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Antalya’s resorts are the perfect base for exploring one of Türkiye’s most captivating provinces

Need to know:

Antalya offers resort beaches, the Taurus Mountains, waterfalls, river canyons, and ancient cities
1.58 million U.S. travelers visited Türkiye in 2025, with 14 U.S. cities now flying directly to İstanbul
UNESCO World Heritage sites preserve some of the most important remnants of ancient Anatolian civilizations
Köprülü Canyon National Park is home to a nine-mile canyon, where you can go rafting through ancient Roman architecture

From the Taurus Mountains to heritage sites, ancient cities, river canyons, and waterfalls, Antalya offers a lot to visitors. The result is an all-inclusive vacation that stretches far beyond the hotel gates and beach fronts. But that’s the beauty of Antalya: the resort is just the starting point.

Step 1: Choose your base

Antalya Province stretches along some 400 miles of Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. For U.S. travelers, it’s a simple journey. Turkish Airlines now flies to İstanbul from 14 American cities, followed by an onward flight to Antalya of around one hour and 20 minutes. From there, it’s easy to travel to your destination within the province, whether you’re renting a car or a using a hotel transfer.

Belek, Türkiye’s best-known golf destination, combines the luxury of five-star resorts with access to internationally celebrated golf courses. Both along and away from the coastline, you’ll find 17 tailormade, 18-hole championship course, designed to meet international standards and cater to both professional and amateur players.

Many families head to Lara–Kundu, the beachfront resort belt east of the city and close to Antalya Airport. This region is known for its children’s clubs and water parks, while spas and à la carte restaurants afford parents some grown-up time. Couples wanting something more intimate may prefer Kaleiçi, where Ottoman-era houses have been converted into courtyard hotels within walking distance of the old town’s tavernas and historic marina.

Step 2: Make time for culture

Antalya has a rich and varied culture, and one of the best ways to experience it begins in Kaleiçi, the old town. Enter through the impressive Hadrian’s Gate, which was built for the Roman emperor’s visit nearly 2,000 years ago, before moving onto a cobbled descent lined with galleries and boutiques, ending up at the historic marina.

Another day can be given over to the region’s extraordinary archaeological sites. One standout includes the UNESCO Heritage Site Xanthos, where visitors can experience the ruins of ancient Lycia. Another is Termessos in Güllük Dağı National Park, which sits over 3000ft above sea level as part of the Taurus mountains and is notable as one of the few cities Alexander the Great failed to capture.

Step 2: Make time for culture

Other interesting sites include Perge and Aspendos, two of the region’s best-preserved ancient cities, known respectively for colonnaded streets and a remarkably intact Roman theater. Both are on UNESCO’s Tentative Heritage Site List, while Aspendos also participates in the 2026 Night Museums program. The nationwide program keeps major cultural sites open into the evening, illuminating iconic monuments after dark and extending exhibitions beyond usual museum hours.

Step 3: Embark on an excursion

Antalya’s coastline can be enjoyed offshore as well. Native gulets, traditional wooden yachts with a mast and sail, leave Kaleiçi’s marina hourly and trace Antalya’s limestone cliffs to the Lower Düden Waterfall. It’s the best way to enjoy the spectacle of a 131 ft drop, with the view from the water unobstructed by crowds or railings.

Step 3: Embark on an excursion

For a more high-octane water activity, head inland to Köprülü Canyon National Park, around 30 miles northeast of Antalya. In the park, rafting routes follow the Köprü River through a nine-mile canyon, between walls rising up to 330 feet. A particular highlight is the stretch that runs beneath the Roman Oluk Bridge, which was once part of the stone road linking the mountain city of Selge with Pamphylia.

Step 4: Pick your beach

As of 2026, Antalya Province holds 232 Blue Flags, accounting for 40% of all those awarded in Türkiye. Top choices include Konyaaltı city beach, a long sweep of pebbles west of central Antalya, with a broad promenade and views of the Taurus Mountains. Or further east is Lara beach, whichboasts finer sand and the convenience of an adjoining resort district.

Step 4: Pick your beach

Kaputaş, meanwhile, is more suited to a day trip. Twenty miles from Kaş and five from Kalkan, the pocket beach occupies the point where a narrow canyon reaches the Mediterranean. There’s no sprawling resorts here, just 187 steps from the coastal road to golden sand and turquoise water.

Unlike many coastal vacation spots, Antalya’s resorts aren’t isolated from its numerous charms. So, whether travelers want to experience nature, history, culture, or adventure, there’s always an option to indulge.