Antalya travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to June and September to November have warm days and pleasant sea temperatures. July and August are very hot, with temperatures often at or above 35 degrees Celsius and strong humidity on the coast. Swimming is possible from May to October.

Winter is mild and rainy, and beach resorts are quiet. Many seasonal beach clubs close between November and March.

How many days you need

For the city only, two to three days is enough: the Kaleiçi old town, the harbour, the museum area and the Düden waterfalls.

Add days for the nearby ancient sites, such as Perge, Aspendos, Termessos and Side, and for a boat trip along the coast.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Antalya Airport (AYT) is about 10 kilometres east of the city centre. Bus 600 runs to the main bus station, bus 800 runs to the Lara and Konyaaltı beaches, and a Havaş airport bus runs to the west side of the city. The Antray tram line T1 also serves the airport but is slow. Taxis wait outside the terminals. Many package visitors use transfers arranged by hotels.

Resort areas are farther by road: Lara is close, and Belek, Kemer, Side and Alanya are progressively farther. Confirm the transfer time with the hotel before you book.

Getting around

Antalya has city buses, minibuses called dolmuş, the Antray tram and taxis. A nostalgic tram line on the coast is closed for inspection at present. The AntalyaKart is a rechargeable card, and contactless bank cards can also be used on public transport. The Kaleiçi old town is best on foot, although the streets are steep and uneven.

For ancient sites and beaches outside the city, taxis, tours or a rental car work best. Agree the taxi price or insist on the meter before starting.

Where to stay

Kaleiçi suits visitors who want old stone houses, small hotels and walking access to the harbour. Lara has large resort hotels and long beaches east of the city. Konyaaltı is west of the centre and has a pebble beach and mountain views. Belek is known for golf and big all-inclusive resorts. Kemer and Side suit travellers who want a beach holiday and easy day trips.

What to book in advance

Boat trips and day tours to ancient sites are easy to arrange locally in most seasons, but book ahead in July and August. Large all-inclusive hotels fill early for school holidays and for Turkish public holidays. Aspendos holds summer performances in the ancient theatre. Check the festival dates and book ahead.

Check museum closing days, because many state museums close one day a week.

Common mistakes to avoid

Choosing a hotel by price without checking its distance from the airport and from the sights.

Visiting ancient sites at midday in summer. Go early in the morning.

Underestimating the sun. Use sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.

Swimming where red flags are displayed or where there are strong currents.

Booking a taxi without confirming the price. Use the meter or agree a fare before leaving.

Money, tipping and practical notes

Turkey uses the Turkish lira. Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most shops. Carry some cash for markets, minibuses and small cafés. A tip of around ten percent is common in restaurants if service is not included.

The plug type is C and F, at 230 volts. Check official Turkish government sources for visa rules based on your nationality. Tap water is not recommended for drinking.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Antalya