkling beach alongside large marble columns, as well as a large theater and a museum. Today, near the popular resort destination Manavgat, Side is one of the prime destinations to visit near Antalya and well worth at least a half-day trip.
To the west, the ancient cities of the Lycian Empire, Olimpos & ıralı are quiet towns set between the mountains and sea, where you'll also find eternal flames burning since antiquity. It is a well-known gateway, comparatively near the city center. It is famed for its traditional lodging options, ranging from camping to tree houses, as well as its well-preserved authentic appearance, offering a serene holiday away from the busy city life.
Phaselis has smaller ruins set in a fragrant, green park. There are many other sites, such as Selge, Termessos (map), and the ancient city of Sagalassos, which feature ruins further into the mountains behind Antalya. They are best paired with Roman road hiking trails.
Kprl Kanyon National Park and Adrasan are the natural havens of Antalya, offering a deeper dive into the nature of the region. Those who are into adventure would enjoy river rafting in Kprl Kanyon National Park or a boat tour to Suluada Beach via Adrasan.
Wife of a history teacher here! We are planning our March trip and I am wondering about focusing in the areas around Izmir before heading to Cappadocia, or working our way down the coast and flying out of Antalya? Opinions welcome with the lens that we will be doing this trip with tweens and we would like to focus on family fun as well as history. I would also love to know a range in cost for balloon tours and private tour guides. I tried to bold the questions.
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