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Antalya area holidays don't discriminate between sand and sightseeing aficionados. You'll see historic sites go tit-for-tat with beaches.
The natural look
With the Taurus Mountains for a backdrop and the Mediterranean Sea front and centre, the Antalya area’s lucked out in the scenery stakes. The Karain Cave – once believed to be home to Neanderthal dwellers – dates back up to 200,000 years. Capping it all off is the Manavgat Waterfall – this natural wonder’s such a crowd-pleaser that it was once pictured on Turkish banknotes.
Best for beaches
White sands are part and parcel for Antalya and its neighbours. Lara Beach is one of the most popular picks for visitors, with hotels behind it that need to be seen to be believed. One mimics a giant cruise liner, and there are others designed to look like Concorde and the Kremlin. A huge sandcastle competition dominates parts of the beach every year, too. Head either way along the coastline, and you’ll find quieter sunbathing spots like Belek and Kemer.
Time-warp towns
Ask to see this area’s culture credentials, and you’ll be bowled over by the response. Alanya’s old quarter, Kaleici, is brimming with ageing architecture. There’s an Ottoman-era clock tower, the ancient ruins of a Roman place of worship, and triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate. Trace your finger along the coastline to Side, and things map out in a similar fashion. The seafront’s dragged back through the centuries by the Temple of Apollo, and the countryside in the background’s home to a near-intact open-air amphitheatre.
Best time to go to Antalya area
Temperatures in Antalya can climb to 40°C in July and August, although sea breezes keep things bearable. For the rest of summer, and in the spring and autumn months, you’re looking at temperatures between 30 and 35°C. And the sea is pretty inviting whenever you come – it never dips below 15°C, and in summer, is more like 28°C.
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Top Destinations
Holidays to Alanya are the hot ticket for big beaches and banging clubs. And you've got a good slice of historical sights to get round, too.
With a beauty of a beach and enough restaurants to keep you topped up all day, Beldibi holidays are all about vegging out to the max.
Holidays to Belek give you 300 days of sunshine a year. That should be more than enough time to enjoy the beach, golf and nearby ruins.
History buffs and beach fans will be in their element in Colakli – age-old ruins and sandy strips rub shoulders here for miles.
Incekum holidays roll out the sun-seeking classics – big, family-friendly hotels and a long streak of sand.
On holidays to Kaleici, stylish shops, swanky seafood restaurants and crumbling Ottoman ruins stand side-by-side.
Kemer holidays clock up movie-worthy scenery, ancient ruins and more Blue Flag beaches than you can shake a tube of suncream at.
Holidays to Konakli hit that things-to-do sweet spot, with both lazy beach days and loads of exploring on the cards.
With a high-scoring shorefront and a postcode that rubs shoulders with Antalya's city centre, Konyaalti holidays are all about energetic daytrips and snoozing on the coast.
Holidays to Manavgat in Turkey give you a ringside view of some spectacular waterfalls. Meanwhile the beaches, Roman ruins and buzzing nightlife are only 10 minutes away.
Holidays to Okurcalar will have you basking on beaches, bartering in bazaars and having a butchers at ancient sites.
With two sandy beaches and time-worn ruins, Side holidays were made for those who fancy a slice of sightseeing with their sunbathing.
Holidays to Turkler get you a low-key number on the Turkish Riviera – with some revved up nightlife just along the coast at Alanya.
Top things to see and do in Antalya area
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The five-star TUI MAGIC LIFE Beldibi in Turkey is for 16+ adults only, and the place backs onto a Blue Flag beach.
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