Antalya: areas, beaches and where to stay as a tourist

Antalya is both a city and a gateway to the whole Turkish Mediterranean. Most tourists spend a week in all-inclusive hotels along the coast, but the city itself has three very different faces. The area decides whether you can walk to cafes, whether the beach is pebble or sand and how much time you spend on the road.

Three areas to choose from

According to the Wikivoyage description, the city divides like this:

• Kaleici. The historic Old Town with narrow streets, small guesthouses and boutique hotels. Not suitable for a beach holiday: the shore is below a cliff, but in the evening the atmosphere here is the best.
• Lara. A hotel strip about 20 km east of the center, where the big resort complexes stand. The part closest to the city, Sirinyali, is cheaper. Lara is closest to the airport, so the transfer is short, but in season a lot of planes pass over the area.
• Konyaalti. A pebble beach about 10 km long southwest of the center. Prices are lower than in Lara, there are many apartments and small hotels and there is a promenade for walks.

What to choose

1. You need a beach and all-inclusive. Lara: spacious hotel grounds, sandy stretches of beach and an easier airport transfer.
2. Budget and independent. Konyaalti: more choice of apartments and cafes outside the hotel, with mountains on the horizon.
3. You want the city and evening walks. Kaleici, and travel to the beach by tram or taxi.
4. You need quiet. Beyond Lara and further toward Belek the hotels stand as separate complexes.

Getting from the airport

Antalya airport (AYT) is closest to Lara, and for the other areas there are three options:

• Tram. Line 1A runs from Terminal 1 to the Ismetpasa stop, about 50 minutes, convenient for the Old Town. It does not serve Terminal 2.
• Bus 600. From both terminals to the bus station in about an hour, with an interval of around 30 minutes.
• Taxi or transfer. For Lara this is the simplest option. Agree the price in advance or order a transfer with your hotel.

Inside the city the AntRay tram (about every 15 minutes, from 6 am to midnight) and buses run. You can pay with a contactless bank card or an Antalyakart card.

When to go

Summer is hot and dry: usually 30-35 degrees by day, sometimes above 40. Winter is mild, but downpours and strong wind are possible. According to Wikivoyage, April, May, October and November are best for sightseeing. If you plan to swim, look at late May, June and September. For what to see and when to go on excursions, read Antalya: when to go and what to see.

Frequently asked questions

Lara or Konyaalti: which is better?

For a hotel holiday with a beach people more often choose Lara. For an independent holiday, cafes outside the hotel and lower prices, Konyaalti fits.

Can I stay in Kaleici and go to the beach?

Yes. You reach Konyaalti and Lara beaches by tram, bus or taxi, but the trip takes time. It suits short trips and people for whom the city matters more.

How do I get from Antalya airport to the center?

By tram line 1A to Ismetpasa, by bus 600 to the bus station, or by taxi.

Which beach is best for children?

Lara more often has sand and a gentle entry, while the Konyaalti beach is pebble. Check the surface in the description of the specific hotel.

How many days do I need for Antalya?

For a resort stay 7-10 days is enough, and for the city with excursions three or four days.

Check fares in the HotTrip flight search.

Cover: photo by Elaine Krige on Pexels