- Antalya airport is only 15–30 minutes from Lara and the city centre
- Stay in Kaleiçi for character, Lara for big all-inclusive resorts and Konyaaltı for a city beach
- July and August regularly reach the high 30s °C
- Kemer, Belek and Side are all easy day trips or alternative bases
- Airports
- Antalya (AYT)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October
- Type
- City
Antalya is the gateway to the Turkish Riviera and, for many UK holidaymakers, the first taste of Turkey. Most people land at its busy airport and head straight to a resort, but the city itself deserves time: a walled old town of Ottoman houses and Roman gates, cliffs dropping into turquoise water, and the Taurus Mountains as a constant backdrop.
Flights from the UK take about 4h15 from London and run from most big regional airports in summer, with fewer routes in winter. Turkey is two hours ahead of the UK in summer and three in winter, plugs are the two round-pin European type, and traffic drives on the right. Day-to-day costs are usually lower than in Spain or Greece, though resort prices have risen sharply in recent years. For entry rules and the bigger picture, see our Turkey guide.
Where to stay
- Kaleiçi (old town) – boutique hotels in restored Ottoman houses, cobbled lanes and the old harbour. Best for couples and short breaks; no beach on the doorstep, but beach clubs and Konyaaltı are close by taxi or tram.
- Lara – a long sandy beach east of the centre lined with huge all-inclusive resorts, some themed and very family-friendly. It's the closest resort strip to the airport, usually 15–25 minutes away.
- Konyaaltı – a pebble-and-shingle city beach west of the centre with a promenade, cafés and mid-range hotels. Good if you want the city and the sea together.
- Kemer and Beldibi – about an hour south-west of the airport, with pine forests and mountains running down to pebble beaches. A popular all-inclusive area.
- Further along the coast – Belek for golf, Side for ruins and sand, Alanya for nightlife.
Things to do
- Kaleiçi – wander through Hadrian's Gate, past the fluted Yivli Minaret and down to the old harbour, then take a boat trip along the cliffs.
- Düden Waterfalls – the lower falls plunge straight off the cliffs into the sea near Lara; the upper falls sit in a shady park.
- Perge and Aspendos – a Roman city and one of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere, both within an hour.
- Termessos – a mountaintop ancient city in a national park, wonderfully atmospheric and much quieter.
- Olympos cable car – the Tahtalı cable car near Kemer climbs to over 2,300 m for views along the coast.
- Köprülü Canyon – white-water rafting trips with hotel pick-ups are a classic family excursion.
Taxis from the airport are metered, but many UK visitors prefer a pre-booked transfer or a package that includes one, especially when arriving late at night.
Best time to visit
May, June, September and October are the sweet spot: warm sea, sunny days and comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. July and August are hot, often in the high 30s °C, and best for a pool-and-beach holiday. The sea stays warm into early November. Winter is mild and quiet, good for walking and city breaks, but many beach resorts close or run reduced services.
Getting there
Direct flights to Antalya (AYT) run from London Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Glasgow and more, mainly between April and October. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus also fly via Istanbul year-round.
Typical transfer times from the airport are 15–30 minutes to Lara or the city centre, about 30–40 minutes to Konyaaltı, around an hour to Kemer and about 35 minutes to Belek. British passport holders don't currently need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days, and your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from arrival. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
Antalya's tram network links the old town with Konyaaltı, the bus station and, on one line, the airport area. City buses and dolmuş minibuses cover the rest cheaply, and taxis are plentiful. Hire cars are useful for exploring ruins and mountain villages, though city traffic can be heavy.
Top attractions in Antalya
Antalya on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Antalya good for a beach holiday?
Yes. Lara has long sandy beaches and big resorts, while Konyaaltı is a lively city beach with pebbles and clear water. If sand is a priority, Lara, Belek or Side are better choices than Konyaaltı.
How far is Antalya airport from the resorts?
About 15–30 minutes to Lara and the centre, 35 minutes to Belek, around an hour to Kemer and Side, and roughly two hours to Alanya.
Can I combine Antalya with Istanbul?
Easily. Domestic flights take about 1h20, so many people add a few days in Istanbul to see the Hagia Sophia and the bazaars before or after the beach.
Is Antalya expensive?
Usually less than Spain or Greece for eating out and excursions, though prices in Turkish lira change quickly. All-inclusive packages from the UK are often the best value.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
