Antalya city
Best for Kaleici's old streets, the harbour, museums, local dining and a city-and-coast break.
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Destinations · Turkey
A Turkish Riviera guide to beaches, historic towns, resort areas and easy Mediterranean sunshine.
Introduction
Antalya brings together a Mediterranean city, a long coastline and a choice of resort areas along the Turkish Riviera. It suits a simple beach holiday, a food-and-history break or a longer all-inclusive stay.
Choose your base carefully: Lara Beach is closest to the city, Belek has a resort-led feel, Side mixes ruins with beach time, Kemer has mountain scenery and Alanya offers a livelier, more easterly option.
Where to stay
Match your base to the pace and style of holiday you want.
Best for Kaleici's old streets, the harbour, museums, local dining and a city-and-coast break.
A resort-focused coastline east of the city, known for a long beach and a broad choice of holiday accommodation.
A polished resort area with beach hotels, golf courses and a quieter, more spacious feel than central Antalya.
A compact historic town with Roman ruins, a harbour and sandy beaches. Good for combining sightseeing with relaxed beach days.
A mountain-backed coastal base west of Antalya, suitable for boat trips, beach time and a more scenic setting.
A lively eastern resort with a castle, broad beaches and a longer transfer from Antalya than the nearer resort areas.
Holiday styles
Lara Beach, Belek and Side are practical starting points for beach-led stays. Check individual hotel facilities, child policies and room layouts before booking.
Kaleici, Kemer and quieter parts of Side suit couples who want harbour walks, food and beach time beyond a large resort.
The Antalya region has a wide selection of resort stays. Board basis, drinks, dining, activities and services vary by hotel and operator.
For a wider Turkey comparison, read our Turkey all-inclusive holidays guide.
Beaches and days out
Beach days are easy to combine with Kaleici, Antalya's old town, where winding lanes, historic buildings and the harbour offer a change of pace. The Antalya Archaeological Museum and nearby Roman sites add cultural options.
Boat trips, coastal viewpoints, local markets and excursions to historic sites can add variety. Check current operators, weather conditions and suitability before reserving a trip.
Local dining ranges from seafood by the harbour to kebabs, meze and regional Turkish dishes. Step beyond the resort for a more local evening, and ask accommodation staff for current recommendations.
When to go
April to June is useful for sightseeing, walking and beach days before the strongest summer heat. Pack a light layer for evenings.
July and August are hot and busy. Plan outdoor activity for earlier or later in the day, and reserve popular excursions ahead.
September and October can combine warm sea temperatures with a gentler pace. Check current activity and hotel opening dates later in the season.
Winter is milder than the UK but is better for city, food and cultural visits than a guaranteed beach holiday. Seasonal facilities vary.
Getting around
Direct journeys from UK airports to Antalya are commonly around four to five hours, but routes and timings vary by departure airport and season. Compare current flight options before booking.
Car hire can be useful for exploring the coast, historic sites and smaller towns, but is less necessary for a resort-led stay. Confirm licence, insurance, fuel policy, age and child-seat requirements with the provider; driving conditions and local rules can differ from the UK.
For entry, passport, health, medication and local-law information, check current official UK government travel advice before travel.
Inspiration
Example pricing is for inspiration only and is not a live offer or availability promise.