Overview
Plate code 07 corresponds to Antalya Province, Turkey's most-visited region, stretching along the Mediterranean coastline commonly called the Turquoise Coast or the Turkish Riviera. The province is vast — roughly the size of Switzerland — encompassing dramatic Taurus Mountain terrain, dense cedar and pine forests, river canyons, and more than 600 km of coastline.
At the centre is Antalya city, a working port and modern metropolis with a beautifully preserved Hellenistic and Ottoman old quarter called Kaleiçi. Beyond the city, the province splinters into distinct sub-regions: the resort-dense Antalya plain, the quieter Bey Mountains hinterland, the ancient Lycian heartland around Kaş and Kalkan in the west, and the mass-tourism belt of Alanya to the east.
The region has been continuously settled for millennia. Lycian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman layers are all visible in its ruins, aqueducts, churches, and caravanserais — often sitting just metres from modern beach clubs. This coexistence of archaeology and seaside leisure defines the Antalya experience.
While summer dominates tourism, the province rewards visitors year-round. Winter brings snow to the Taurus peaks (and skiing at Saklıkent), spring carpets the valleys with wildflowers, and autumn sees warm sea temperatures with noticeably quieter roads and hotels.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements for Turkey vary significantly by nationality. Do not rely on information in this guide for visa decisions. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current, nationality-specific requirements before booking.
Health
No routine vaccinations are specifically mandated for entry to Turkey, but travellers should ensure standard immunisations are up to date. Tap water in the province is generally not recommended for drinking — bottled water is cheap and universally available. Pharmacies (eczane) are plentiful and many pharmacists speak basic English.
What to Pack
- Summer: Light, breathable clothing; high-SPF sunscreen; reef-safe options if visiting marine areas; sturdy sandals for archaeological sites
- Spring/Autumn: A layer for evenings, especially inland or at altitude
- Modest clothing: Required if visiting mosques — shoulders and knees covered; women should carry a headscarf
- Travel insurance that covers adventure activities (boat trips, hiking, paragliding at Ölüdeniz if day-tripping) is strongly recommended
Money
Turkish Lira is the practical currency for most transactions. ATMs (bankamat) are widely available in cities and resort towns. Cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, though smaller guesthouses and markets may prefer cash. Verify current exchange rates before travel, as the lira has historically been subject to fluctuation.
Getting There
By Air
Antalya Airport (AYT) is one of Turkey's busiest international airports, with direct scheduled and charter flights from dozens of European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cities operating seasonally and year-round. A second, smaller airport at Gazipaşa-Alanya (GZP) serves the eastern coast. Confirm current routes and airlines with your travel agent or booking platform, as service varies significantly by season.
By Road
The province is connected to the rest of Turkey by well-maintained highways. From Istanbul the drive is approximately 700 km via the D650/E87 or toll motorways; journey times depend heavily on route and traffic. Intercity coaches operated by several private bus companies run frequent services from Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, and other major cities — journey times from Istanbul are typically 10–13 hours. Verify current schedules and prices on operators' websites or at bus terminals.
By Sea
Antalya has a commercial port. Ferry connections to other destinations have varied over the years; verify current routes and seasonal schedules locally or through maritime operators before planning sea travel.
Getting Around
Within Antalya City
The city has a tram line (tramvay) and a historic tram through Kaleiçi that are useful for central areas. Local buses (dolmuş — shared minibuses) cover most districts and are inexpensive. Taxis are plentiful; insist the meter is running or agree a fare before departure. Ride-hailing apps available in Turkey operate in Antalya — verify which services are active at the time of your visit.
Across the Province
The province is large and public transport between towns is limited outside the main highway corridor. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, particularly for reaching Lycian ruins, mountain villages, and beaches away from major resort strips. International and local car-hire companies operate from the airport and city centre. Roads are generally in good condition on the coast; mountain roads can be narrow and winding.
Dolmuş (shared minibuses) connect most coastal towns along the main D400 highway. They are cheap and frequent in summer but schedules reduce considerably off-season. For Kaş, Kalkan, and Demre from Antalya, allow 2–3 hours by road.
Boat
Gulet cruises and day-boat trips are a popular way to explore the coastline, particularly around Kaş and Alanya. Services range from organised tours to private hire — compare operators locally and verify safety credentials before boarding.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Antalya province spans an unusually wide range. The eastern coast around Belek and Lara hosts some of Turkey's largest all-inclusive resort hotels, many oriented toward European package tours and golf tourism. Alanya similarly has a high density of large hotels.
Antalya city's Kaleiçi neighbourhood has a strong offering of boutique hotels in restored Ottoman and Greek mansions, giving a quieter, more characterful alternative to resort-strip properties. The old harbour area is well placed for sightseeing.
The western Lycian coast — particularly Kaş and Kalkan — tends toward smaller, independently owned hotels, guesthouses (pansiyon), and villa rentals. These areas suit travellers interested in archaeology, diving, and hiking rather than large-scale resort facilities.
Mountain villages in the Taurus interior have limited but growing accommodation in the form of rural guesthouses and eco-stays — verify availability and facilities before planning remote-area overnight stops. Book well ahead for July and August across the entire province, as occupancy is extremely high.
Things to See & Do
Ancient Sites
The province contains an extraordinary concentration of ruins. Key sites include Aspendos (one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, still used for performances), Perge (a large Hellenistic and Roman city), Termessos (a mountain-top Pisidian city that resisted Alexander the Great, now set in a national park), Xanthos and Letoon (UNESCO-listed Lycian centres), Myra (home of St Nicholas) near Demre, and Side (a Roman harbour town now surrounded by a resort settlement).
Natural Landscapes
- Düden Waterfalls (upper and lower) near Antalya city — the lower falls cascade directly into the sea
- Köprülü Canyon National Park — white-water rafting on the Köprüçay River, a well-established activity with multiple operators
- Saklıkent Gorge — a narrow, spectacular canyon in the Taurus foothills; wading through cold water is part of the experience
- Olympos and Chimaera (Yanartaş) — natural eternal flames from methane seepage, best viewed at dusk; surrounded by Lycian ruins
- Taurus Mountains — hiking trails, endemic flora, and in winter, skiing at Saklıkent ski area
Beaches
The province has beaches ranging from wide, sandy resort strips (Konyaaltı and Lara in Antalya city; Cleopatra Beach in Alanya) to small pebble coves accessible only by boat. Kaş and its surroundings attract divers for clear water and underwater sites. Many beaches operate seasonal facilities; confirm access and fees locally.
Kaleiçi (Antalya Old City)
Wandering the narrow streets of the walled old quarter is worthwhile in itself. Highlights include Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret, the old harbour, and the Antalya Museum — one of Turkey's best archaeological collections, covering finds from across the region. Verify museum opening hours and admission fees on the official site before visiting.
Paragliding
Őlüdeniz, technically in neighbouring Muğla province but popular as a day trip from western Antalya province, is one of Turkey's most famous paragliding launch sites. Many operators in Kaş and Kalkan offer transport as part of a day excursion — compare operators carefully.
Food & Drink
Regional Cuisine
Antalya province has a distinct culinary identity shaped by Mediterranean produce, mountain herbs, and coastal fishing. Look out for piyaz — a local white bean salad dressed with tahini, vinegar, and egg, considered a regional speciality — and şiş köfte served in the local style. Fresh fish and seafood are excellent along the coast, with sea bream (çipura), sea bass (levrek), and octopus commonly available.
The Taurus hinterland contributes mountain herbs, honey (the region's kekik thyme honey is well regarded), dried legumes, and game. Gözleme (stuffed flatbread cooked on a griddle) is a widely available and filling snack. Fruit from the Antalya plain — citrus, pomegranate, banana — is of notably high quality in season.
Where to Eat
Antalya city's Kaleiçi and the marina area have a high density of restaurants ranging from simple lokantas (traditional Turkish diners) to seafood restaurants and international options. Resort areas along the coast cater heavily to package tourists and all-inclusive hotels, which can mean international menus dominate; seeking out local lokanta or market restaurants usually yields more authentic and better-value food.
Drink
Turkey produces wine, and several Aegean and Thracian labels are available in the province's restaurants and off-licences (tekel or wine shops). Rakı (anise spirit) is the traditional partner to a fish meal. Local fruit juices and the ubiquitous çay (tea) and Türk kahvesi (Turkish coffee) are available everywhere. Alcohol is not served in all establishments — this is usually apparent from context and signage.
Shopping
Antalya city has modern shopping malls as well as the atmospheric covered bazaar and street markets of Kaleiçi and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The old bazaar area near the clock tower is a good place to look for local produce, spices, dried fruit, textiles, and ceramics — though tourist-oriented shops dominate the Kaleiçi lanes themselves.
Regional items worth considering include locally produced olive oil, thyme honey from the Taurus foothills, citrus preserves, hand-woven kilims and textiles (provenance and quality vary considerably — buy from reputable shops), and traditional copper and brassware. Leather goods are manufactured and sold throughout Turkey and Antalya is no exception.
Bargaining is expected and normal in bazaar and market contexts; fixed prices are the norm in shops with price tags. Keep receipts for higher-value purchases in case of customs queries on departure.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Turkey uses 112 as the general emergency number (ambulance, fire, police) across the country. For tourist-specific assistance, the Tourism Police (Turizm Polisi) operate in Antalya and major resort towns — ask at your hotel for the local contact or nearest station.
Electricity
Turkey uses Type F (Schuko) sockets at 220V/50Hz. Travellers from the UK, US, and some other countries will need adaptors.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good throughout the coastal strip and Antalya city. Coverage becomes patchy in mountain areas and remote Lycian coast sections. Local SIM cards are available at the airport and phone shops — verify current registration requirements (Turkish law has required passport registration for SIM purchases in the past). Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés.
Opening Patterns
Many archaeological sites and museums are closed on Mondays or have reduced hours — verify on the relevant official sites before visiting. Some smaller sites are unstaffed and freely accessible. Ramadan can affect restaurant and shop hours; check dates for your travel period.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in restaurants (typically rounding up or leaving 10–15% for sit-down service), for hotel staff, and for guides. It is not compulsory but is widely expected in tourist-facing contexts.
Safety
Antalya province is generally considered safe for travellers and receives millions of international visitors each year without significant incident. Standard urban precautions apply in the city: be aware of your belongings in crowded bazaar areas and on public transport.
Sea safety: the Mediterranean off Antalya can experience sudden wind changes and localised rough conditions, particularly around headlands on the Lycian coast. Follow advice from boat operators and local authorities, and do not swim in areas marked with warning flags. Jellyfish presence varies by season.
Outdoor safety: hiking in the Taurus Mountains, particularly off marked trails, carries altitude and navigation risks. Inform someone of your route. Canyon activities like Saklıkent carry a risk of flash flooding — do not enter the canyon if there is rain in the mountains upstream. Use reputable operators for rafting and adventure activities.
Road safety: driving standards and road conditions vary; mountain roads require particular care. Seat belt use is legally required. Driving under the influence of alcohol carries serious legal consequences in Turkey.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Turkey before departure, as geopolitical situations can change.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Antalya province, like much of Turkey, is predominantly Muslim, though practice and observance vary widely between individuals, families, and communities. The coastal resort areas are socially liberal by Turkish standards, with alcohol served openly and mixed beach culture the norm. Inland towns and villages tend to be more conservative — adapting dress and behaviour accordingly is respectful and practical.
Remove shoes before entering mosques and dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees; headscarf for women). Photography inside mosques should be done quietly and not during prayer times. The call to prayer (ezan) sounds five times daily and is a normal part of daily life.
Hospitality is deeply valued. Accepting tea (çay) when offered in a shop or home is a normal social exchange, not an obligation to buy or stay. Learning a few words of Turkish — merhaba (hello), teşekkürler (thank you), lütfen (please) — is appreciated and often warmly received.
Haggling in market contexts is expected and can be done with good humour. In formal shops with marked prices, bargaining is less appropriate. Tipping and treating service workers with courtesy are both valued.
