A guide to things to do in Antalya Region

Whether you love sightseeing and exploring, or just simply on the beach you’ll find something you enjoy along this beautiful slice of coastline. There’s an abundance of things to do in Antalya for everyone. Antalya really is an all-around holiday hotspot. If you’re wondering where to head first, here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Antalya to give you a holiday you’ll remember.

Top things to do in Antalya Region

Land of Legends Theme Park

The Land of Legends Theme Park, in Belek, is at the top of our list as it is one of the best things to do in Antalya. It’s a guaranteed fun-filled day out for everyone. One side of the park is perfectly designed for the little ones with mini coasters, circus shows and a fun house, meanwhile the Adventure Land side has the 62 metre high, adrenaline fuelled roller-coaster for those adventurer seekers. There’s a huge selection of rides and roller coasters that will whisk you up and down, round and round, and even upside down! 

Yet another side to the theme park is AquaLand. Here there are several water rides for all the family, as well as a wave pool, an infinity pool and everyone’s favourite Wild River. You can also get the chance to swim with dolphins for a unique experience you’ll never forget.

Beach days

If you’re more of a ‘lay on the beach and soak up the sun’ type of holiday goer, don’t worry, Antalya Region has plenty of that too. Antalya’s coast is 640 kilometres long and has numerous stunning white sand beaches scattered along it.

Kaputas Beach in Kas has calm clear turquoise water, with sun loungers and parasols to rent. There’s 184 steps down to the water, which means it’s not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Kleopatra beach has wonderful views of the Alanya Castle and its own cave to explore once you’ve finished lying on the pristine sands. Patara Beach is 18 kilometres long and boasts a backdrop of rolling hills. There’s also a lifeguard keeping watch over the water, so you can feel safe with any little ones paddling in the shallows.

If you like to add a bit of adrenaline into your beach days, West Beach in Side has an array of exciting water sports to keep you satisfied. Kit up with a snorkel and head out to see what marine life you can spot or get a little more daring and head out on a jet ski, or up in the air with parasailing.

Practice your swing

There are more than 10 golf courses in the Antalya region, which means there’s lots of opportunities to get a few rounds in this holiday. One of the most popular spots to hit the green is the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club in Belek. The courses here were designed by the master golfer himself, Colin Montgomerie. This 18-hole course is surrounded by a high forest of trees and the ocean. There’s also a club house serving satisfying meals all day. If you get thirsty you can even order a beer from one of the buggy bar boys and they’ll bring it directly to you. Whether you’re a fully experienced golfer or fancy trying it out, where better than under the beaming sun, surrounded by spectacular views.

Things to do for free in Antalya Region

Discover the waterfalls

Manavgat, otherwise known as the Niagara of Turkey, is home to a striking waterfall and is certainly one of the biggest attractions to the area. This natural may not quite be as tall as the Niagara Falls at only 5 metres high, but it is seriously swoon-worthy. It makes a great picture spot and there’s lots of restaurants and cafes around it so if you choose to, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or bite to eat while looking at the view. 

There’s also the Dunedin Waterfalls which are on a much bigger scale than Manavgat standing approximately 40 metres tall. Here you can actually get much closer because there’s a hidden staircase behind the falls that leads you into a secret cave! It’s completely free to visit the falls but you can choose to join a guided group on a boat or by coach that will take you there.

Experience the Bazaars

No visit to Turkey is complete without a stroll through an authentic Turkish bazaar. Most towns have weekly markets selling gorgeous textiles and street food to give you a real taste of the Antalya Region. The hustle and bustle through the Bazaars is a unique experience that has to be had at least once. Stroll through the stalls, smelling the food and spices, and if you happen to find something that catches your eye, be sure you’ve come prepared to haggle – the local merchants are always in the mood for friendly sparring. 

Even if you don’t buy anything, the Bazaars are worth the experience for the vivid colours, incredible smells and friendly locals – just try not to get lost!

Iconic landmarks

The Antalya Region may have plenty of adventure, beaches and nature, but it also has a rich history that is worth exploring. Hadrian’s Gate is an iconic landmark that dates all the way back to 130 AD! It was built to memorialise Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Antalya and has somehow withstood all of time. 

These three archways stand around 8 metres tall but only the middle arch was originally built all that time ago. The second two were built later on, both in different time periods and therefore vary in design from one another posing as a fascinating insight into those times. It also stands as the entrance way into Kaleici, which is the historic quarter of Antalya and it makes for a great photo opp with four bold columns made from white marble. It’s hard to miss.