Antalya Holiday Guide — Mediterranean Pearl: Hotels, Tours, Beaches

Antalya, located on Türkiye’s southwest Mediterranean coast, is a world-famous holiday destination offering 300+ sunny days per year, 657 km of coastline, ancient cities at the foot of the Taurus mountains, and modern resort hotels for every budget. Holiday AILYDIAN combines Antalya hotel booking, boat tours, airport transfers and car rental on a single platform.

About Antalya — History, Geography and Climate

Antalya was founded in 159 BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon. Traces of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman eras are still visible today in Kaleici. Mediterranean climate prevails: hot dry summers, mild rainy winters. Annual average 18°C, sea water 22-28°C from May to October.

  • Mediterranean Climate

  • Taurus Mountains

  • Kaleici Historical Quarter

  • Ancient Cities (Side, Aspendos, Perge)

Top Sights — 10 Must-See Places in Antalya

Antalya center and surrounding holiday districts (Side, Alanya, Kemer) offer rich natural and historical attractions. Kaleici old town, Konyaalti and Lara beaches, Duden Waterfalls, Aspendos Ancient Theater, Olympos Yanartas are top destinations.

  • Kaleici Old Town

  • Konyaalti Beach

  • Lara Beach

  • Duden Waterfalls

  • Aspendos Ancient Theater

  • Side Ancient City

  • Olympos Yanartas

  • Phaselis

  • Termessos National Park

  • Köprülü Canyon National Park

Things to Do in Antalya — Boat, Adventure, Water Sports

Boat tours on turquoise Mediterranean waters, rafting in Köprülü Canyon, paragliding from Olympos, jeep safaris, diving and water skiing are top activities. Boat tours typically follow the 3 islands route (Sıçan, Tavşan, Suluada).

  • 3 Islands Boat Tour

  • Köprülü Canyon Rafting

  • Olympos Paragliding

  • Diving (Kemer, Kas)

  • Jeep Safari

  • ATV Tour

  • Water Skiing

  • Aspendos Concert and Opera Nights

Antalya Hotels — 4★, 5★, All-Inclusive and Boutique

Antalya offers 1000+ hotels, making it one of Türkiye’s widest accommodation choices. Belek luxury resorts (Maxx Royal, Rixos, Calista), Kemer all-inclusive villages, Kaleici boutique hotels, Lara city hotels — every budget covered.

  • Belek 5★ Luxury Resorts

  • Kemer All-Inclusive Villages

  • Kaleici Boutique Hotels

  • Lara City Hotels

  • Side Hotels

  • Alanya Hotels

Antalya Cuisine — Regional Flavors

Antalya cuisine draws from the rich produce of the Mediterranean and Taurus region. Piyaz (special black-eyed pea salad), hibes (sesame paste with onions and spices), şiş köfte (meatballs on skewers), fresh fish (sea bream, sea bass) and citrus are signature flavors.

  • Piyaz

  • Hibes

  • Sis Köfte

  • Hot Mezzes

  • Fresh Fish and Seafood

  • Citrus and Tropical Fruits

Getting to Antalya — Airport, Bus, Car Rental

Antalya Airport (AYT) is Türkiye’s second busiest after Istanbul. 1-2 hour flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir. Direct charter and scheduled flights from Europe. Airport is 13 km from city, 20-30 minutes by transfer.

  • Antalya Airport (AYT)

  • Airport Transfer

  • Antalya Bus Terminal

  • City Transit (Antray)

  • Car Rental Options

Best Time to Visit Antalya

Ideal beach season: late May to mid-October. June and September are most balanced: warm sea, lower crowds, better hotel rates. July-August peak (35°C+, hotels full). Late October - early April for cultural sightseeing.

  • Peak Season (July-August)

  • Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October)

  • Low Season (November-April)

  • Aspendos Festival Season (June-September)