Antalya has dazzled travelers since it was founded by King Attalus II in the 2nd century BCE. Romans built grand theaters nearby, Seljuks crowned the city with soaring gates, and Ottomans turned its harbor into a maritime hub. Today, you’ll find golden beaches, breezy promenades, and an old town where bougainvillea spills over stone mansions.

Summer here means long, sunny days by the Mediterranean, with a rhythm perfect for families: beach in the morning, shady sights mid-day, sunset strolls at night. Kid favorites like the Antalya Aquarium sit right by Konyaaltı Beach, while Lower Düden Waterfall crashes dramatically into the sea—best admired on a short boat ride from the old marina.

Practical notes: pick up an AntalyaKart for trams and buses; carry hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of water in July–September; and plan midday shade breaks for little ones. Local must-tastes include tahini-rich Antalya piyaz, grilled sea bream (çipura), gözleme, and künefe for dessert.

Antalya

Antalya is a coastal blend of beaches, waterfalls, and ancient lanes. Konyaaltı offers pebbly turquoise waters with mountain views; Lara’s long sandy stretch is gentle and kid-friendly. Kaleiçi (old town) packs Roman gates, Ottoman houses, and tiny coves into a compact, photogenic maze.

• Top sights: Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, Konyaaltı Beach Park, Lara Beach, Upper & Lower Düden Waterfalls, Tünektepe Cable Car (check day-of status), Antalya Aquarium.
• Fun for kids: Aquarium tunnel (one of the world’s longest), shady parks and playgrounds in Beach Park, short harbor boat rides, evening promenades with ice cream.
• Food to try: Antalya piyaz (with tahini), şiş kebap, içli köfte, fresh mezes, lahmacun, and künefe.

Getting to Antalya (AYT): Direct flights from Istanbul (~1h15, often $25–80 one-way), Ankara (~1h, $25–60), and many European cities (3–4h summer charters). Search and compare on Trip.com Flights, Omio Flights, or Kiwi.com. Intercity buses (e.g., from Pamukkale, Fethiye, Cappadocia via connections) are frequent; see Omio Buses.

From the airport: Taxi to Konyaaltı or Lara is 20–35 minutes depending on traffic (roughly $12–25). The AntRay tram connects the airport to city areas; pick up an AntalyaKart at the stop and load credit (fares adjust with inflation; expect great value).

Where to stay (budget-friendly, family-approved): Search family apartments and hotels on VRBO Antalya and Hotels.com Antalya.

• Konyaaltı: Best for beach + Aquarium + parks. Look for aparthotels like Pacco Hotel & Spa or Melda Palace–style serviced flats with kitchenettes and pools.
• Lara Public Beach: Shallow sandy shore great for younger kids; budget boutique hotels and apartments on backstreets keep prices low.
• Kaleiçi: Atmospheric and central; wonderful for evenings, but cobbles and stairs can be tricky with strollers. Consider if you value charm over beach-at-doorstep.

Day 1: Arrival, Konyaaltı Beach, Aquarium, and Kaleiçi Sunset

Morning: Travel day. Pack swimsuits in your carry-on so you can hit the beach quickly after check-in. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab a light snack—think simit or gözleme.

Afternoon: Head to Konyaaltı Beach for your first dip. Public sections are free; sunbeds/umbrellas typically run about $3–8 per person in summer. Pebbles mean crystal water—water shoes help small feet. For a kid-pleaser and midday heat escape, visit the Antalya Aquarium next door (tunnel is a showstopper; plan 1.5–2 hours).

Book: Antalya Aquarium, Wax Museum & Combo Package Options

Evening: Stroll Kaleiçi’s lanes to Hadrian’s Gate and the clifftop Hıdırlık Tower for sunset. Dinner picks: Şişçi Ramazan (juicy şiş kebap plates, quick and affordable), Piyazcı Ahmet (the city’s signature tahinli piyaz with köfte), or Ayar Meyhanesi (seafood meze; reserve for a terrace table). Treat the kids to Maraş ice cream from a street vendor—yes, the playful cone tricks are part of the fun.

Day 2: Düden Waterfalls, Views from Tünektepe, Lara Dunes Ride, Easy Eats

Morning: Start at Upper Düden Waterfall (shady park, short trails, caves behind the falls; small entry fee). Continue to the Lower Düden Waterfall cliff viewpoint where the river plunges into the sea—misting breeze is fantastic on hot days. If the Tünektepe Cable Car is operating, glide up for sweeping bay-and-Taurus views; bring a light scarf for summit breezes.

Afternoon: Transfer to Lara Beach for soft sand and gentle waves—great for sandcastles. Public zones are free; family cabanas or sunbeds are reasonably priced. Lunch ideas nearby: Lara Balık Evi (simple grilled fish and salad), Leman Kültür (casual burgers, pasta, big salads), or gözleme stalls along the beach road.

Late afternoon: For a short, memorable activity, try a guided horseback ride on forest trails or dunes—kids 6+ can usually participate (confirm minimum ages). It’s a scenic, screen-free hour at golden hour.

Book: Horse back Riding in Antalya

Evening: Casual dinner near Lara: Tiritcizade (rich tirit and grills), Pablito Bistro (kid-friendly Turkish-Italian mix), or Mado for a light meal and ice cream. If energy remains, circle back to Kaleiçi for live saz music in a courtyard cafe—many places start softly early in the evening, perfect with kids.

Prefer a guided, all-in-one day? Swap the DIY plan for this popular family-friendly day that covers the old town, a boat trip, and waterfalls (often includes lunch and transport—check details on the listing):

Book: Antalya All-Inclusive City Tour with Cable Car, Boat & Waterfalls

Day 3: Sandy Lara Morning, Old Harbor Boat, Last Bites and Departure

Morning: Back to Lara Beach for a final swim while the sun is kind. For a hearty start, share a serpme kahvaltı (Turkish breakfast spread) at a local spot or grab fresh simit and cheese for a beach picnic. Bring a small beach tent or UV umbrella for the kids.

Afternoon: Head to Kaleiçi Marina for a 45–60 minute boat ride along the cliffs toward the Lower Düden—captains cluster by the harbor; prices are typically posted and negotiable in cash (great value for families). Lunch near the marina: Arma Restaurant (best for views; choose budget-friendly meze and salads), or Can Can Döner for quick wraps and ayran. Return to your hotel, rinse off, and pack for your afternoon departure.

Evening (if you have time): Quick last treats: künefe near the old town, or a stroll through Konyaaltı Beach Park playgrounds. Grab snacks and fruit from a supermarket like 5M Migros for the journey.

Money-saving tips for families:

• Split large Turkish breakfasts and meze platters—portions run big and kid-shareable.
• Use AntalyaKart on trams/buses; it’s cheaper than taxis for short hops and strollers ride easily.
• Public beaches are free; pay only for sunbeds if you want shade. Bring a foldable UV tent to skip rentals.
• Plan indoor attractions (Aquarium) at midday to avoid peak heat and suncream reapplications.

Backup rainy-day ideas: Antalya Toy Museum (at the marina), Suna–İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum (small, quick), and mall play areas near Konyaaltı. Hamam experiences exist with family-friendly slots; always confirm age policies first.

Sleep easy with these accommodation portals for deals and family suites: VRBO Antalya and Hotels.com Antalya. For flights and buses, compare on Trip.com, Omio Flights, and Omio Buses.

In three breezy days, you’ll swim two signature beaches, wander storied Kaleiçi streets, and chase sea spray at the Düden cliffs. Antalya’s mix of easy logistics, affordable food, and kid-approved activities makes it a family favorite you’ll want to return to—perhaps for a longer slice of the Mediterranean next time.