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How many days in Antalya? 4 days of Kaleiçi, waterfalls and ancient cities
By Tony Panopoulos · travel-agency planner in Greece · Updated
Antalya is the capital of Turkey's Turquoise Coast, a city of 2.6 million between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean, and the base for some of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Four days covers the old town of Kaleiçi and its harbour, the waterfalls that drop into the sea, the theatre of Aspendos and the ruins of Perge and Side, the mountain city of Termessos, and time on the long beaches of Konyaaltı and Lara. Most visitors stay in all-inclusive resorts; this plan is for those who want to see more than the pool.
Short answer
Three days covers Kaleiçi, the waterfalls, Perge, Aspendos and Side. The fourth adds Termessos or a boat trip and a beach day.
The 4-day plan, day by day
Day 1: Kaleiçi and the waterfalls
Morning. Enter the old town through Hadrian's Gate, built in 130 AD for the emperor's visit, and walk the lanes of Kaleiçi, with restored Ottoman wooden houses, the fluted Yivli Minare (13th century) and the Kesik Minare, a broken minaret on a building that was a Roman temple, a church and a mosque.
Afternoon. Go down to the Roman harbour, now full of wooden gulets, then visit the Antalya Museum (about €15-20), one of Turkey's best, with statues from Perge in its Hall of the Gods. Walk the cliff-top Karaalioğlu Park and the Hıdırlık Tower.
Evening. See the Lower Düden Waterfall, where the river falls 40 metres straight off the cliff into the sea, at sunset, then have dinner in Kaleiçi.
The best view of the Lower Düden falls is from a boat tour from the old harbour, which passes right below them.
Day 2: Perge, Aspendos and Side
Morning. Visit Perge (about 20 km east), a Greek and Roman city with a colonnaded street of 300 metres, a water channel down its middle, a stadium for 12,000 spectators and Hellenistic towers. St. Paul preached here.
Afternoon. See the Aspendos theatre (2nd century AD), the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, still used for the summer opera and ballet festival, and its aqueduct nearby. Continue to Side, where the Temple of Apollo stands on the shore.
Evening. Watch the sunset behind the columns of the Temple of Apollo, then have dinner in Side's harbour.
Combine all three in one day by car or a tour; Aspendos is about 45 minutes from Antalya, and Side another 30.
Day 3: Termessos and the mountains
Morning. Drive about 35 km into the Güllük Dağı national park to Termessos, a city at about 1,000 metres that even Alexander the Great failed to capture. The walk up through forest to the theatre, with the mountains behind it, takes about 30-45 minutes.
Afternoon. Visit the Kurşunlu Waterfall in a shady gorge (small fee), or ride the Tünektepe cable car above Konyaaltı for views of the city and the coast. For more adventure, try rafting in the Köprülü Canyon (about 1.5 hours away).
Evening. Dinner at a fish restaurant at the Konyaaltı end of the city, facing the mountains.
Bring water and good shoes for Termessos: there are no shops and the paths are rough.
Day 4: Beaches and the sea
Morning. Spend the morning on Konyaaltı beach, a long pebble beach with the Taurus mountains rising behind it, or on the sandy beaches of Lara to the east.
Afternoon. Take a boat trip from the old harbour along the coast (about €15-30 with lunch), with swimming stops, or visit Olympos and Çıralı further west (about 1.5 hours) for the Lycian coast.
Evening. Have a final dinner in Kaleiçi and a drink with views of the bay from the cliff-top bars.
From mid-July to August, swim in the morning and evening; the midday heat often exceeds 35°C.
Only have 3 days?
With 3 days, do Days 1, 2 and 4.
Got extra days?
With more time, visit Kaş and Kekova (sunken city by kayak), Demre with the church of St. Nicholas and the rock tombs of Myra, or Pamukkale (about 3.5-4 hours) for the white travertine terraces.
Where to stay in Antalya
| Budget | Area | Why | Typical double/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Kaleiçi guesthouses | Character, walking distance, cheap off-season. | €40-80 |
| Mid-range | Kaleiçi boutique hotels | Restored Ottoman houses with pools, central. | €80-160 |
| Mid-range | Konyaaltı | Beach, mountain views, tram to the centre. | €80-150 |
| Comfort | Lara / Belek resorts | All-inclusive resorts with private beaches. | €200-600 |
Getting around
Antalya has two tram lines (one from the airport, one along the coast) and buses; pay with an AntalyaKart. Rent a car or join tours for Perge, Aspendos, Side and Termessos. Antalya Airport is about 20-30 minutes from Kaleiçi; Belek and Side resorts are 30-60 minutes away.
What to eat in Antalya
Try piyaz (bean salad with tahini, an Antalya speciality), şiş köfte, testi kebab (meat cooked in a sealed clay pot), fresh fish, gözleme, and künefe for dessert. Taste fresh orange juice: the region is full of citrus groves. A local meal costs about 300-600 lira; a fish dinner 1,000-2,000 lira per person.
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October are best, with sea temperatures of 20-26°C and comfortable heat for ruins. July and August are very hot (35°C and more). Winter is mild (about 15°C) and quiet, good for ruins but not for swimming. The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is in late summer.
Month-by-month weather for Antalya →
What a day costs
| Budget | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed (per person, sharing a double) | €20 | €55 | €200 |
| Food & drink | €15 | €35 | €80 |
| Sights & activities | €15 | €40 | €90 |
| Transport | €5 | €25 | €60 |
| Total per person, per day | about €55 | about €155 | about €430 |
Approximate 2026 prices, shown in euros because Turkish lira prices change quickly with inflation. Museum and site tickets for foreigners are priced in euros and paid in lira; the Museum Pass Mediterranean covers many sites.
Before you go
Common questions
Is Antalya worth visiting beyond the resorts?
Yes: Kaleiçi, the Antalya Museum and some of the best Roman sites in Turkey (Perge, Aspendos, Side, Termessos) are within an hour. A few days of sightseeing make the trip much richer than a week by the pool.
Is the Museum Pass Mediterranean worth it?
Usually yes if you visit four or more sites: it covers the Antalya Museum, Perge, Aspendos, Side and many Lycian sites for 15 days. Check the current price against individual tickets.
Do I need a visa for Turkey?
Many nationalities, including EU citizens, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days; others need an e-Visa. Check the official Turkish e-Visa website.
Is Antalya good for families?
Very: sandy beaches at Lara, the Antalya Aquarium, water parks, boat trips and resorts with kids' clubs. The Roman sites are interesting for older children.
Which beach is better, Konyaaltı or Lara?
Konyaaltı has pebbles and dramatic mountain views, close to the old town. Lara has fine sand and shallow water, better for small children, but it is farther from the centre.
Can I see a show at Aspendos?
Yes: the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival holds performances in the ancient theatre in late summer. Tickets sell out; check the programme in spring.
Is it safe to drive around Antalya?
Main roads are good, but local driving can be aggressive. Drive defensively, watch for speed cameras, and avoid driving in the old town, which is largely pedestrian.
Can I pay in euros?
Many tourist businesses accept euros, but you get a better rate paying in lira by card or with cash from a bank ATM. Avoid exchange booths with poor rates near the harbour.
How far is Pamukkale from Antalya?
About 240 km, or 3.5-4 hours by road. Day tours exist but are long; staying a night near Pamukkale is more relaxed.
What should I wear in mosques?
Cover shoulders and knees; women should cover their hair with a scarf. Remove shoes before entering, and avoid visiting during prayer times.
How this guide was made
Written by hand, without AI, from experience planning Turkey trips. Prices are approximate for 2026 and change with inflation; confirm on the official Turkish Museums (muze.gov.tr), Antalya tourism and e-Visa websites before booking.