Places to visit in Antalya- Take You Back to Its Ancient Past

Discovered as “Attaleia”, the name of the city sounds like a fairyland hidden in the middle of the blue waters and bright skies. Antalya, being one of the most popular cities in Turkey, is a one- stop tourist destination. The city was named after Attalos 11, king of Pergamon in 150 BC. With a population of 1 million, the Turkish city is sweetly nestled on the Mediterranean coast. It is one of the most popular places for couples looking for a honeymoon destination as well. So, what are some of the places to visit in Antalya you want to discover?

10 Places To Visit in Antalya- For All The Adventure And Natural Lovers

The resort city of Turkey is filled with several stunning places to visit like Yivli Minare, Kaleici, Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya Museum, Karain Cave, Old Harbor, Roman Fortress, Konyaalti Beach, Duden Waterfalls, Termessos, Tunek Tepe, Lara Beach, and Damlatas Magarasi. Flanked by the Mediterranean Sea on one side, there are a number of beaches and coastal areas like the Old Harbor that make the city even more breathtaking. All the nature and adventure lovers should discover some of the places to visit in Antalya.

The ancient history of the city has given rise to its colorful culture, which is reflected in some of the attractions. Built in 130 AD, Hadrian’s Gate is one of the most stunning historical attractions in Antalya. The ancient city of Termesso, built in the middle of lush greenery, is one of the many places' tourists should visit. The city is a lot more than just its history and beach lovers, as there is a lot of adventure to be had.

1. Aspendus

The old city of Pamphylia, Aspendus is known for its stunning Roman theatre, sitting a couple of kms away from the Antalya city center. Built during Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ reign, known as the golden age of Aspendus, the Roman theatre was used by the Seljuks as a caravanserai. The theatre has begun hosting a number of events like operas, concerts, and the Antalya film festival, Aspendus Opera and Ballet Film festival. Tourists are given a surreal moment with the sounds of the acoustics, the ancient relics and ruins of the roman era. There are several structures and ruins people should visit besides the Roman Theatre.

To the right of the theatre entrance, take the marble street to the right, which continues to the East Aspendus Gate. At times the drainage scheme of Aspendos is seen along with the marble street passing through an archway. Nymphaeum is the largest building in Aspendus and the ruins of the market hall, and the Bouleuterion. Aspendus is one of the places to go in Antalya.

Timings: 8 am- 5 pm

Things to do: Visit the Roman theatre, Aspendos Opera and Ballet Film Festival

2. Hadrian’s Gate

Built in 130 AD, Hadrian’s Gate portrays a Roman triumphal arch, which has three archways of similar height. The entire gate is about 8 meters in height from the old pavement to the entablature on the top. The gate was built in memory of Emperor Hadrian, which boasts of its white marble, granite column shafts and acanthus leaves of the Corinthian order.

An architrave, low frieze decorated with floral motifs and cornice are seen on the entablature above the colonnades, that extend on both sides of the gate. One of the most stunning attractions of the gate is the lion heads. People from around the world have heard stories about Makeda, Queen of Sheba, who was said to have driven through the gate and then met King Solomon. It is one of the most stunning places to see in Antalya.

Timings: 24 hours

Things to do: Marble gateway, carvings and sculptures

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3. Perge

Sitting in the middle of the Catarrahactes and Cestrus, the two rivers, Perge is a majestic city known for its architecture, which is a living proof of the Hellenistic Period. The city is said to be as old as the Bronze age and was invaded by Alexander the Great.

The story about Saint Paul preaching his fist sermon back in 46 A.D at Perge is true. It is one of the many places to go in Turkey to discover its rich history. After preaching his first sermon, the city become known for its expansion of Christians and Christianity during the Byzantine period. The fine marble reliefs Greco- Roman Theatre and Perge stadium that could once seat thousands of people, were excavated in 1946. Flanked by ruined towers, the Hellenistic-Roman gate towers are the most photographed and visited places for its appearance and historical importance. Discover the history and beauty of Perge and learn a lot about the archeological paradise.

Timings: 9 am- 6:30 pm

Things to do: Visit the Hellenistic Roman gate towers

4. Kursunlu Waterfalls

Tourists will be tempted to visit the Kursunlu waterfalls as it has a unique charm and peacefulness about it. The waterfalls are set in a secluded area that offers a sauntering chance especially Aksu river. One of the tributaries of the Aksu river are seen in the waterfall, where the tributary slips from the plateau to the coastal plain.

There are several places to picnic along the riverside. With its walkways, steps and bridges, the park is set against the view of the waterfalls, which is one of the most Antalya Turkey attractions. The lush green vegetation and lime green ponds with clear waters is soothing to the eyes. It is one of the most ideal getaways that offer peace and tranquility. People can see kingfishers, frogs and lizards down by the river. There is a cave close by that curve around the back side of the falls.

Timings: 8 am – 7 pm

Things to do: Visit the plant tunnel close to the waterfalls

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5. Antalya Museum

Are you a history buff? Dive into Antalya Museum’s history, one of the many things to do in Turkey, that is known for its artefacts and findings from the Stone and Bronze age, right through the Byzantine Empire. The ruins and items can be seen at the sites along the Turkish coast. Some of the most stunning statues are found in the hall of Gods along with several coins and sarcophagi. It was one of the first museums that was given birth to in 1919, after the war. The history of Antalya is portrayed in the museum. What more can you ask for? So, go ahead and visit the museum when on vacation.

Timings: 10 am- 7 pm

Things to do: Explore the artefacts and findings from the stone and bronze age

6. Karain Cave

Karain cave is one of the many places to visit in Antalya, Turkey, for its architecture, nestled on the Sam Dagi Mountain, above sea level. People can explore a tiny museum along the way to the cave that is known for animal bones and teeth. The cave has 3 capacious chambers and several rooms divided by calcite walls and slender corridors.

The stalactites and stalagmites look like monster teeth protruding from the interior chambers. The site had the remains of the skulls and skeletal of homo-sapiens from the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. The bones of various animals like bears, elephant, rhinoceros and hippopotamus were found during the excavations of the caves. It is one of the most famous places in Antalya to visit at least once.

Timings: 24 hours

Things to do: Discover various animal bones and interior of the caves

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7. Old Harbor

The serene blue waters, the busy markets, stunning cafes and Roman Fortress at the old harbor, are some of the places to visit in the Middle East. Tourists can go sightseeing at the yachts and Mediterranean Sea or swim in the cool waters.

Did you know that the old harbor was once a main port and economic hub during the 2nd and 20th century. Walking into restaurants and enjoying a whiff of the yummy cuisines or buying souvenirs from the local shops are some of the things do in Antalya. What more can anyone want when it comes to visiting some of the most stunning places.

Timings: 8 am- 6 pm

Things to do: Walking into restaurants and buying souvenirs

8. Termessos

Termessos is one of the best places to visit in Antalya for all the history lovers, architectural enthusiasts and explores. Artemis and Hadrian ruins welcome people at the entrance of the ancient city. One can see a bedraggled building that used to a bath and gymnasium close to the city gate. Some of the buildings are in rubbles and it is said that people will have a challenge looking for the well-known colonnaded street.

Amphitheater, Bouleuterion, Olympian Zeus Temple and Necropolis are some of the buildings close to agora. The amphitheater is one of the most stunning places that is said to accommodate over 5,000 people. The stunning view of the peaks and the valleys have left people stunned. When it comes to revisiting history, Termessos is the place to visit at least once.

Timings: 08:30 am - 04:30 pm

Things to do: Visit the Amphitheater, Bouleuterion, Olympian Zeus Temple and Necropolis.

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9. Damlatas Magarasi

“Cave of Dripping stones” is the meaning behind Damlatas Magarasi, one of the most beautiful places in Antalya. Back in 1948, the cave was given birth to during an excavation operation to supply stones for Alanya harbor. The cave offers a spooky and memorable experience with its eerie ambiance, several stalactites and stalagmites. If you like the bit of adventure and excitement, the caves are the place for you.

Timings: 10 am- 10 pm

Things to do: Discover for the caves for its eerie ambiance, stalactites and stalagmites

10. Konyaalti Beach

Konyaalti Beach is the ideal place for all the sun-seekers, water-loving people and nature- lovers. At the far end of the coastline, one can see the Taurus Mountain ranges, against the beauty of the blue Mediterranean Sea. The beach is known for its white sand, where people can sit and relax. Swimming and Jet Ski are some of the thing’s tourists can do. Sun loungers with umbrellas, toilets and shower amenities are some of the things people are offered. Located a few minutes away from the beach, is Aqualand, the biggest water park in Antalya.

Timings: 24 hours

Things to do: Swimming and Jet Ski

Are you planning to go on a vacation with family and friends? If yes, then what are you waiting for? Antalya is one of the most stunning places to visit with family and friends. It is said to be the one stop destination for tourists around the world. There are so many places to visit in Antalya, people should not miss out and should discover at least once. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your flight tickets to Antalya.