The Turkish Riviera! 5 recommended tourist spots in Antalya

Located in the heart of Antalya, Kaleiçi is the old town surrounded by city walls. "Kale" means fortress and "içi" means inside, so it refers to the area inside the fortress, or the old city. On both sides of the winding narrow streets, you’ll find souvenir shops, restaurants, and hotels, making it a popular area for tourists. Walking on the cobblestone streets that date back to the Roman era while window shopping feels luxurious. There are also many photogenic spots such as the clock tower and the old harbor.

Thanks to efforts by the city of Antalya to preserve the townscape, it received the Golden Apple Award, often called the Oscars of the tourism industry, in 1984. The view of the Mediterranean from the marina is a must-see.

2. Antalya Archaeological Museum

The Antalya Archaeological Museum opened in Antalya in 1922. Numerous amazing relics and crafts are displayed according to their period and theme. Tools and pottery from the Paleolithic era, statues of gods such as Zeus, Artemis, Apollo, and Aphrodite, as well as emperors, sarcophagi, stone columns, and mosaics brought from nearby ruins like Perge, Aspendos, and Side, along with ancient coins, ceramics, and crafts from the Antalya region are all on display. With well-preserved artifacts, it’s a very impressive and popular museum.

The most notable exhibit right now is “The Weary Heracles,” discovered in the Perge ruins in 1980. Its upper half was stolen and went missing but was later found displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. After four years of negotiations by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism for its return, the upper half was finally brought back in October 2011, and the full statue is now on display. There’s also a café inside the museum, perfect for relaxing while immersing yourself in the world of archaeology.

3. Termessos

The legendary Alexander the Great fought continuously to conquer this area from 334 BC until his death. However, various theories remain: that he was never able to seize it, or that he considered it impregnable and never attempted an assault from the outset. This fortified city is known as Termessos.

Located about 30 minutes by car from Antalya city, the ancient city of Termessos sits at an elevation of 1,050 meters and is protected as a national park. The name Termessos means “fortified town in the mountain pass,” and it is believed that people have lived there since around 3000 BC. What can be seen today are ruins from around the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD—its most prosperous period—including a circular theater, temples, and cemeteries. Due to its mountaintop location, Termessos has become a popular tourist spot known as the “Machu Picchu of Turkey.”

4. Perge Ruins

The city of Perge was one of the most important cities during the Hittite period around 1500 BC. The Aksu River that flows through the area formed a prosperous commercial route connecting to Side.

Highlights include a theater built in the Hellenistic architectural style during the reign of Emperor Nero, which could hold 12,000 people; a massive stadium measuring 34m x 234m; marble bathhouses from a later era; two Hellenistic gates; and the agora—a central plaza for commerce and politics—surrounded by Corinthian columns. Even as times changed, it is clear that this was once a great city, making it an irresistible destination for history enthusiasts.

Artifacts excavated from Perge are displayed in both the Perge Museum and the Antalya Archaeological Museum, so visiting the museum after exploring the ruins offers a deeper and more interesting experience.

5. Yivli Minare Mosque

The Yivli Minaret Mosque is located within Kaleiçi (the old town) and is also known as the Grand Mosque. However, due to the shape of its minaret, it is widely recognized as the “Grooved Minaret Mosque.” Originally built in the 13th century by order of a Seljuk king, it was destroyed and later rebuilt in the 14th century.

A minaret is a tower used to announce the five daily prayer times, and this one stands 38 meters tall. It features eight fluted grooves adorned with deep blue tiles—its most distinctive feature. Visible from anywhere in Kaleiçi, the mosque serves as a beloved symbol of Antalya and is a helpful landmark when navigating the maze-like narrow alleys of the old town.

◎ Summary

Antalya, with many tourists from Europe, also boasts numerous resort hotels where you can enjoy spas, wellness treatments, and international cuisine. Strolling through the old town reveals long-standing confectionery shops and cafes, offering a glimpse into Turkey’s nostalgic, bygone days.

Antalya is a fusion of the old and the new, East and West. Rather than rushing through, take your time—spend several days exploring the surrounding ruins, relaxing in hotels said to be as luxurious as seven stars, and of course, enjoying the great outdoors. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to enjoy a fulfilling trip.

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The Turkish Riviera! 5 recommended tourist spots in Antalya