Things to Do in Antalya: 15 Best Experiences by Sea and Land

Things to Do in Antalya: 15 Best Experiences by Sea & Land

Antalya packs a remarkable amount into one stretch of coast: a Roman-era old town, waterfalls that pour straight into the sea, long beaches, ancient theatres and the Taurus Mountains rising behind it all. This guide gathers the best things to do in Antalya, written by a local boat team, with an honest view of what is worth your time on the water and on land.

15 ideassea and land
On the water6 experiences
Day tripsruins and canyons
Local tipsfrom our crew

Things to Do in Antalya by Boat

The sea is what makes Antalya special, and many of its best views can only be seen from the water.

1. See the Düden Waterfall from the sea

The Lower Düden Waterfall drops from the cliffs straight into the Mediterranean. From land you look down at it; from a boat you see the full curtain of water. Our Relax boat tour passes right in front of it, with swim stops along the coast.

2. Join a pirate boat day with the kids

Music, games, a foam party and swim stops: the pirate boat trip is the family favourite, with lunch on deck and hotel transfer included.

3. Swim at Suluada, the "Turkish Maldives"

Shallow, pale turquoise water over white sand near Adrasan. It is a full day out, but the Suluada boat tour is the one guests talk about most.

4. Explore the hidden bays of Porto Ceneviz

Three coves reachable only from the sea, with steep cliffs and pine forest. The Porto Ceneviz boat tour suits swimmers who want quiet.

5. Watch the sunset over the bay

As the light fades, the cliffs of the old town and the mountains turn gold. The sunset boat tour is popular with couples.

6. Charter a private yacht

For birthdays, proposals or simply your own pace, a private yacht from Kemer heads to Phaselis and Paradise Bay.

Things to Do in Antalya City

7. Walk the lanes of Kaleiçi

The walled old town is full of Ottoman houses, small hotels and cafés. Enter through Hadrian's Gate and walk down to the old harbour, where short local boat rides leave regularly. Our guide to Kaleiçi harbour boat trips explains how they work.

8. Visit the Antalya Museum

One of Turkey's richest archaeological museums, with statues from nearby Perge. Ideal for a hot afternoon.

9. Spend a day on Konyaaltı or Lara beach

Konyaaltı is a long pebble beach with mountain views on the west side of the city; Lara, to the east, has fine sand and gentle water for children.

10. Ride the cable car up Tünektepe

From the western end of Konyaaltı, the cable car climbs to a viewpoint over the whole bay, especially beautiful at sunset.

Day Trips Around Antalya

11. Aspendos and Perge

Aspendos has one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world; Perge's long colonnaded street is close by. Both make an easy half day.

12. Rafting in Köprülü Canyon

A fun, beginner-friendly river trip in the mountains. See our Antalya rafting tour.

13. Olympos and the Chimaera flames

Ancient ruins in a green valley, and natural gas flames burning on the hillside at Yanartaş, best visited in the evening.

14. Phaselis

Ruins of a Lycian harbour town set among pines, with three small bays. Many of our private yacht trips anchor here.

15. Try scuba diving

No experience needed: beginners dive with an instructor in clear water. See scuba diving in Antalya.

How to Plan Your Days

Half-day ideas
Morning or afternoon
Relax boat tour, Kaleiçi and the museum, the Tünektepe cable car or a beach afternoon in Konyaaltı.
Full-day ideas
Worth an early start
Suluada, Porto Ceneviz, the pirate boat day, rafting in Köprülü Canyon or Aspendos with Perge.

A Simple 3-Day Plan

Day 1: City and sunsetMorning in Kaleiçi and the museum, evening sunset boat tour.
Day 2: A big sea daySuluada or the pirate boat, with hotel pickup and lunch included.
Day 3: Land adventureRafting in Köprülü Canyon or Aspendos and Perge, then dinner by the harbour.

Need help choosing? Message us with your dates and hotel, and we will suggest the boat trip that fits your holiday.