The holiday destination with ever-growing popularity, Antalya is an ideal place for a sunny getaway full of indulging in the local culture.

Destination Highlights

• The largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast

• 213 Blue Flag beaches

• Historical sites

• Home to the majestic Taurus Mountains

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Antalya

• 🧑‍🎄Santa’s Home Base: Saint Nicholas, the original Santa Claus, was born just down the road in Patara. You’ll be treading on Santa’s old stomping grounds.

• 🏖️The Turkish Riviera: Antalya is known as the Turkish Riviera, and with its Mediterranean coastline and luxury resorts, it’s got the swanky vibe to match.

• 🍻 Beer please!!: A beer costs anywhere between €1.50 and €3, that’s less than a bottle of Fanta lemon over here… holiday maths- its basically free!

🗣️ Local Lingo

Want to score some brownie points with the locals? Here’s a crash course:

• Merhaba – Hello

• Teşekkür ederim – Thank you

• "Bir Fanta limon, lütfen!" – meaning "One Fanta Lemon, please!"

• Bir kahve, lütfen – One coffee, please 

• Hadi – Let’s go! (Great for getting everyone moving)

🚌 Getting Around Antalya

Getting around is easy, and you’ve got a few solid options:

🚖 Taxis

Affordable and easy to find, taxis are everywhere! Always ensure the meter’s on before you set off. If you’re up for some bargaining, try negotiating set fares for longer trips, like a late-night return from Kaleiçi’s bars. For added convenience, use BiTaksi (Turkey’s Uber) for a safe, quick lift back.

🚐 Dolmuş (Minibuses)

These lively, shared minibuses are Antalya’s go-to local transport – cheap, frequent, and covering nearly every main beach and market. Just look for route signs in the window (in Turkish, so it’s a fun map-matching game) and bring cash for the fare.

🚋 Trams and Buses

Trams make sightseeing a breeze, with stops at the Old Town, Konyaaltı Beach, and Antalya Museum, while buses reach those farther beaches and day-trip spots. Grab an Antalya Kart (prepaid card) to make travel even easier, saving time when you hop on and off.

🏨 Where to stay in Antalya

For Couples ❤️

• Kaleiçi (Old Town): : Kaleiçi is the romantic heart of Antalya, a historic district filled with winding cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era mansions, and little cafes perfect for couples charming. There are romantic spots tucked around every corner. It’s the perfect escape.

• Stop by Hadrian’s Gate or take a sunset walk along the ancient city walls. Kaleiçi’s mix of history, atmosphere, and intimacy makes it a perfect getaway for couples wanting a quiet escape with plenty of ambience. Top Tip: visiting early in the morning or just before closing helps avoid large crowds and gives you a better chance to enjoy the scenery peacefully

For Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Lara Beach: Lara Beach is Antalya’s family-friendly haven, known for its vast sandy shorelines and all-inclusive resorts that keep everyone entertained. Kids can splash around in pools or tackle slides at nearby waterparks, while parents unwind with a cocktail or lounge by the sea

• Top Tip: many resorts offer a kids club so you can send the little ones away and enjoy some grown-up juice  🍷

For Groups 🎉

• Konyaaltı Beach: Known for its vibrant promenade, buzzing nightlife, and beach bars, Konyaaltı is where the fun happens. Ideal for groups looking to mix beach time with evening adventures.

• The beach’s promenade is filled with restaurants, bars, and cafes, so groups can grab a bite or drink while enjoying ocean views. And as night falls, head to nearby bars for music, dancing, and mingling with locals and travellers alike.

🏖️ What are the best beaches in Antalya?

Oh, you're in for a treat if the word "jollies" takes you straight to thoughts of sun, sand, and sea. Antalya is like the VIP of beach holiday destinations, rocking a whopping 202 Blue Flag beaches – that's world-record stuff, folks! It's like the beach gods went, "Let's turn the heat up to a scorchio," and Antalya was born. 🏖️ Reckon you've sunbathed on the creme de la creme of coastlines? No matter how last-minute you're thinking, Antalya's about to shimmy its way into your heart with a cheeky wink, going, "hold my Efes and watch this."

• Konyaaltı Beach - Konyaaltı Beach? More like the A-lister of the sand scene. Imagine your selfies getting photobombed by the Taurus Mountains – it’s what Instagram dreams are made of. If you know, you know. And if you don't know, get to know.

• Lara Beach - Think of this one as the VIP lounge of Antalya's shorelines. With sand so soft it’s like stepping on clouds and a vibe that shouts "boujee," it's no wonder it's the face of beach living. And get this, the sand sculptures here will have you questioning your entire childhood beach mastery – talk about an artistic whopper!

• Olympos Beach - And for the history buffs with a side of beach bum, Olympos Beach is your spot. It’s like chilling with a cocktail of ancient ruins and beach vibes. "Oh, these ruins? Just a sprinkle of Roman history," it says, all casual-like. Imagine going for a swim and bumping into an ancient amphitheatre – it's like Netflix and chill went back in time and decided to get all Greco-Roman on us.

Thinking of going all-inclusive? Take a look at some of our top All Inclusive properties in Antalya here.

What are the best hotels in Antalya?

Antalya is more than just a beach paradise. Honest. Its hotel scene is popping off all the time. Look, imagine if hotels were the headliners at a music festival – Antalya's spots would be the ones with the biggest crowds and the loudest cheers. If you're all about diving into the lap of luxury, with bedding that feels like a cloud and views that'll take your breath away, you're in the right place. And, to add a cherry on top, Antalya is perfect for those looking to holiday in style on a budget with a ton of cheap holiday options, too.

• Eftalia Ocean - Where the beachfront charm collides with a feast for the senses, Eftalia Ocean boasts six bars and five eateries for round-the-clock luxury. With waterslides that catch everyone's eye (yep, looking at you, Dad!), it's a haven of fun and indulgence.

• Eftalia Splash Resort - Grab the speedy shuttle to the beach to save your flip-flops some wear, or keep it cool by the pool with an ice cream in hand for the ultimate holibob vibe. With 24/7 TV access (perfect for those midnight football matches!) and top-tier entertainment, you'll be nabbing the prime spot for everything from bingo to DJ sets.

• Club Turan Prince World - Dive headfirst into the on-site waterpark, spin around the fairground, and dance the night away at the disco bar until 2 AM. Still got energy? Be dazzled by evening shows at the amphitheatre and don't miss out on the adorable petting zoo for that extra sprinkle of joy.

• Granada Luxury Belek Hotel - Make a splash in the colossal waterpark, then chill in swim-up rooms that'll have the kiddos buzzing. Wander through a tunnel of retro posters to find your slice of wonderland, watch the magic of chocolatiers, and feast your senses at the themed buffet.

Antalya holidays 2025 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to do for families

• Lets kick the holiday off right! Go to Land of Legends Theme Park: Packed with rides, a waterpark, and family-friendly shows, it’s a sure hit for the young and the young at heart! 

• If an action-packed family holiday isn't for you then maybe you can try Antalya Aquarium it has one of the world’s longest aquarium tunnels. It’s a fun and educational day out with loads to see, especially for the little shark enthusiast of the family.

• Family Boat Trips: The coast is even better from the water, trust us. Take a boat trip and enjoy stops for swimming and snorkelling. Or stay on the boat and keep your hair dry for that perfect Instagram picture.

💕 Things to do for couples

• Nothing screams romance like dinner by a water fall Düden Waterfalls is a gorgeous spot to watch the waterfall plunge into the sea. Bring a camera; the views are stunning- and we aren’t just talking about the water fall- wink. 

• For even more romance book a private Yacht Cruise for the ultimate couple's holiday experience. Sunset on the Mediterranean is something else and will have yout partner shouting “Seni seviyorum!” From the rooftops

• And to cap off a romantic get away, how about, an Old Town Evening Stroll in the Kaleiçi district. It is perfect for evening strolls, with narrow streets, historic sights, and candle-lit cafes for a cosy dinner.

🍻 Things to do for groups

• For an unforgettable group holiday adventure in Antalya, start with a snorkelling or diving tour to explore the vibrant underwater world together – perfect for those Insta-worthy moments with colourful marine life- or some pics of your mates looking silly in diving gear, what ever floats your boat… or your snorkel.

• If you’re up for more thrills, head to Köprülü Canyon for white-water rafting; the rapids are exhilarating and offer a unique way to experience Antalya’s stunning natural landscapes. And when the sun goes down, dive into Kaleiçi’s lively nightlife scene. With its rooftop bars, cozy pubs, and hidden gems, this historic district is ideal for bar-hopping with the gang, mixing history with a side of fun.

🍕 Things to do for foodies

• Indulge your taste buds in Antalya with some sweet Turkish traditions. Start by sampling Turkish Delight and baklava at local markets and cafes, where these iconic treats are made fresh and packed with flavour. For a broader taste of Turkey, head to the Lara Saturday market, bustling with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and authentic snacks that make for perfect on-the-go bites. 

• If you’re keen to bring a bit of Turkey back to your own kitchen, a cooking class is a must – learn to make classics like dolma and baklava, mastering flavours you’ll love recreating at home.