Things to do in Antalya

Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring Antalya's Nomadic Culture

The foothills of the Taurus mountains have been a region of travel and trade for millennia. On this National Geographic tour, you'll embrace the region's ancient traditions that are still thriving today and immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle by visiting a Yörük family. Head over to the Seljuk bridge at Aspendos with your guide who will reveal alluring facts about the site. Built around the 4th century on the banks of Köprüçay, this architectural marvel is renowned for its distinctive zigzag design, a testament to its intriguing history. Continue your voyage and head over to an ancient caravanserai, where much of the original layout remains remarkably intact. Step back in time as you wander through the inn's chambers, guardian's quarters, bathhouse, and prayer hall alongside your guide. This is a place that radiates history, where countless travelers sought refuge and replenishment. The Yörük people have perfected their nomadic lifestyle for centuries. Every spring, communities migrate with their herds from the gentle coastal plains to the mountainous summer pastures. Spend time with a Yörük family and learn about their sustainable ways of life. Tuck into a tasty meal with eye-catching views of the Taurus mountains. Nearby, you'll find a spot to purchase locally-made goods like soaps, teas, oils, and more. Proceeds support communities affected by recent earthquakes or forest fires. Finally, Explore Ormana, an Ottoman village famous for its ingeniously crafted 'button houses'.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Women of Antalya, Past to Present

Nearly two millennia ago, Plancia Magna blazed a trail by making an impressive impact on the city of Perge despite the usual passive role of women at that time. She was born into a wealthy, powerful family, but instead of an easy life, she used her privilege to benefit her city. Her courage, independence and character was celebrated long after her time, and inspired women through the ages to seek influential roles in society. Your National Geographic-trained guide will reveal the ancient city of Perge with a focus on the life and legacy of Plancia Magna, an inspirational figure even today. Perhaps Plancia was a source of inspiration for Hatice Adıgüzel, whose workshop you will visit next. Discover the skills and artistry involved in creating lamps and garden ornaments from gourds, and learn from Hatice herself what sets her business apart - her leadership in a male-dominated workforce, her commitment to empowering local women and her choice of sustainable materials. During a hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to create your own decorative gourd and learn more about Hatice's work with the local women's community. She pays her success forward by employing women to grow and decorate the gourds from their own homes for the business. They also make the snacks you'll enjoy during the workshop. Hatice's aim is to help women who are unable to work in regular employment due to childcare commitments or similar restrictions by giving them a convenient way to earn.

Antalya family outdoor adventure experience in Aladdin's Canyon

An experience in the Anatolian wilds awaits with a day of canyoning, swimming, diving, jumping and enjoying the best of nature in the Taurus Mountains. You'll head deep into the countryside to Ahmetler Canyon for an action-packed adventure.

Green Canyon boat cruise with lunch and shopping

The star attractions of this full day excursion are shopping, riverside dining and a beautiful, wild canyon. You'll take a canyon boat trip and stop for a swim at Oymapinar Dam Lake. Narin, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Oymapinar Dam Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in Turkey, covering an area of approximately 19 square kilometres. The lake is fed by the Manavgat River, which flows south from the Taurus Mountains and eventually empties into the Mediterranean Sea at Side.' Your tour starts with a spot of shopping at Dickman Textile Centre. If fashion is your thing, then you're in luck as you can enjoy a stress-free browse for clothing and accessories from leading brands. Next, we'll head to a riverside restaurant for a freshly prepared meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Afterwards it's all aboard, ready for a cruise down the canyon waterway. Spectacularly rugged rock formations tower around you and the river, in shades of turquoise and green, snakes away into the distance. It's a tranquil slice of Turkish natural beauty and the colour of the water is spellbinding. You'll cruise the canyon, admiring the views, before the boat slows - you'll be able to swim in these wild surroundings once the boat reaches the Oymapinar Lake.

Small-group tour of Ormana and the Altrinbesik Caves in Antalya

Uncover the secrets of Ormana village and its surrounds. Visit mysterious caves and the ruins of an ancient caravanserai, and have the opportunity to see the famous Ormana wild horses.

Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Lake Salda private tour

This private tour takes you to Pamukkale, which means ‘cotton castle' in Turkish – and you'll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you'll also visit Hierapolis, Lake Salda and Cleopatra's Pool. As with all our tours, we use expert local guides who know the area inside out. Muzaffer, one of the guides, says, ‘I've got a lot of interesting things to tell on this tour that you won't hear anywhere else.'Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you'll arrive at Lake Salda Lake after a few hours' scenic drive. It's been compared to the Maldives for its long white beaches and multi-toned blue waters. You'll have free time to take some photos of this otherworldly spot. And this is just a taster for what's to come in the afternoon.We'll head to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, catch a peek of the bright white calcite terraces – they look like icy stalactites dripping from pools of sky-blue water. At the top of these travertines is Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Byzantine Gate and marvel at the ruins as you stroll towards the vast bowl-shaped theatre. It's epic. Then relax with a dip in the warm water Cleopatra's Ancient Pool, where you swim among ancient columns. Dinner in a forest restaurant on the way back is included. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to CYDD, a charity that helps in the education of underprivileged children in Turkey.

Private tour of Sagalassos ancient city and Burdur Museum

Situated in a remote region of southwest Turkey, the isolated location of Sagalassos has helped keep it a hidden gem. An important city to both Alexander the Great and ancient Rome, discover this incredibly well-preserved archaeological site with the added bonus of a Lake Karacaören photo stop and a visit to Burdur museum.You'll travel north through the Turkish countryside on this private tour, kicking off in what is one of the world's largest archaeological sites. But first, there's a stop to admire the almost made-for-Instagram Lake Karacaören – a top Turkish beauty spot.On arrival at Sagalassos, a tour of the impressive mountaintop ruins awaits. Surrounded by crumbling columns, villas, temples and major must-sees like the city centre and the Hellenistic theatre, it's like stepping through the pages of a history book. After lunch, a walking tour of nearby Burdur and a visit to the city museum reveals even more about the region's past.

Summer tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with Lake Salda

This summer tour takes you to Pamukkale, which means ‘cotton castle' in Turkish – and you'll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you'll also visit Hierapolis, Lake Salda, as well as have the chance to see Cleopatra's Pool. Muzaffer, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Legend has it that Cleopatra's pool was the secret to her beauty. I don't know if that's true, but it's an inspiring place for a dip. Collapsed columns and marble remnants dating back to Cleopatra's time are submerged in the thermal waters. They fell here during the 7th century earthquake.'Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you'll arrive at Lake Salda after a few hours' scenic drive. It's been compared to the Maldives for its long white beaches and multi-toned blue waters. You'll have free time to take some photos of this otherworldly spot. We'll head to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, catch a peek of the bright white calcite terraces – they look like icy stalactites dripping from pools of sky-blue water.At the top of these travertines is Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Byzantine Gate and marvel at the ruins as you stroll towards the vast bowl-shaped theatre. On the way back, you'll tuck into a tasty dinner in a forest restaurant, too. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to CYDD, a charity that helps in the education of underprivileged children in Turkey.

Full-day tour of Kekova, Myra and St Nicholas with boat trip

Authentic cuisine, a lost city and Santa – this trip offers an eclectic mix of attractions. You'll glide along the coast to Kekova island and its sunken town, then visit the church of St Nicholas and the ancient city of Myra. Ahmet, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The highlight of the day for me has to be the ruined Lycian city of Myra. The rock-cut friezes carved with theatrical masks and the stacked tombs hewn into the cliffs are a unique sight. It still takes my breath away that parts of this site are thought to be around 2,500 years old.'Proceedings get under way with a scenic drive with a comfort stop at the Sahin Hill in Kumluca. Next, sail to Kekova island, a protected area famed for its underwater ruins. These are the relics of the ancient town of Simena, partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. There's time for a swim in the warmer months – the water is clear and inviting – it would be difficult to resist a dip in the sea. But if the weather doesn't permit a boat trip, there's a visit to the fascinating Demre museum instead.After a tasty lunch of typical dishes freshly prepared in a local restaurant, it's time to visit the Church of St Nicholas, who's better known today as Santa Claus. Finally, you'll have time to tour the site of the ancient city of Myra to explore the well-preserved amphitheatre and see the intricately carved rock tombs, high in the cliff face.

Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience from Antalya

Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it as you soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces, making memories that'll last long after you leave.

Ancient Perge and Aspendos Tour

You'll travel back in time to the days of togas and chariots with this half-day excursion to the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos. Among the attractions you'll discover is perhaps the best-preserved Roman theatre of all.

PELOID Hammam Turkish bath experience

Want a top-notch tan whilst trying something new? Then a trip to a hammam or Turkish bath is definitely for you. Hammams have existed in Turkey since ancient times, providing locals with a way to relax and freshen up. They're also brilliant for exfoliating your skin so you're more likely to develop a lasting tan.