Things to Do in Antalya: Kaleiçi, Roman Ruins & the Turquoise Coast
Antalya is the main city of Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the one base that pairs beaches with major Roman archaeology. The old town, Kaleiçi, sits inside the historic walls above a horseshoe harbour.
On this page
Quick answer
Within easy reach inland are two of the best-preserved Roman sites in the country: the theatre at Aspendos, whose stage building survives largely intact, and the extensive ruins of Perge.
The coastline west and east of the city is the Turquoise Coast, and the long-distance Lycian Way footpath runs along much of it.
What to see in Antalya — top sights
- Kaleiçi — the walled old town of Ottoman-era houses and narrow lanes wrapped around the old harbour.
- Hadrian's Gate — the triple-arched marble gateway built for the emperor Hadrian's visit in the second century, still the entrance to the old town.
- Aspendos — a Roman theatre roughly 45 km east, one of the best-preserved anywhere, with its stage building still standing.
- Perge — a large Roman city site with a colonnaded street, stadium and baths, a short drive from the centre.
- Antalya Museum — one of Turkey's most important archaeological collections, holding much of the sculpture excavated at Perge.
- Düden Waterfalls — the lower falls drop directly into the Mediterranean and can be seen from the water.
Why visit Antalya
Antalya is the practical answer to wanting both a beach holiday and serious Roman ruins without changing base. Few Mediterranean cities put a walled Ottoman old town, a first-rate archaeological museum and two major Roman sites within an hour of the same hotel.
FAQ
- What is Kaleiçi?
- Kaleiçi is Antalya's historic core — the old quarter inside the city walls, made up of restored Ottoman-era houses, narrow lanes, boutique hotels and the old harbour below.
- Is Aspendos worth visiting?
- Aspendos is among the best-preserved Roman theatres in existence, with its stage building still standing to close to its original height — unusual, as that structure is normally the first part to collapse. It is roughly 45 km east of Antalya.
Upcoming events
No matching upcoming events are published yet. Check back soon or browse Explore.
Planning a trip around this?
Combine these events with flights, stays and a day-by-day plan in the trip planner.
Plan your trip