Antalya — Mediterranean Capital & Eastern Trail Gateway
Antalya is Turkey's largest Mediterranean city (2.5 million people) and the busiest tourism gateway in the country. For Lycian Way walkers it's the eastern bookend — most through-walkers fly into Antalya and start east-to-west, or finish here after the harder eastern half. The walled old town (Kaleiçi) is one of the most charming in Turkey, and the city has every service a hiker might need.
Quick orientation
| Area | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kaleiçi | Walled old town inside Roman walls — boutique hotels, restaurants, harbour | 1–3 night stay, sightseeing, atmosphere |
| Konyaaltı | Long beach strip west of the centre — pebble beach, beach clubs, modern hotels | Beach holiday, families |
| Lara | Beach strip east of the centre — sandy beach, large all-inclusive resorts (Titanic, Rixos) | All-inclusive package holidays |
| Otogar (bus station) | Northern outskirts — where you start/end intercity bus journeys | Transit only |
What to see
Kaleiçi (the old town)
A walled district of narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman houses, hidden gardens, the Hadrian's Gate (AD 130) and the Hıdırlık Tower overlooking the cliffs. The yacht harbour (Yat Limanı) sits below, reached by stepped lanes. Best at sunset — eat at a rooftop restaurant.
Antalya Archaeological Museum
One of the best museums in Turkey. The Roman gallery has the finest Hadrianic sculpture collection outside Italy, plus rich Lycian and Pamphylian collections. Most of the major finds from Perge, Aspendos and the Lycian sites end up here. £8 entry, closed Mondays. Allow 2–3 hours.
Düden Waterfalls
The lower Düden waterfall plunges off a 40 m cliff straight into the Mediterranean — visible from a boat tour or the cliff park. Upper Düden is inland, with paths around it. Half-day trip.
Day trips from Antalya
- Termessos — high-altitude Pisidian ruined city in pine forest, 30 km north
- Aspendos — most complete Roman amphitheatre in the world, 50 km east
- Perge — Hellenistic + Roman ruins, 20 km east
- Tahtalı cable car — 30 km southwest, see the Tahtalı guide
- Olympos / Çıralı — 70 km southwest, beach + Yanartaş — see the Çıralı guide
Where to stay
Kaleiçi boutique hotels
Restored Ottoman houses inside the old walls — Mediterra Art, Tuvana, Alp Pasa. Charming, walkable, central.
Kaleiçi pensions
Smaller family-run guesthouses — Sabah Pansiyon, White Garden, etc. Cheaper option for backpackers and hikers.
Konyaaltı beachfront
Modern hotels along the long pebble beach. 4-star options with pools. 15 min by tram to the old town.
Lara all-inclusive
Big resort hotels at Lara beach (15 km east) — Titanic Beach, Rixos. Holiday-package style. Far from the old town.
Eating in Antalya
- 7 Mehmet — institution for Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine, sea views, Konyaaltı
- Vanilla Lounge — Kaleiçi, modern Turkish, garden setting
- Seraser Restaurant — Kaleiçi, fine dining inside Tuvana Hotel
- Hasanağa — local lokanta, Kaleiçi, traditional Turkish stews by weight
- Big Chef's — chain but reliable, modern Turkish
- Hidden Garden — vegetarian-friendly, Kaleiçi, courtyard seating
Antalya as a Lycian Way base
Antalya is the eastern bookend of the trail. The Lycian Way ends (or begins, depending on direction) at Geyikbayırı, 50 km west of the city. Practical workflow:
- Land at Antalya airport (AYT) — direct flights from London, Manchester, Berlin, Moscow, Paris (April–October)
- Spend 1–2 nights in Kaleiçi — pick up gear at Decathlon (Migros AVM), eat well, see the museum
- Bus to Kaş (3.5 hrs, £12) if walking east-to-west, OR taxi to Geyikbayırı (£35, 50 min) for west-to-east
- End your trail back here — relax 2–3 days, fly home
See the Eastern Route page for the Geyikbayırı → Kaş walking plan and the Getting there page for full transfer options.
Getting around
| Mode | Use case | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tram (Antray) | Airport ↔ Kaleiçi ↔ Konyaaltı (2 lines) | ~£0.40 per ride |
| City bus | Anywhere off the tram line | ~£0.50 |
| Yellow taxi | Short hops, late-night | £3 minimum, £1/km |
| BiTaksi app | Like Uber but for licensed taxis — best price clarity | Same as taxi |
| Otogar buses | Out to Kaş, Olympos, Side, Alanya | £8–£15 |
| Dolmuş | Inside the bay; rare for tourists | £0.50 |
When to visit
| Month | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March–April | 20–24 °C | Best for sightseeing — quiet, mild |
| May | 26 °C | Sweet spot — sea warming, restaurants on terraces |
| June | 30 °C | Beach season starts properly |
| July–August | 34–37 °C | Hot; old town quiet at midday, lively in evening |
| September | 30 °C | Excellent — sea warm, fewer crowds |
| October | 24 °C | Best for combining city + Lycian Way |
| Nov–Feb | 14–18 °C, rain | Indoor sights still open; some hotels cheaper |
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need in Antalya?
Two to three nights is plenty for the old town, museum and a day trip. Add nights for beach time at Konyaaltı or Lara. Hikers typically use it as a 1–2 night transit either side of the trail.
Is Antalya a real Turkish city or just tourists?
Both. Lara and the resort strips are 100% tourist; Konyaaltı is mixed; Kaleiçi old town is heavily touristed but surrounded by authentic Turkish neighbourhoods (Konyaaltı Caddesi, Muratpaşa). Walk 10 minutes inland from the old town and you're in everyday Turkey.
Antalya or Fethiye for arrival?
Fethiye for western trail (closer to Ovacık/Kayaköy start, via Dalaman airport). Antalya for eastern trail (closer to Geyikbayırı, Olympos, Çıralı). For a full traverse you'll likely use both.
Is Antalya safe?
Yes — low-crime by city standards, busy police presence in tourist areas. The old town is well-lit and busy until 1 am. Standard urban precautions for the bus station area at night.