Antalya
City guide · Mediterranean Region, Turkey · Turkey
Hadrian's Gate, built in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian who visited Attaleia in 130 CE · Konyaaltı Beach
About Antalya
Antalya is a major city on Turkey's southwest Mediterranean coast, flanked by the Taurus Mountains, and is recognized as the 'capital of tourism' in Turkey and a pivotal part of the Turkish Riviera. The city was formerly known as Attaleia, founded around 200 BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon, and later came under Roman rule, during which monuments like Hadrian's Gate were constructed. Antalya has changed hands several times in history, including under the Seljuk Empire in 1207 and the Ottoman Empire in 1391. Today it is one of the largest cities in Turkey and the capital of Antalya Province, the fifth-most populous province. The city is Turkey's biggest international sea resort on the Turkish Riviera, with large-scale development and governmental funding making it a prime destination for tourists. Antalya was the fourth-most visited city in the world in 2023, attracting more than 16.5 million foreign visitors. The urban population of the city is around 1.5 million, with a provincial population of 2,722,103 as of 2024. The local climate has high winter rainfall due to moisture being trapped by the mountains, while the interior bay setting results in very hot summers for a coastal city.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Recognized as the 'capital of tourism' in Turkey and a pivotal part of the Turkish Riviera, indicating a well-established tourist infrastructure
- Rich historical heritage, including Roman-era monuments like Hadrian's Gate and a history spanning Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods
- Coastal location on the Mediterranean with a bay setting, offering hot summers and a beach resort environment
- High international popularity, being the fourth-most visited city in the world in 2023 with over 16.5 million foreign visitors
Tradeoffs
- Very hot summers for a coastal city due to the interior bay setting, which may be intense for some travelers
- High winter rainfall due to moisture being trapped by the surrounding Taurus Mountains, potentially limiting off-season outdoor activities
- As a major international resort destination with large-scale development, it may feel crowded or commercialized during peak seasons
Plan the trip
Best time to visit
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Planning lead time
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Decision factors
Safety
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Getting around
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