Antalya

Antalya sits on the Mediterranean coast in southern Turkiye, backed by the Taurus Mountains and fronted by a long stretch of shoreline that ranges from pebble coves to wide sandy bays. It's the main gateway to the region often called the Turkish Riviera, with an international airport that handles a large share of the country's summer arrivals. The city itself splits roughly into two moods: the old walled quarter, Kaleici, with its narrow lanes, Ottoman-era houses and a small marina, and the modern city spreading inland with tram lines, shopping streets and residential districts. Most first-time visitors base themselves near Kaleici or along the beach zones at Konyaalti and Lara.

The wider area gives you a mix of coast, water and mountains within a short drive. The Duden Waterfalls, split between an upper section inland and a lower section that drops straight into the sea, are among the closest natural sights to the centre. Offshore to the southwest, boat trips run to Suluada, a small uninhabited island known for clear, shallow water. Beyond the immediate surroundings, Antalya works well as a base for day trips to ancient sites and coastal towns further along the shore, so it's common to spend a few days in the city and then range outward. Each landmark linked below has its own page with the practical detail for that specific spot.

Summer here is hot and dry, with the busiest crowds and the highest prices from roughly June through August. Spring and autumn are generally more comfortable for walking around the old town and combining beach time with sightseeing, and the sea often stays warm enough to swim well into October. Getting around the central areas is manageable on foot and by tram, though you'll want a taxi, a rental car or an organised trip for anything outside the city. Bring sun protection and proper shoes if you plan to combine beaches with any of the archaeological sites, since footing at ruins can be uneven.