Where to stay in Antalya?
Going to the south coast of Turkey for vacation? Discover our guide to find out in which neighborhood to stay in Antalya!
Tourist capital of the Turkish Mediterranean coast, Antalya is nicknamed the "Turkish Riviera". It is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the world with more than 9 million visitors a year, and a tremendous population growth. From a population of just 603,190 in 2000, the city today has over 2.3 million people. With 300 days of sunshine per year, the city enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, which also explains its attractiveness. Despite the very large number of people, finding accommodation in Antalya will be easy and well-made.
The city has always been inhabited since its founding in antiquity, and covers historical monuments not to be missed. Find the neighborhood to sleep in during your stay, with our selection of neighborhoods to stay in Antalya.
Kaleiçi, the old town
An ancient ancient village perched on a hill and a steep cliff, with its harbor below, Kaleiçi is undoubtedly Antalya's most visited district. Stroll through the cobbled and narrow streets of the old town, where you can also photograph the historical monuments that the district is home to in large numbers. For example, the Kesic Minare - an ancient Roman temple, then Byzantine church, then mosque with a truncated minaret -, the fluted minaret of the Yivli mosque, the Hadrian's Gate, or the Clock Tower. To the south of the district, the Botanical Garden - Karaalioglu Park - offers stunning views of the cliffs and mountains in the distance, surrounding Antalya. You will also see the Hidirlik tower there.
In the alleys of the old town, the shopping streets Atatürk Caddesi and Kazim Ozalp Caddesi will be your haunt if you want to bring back various and varied souvenirs. But you will surely be assailed by many traders, who will ask you to try to sell you souvenirs. In the evening, let yourself be tempted by the famous Turkish baths! The Sefa Hammam, its 13th century building, takes you into a typical Turkish tradition. It is a central and historic area to sleep in in Antalya, to explore the city on foot.
The old Port
Renovated in 1988, the old port is today a leading tourist center in Antalya. Many hotels, restaurants, shops and a bazaar are located there. At an additional cost, you can stroll through one of the five parks stretching along Cumhuriyet Caddesi. An ideal position to stay in Antalya. However, the area can be saturated in high season.
Konyaalti
Despite the massive and rampant urbanization of Antalya, the city has acquired new neighborhoods. Among them is Konyaalti. With its splendid beaches to the west of Antalya, the district and the coast have a lush orchard (citrus, peach, olives, apricots, figs, bananas) in the open air. This is where millions of tourists come all year round to bathe in front of the Taurus Mountains: Turkey's ideal postcard. The beach is accessible by tram from downtown Antalya. It is a huge strip of sand and pebbles at the foot of the mountains: the perfect place to sleep in Antalya if you want a relaxing vacation.
