Are you thinking about visiting Antalya, Turkey? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Antalya worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this vacation spot for two to five days because of the many great activities. During our first trip to Antalya in 2011, we fell in love with the relaxing resorts and nice coastline. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. Antalya is a resort city in Turkey that attracts European and international tourists. The beaches are lined with hotels and the water is a beautiful blue color. Also nearby are many historical and archeological sights.
Antalya, Turkey
Reasons to Visit Antalya
Resorts
The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.
Beaches
Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.
Shopping
Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.
Museums
The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.
Food
Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.
Nightlife
The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.
Historical Sights
The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.
Hiking
Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.
Music
Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Antalya might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Antalya here or see if Antalya is expensive here.
Is Antalya worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Antalya, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 28°C (83°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 34°C (93°F).
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, and browse through museums. Also, you can check out the luxurious resorts, the historic old town, and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Antalya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (83°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| August | 28°C (83°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| September | 25°C (77°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
Is Antalya worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Antalya. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
The warm weather in autumn is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (69°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 27°C (80°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery, the historic old town, and the famous sights and museums. Also, you'll be able to admire the quaint setting, get out into nature, and listen to some live music.
Autumn Weather in Antalya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 21°C (69°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| November | 16°C (61°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| December | 12°C (54°F) | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
Is Antalya worth visiting in the Winter?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during winter, and temperatures hover around 11°C (51°F).
The low season for travel in Antalya is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. This is a great time of year to browse the museums, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can experience the nightlife and the live music.
Winter Weather in Antalya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 11°C (51°F) | 239 mm (9.4 in) |
| February | 11°C (52°F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) |
| March | 13°C (56°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
Is Antalya worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Antalya. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (62°F).
One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, spend time at the museums, and admire the quaint atmosphere. Also, you can take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, listen to some live music, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Antalya
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 16°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 20°C (69°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| June | 25°C (77°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Antalya
Lots of Tourists
Antalya sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Related
What is Antalya most famous for?
Antalya is most famous for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. People visit this impressive vacation spot for its great resorts, beaches, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and hiking. Many people love the music and scuba diving & snorkeling, too. It is often described as relaxing, luxurious, historic, cultural, vibrant, and high energy.
What is the most famous sight in Antalya?
The most popular sight in Antalya is Hadrian's Gate. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Antalya on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Hadrian's Gate and other attractions here.
How touristy is Antalya? Is it a popular vacation spot to visit?
Antalya is a very touristy vacation spot that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour From Antalya (Belek,Antalya,Kemer): $40
- Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall Full Day Tour: $78
- Turkish Bath tour in Antalya Türkiye: $49
- 2 in 1 Tour in Antalya Rafting and Buggy Safari Tour with Lunch: $40
- Day Tour to 3 Waterfalls in Antalya with Lunch & Entrance Fees: $70
- Spa and Skin Care Experience with Massage and Drink in Antalya: $76
- Guided Sapanca Lake Mahmudiye and Masukiye Tour with Cable Car: $16
- Antalya : Old City and Waterfalls Tour with Boat & Cable Car: $39
How long should I spend in Antalya?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Antalya is two to five days. Since Antalya has a variety of activities such as resorts, beaches, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Antalya?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Antalya?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Antalya?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.