With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Antalya is Turkey’s summer destination. With over 15 million tourists a year, it is well ahead of Istanbul in terms of visitor numbers. Situated on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, it’s essential to get to know Antalya’s various districts before choosing accommodation to stay in.
Here, we describe the main areas to stay in Antalya and the surrounding area. Their geographical locations, main attractions and characteristics will then be highlighted.
Things you need to know
Before going into detail on each area to help you decide where to stay in Antalya, here are some key things you need to know about the city. This’ll give you a better idea of the city.
Our favorite places to stay
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top places to stay in Antalya:
- $ This attractively priced establishment is just 200 meters from the beach,
- $$ This accommodation, in Konyaalti offers good value for money,
- $$$ This luxury hotel, offers full-board accommodation.
Map of different areas to stay in Antalya
Here’s a map which includes our picks of hotels and flats. You can also use this map to pinpoint the different areas we’ll cover in this guide.
We’ve used the following colour code: green for budget hotels, blue for mid-range hotels and red for luxury hotels.
Essentials to stay in Antalya
Areas where to stay in Antalya
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Antalya.
Stay in Kaleiçi: Antalya's old town
Antalya's old town, Kaleiçi stretches from the old port to a series of narrow streets on a hill. It is Antalya's most picturesque and most visited district. On the hill are the narrow cobbled streets of the ancient city. You can buy souvenirs in the shopping streets. Historical monuments are also to be seen in this area. Staying in this area is the best way to take full advantage of Antalya's historical and tourist attractions.
The main sites of interest in Kaleiçi are as follows:
- Kesic minare, a 13th-century mosque with a broken minaret
- Hadrian's Gate, Roman triumphal arch in honour of the emperor Hadrian
- Clock Tower, a 2nd-century Roman tower
- Old Port, a romantic and colourful place
From this district, you can easily reach most of Antalya's tourist attractions on foot. What's more, you'll find plenty of accommodation here. These hotels and flats are located on the hillside and around the old port.
This is a very lively area, with a large number of bars and restaurants ensuring a great atmosphere in the evenings.
Recommendations for accommodation in Kaleiçi
Accommodation in Konyaalti: a trendy new district
Situated to the west of Kaleiçi, Konyaalti offers a real alternative place to stay during your stay. A new district of Antalya, it is best known for its vast stretches of seafront. These can be reached by tram from the city centre. Seven kilometres long, these beaches are mainly made up of pebbles and fine sand.
The main sites of interest to visit in Konyaalti are as follows:
- Archaeological Museum, displaying Roman artefacts and Byzantine mosaics
- Tünektepe teleferik, a cable car offering magnificent views of the mountains and the sea
- Aquarium, the second largest in Europe, with an underwater tunnel 131 metres long.
This area is mainly made up of hotels and flats on the seafront. If you're coming to Antalya mainly to enjoy the beaches, staying in this district is a great idea.
Evenings are much quieter than in the centre or other lively areas of Antalya. There is a wide choice of restaurants and cafés, but very few bars and nightclubs.
Accommodation in Konyaalti
Staying at Lara, the ideal place to party and for families
A few kilometres to the east of the centre, the district of Lara can also be a good compromise for your accommodation in Antalya. With over 10 kilometres of beaches, this district offers both a relaxing atmosphere for families and a great nightlife.
The main sites to see in Lara are as follows:
- Düden Falls, waterfalls flowing into the Mediterranean Sea
- Sandland, a series of sand sculptures
- Aksu Dolphinarium, with dolphin and sea lion shows
The beaches of Lara are Antalya's liveliest spot at night. With numerous bars and nightclubs, this area is undoubtedly the most popular for locals and tourists looking for a party atmosphere without measure. Accommodation in Lara is therefore ideal for those looking to party in Antalya.
Staying in Lara is also great for families, thanks to its many resorts and facilities.
Ideas for staying in Lara
Staying around antalya: Belek and Kemer
Around Antalya, you'll also find places that deserve more than just a diversion. It's not for nothing that the region is also nicknamed the Turkish Riviera. There are two places around Antalya that are well worth a visit, or even a stay if you want to get away from it all. These are Kemer and Belek.
Kemer lies 40 kilometres south-west of Antalya. Staying in this town means you can enjoy some magnificent beaches. You can also take part in water sports such as scuba diving and rafting. Cruises in the Gulf of Antalya are also available from Kemer.
On the other side of Antalya, 30 kilometres to the east, lies Belek. Renowned for its stretches of white sand and its seaside resorts, this luxurious seaside resort boasts dozens of 4- and 5-star hotel complexes. Staying in this area is an ideal way to relax in a restful setting.
STAYING CLOSE TO ANTALYA
Summary
As we’ve explained, there are various options for places to stay in Antalya. This will depend mainly on your expectations in terms of sightseeing, as well as your desire to enjoy the beaches. Your choice of accommodation and its location will also depend on whether you want to party or enjoy a quiet evening. Finally, the budget aspect will also be a factor to take into account.
To make the most of your stay in Antalya, don’t forget to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible.Especially during the summer months, you’ll need to book several months in advance to ensure you have a wide choice at very attractive prices.