Antalya, founded by King Attalos II in the 2nd century BCE, has seen Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans leave their mark—from Hadrian’s Gate to the 13th-century Yivli Minaret. Today, the city anchors the Turkish Riviera, where pine-clad Taurus Mountains meet a famously blue sea.

Expect a blend of sun-kissed beaches, world-class ancient sites, and a lively food scene that ranges from meze-led meyhanes to wood-fired kebabs. The Antalya Museum ranks among Turkey’s finest, housing sculptures from nearby Perge; dramatic canyons, waterfalls, and coastal ruins wait within a short drive.

Practical notes: The local currency is the Turkish lira; cards are widely accepted in tourist areas. Summers are hot—pack sun protection and hydrate. Dress modestly when visiting mosques. For the latest travel advisories, check your government’s guidance before you fly.

Antalya

Kaleiçi (Old Town) is your storybook start—Ottoman mansions drape over Roman walls, and the marina curls beneath volcanic-stone cliffs. To the west, Konyaaltı Beach stretches under the mountains; to the east, Lara’s long sands and coves draw swimmers and sunset-watchers.

History lovers can time-travel from Perge’s colonnaded streets to Aspendos’ near-perfect Roman theater, then continue to seaside Side where Apollo’s temple meets the surf. Nature calls at Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls, Goynuk Canyon, and wild Termessos—a city in the clouds.

Where to stay: Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com. For boutique charm in Kaleiçi, see White Garden Hotel. For resort indulgence east of town: Rixos Premium Belek or the ultra-family-friendly Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort.

Getting here: Antalya (AYT) has frequent flights from Istanbul (~1h15m; ~$30–$90 one-way off-peak) and seasonal directs from Europe (~3–4h; ~$90–$250). Search fares on Omio (Europe flights) or globally via Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From AYT, the AntRay tram reaches the center in ~35 minutes (cheap), or take a taxi/transfer (~20–30 minutes, roughly $12–$25).

Day 1: Arrival, Kaleiçi First Glance, and Harbor Sunset

Morning: Fly into Antalya. If you arrive early, drop bags and grab a light bite—try Leman Kültür (casual Turkish brunch plates) or a simit and Turkish tea at a local bakery near your hotel.

Afternoon: Wander Kaleiçi’s cobbled lanes: pass through Hadrian’s Gate, look up at the Yivli Minaret and the Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret), and drift to the marina for turquoise views. Pop into the Suna–İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum (ethnography and Ottoman townhouse interiors) if you’re keen on local culture.

Evening: Dine at Seraser Fine Dining (refined Turkish-Mediterranean in a restored mansion) or Arma Restaurant on the historic pier (seafood and panoramic bay views). End with pistachio baklava and ice cream at Mado before a gentle stroll by Hıdırlık Tower.

Day 2: Antalya City Highlights—Cable Car, Waterfalls, Old Town & Boat

Morning: Join a guided city sampler that bundles the essentials and saves you logistics.

Antalya: Old City Tour w/Cable Car, Boat, Waterfall & Lunch

Afternoon: Expect Upper Duden Waterfall’s green oasis, the Tunektepe cable car for sea-to-mountain views, a short boat ride from the harbor, and guided Old Town time. Lunch is typically included; bring a hat and water.

Evening: After drop-off, grab meze and grilled Aegean fish at a local meyhane (try Aynalı Meyhanesi in Kaleiçi) or craft cocktails and small plates at Pio Gastro Bar. If you’re still energized, stroll the lit harbor and lanes.

Day 3: Konyaaltı Beach, Antalya Museum, and Cliffside Views

Morning: Swim at Konyaaltı Beach—gravelly, clear, and mountain-framed. Base yourself near Beach Park where cafes rent loungers. Coffee nerds: The Sudd Coffee (Old Town) pulls solid espresso; in Konyaaltı, Arabica Coffee House is a reliable stop.

Afternoon: Dive into the Antalya Museum’s superb Roman sculpture halls—look for the theater masks, dancing Maenads, and the Perge sarcophagi. Cool off in Atatürk Culture Park next door, then return to the shoreline for a late dip.

Evening: Early golden hour at Hıdırlık Tower for cliff-top views. Dinner at 7 Mehmet—a local institution since the 1930s—for Antalya-style piyaz (tahini bean salad), lamb ribs, and seasonal meze; reserve for terrace seating. Nightcap by the marina.

Day 4: Perge, Aspendos, Side, and a Waterfall—Antiquity Immersion

Morning: Let a full-day tour stitch the area’s classical heavy-hitters together without driving.

Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall Full Day Tour

Afternoon: Walk Perge’s colonnaded streets and stadium, then sit in Aspendos’ astonishingly intact theater where sound still carries. Continue to Side’s seafront ruins and round off with a waterfall stop (often Manavgat or Kurşunlu—varies by operator).

Evening: Back in Antalya, keep it casual with Şişçi Ramazan (juicy, smoky şiş kebabs and salads) or go seafood in Lara at Lara Balık Evi—ask for the daily catch and a cold glass of ayran or rakı.

Day 5: Suluada “Turkish Maldives” Boat Day

Morning: Head south to Adrasan for a full-day cruise to Suluada—famous for translucent coves and pale-pebble beaches.

Antalya Suluada Boat Trip w/Lunch & Pickup (Maldives of Turkey)

Afternoon: Swim stops, sun, and a simple onboard lunch define the day—pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes for pebbly shores. Pickup/drop-off options from Antalya are typically included.

Evening: Back in town, refuel at Tiritcizade (Konya classics like etli ekmek, oven-baked flatbread with minced meat, and tirit) or share meze and grilled octopus at a harborside spot.

Day 6: Ruins in the Clouds at Termessos, Lower Duden Falls, and Lara Sunset

Morning: Drive or taxi to Termessos (about 45–60 minutes; go early). The trek is moderate but rugged—wear shoes with grip. Explore the theater perched on the mountainside, gymnasium, and necropolis, all shrouded in pine-scented air and birdsong.

Afternoon: Return to the coast for Lower Duden Waterfalls where the river plunges straight off the cliff into the Mediterranean—dramatic photo ops from the park viewpoints. Continue to Lara Beach for a late swim or a walk on the soft sands.

Evening: Classic dinner at Parlak Restaurant in the city center (famous roast chicken, piyaz, and fresh salads), or opt for modern Turkish plates at a stylish bistro in Kaleiçi. If you’d like a night treat, seek out künefe—warm, cheesy pastry soaked in syrup.

Day 7: Bazaar Finds, Hamam, and Farewell

Morning: Leisurely Turkish breakfast—order a serpme kahvaltı spread of cheeses, olives, menemen (soft-scrambled eggs with tomatoes), and honeyed clotted cream. Browse Kaleiçi’s boutiques for Iznik-style ceramics, peshtemal towels, and spice blends.

Afternoon: Squeeze in a traditional hamam (try historic Sefa Hamam in Kaleiçi) for steam, scrub, and foam massage. Transfer to the airport: the tram is easy for light bags; taxis are quickest for flights.

Evening: Departure day. If you have time before security, pick up lokum (Turkish delight) for the trip home.

Optional Swap or Add-On Day Trips

• Kekova–Demre–Myra: Rock tombs, St. Nicholas Church in Demre, and a glass-bottom boat over the sunken Lycian city—history with a sea breeze.
  Sunken City Kekova, Demre, and Myra Day Tour from Antalya

  

• Antalya Aquarium: If traveling with kids or on a rare cloudy day, the tunnel aquarium and themed exhibits make an easy half day.

Where to Sleep—Quick Picks

• Boutique (Kaleiçi): White Garden Hotel—whitewashed courtyards, rooftop terraces, and walk-everywhere convenience.
• Resort (Belek): Rixos Premium Belek—private beach, pools, and family-friendly amenities.
• Luxury family favorite: Maxx Royal Belek Golf Resort—spacious suites, kids’ club, and a polished dining scene.
• Browse more: Hotels in Antalya or Vacation rentals on VRBO.

Getting In & Around

• Flights: Compare on Omio (Europe routes), Trip.com, or Kiwi.com. Istanbul–Antalya is ~1h15m; most European hubs have seasonal directs.
• Local transport: AntRay tram, city buses, and taxis cover most needs. For Termessos/Phaselis or scattered beaches, a rental car for a day can be handy.
• When to go: April–June and September–October for warm seas and milder heat; July–August is peak heat and crowds.

Seven days in Antalya delivers a satisfying blend of beach time, big-ticket ruins, and breezy boat days—seasoned with meze, kebabs, and the perfume of pine. You’ll leave with salt in your hair, history under your skin, and a plan to return for the parts you didn’t yet explore.