How to Spend 2 Days in Antalya

Situated on Turkey’s idyllic Turquoise Coast, Antalya boasts beautiful beaches, historic monuments, and plenty of day trip options. Two days gives you enough time to take in all of the highlights, but planning ahead is essential to maximize your time. Here’s how to spend two days in Antalya.

Day 1: Sun, sea, and sightseeing

Morning: Explore Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi) on a walking tour, which reveals the history behind Hadrian’s Gate, the Old Clock Tower, and Mehmet Paşa mosque. Follow the cobbled lanes down to the waterfront to browse the many shops and admire the yacht-filled marina.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Konyaalti Beach, where you can swim and enjoy water sports, or relax and work on your tan. Combine your visit with nearby sights such as the Antalya Archeological Museum or the family-friendly Antalya Aquarium; skip-the-line admission tickets allow you to save time on the day.

Night: Set sail along the coast on a romantic sunset cruise or join a party cruise aboard a pirate ship. Stop along the way to swim and snorkel in the Mediterranean Sea or visit natural wonders such as the Duden Waterfalls.

Day 2: Explore ancient Pamphylia

Morning: Popular day trip options from Antalya include rafting through Koprulu Canyon and cruising the Mediterranean Sea, but if you’ve only got one day to spare, focus on the ancient cities along the coast. The Pamphylian city of Perge is one of Turkey’s best preserved, while the Roman theater of Aspendos dates back to AD 200.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon in nearby Side, where the ruins of an ancient city are dotted throughout the resort. Pose for photos by the seafront Temple of Apollo, enjoy a traditional gözleme (Turkish pancake) at a local restaurant, and then head to the beach for a swim.

Night: Enjoy an unforgettable night of entertainment at the Fire of Anatolia show, held at the Gloria Aspendos Arena. Nicknamed the Turkish Riverdance, the show features live music and up to 120 dancers; book in advance to secure one of the best seats.