Book flights to Antalya

The favourite tourist spot in Antalya has to be Kaleiçi, or the old quarter. Head through Hadrian’s Gate and into the Kılınçarslan district, where you will find plenty of ancient monuments and attractions, so make sure you have got an extra memory chip for your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities here. The delightfully ornate Yivli Minare fluted minaret is not only a beautiful piece of architecture, but at 125 feet, it makes a great meeting point if you are travelling with friends. Check out the old market nearby for some great bargains.

Find out more about the complex and rich history of Antalya by visiting the town’s museum. Of particular interest is the Hall of Regional Excavations, which has artefacts from all of the main archaeological digs that have taken place in the region.

Back in the old town, you will find other sites of interest such as the Clock Tower at Saat Kulesi, or head down to the charming Roman port of Yat Limanı.

If you have children with you then just a short distance from the centre of the town is Aqualand, one of Türkiye’s biggest and most popular water parks. For a glimpse into the underwater world of the Mediterranean but without getting your feet wet, the Antalya Aquarium boasts the world’s largest tunnel aquarium, an attraction that is bound to be a big hit with children.

Travel to Antalya and find yourself surrounded by fabulous beaches, and some of the best diving opportunities in the Mediterranean. Well-known for its water sports, sailing and diving, Antalya is a water-lover’s paradise. If you are an experienced diver, then there are plenty of spots both inshore and further out to explore. If, however, you have never dived before but would like to try it then there are plenty of PADI-approved diving centres all along the coast.

The Aqualand water park is bound to be a hit with the kids, or if you prefer to take a leisurely stroll around 400 acres of beautiful zoological gardens then Antalya Zoo is also a family favourite.

A boat tour to the fabulous Düden Falls takes you to one of the prettiest spots in the region, where you can swim in the pools at the foot of the waterfalls, or simply relax on board a charter yacht.

For the best panoramic views (and an excellent meal in the rotating restaurant), head to the top of the hill of Tünektepe, just west of the city. Do not forget your camera, as the sunsets and views from the top of the 600-metre-high hill are magnificent.

Food in Antalya is plentiful, cheap, and delicious. Your options range from sophisticated fine dining in luxury restaurants, to grab-and-go street food that is great for a mid-morning snack. To get a true taste of Türkiye, a selection of meze is the best option, where you will get several small dishes (usually shared among friends) to try, while signature dishes include spicy meatballs called şiş köfte, or Mediterranean white grouper fish. For a quick snack, look out for tirmis, which are boiled lupin seeds and great for on-the-go grazing.

The most popular malls are TerraCity and MarkAntalya, which are filled with international designer outlets and high-end clothing. For a more authentic Turkish Bazaar experience, head to the 15^th century İki Kapılar Hanı, which is especially good for traditional jewellery and metalwork. Be aware that the export of ancient artefacts, no matter how small, is strictly forbidden, so be conscious of this when shopping for antiques in the markets and boutiques.