Antalya holidays

Aside from its fabulous beaches, Antalya is a gateway of discovery, offering so many unique experiences.

• Take a scenic boat trip from Kaleici’s harbour to see glorious waterfalls.
• Explore the incredible ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos and Termessos.
• Journey from ocean to summit in the Tahtali cable car.
• Head up the Taurus Mountains to witness traditional village life and superior views.

• Situated around 13 miles from the city of Antalya lies Lara, the closest and most popular resort area in the region. Lara is a family-friendly location which enjoys a high concentration of luxury and themed hotels. Its long sand and pebbled beach is filled with vibrant bars and restaurants. Slightly to the west of Lara beach you can see Lower Duden Waterfall hurtling from the clifftops into the sea. The all-inclusive concept reigns supreme here, making it a great location for a stress-free stay or a relaxing family break.
• To the east of Antalya, you’ll find Belek – another designated luxury resort area – which mainly appeals to adults. It shelters spacious sandy beaches, lush vegetation and neighbouring ancient ruins like Aspendos Theatre and early Roman aqueducts. More importantly, Belek is famed as a major golfing capital, continuing to attract avid golfers to its professional pine-dotted courses year on year.
• Edging further along Turkey’s south coast, discover Side, a pleasant town which is furnished in a rich history and culture. Side owes much of its popularity to its more traditional ambience as well as its unspoilt white sand beachfronts and assortment of laid-back harbour restaurants and bars. To the west side of the old town, find an array of high-quality hotels and modern resorts. If you like history, don’t miss the imposing Greek temples of Apollo and Athena, or the numerous Roman sites scattered throughout the city.
• Alanya is fast becoming a popular choice on the Turkish Riviera. Its unique geography is dominated by the Taurus Mountains and exceptional sweeping beaches – including the illustrious Cleopatra Beach. Jutting from the cliffs is Alanya’s 13th Century castle museum which you can reach via cable car. Stroll around the bustling town itself or haggle in the atmospheric markets or bazaars which sell all manner of goods from fresh spices and textiles to jewellery. Many will venture outside of the city and take an adventurous day trip to the immense Sapedere Canyon. Here you’ll encounter rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls and dreamy woodland walkways.

Antalya is home to a plethora of stunning beaches, ranging from tourist hot spots to local shores which are bordered by quaint villages or historic ruins. No matter what your beach style, Antalya’s varied coastline provides something for every traveller. Depending on where you’re staying, it might be worth hiring a car to discover some amazing costal gems which are off the beaten track. A few of Antalya’s top beaches include:

• Konyaalti: This pebbled beach is one of the main beaches to the west of Antalya’s centre. It features the wonderful backdrop of the lush Beydaglari mountains and stretches on for miles.
• Lara: To the east of Antalya’s centre, find the sandy expanses of the Blue Flag Lara Beach. This popular area is home to luxury resorts, waterside restaurants, colourful clubs and an intriguing sandcastle exhibition.
• Mermerli: A small yet delightful city beach in Antalya, lying directly next to the Roman-era port. This is the perfect spot to swim or sunbathe after sightseeing, although it can get busy during peak times. Enjoy swimming in the clear waters and admire spectacular views.
• Kemer: Just under 27 miles south from Antalya, Kemer is an attractive town famed for its aquamarine coastline and verdant forest mountains (perfect for hiking). Its family-friendly beach offers clear waters, water sport activities and restaurants, making it a popular place for exclusive resorts.
• Phaselis: A little further south along the coast from Kemer, you’ll reach the idyllic peninsular bays of the city of Phaselis. With two quiet stone beaches and one large sandy beach scattered with copious trees, they are the epitome of tranquillity and seclusion. Explore the nearby ancient ruins of the Lycian city.
• Cirali: This laid-back village boasts one of the most attractive and unspoilt beaches in the entire Antalya Province, hence why it’s popular with locals. See the Greek ruins of Olympos at the end of the seashore or head inland to marvel at the mysterious Chimaera – the eternal natural rock fires which burn on the mountainside.
• Adrasan: Despite being a greater distance from Antalya (just under 60 miles), Adrasan’s spotless bay is situated away from the main tourist trail. It offers outstanding views of the Olympos mountains and Mediterranean Sea, as well as cosy beachside restaurants and excellent bathing conditions.
• Patara: Turkey’s longest beach, Patara, is also classed as a national park. The lack of development in this area contributes to its breathtaking beauty and overall sense of peacefulness. Patara is named after the mighty ancient ruins, which you’ll pass when accessing the beach.
• Cleopatra Beach: One of the most visited beaches on the southern coast, its name derives from the Egyptian queen who, as legend has it, arrived on the shores to bathe when touring the Mediterranean. Today this mile-long stretch boasts fine white sands and clear blue waters. In the evenings, watch the sunset from one of the appealing bars or restaurants.