Antalya holidays

Beach holidays: With irresistible sand spots all along the Mediterranean coast, the Antalya area is basically beach heaven! For a total winner, head for Lara Beach. Think 8km of pine-swathed sands, an Old Town that’s brimming with character, and glitzy themed hotels.

Ancient sights: The Antalya area’s littered with jaw-dropping remnants of its rich past. Divers can explore the Sunken City near Kekova Island, while history buffs can step back in time with a visit to the ancient city of Phaselis.

Golfers: Enjoy the sunshine on the greens and fairways in Belek, where many of the courses were designed by world-class golfer David Jones. Some are attached to top All Inclusive hotels, making it super easy to combine tee times, spa treats and poolside cocktails in one amazing holiday.

Language: People in Antalya speak Turkish. Many also know some English, but it’s worth downloading a language app or packing a phrasebook to help you out.

Currency: You’ll need to exchange your Sterling for Turkish Lira (TRY).

Local time: Antalya is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Antalya Airport. Transfer times for our destinations around Antalya can vary between 30 minutes and at least two hours.

Flight time from UK: Flights to Antalya take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

Tourist information: Find out more about holidays to the Antalya province from the Turkish Tourist Information Office.

Visa / health: Make sure you check up on the Turkey visa requirements and health recommendations well before your holiday.

By dolmus: Antalya’s dolmus (minibus) network is a cost-effective way of getting from A to B. Routes and prices are fixed, and the dolmus only leaves when it has enough people on board.

By city transport: Get yourself an AntalyaKart to jump on and off the frequent buses and trams in Antalya city - perfect for exploring. There’s a similar system for the buses in Alanya.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful but can be pricey. To make sure you don’t pay over the odds, check the meter is running, or be prepared to negotiate a price for longer journeys.

By boat: Board a traditional gulet (sailing boat) for a leisurely way to see the coast, or check out the local water buses and taxis.

By hire car: Prefer to drive yourself? It’s a flexible way to fit in as much as you can, at your own pace. Just make sure you’re familiar with the way people drive here, as there are lots of differences to at home.

Kemer Carnival: Kemer pops with fireworks and colour in April, when carnival comes to town. Get ready for live music, a kaleidoscope of costumes, and all-night parties.

Opera and ballet: Leading performers top the bill at Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival every summer or early autumn. Set in the restored Roman amphitheatre, it’s quite a spectacle!

Antalya Festival: In September, join the locals celebrating their city’s culture - an exciting family event showcasing traditional food, drink and traditions.

Film: The prestigious Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival sees the screenings of hundreds of independent films from around the world each September, with a breathtaking closing ceremony in the Aspendos amphitheatre.

Do I need a passport for Antalya holidays?

Yes, passports are essential for Antalya, so make sure everyone’s meets the most up-to-date requirements - including validity for both your entry and exit dates. You can check all the passport rules for Antalya on the UK government’s Turkey advice pages.

If you need a new one, make sure you apply for your passport as far ahead as possible.

Do I need a visa to go to Antalya?

Most British Citizens won’t need a visa for a holiday on the Turkish Riviera. Have a look at the current Turkey visa guidelines to find out if you should apply for one or not, and for information on who to contact if you’re not sure.

Should I take out travel insurance?

Absolutely! Whether you’ll be spending your well-earned break stretched out under blue Mediterranean skies or throwing yourself down waterslides and into white water rafting adventures, it’s really important to protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance. You don’t want to be the person who gets hit with big bills!

Make sure you choose a product that covers you for emergency healthcare in case you get injured or fall ill on holiday, as well as for things like lost suitcases and cancellations. And don’t forget to check you’ll be covered for any sports and activities you want to try during your trip.

Safety advice

For a stress-free holiday, plan ahead with the FCDO advice on safe travel to Antalya, including tips for driving in Turkey if you’re planning to hire a car.