Antalya attractions

Dramatically situated high in the Taurus Mountains and part of Gulluk Dagi Termessos National Park, the ancient city of Termessos is as notable for its impressive location as for its remarkably preserved ruins. The star attraction is the 4,200-seat theater, built right on the cliffside and affording stunning views over the mountains below.

Manavgat Market is a large covered shopping center in Manavgat, north of Side. Every Monday and Thursday, it expands into the neighboring side streets, with a chaotic sprawl of stalls selling fake designer clothes, perfumes, purses, sunglasses, Turkish crafts and souvenirs, and fresh produce and cheeses. A farmers market component also offers fresh produce and cheeses.

Despite the sign over the entrance reading “Old Bazaar,” this attraction feels more like a shopping mall than a historic marketplace. A 1-stop shop for all your souvenir needs—as well as clothes and designer fakes—this largely covered market in the heart of Antalya offers spices, lanterns, coffee pots, shisha pipes, leather goods, Turkish delight, and more.

Fringed with green forest and lined with turquoise pools, its sheer walls worn to smooth curves by the flow of water, Goynuk Canyon (Göynük Kanyonu is a popular hiking and picnic spot. But there are plenty of other adventures to be had, with an over-water zipline course and waterfalls that seem designed for canyoneering.

The 2-story residence where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the first President of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye)—stayed during official visits between 1930 and 1935 is now a museum dedicated to the legendary revolutionary. Filled with personal effects and historic items, the Alanya Ataturk House Museum (Alanya Atatürk Evi Müzesi) is a fascinating tribute to Atatürk’s visits to Antalya.

A long, tawny, primarily sandy strand, Lara Beach is one of the best beaches in Antalya, with lounge chairs (sunbeds) for hire at warmer times of the year, plus plenty of food and drink options. The Antalya Sand Sculpture Museum, or Sandland, is set back from its western end, and it’s a popular spot for horseback riding adventures and water sports.

Having begun as one of the world’s largest sand sculpture festivals, Antalya’s Sandland is now a year-round sand sculpture museum. Artists use tons of sand to create gigantic sculptures along the shores of Lara Beach, with up to 100 artworks centered on a different theme each year.

Together with neighboring Deepo Outlet Center, Mall of Antalya is one of the biggest shopping centers on the Turkish Riviera. Conveniently located near the airport, it’s home to an 11-screen cinema complex, a children’s playground, and a huge food court, plus more than 200 stores spread across the twin venues.

The largest water park along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Water Planet Aqua Park packs in 24 family-friendly slides, rides, and activities—all within a short drive of Alanya or Side. Add ocean views, a forested backdrop, an adrenaline-fuelled bungee jump, and seven different swimming pools, and you’ll have everything you need for a fun-filled day out.