Uncover Unique Places To Visit Near Antalya For A Calm Travel Experience

Antalya’s Mediterranean allure isn’t confined to the city limits. Among the top places to visit near Antalya are many ancient cities tucked away in the hills, breathtaking canyons created by time, and secluded beach towns filled with myth and legend, all of which await your visit near Antalya. Within a few hours of driving from the city, you can walk through Roman theatres, swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean bays, or hike through hills and pinewoods. This area is great for travellers looking for some culture, adventure, and nature. Every nearby destination presents a different opportunity to see Turkey’s diverse heritage and areas of natural beauty.

10 Places To Visit Near Antalya

There are plenty of places to visit near Antalya that combine history, nature, and coastal beauty, and they are all an easy drive from each other.

1. Termessos

Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons

Termessos is located about 35 km northwest of Antalya, and it is one of Turkey’s most remarkable ancient cities. Located high in the Taurus Mountains at an elevation of over 1000 meters, this Pisidian city was so well defended that it was admired by Alexander the Great. Its combination of dramatic natural beauty and remarkably well-preserved ruins is exceptional. The site consists of a mountainside theatre (and views), rock-cut tombs, cisterns, temples, and city walls, all amidst a peaceful pine forest. Unlike other more tourist-driven archaeological sites, Termessos is sublime and largely untouched by modern influences, an excellent experience for those wanting to experience something raw.

Highlights: Mountain theatre, rock-cut tombs, wild nature
Activities: Hiking, photography, exploring ruins

2. Köprülü Canyon

Photo: Anna Stavenskaya / Wikimedia Commons

Köprülü Canyon National Park, located approximately 90 km northeast of Antalya, is a wonderful spot for both nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Shaped by the turquoise waters of the Köprüçay River, the canyon is 14 km long, surrounded by pine forests, and has almost vertical cliffs all around. The main activity here is white-water rafting over various degrees of rapids from easy class two to moderately difficult, perfect for the beginner or the thrill-seeker. Visitors may also raft under the historic Roman Oluk Bridge, which still spans the river, adding a sense of authenticity to the experience.

Highlights: Köprüçay River, Oluk Bridge, pine forest canyon
Activities: Rafting, hiking, camping

3. Olympos And Çıralı

Photo: Josh.artofwayfaring / Wikimedia commons

Olympos and Çıralı are twin coastal villages located in a rather remote area approximately 85 km southwest of Antalya. There is an excellent combination of factual history, beach lounging, and natural wonder found here. Olympos is famous for its ancient Lycian ruins set in a shady wooded valley, Roman baths, temples, and a theatre set on the hillside. Just a short walk away is Çıralı, a sleepy village with a beautiful, long pebbly beach and the natural gas vents atop Mount Chimaera that produce the eternal flames that, according to Greek mythology, were said to have come from the monster Chimaera thousands of years ago.

Highlights: Olympos ruins, Mount Chimaera, Çıralı Beach
Activities: Swimming, hiking, turtle watching

4. Aspendos

Photo: Saffron Blaze / Wikimedia Commons

Located just 47 km to the east of Antalya, Aspendos boasts one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the theatre seated 15,000 and had acoustics that are still considered nearly perfect. Today, it is still used for concerts and festivals. Here you will also discover the remains of a basilica, an agora, and a monumental aqueduct that once served to supply the city with water. Aspendos is particularly attractive to those of us who love history or architecture and want to see Roman engineering excellence up close.

Highlights: Roman theatre, aqueducts, ancient city ruins
Activities: Sightseeing, photography, attending performances

5. Perge

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

Among the most amazing places to visit near Antalya, Perge, lying only some 17 km away from the city, gives a magnificent peek into ancient Pamphylian civilisation. Once a flourishing Roman city, Perge has a colonnaded street, the huge complex of Roman baths, a well-preserved stadium of about 12,000 capacity, and the towering Hellenistic-Roman gate. The city layout is quite straightforward, so it is ideal for a leisurely wander. Its sculptural heritage is so rich that a large number of artefacts have been transferred to the Antalya Museum. Perge, unlike the more distant sites, is the easiest to get to and makes for an enriching half-day trip.

Highlights: Stadium, city gate, baths, columns
Activities: Walking tour, photography, and history exploration

6. Phaselis

Photo: Лобачев Владимир / Wikimedia Commons

Another true jewel in the tourist places to see near Antalya, Phaselis lies about 60 km southwest of the city, combining history and beachside serenity in one magical spot. The ancient Lycian-Roman port city is straddled uniquely between three pine forests and natural harbours, with the ruins lying almost at the water’s edge. You explore the aqueducts, Roman baths, agora, and theatre while marvelling at the views of the turquoise sea. After a walk through the site, many relax on the quiet beaches and patchwork clear bays. It is a calm atmosphere, hence making any picnic, swimming, or photography great.

Highlights: Harbours, aqueduct, seaside ruins
Activities: Swimming, walking tour, boat visits

7. Alanya

Photo: Dragana Novoselska / Unsplash

Although it is a little farther away at 125 km from Antalya, one of the most exciting attractions near Antalya are Alanya. With the magnificent Seljuk castle sitting atop a rocky limestone peninsula in full view of the Mediterranean and a quaint little old town of narrow cobbled streets, it is a treat to visit. Alanya City highlights include the famous Red Tower, the medieval Shipyard, and the captivating Damlataş Cave, with an atmosphere that is humid and said to be therapeutic. The city also has golden beaches like Cleopatra Beach, a bustling harbour, and several cafés and boutiques.

Highlights: Alanya Castle, Red Tower, Damlataş Cave
Activities: Beach relaxation, castle hikes, shopping

8. Saklıkent Gorge

Photo: Salih Altuntaş / Pexels

Located almost hidden about 190 km from Antalya, Saklıkent Gorge is one of the most dramatic natural sites near Antalya. The 18 kilometres long and 300 metres high gorge stands as one of the deepest in Turkey, making it worth a visit. Visitors can comfortably stroll through its shady, narrow path, wade through mountain streams, and marvel at its arrogant rock walls. It is a pleasant getaway travel destination during the summer for all adventure lovers. Wooden platforms placed along the riverbanks are used by local cafes to serve gözleme and fresh trout fish. Here you can also try canyoning or tubing.

Highlights: Deep canyon, river walk, waterfalls
Activities: Trekking, canyoning, riverside dining

9. Demre

Photo: Esginmurat / Wikimedia Commons

Demre, formerly known as the ancient city of Myra, is located around 145 km southwest of Antalya. It is one of the interesting historical tourist attractions near Antalya. It is most known for its brilliant Lyian rock-cut tombs set into rugged mountainous cliffs and the Roman theatre remarkably preserved under them. The Church of St. Nicholas is equally important. This church is the officially recognised shrine to the real-life 4th-century Bishop, who, as legend has it, became the inspiration for Santa Claus. Pilgrims and tourists alike come to see this holy site with a huge number of frescoes and a peaceful aura.

Highlights: Lycian tombs, St. Nicholas Church, Roman theatre
Activities: History tours, photography, boat excursions

10. Sagalassos

Photo: KaramürverÖzü / Wikimedia Commons

Some of the hidden gems near Antalya are Sagalassos, which sits high up in the Taurus Mountains near Burdur, about 160 km from Antalya. Once prosperous in the Roman period, it is famed for its stunning mountain setting and the ruins of varying degrees of preservation. These include a grand Roman theatre, a library, and the main highlight- the Antonine Fountain, which, for almost two millennia, has carried spring water. Unlike some tourist destinations, Sagalassos is tranquil and almost empty, converting into a gorgeous walk through time and history against the backdrop of alpine scenery. This place is equally photogenic as it is historic.

Highlights: Antonine Fountain, theatre, mountain views
Activities: Hiking, photography, and ruin exploration

Whether you want to explore ancient cities like Termessos and Perge, head to Köprülü Canyon for adventure, or unwind along the coast at Phaselis or Çıralı, the places to visit near Antalya offer endless variety. From history and nature to beachside relaxation, each destination brings a new dimension to your trip. Ready to expand your journey? Plan your perfect Antalya getaway today with TripXL and discover something unforgettable.

Cover Photo: Jane Palash / Unsplash

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