Antalya, one of the Mediterranean’s leading tourism destinations, deserves to be explored not only for its sea, sand and sunshine but also for its ancient cities, historical landmarks, waterfalls, canyons and spectacular coastal routes. Across the vast region stretching from central Antalya to Alanya and from Side to Demre and Kaş, you can discover numerous historical and tourist attractions dating back to different periods.
So, what are the best historical and tourist attractions to visit in Antalya? If you are planning a holiday in Antalya, this guide introduces important places to see both in the city centre and surrounding districts, along with suggested driving routes.
With thousands of years of history, Antalya and its surroundings offer a rich itinerary for history enthusiasts. Traces of different civilisations, from the Roman period to the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, can be seen throughout the region.
When it comes to historical places in Antalya, Kaleiçi is one of the first destinations to visit. Located in the heart of Antalya, this historic district is one of the city’s most distinctive areas, with its narrow streets, traditional houses, historical buildings and harbour views.
You can combine your Kaleiçi visit with Hadrian’s Gate, the Yivli Minaret and the historic harbour to create an enjoyable walking route through central Antalya.
Located at one of the entrances to Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate is one of Antalya’s most important historical structures dating from the Roman period.
Known for its three-arched architecture, the monument was built in honour of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Antalya. Its location makes it easy to visit while exploring Kaleiçi.
One of the defining landmarks of Antalya’s skyline, the Yivli Minaret is among the city’s best-known monuments from the Seljuk period.
Add the Yivli Minaret to your tour of Kaleiçi and Cumhuriyet Square to explore Antalya’s history from the Roman to the Seljuk period along the same route.
One of Antalya’s most remarkable characteristics is the number of ancient cities spread throughout the city and its surrounding districts. If you have a car during your holiday, you can create dedicated routes covering ancient sites in different parts of the region.
Located relatively close to central Antalya, Perge Ancient City is an important stop that history enthusiasts can add to their itinerary.
Its ancient theatre, stadium, colonnaded streets and other archaeological remains offer a glimpse into the region’s past. It can be visited as part of a day trip for travellers staying in central Antalya.
Located in Antalya’s Serik district, Aspendos is particularly famous for its impressive Roman-era theatre.
If you are driving from Antalya towards Alanya, you can make Aspendos one of your historical stops along the way. Perge and Aspendos can also be included in the same day trip.
Located in the Manavgat district, Side Ancient City is an important destination for travellers who want to combine historical landmarks with Mediterranean views.
The Ancient Theatre of Side, archaeological ruins and the area around the seaside Temple of Apollo are among the most popular attractions in the region.
You can combine your visit to Side with Manavgat Waterfall to enjoy history and nature on the same day.
For visitors looking for a different historical experience around Antalya, Termessos Ancient City stands out from other ancient sites thanks to its mountainous location and natural surroundings.
As exploring Termessos involves walking in some areas, comfortable footwear and consideration of the weather conditions are recommended.
Located in the direction of Kemer, Phaselis is a special destination where historical ruins meet the Mediterranean coastline.
After exploring the ancient city, you can spend time along the nearby coast and natural areas. Phaselis is a practical addition to a road trip from Antalya towards Kemer.
Another popular route west of Antalya is the Olympos area. With its historical ruins, natural surroundings and proximity to the coast, it appeals to travellers interested in both history and nature.
You can combine a visit to Olympos with Çıralı and other natural attractions in the surrounding area.
Located in Demre, Myra Ancient City is one of the important historical stops on Antalya’s western route. Known for its rock-cut tombs and ancient theatre, the area is particularly interesting for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
While visiting Demre, you can also add the St. Nicholas Museum and other nearby historical attractions to your itinerary.
If you do not want to limit your Antalya itinerary to historical sites, you can also add the natural attractions in and around the city to your route.
One of the prominent tourist attractions in Antalya, Düden Waterfall can easily be added to your itinerary thanks to its proximity to the city centre.
After exploring Kaleiçi and its surroundings during a day in central Antalya, you can continue your route towards the Düden area.
Surrounded by greenery, Kurşunlu Waterfall is an alternative destination for visitors who want to spend time in nature around Antalya.
Travellers with a car can conveniently combine Perge Ancient City and Kurşunlu Waterfall in the same day.
Manavgat Waterfall is one of the tourist attractions that can be visited while travelling from Antalya towards Alanya.
Because it is located relatively close to Side Ancient City, both destinations can conveniently be visited on the same day. You can explore historical sites in the morning and spend the rest of the day surrounded by nature.
Another destination worth considering for visitors interested in Antalya’s natural beauty is Köprülü Canyon.
The canyon and its surroundings are suitable for travellers who want to spend a nature-focused day away from the city centre’s classic tourist routes.
For visitors who want to enjoy Mediterranean views after exploring central Antalya, Konyaaltı Coast is one of the easily accessible options.
Finishing your day by the coast after visiting historical and tourist attractions allows you to experience different sides of Antalya in a single day.
Because Antalya covers a vast geographical area, it is not possible to find all of its historical and natural attractions in a single location. Car rental in Antalya gives visitors greater flexibility to create their own itinerary, particularly when exploring ancient cities and natural attractions outside the centre.
Central Antalya Route: Kaleiçi → Hadrian’s Gate → Yivli Minaret → Düden Waterfall → Konyaaltı Coast
Perge – Aspendos Route: Antalya → Perge Ancient City → Kurşunlu Waterfall → Aspendos
Side – Manavgat Route: Antalya → Side Ancient City → Temple of Apollo → Manavgat Waterfall
Kemer History & Nature Route: Antalya → Kemer → Phaselis → Çıralı → Olympos
Demre Route: Antalya → Demre → Myra Ancient City → St. Nicholas Museum → nearby coastal routes
You can divide these routes across different days depending on the length of your holiday and explore different parts of Antalya more comfortably.
If you are planning a three-day trip to Antalya, you can dedicate the first day to the city centre. Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate, the Yivli Minaret and Düden Waterfall make a suitable itinerary for your first day.
On the second day, you can explore important ancient cities such as Perge and Aspendos. On the third day, depending on your preferences, you can take a road trip towards Side and Manavgat or towards Kemer, Phaselis and Olympos.
If you have a longer holiday, you can also add destinations further from central Antalya, including Demre, Myra, Kaş and Alanya.
Antalya’s tourist attractions are spread across a very large area, including the city centre, Kemer, Serik, Manavgat, Demre, Kaş and Alanya. Travelling by car can therefore offer significant convenience to visitors who want to explore not only the city centre but also the surrounding districts.
If you are planning an ancient city road trip, want to visit several attractions in one day or prefer to travel along the coast according to your own schedule, a rental car can provide greater flexibility.
You can explore vehicle options suitable for your travel duration and requirements with Deniz Rent a Car and create your own Antalya itinerary.
Temperatures in Antalya can be quite high during the summer months. When visiting outdoor ancient sites in particular, choosing the morning hours or cooler parts of the day can make your trip more comfortable.
Spring and autumn can also be considered for travellers planning an Antalya trip involving plenty of walking through historical and natural areas. Before travelling, it is advisable to check the current opening hours of ancient sites and museums through official sources.
Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Termessos, Phaselis, Olympos and Myra are among the important historical attractions in Antalya and its surroundings.
Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate and the Yivli Minaret are among the historical attractions that can easily be visited in central Antalya.
Historical sites outside the city centre, including Perge, Aspendos, Side, Termessos, Phaselis, Olympos and Myra, can be included in road-trip itineraries around Antalya.
Dividing Antalya’s ancient cities into different geographical areas can help create a more efficient itinerary. Perge and Aspendos can be included in an eastern route, Phaselis and Olympos in a route towards Kemer, and Myra in a route towards Demre.
Yes. Perge and Kurşunlu Waterfall, Side and Manavgat Waterfall, or Phaselis and the beaches around Kemer can be combined in the same day.
From its Roman heritage and Seljuk monuments to ancient cities, waterfalls and Mediterranean beaches, Antalya offers a remarkably diverse travel experience. Starting your journey in Kaleiçi, you can continue to destinations such as Perge, Aspendos, Side, Phaselis, Olympos and Myra to discover thousands of years of Antalya’s history.
If you want to explore Antalya’s historical and tourist attractions according to your own schedule, you can browse the car rental options from Deniz Rent a Car and create your own Antalya route with a vehicle suited to your trip.
