Things to Do While in Antalya
Walk around Kaleici and the Harbor
Kaleici, on Hesapci
Sokak. (click for photos).
Do this first. It's a wonderfully pleasant walk, with lots of things to see, as well as numerous coffee shops, restaruants, and pubs where you can relax and watch other people walk around.
Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum
The Antalya Archaeological Museum is easily and quickly accessible from town center and Kaleici, from the Konyaalti Beach road. The museum is the last stop on the western end of the tram route, and the museum is located just across the road from Konyaalti Beach, so you can walk around the beach and parks at Konyaalti after your visit to the museum.
Go on a Boat Trip
Excursion boats depart from the Kaleici harbor, for one-hour, two-hour, half and full-day trips to various sites including the Duden waterfall (best and most easily seen from one of these boats), Local beaches, and coves for swimming and snorkeling. The longer ones will also go to various islands, as well as Phaselis, Olympos, Kemer and Kas. The excursion itineraries and departure times can be found on display signs where the excursion boats dock. You'll also see boat workers hawking these various trips to passers by as the boats fill up with passengers. A few refusals and a brief "walk away" will often result in a quick discount if they're near their departure time.
Turkish Bath (Hamam)
Reinvigorate yourself like never before with a good massage and soap and oil scrubdown, the old-fashioned way.
In Kaleici, visit the 700 year-old Balik Pazari Hamam, Tel: 90 (242) 243-6175, Address: Camil Sokak and Balik Pazar Sokak. Open from 8:00 AM to midnight for men, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM for women.
Sefa Hamam is another well known Turkish bath, in an antique building from Seljuk times. Address: Kocatepe Sokak No. 32. Open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Web: www.sefahamam.com.
Visit the Ancient Cities near Antalya
Termessos
A Psidian city at 1,000 meters in elevation, surrounded by a national park, and one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey.
Perge
The former capital of the region of Pamphylia, Perge is accessed from the main coastal road east of Antalya. During the Hellenistic era, Perge was one of the most beautiful and rich cities of ancient times.
Aspendos
An ancient Greco-Roman city, 40 kilometers east of Antalya. It is accessed from the main coastal road at Serik. It is also home to the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, where you can watch an opera or ballet performance in Aspendos' exceptionally well-preserved ancient theater. The festival takes place every June or July. You can get more information about the festival here: www.aspendosfestival.gov.tr
Duden Waterfall
There are actually two Duden waterfalls. The lower one, and the most impressive of them is best viewed from one of the excursion boats which depart from the harbor in Kaleici. This waterfall is at Lara Beach, where the Duden creek meets the cliffs of the Mediterranean Sea. The lower waterfall is usually included in boat excursions departing from the old Roman harbor. The smaller waterfall, around 10 kilometers up the Duden Creek, may be reached by Dolmus. These falls are significantly smaller than the waterfall farther downstream, but the area is a pleasant place to have a picnic or just relax.
Cinema
Plaza Cinemas, +90 (242) 312 6296, Recep Picher Caddesi No. 22. There is a four-screen theater in a shopping plaza. To find it, go to Hadrian's gate, cross Atatuk Caddesi, and continue walking straight ahead.
Theater
Ataturk Kultur Merkezi, +90 (242) 238 5444, 100 Yil Bulvari, Atatuk Kultur Park. Internet: www.altinportukal.org.tr. Near the Sharaton Voyager hotel west of city center, the Ataturk Cultural Center offers various cultural events including plays, opera, ballet, folk dancing and concerts.
Aqua Parks
Aqualand Water Park
Includes various water rides and slides, as well as dolphins. Located west of Konyaalti Beach. Tel: 90 (242) 249-0900.
Dedeman Aquapark
In the Dedeman Hotel complex at Lara Beach. Boasts the largest aquapark in Turkey. You can reach it with any Dolmus heading to Lara beach, since it's on he Dolmus route. Tel: 90 (242) 316-4400.
Antalya Festivals
Altin Portakal (Golden Orange) Film Festival
Every year in late September or early October. You can get more information on their website, at www.altinportakal.tursak.org.tr.
Rock'n Antalya
A celebration of Turkish rock and contemporary music, performed live. It's held on Lara beach every June.
Turkey Central also has an Antalya Forum where you can meet others who share your interest in Antalya. Please feel free to visit and join our community!