Antalya holidays

A must-try on your Antalya holiday, Piyaz salad can be found on every menu. This tasty bean salad with tahini and olive oil can be enjoyed on its own, or as an accompaniment to meat and fish dishes. If you’re having Piyaz as a main, try it alongside a glass of raki, the fiery local liquor. Being by the coast, fish is abundant in Antalya, and you’ll find a huge variety up and down the coast. Pan fried, grilled, or cooked over hot coals, popular choices include sea bream, swordfish, and local favourite, brown grouper. To pair, ask for a chilled glass of Kayra Narince, a dry white wine from Ankara. For a truly authentic dessert, indulge in a bowl of burnt ice-cream. This unusual sweet treat is made from goats’ milk and orchid root flour. It has a slight smoky flavour, which might sound a little off-putting, but trust us, it’s moreish and delicious – you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Lara Beach: This is one of the most popular stretches of sand near the city, and for good reason. This idyllic spot just east of Antalya comes with a coveted Blue Flag, so you can expect the water to be perfectly clean. As Lara Beach stays shallow for a good distance out – your little ones get to enjoy a safe splash-about.

Konyaalti Beach: With the stunning Taurus Mountains in the distance, Konyaalti Beach is a picturesque place to spend the day soaking up the Turkish sun. There’s plenty to do on the water, including parasailing, water-skiing, and banana boating, while younger kids will love the playgrounds and buzzy vibe of the promenade.

Mermeli Beach: In the centre of Antalya, Mermeli Beach is a pretty curve of golden sand and turquoise water. Perfect for snorkelling or sunbathing, there’s a chilled out vibe at this popular town beach. The entrance fee includes use of a sun bed, parasol and showers.

Kaleici: Be sure to pay a visit to Kaleici or ‘old town’ on your Antalya holiday. Surrounded by Roman walls, this enchanting area houses cobbled streets, Ottoman-era buildings, and a magnificent clock tower. Pass through Hadrian’s Gate, built by Emperor Hadrian in 130 AD, and wander around the beautiful Roman harbour.

Aspendos: Just 40 minutes from Antalya, the city of Aspendos welcomes visitors to roam its fascinating ancient ruins. You’ll discover a 3rd century aqueduct, agora, and acropolis, along with the mighty Aspendos theatre – one of the largest and best-preserved Roman theatres in the world.

Perge: On your journey back into town, don’t miss out on the ancient city of Perge. Built in 1000 BC, the city was captured by the Persian army before being taken over by Alexander the Great. Later falling to the Romans, the city is now home to well-preserved streets, bath houses, and an amazing 12,000 capacity theatre.

Duden Lower Waterfall: A short distance from Lara Beach, this waterfall is a top natural attraction you won’t want to miss. Starting its journey 12km inland, the waterfall crashes dramatically off the side of a vertical cliff, directly into the ocean below. You can witness the cascade from Duden Park, or hop on a boat tour for a thrilling close-up experience.

Karain Caves: A 35 minute drive north from Antalya will take you to Karain Caves, once inhabited by some of the earliest humans on earth. Estimated to be around 500,000 years old, findings have included early cave paintings, stone tools, and bones. The caves consist of three chambers, home to jaw-dropping rock formations.

Cirali: Make the 1.5 hour journey west to Cirali, and you’ll be rewarded with an astounding natural phenomenon. This is home to the Chimaera, a mesmerising series of never-ending flames that shoot up through cracks in the rocks. An unforgettable holiday experience for all ages.