Things to Do in Antalya: Culture, Sights & Adventures

Antalya is the sun-soaked capital of Turkey's Mediterranean coast, a city where Roman gateways and Ottoman lanes sit against a backdrop of turquoise sea and the snow-tipped Taurus Mountains. It is a place that rewards both the culture lover and the adventurer: mornings can be spent wandering ancient streets, afternoons on wide beaches, and full days chasing white water through mountain canyons. Few destinations blend history, nature and adrenaline as effortlessly as Antalya.

A city shaped by history

Antalya was founded in the second century BC and has passed through Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman hands, each leaving its mark. The heart of the old city is Kaleiçi, a walled quarter of cobbled streets, restored wooden mansions, boutique hotels and shaded courtyards. Getting pleasantly lost here is one of the great pleasures of any visit.

At the edge of Kaleiçi stands Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar), a beautifully preserved triple-arched marble gateway built to honour the Roman emperor Hadrian's visit. Nearby, the fluted Yivli Minaret — an emblem of the city from the Seljuk era — rises above the rooftops and remains one of Antalya's most recognisable landmarks.

Top sights and museums

Walk down through the old town and you reach the Old Harbour, a horseshoe-shaped marina tucked beneath the cliffs where fishing boats and gület cruises come and go. It is the natural spot for a coffee at sunset or the start of a boat trip along the coast.

Culture seekers should not miss the Antalya Museum, widely considered one of the finest archaeological museums in Turkey. Its galleries display statues, sarcophagi and everyday objects gathered from the great ancient cities of the surrounding region, telling the story of thousands of years of Mediterranean civilisation in a single afternoon.

• Kaleiçi — the historic old town and its Roman and Ottoman lanes
• Hadrian's Gate — the marble Roman triumphal arch
• Yivli Minaret — the fluted Seljuk minaret
• Old Harbour — the picturesque marina below the cliffs
• Antalya Museum — one of Turkey's best archaeological collections

Beaches and nature

Antalya is a beach city at heart. Konyaaltı Beach stretches west of the centre with pebbles, mountain views and a lively promenade, while Lara Beach to the east offers long stretches of sand backed by resorts. For something different, the Düden Waterfalls are a short trip away: the lower falls tumble dramatically straight into the sea, while the upper falls sit in a leafy park perfect for a stroll. Behind the city, the Taurus Mountains rise quickly into pine forest and deep river gorges — the setting for Antalya's finest adventures.

Adventures & day trips

When you are ready to trade the city for the mountains, the standout day trip from Antalya is white-water rafting. A short drive inland brings you to Köprülü Canyon, where the Köprüçay River carves through pine forest and Roman ruins. The classic route offers family-friendly Class II–III rapids — fun and splashy, suitable for first-timers and children — with plenty of calm stretches to swim and float. Thrill-seekers can step up to the wilder Class IV–V water of Tazı Canyon for a genuinely demanding ride.

Our rafting day tours from Antalya include free hotel transfer, professional guides, all gear, insurance and lunch, with prices from €20 and the convenience of paying on the tour day. Rafting also pairs beautifully with zip-lining, quad safaris or a canyon walk — see our full range of tours and combos to build the perfect day out.

Practical tips

The best time to visit Antalya is spring to autumn (April to October), when the weather is warm and the rivers are running for rafting. High summer is hot, so many travellers explore the old town early and save afternoons for beaches or shaded canyons. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, and taxis, trams and organised tours make the wider region simple to reach.

Whether you come for the ancient stone of Kaleiçi or the roar of the rapids, Antalya delivers. Cap your trip with a rafting day trip and see the mountains that frame the city up close — book your Antalya rafting adventure and let the river do the rest.