Last Updated on 29/12/2025
Located on the idyllic Turkish Riviera, known as the Turquoise Coast, Antalya boasts an array of beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and charming old-town restaurants serving delicious Turkish cuisine. If you’re visiting Antalya for the first time and wondering what to see and do, you’ll want to check out my Antalya 4-day itinerary!
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This Antalya itinerary for 4 days has been compiled following a recent press trip with Jet2Holidays to Turkey (Türkiye), which included activities, towns and restaurants recommended and sourced by GoTürkiye Tourist Board. However, as always, my honest opinions are contained in this post. Thanks for supporting my content!
Antalya Itinerary 4 Days of Ancient Sites, Cities & Incredible Restaurants!
Antalya is known for its ancient ruins with over 40 ancient cities located within a 100-kilometre radius, from Hadrian’s Gate to the ancient city of Termessos, its charming old town (Kaleiçi) and is the largest seaside resort on the Turkish Riviera.
One of the most popular Turkish destinations for tourists, with reportedly 1 Million British tourists visiting annually and over 16.5 Million visitors globally in 2023, surpassing both Paris and New York to become the fourth most visited city in the world, it’s little wonder why I haven’t visited before now!
If you’re thinking of visiting Antalya for the first time and have no idea what to expect, I promise you you’re in for a treat!
With ancient ruins similar to Greece, family fun activities similar to Mexico, azure blue waters on pristine beaches similar to Croatia and the most incredible restaurants, reminiscent of Dubai, Antalya is a surprising destination that has it all. As you can see from my video below:
Let me plan your holiday to Antalya for you by sharing my itinerary and insights into what Antalya is like as a holiday destination.
Antalya Itinerary – Day 1 Exploring Antalya Old Town Kaleiçi
For a relaxing start to your Antalya holiday, explore the heart of the Old Town, known as Kaleiçi. The narrow, winding streets of Antalya’s Old Town has an intriguing blend of boutique shops, traditional Ottoman-era houses and restaurants, along with historical landmarks, such as Hadrian’s Gate which transports you back in time – if you look closely, you can even see the markings from the chariots ingrained into the stone.
Kaleiçi Old Town Antalya is a protected area to preserve the ancient landmarks found in this area and to uncover more history there are Antalya Old Town walking tours available. However, it is easy to find Kaleiçi landmarks, such as the Hıdırlık Tower and Kesik Minaret, which towers above the Old Town and has now been restored into a mosque, with evidence of its previous ruins seen on the grounds.
Old Town Antalya is a beautiful area to explore with glimpses of local life, vibrant market streets and pristine park areas to admire along with the various historical sites to explore.
Keçili Park, meaning goat park after the two wooden goat sculptures found in the park, has mesmerising views over the turquoise waters of Mermerli Beach and nearby Karaalioğlu Park offers the most breathtaking sunset spot in Antalya from the Bati Seyir Tasi Square.
Karaalioğlu Park is also home to many cats cared for by the community, who will be glad of a good fuss during your visit!
After sunset, you can dine in one of the many Kaleiçi Old Town restaurants. Our group dined at Seraser, a charming fine-dining restaurant located in a former 300-year-old mansion.
After dining on a mezze of Turkish favourites and Mediterranean dishes – don’t miss the Turkish coffee-infused crème brûlée for dessert, even if you’re full!
It’s well worth exploring Kaleiçi Antalya Old Town – Check out my Antalya Old Town 1 day Itinerary for more things to see and do!
Antalya Itinerary – Day 2 Uncovering Antalya’s Ancient Cities & Past History
If this is your first visit to Antalya, like me, you may be surprised just how many ancient sites are waiting to be explored during your visit!
I was shocked when our Go Türkiye Tour Guide Volkan told us that there are 40 ancient cities within a 100-kilometre radius in Antalya! These ancient Antalya sites are well worth a day trip to trace empires occupying Antalya from Roman to Byzantine eras and witness historical sites dating back to BC.
We visited various ancient sites during our 4-day trip to Antalya and here are some of the best to visit if your Antalya itinerary allows:
Perge Ancient City Antalya
Perge is one of the oldest civilisations in Turkey (Türkiye), let alone Antalya and is a particularly significant place to visit for Christians as Saint Paul sailed from Paphos to Perge to hold his first sermon. Perge is also the starting point of Saint Paul’s Road, which is one of the most popular trekking routes in Turkey (Türkiye).
Perge continued to be a place of importance during both the Hittite and Roman Empires, where it was used as a colony due to its strategic location, which was ideal for battles. Located 10km inland from both the sea and the mountains, the river in Perge was used as a means to escape from danger approaching from either the sea or the mountains.
The various Cedar Trees growing in the area were useful for building ships, as these trees lasted around 300 years in marine water. The resin from the cedar tree was of importance to the cosmetic industry and was popular with Egyptians.
Perge’s 12,000-seat theatre and stadium were built and positioned outside the city walls as a means to protect these buildings should trouble arise and are considered one of the best-surviving buildings from their era, which is believed to be in the first century AD.
In 2009 the archaeological site of Perge was recorded in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Lists, and visitors to the city can witness the two towers, regarded as a symbol of Perge and the marble columns, baths and fountains that still stand in ruins today.
Termessos Ancient City Antalya
Our group were initially due to visit the ancient city of Termessos instead of Perge, however, an unexpected day of torrential rain scuppered our plans as the city’s location 1,000 metres above sea level would be difficult to navigate in rainy conditions. This is one of the reasons why I shared my what to wear in Antalya in Winter-Spring blog post, as the weather conditions in Antalya can be unpredictable!
Of course, one benefit of a rainy day meant that we instead spent the day in the spa of our Jet2Holidays Hotel Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek before visiting Perge on the following day. Believe me when I say, the spa at the hotel is worth visiting on its own! Check out my Jet2 Titanic Deluxe Belek Review!
Whilst Termessos may still be on my list, it’s well worth including a Termessos tour on your Antalya itinerary if the weather allows!
The beauty of this ancient site in particular is that the Termessos ruins remain untouched without archaeological works tampering with the site, which enables visitors to see the city exactly how it was when it was built.
Located just 45 minutes outside the city of Antalya, Termessos is set 1150 metres into the Güllük mountains, giving the city the status as one of the most atmospheric and best-preserved ancient ruins to visit in Turkey (Türkiye).
Güllük Mountain Termessos National Park is one of four national parks located within Antalya’s borders, and the city of Termessos is split into three areas; downtown, the city centre and the cemetery. Famously known as the impenetrable city that could not be conquered by Alexander the Great, Termessos thrived during the Roman Empire.
The remote Termessos ruins with an imposing theatre perched high in the sky has become a biodiverse area of natural vegetation and plant life, and attracts an array of rare local wildlife.
Ancient City of Aspendos Antalya
The magnificent city of Aspendos is a must-visit for your Antalya itinerary (it was my favourite of the ancient sites we visited during our Antalya 4 day itinerary) and is within easy reach from Antalya City.
Originally founded by the Hittites, as well as successfully ruled by Persians, Greeks and Romans who were drawn to its enviable location along the Eurymedon River. Aspendos grew in prominence being one of the first cities to mint coins and was a known horse-breeding area in which during Roman rule was tasked with providing 4,000 horses a year for Alexander The Great’s battles.
Annually, Aspendos is visited by approximately 400,000 people, mainly because of its beautifully preserved Roman theatre, which is regarded as one of the best in the World and was built between 160-180 A.D. under the rule of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
British archaeologist David George Hogarth marvelled at the city and described Aspendos as “not like anything that I ever saw before…You may have seen the amphitheatres in Italy, France, Dalmatia and Africa; temples in Egypt and Greece; the palaces in Crete; you may be sated with antiquity or scornful of it. But you have not seen the theatre of Aspendos.”
Of course, like many other historical sites, there are local legends attributed to the city. According to legend, the King of Aspendos promised the marriage of his daughter to the person who contributed the most meaningful work to prosper the city.
One brother built the aqueduct and the other brother built the theatre of Aspendos. The King wanted to choose the aqueduct because it brought water to the city from far up in the mountains. However, following a visit to the theatre the King acknowledges the theatre’s acoustics that transmit sound from even the top rows when a coin is thrown. The King, standing at the farthest corner of the stage, hears a whisper from the architect proclaiming the marriage of the King’s daughter should be to him, which legend tells prompts the King to give the first prize to the theatre and his daughter’s marriage to the architect.
Having visited the theatre, I can attest to the remarkable sounds carried across the theatre, which you can hear for yourself on my Antalya Instagram Stories. Listen out for someone whistling from the opposite end of the theatre with the sound carrying to the top row where I am filming.
Aspendos Ancient Theatre (Aspendos Antic Teatre as it’s known in Turkish) is breathtaking to see and somewhere you really do have to see and hear in person to truly appreciate its grandeur, history and just how well-preserved the theatre is today. With a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators, Aspendos Theatre continues to preserve its theatrical entertainment history by hosting modern-day concerts and events.
Whilst the theatre certainly gets my vote, the aqueduct has become a source of recognition by Scholars who are fascinated by the uniquely preserved hydraulic syphons, which are regarded as an ancient engineering wonder. Seeing the aqueduct stand tall today transports you back 2,000 years ago when it was part of a 25-kilometre-long water channel that supplied the city of Aspendos with water from the mountains.
Marvel at this ancient site whilst enjoying fresh orange juice from the ripe oranges plucked from the trees by local sellers.
Located to the north of Aspendos Theatre there are ruins of the stadium, which lead on to the Acropolis of Aspendos (upper city) where the wealthy lived. The Acropolis is surrounded by fortification walls, similar to those found in Malta, which served to protect the city and its wealthy occupants. Here you can also witness the remains of other important historical ruins in Aspendos, such as the basilica, bouleuterion (state council) and agora marketplace.
Antalya Itinerary – Day 3 Sunsets, Sundowners & Ancient Ruins in Side Antalya
Side pronounced (sea-day) has a treasure trove of ancient ruins, but unlike the other ancient cities mentioned above is located in a thriving modern-day city with plenty of things to do in Side, aside from the ruins.
Similar to Antalya Old City, Side is a seaside city located on Turkey’s Southern Mediterranean Coast and is a popular area for tourists with over 10 km of golden sandy beaches and Greco-Roman ruins.
A captivating fusion of past and present, Side gained city status in 2013 and has a more intimate feel and less of a tourist vibe than the city of Antalya, as you can see fisherman lining the shores of the beaches and local taverns away from more commercial chains.
The city of Side honours its ancient ruins, most of which are preserved with glass-covered walkways to enable the city to expand and develop without tampering with its archaeological findings. The most iconic ruin, considered the symbol of Side, the Apollo Temple, dedicated to the Greek God of music, harmony and light.
To see more ruins in Side, visit the archaeological museum based in a historical Roman bathhouse to see ancient artefacts.
Stroll around the pretty flowered walkways of Side’s harbour area and enjoy a sundowner at one of the many waterfront bars, before heading to Azumare for a sunset meal overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Antalya Itinerary – Day 4 Adventure at Land of Legends Antalya’s Disneyland
Antalya’s Land of Legends may make you wonder whether you’re actually in Disneyland! After exploring Antalya’s ancient cities, historical sites and luxurious beach resorts, you may be wondering why a theme park in Antalya is worth a visit?! Particularly, if rides are not you’re thing!
Well, Antalya’s theme park Land of Legends is actually on theme with many of the ancient sites visited on this Antalya itinerary, as you’ll notice some familiar names of heroes and villains of ancient Greek, Roman and Ottoman Turkish mythologies brought vividly to life through breathtaking shows, immersive rides, and colourful set designs.
The Land of Legends opened as a waterpark and expanded to include a theme park area to provide even more family fun in Antalya. Whilst the waterpark is closed during the winter months until Spring, thrill-seekers can enjoy vertical loops, intense drops, and jaw-dropping speeds on rides including the Hercules Roller Coaster, Typhoon Coaster and the popular Hyper Coaster
For a more whimsical experience, enjoy classic rides, such as the Pegasus Family Coaster or the Trojan Horse Carousel which are ideal for little ones.
After dark The Land of Legends night shows offer spectacular fireworks displays and performances to enjoy once the sun goes down.
If rides are not your thing, head to The Land of Legends shops for some retail therapy or check out some of the epic restaurants in Land of Legends, which are worth visiting on their own. Luckily, our Antalya luxury hotel was only located five minutes drive from Land of Legends, which meant we could enjoy the amazing dining experience below!
Nemo Restaurant Land of Legends Antalya
Our group dined in the aquarium restaurant Nemo, which transports you from Disneyland to Dubai!
This iconic Antalya restaurant has floor-to-ceiling aquariums, which provide such an immersive and mesmerising dining experience it’s easy to miss your mouth while you’re eating!
Nemo Restaurant serves an array of international dishes, cocktails and provides impeccable service to make your dining experience even more special. Often the place to witness the perfect proposal in Antalya, don’t miss the opportunity to wave your napkin in the air with the waiting staff as they serenade diners for birthdays, special occasions and for fun!
Is 4 Days in Antalya Enough?
After reading this jam-packed 4-day Antalya itinerary, you may be wondering if 4 days in Antalya is enough?!
Four days is enough to see Antalya’s main cities and ancient sites found in Aspendos, Side, Perge or Termessos where you can enjoy half-day trips to also enjoy relaxing days on Antalya’s beaches or luxurious hotel resorts. If you’re staying in the Belek region of Antalya, Land of Legends is a short 5-minute drive away, meaning you can relax in your chosen hotel and visit Land of Legends in the evening for a shop and a bite to eat without paying entrance fees.
Of course, if you want to enjoy more days out in Antalya or embrace the full benefits of your Antalya hotel resort, 5-7 days in Antalya will allow you to do just that! However, 4 days in Antalya is plenty to enjoy the best of the region, see the main sights for a first-time trip to Antalya and enjoy some well-needed relaxation!
Antalya is a holiday destination that effortlessly blends ancient wonders with a laidback Mediterranean vibe and is a must-visit for those looking for an intriguing city break or beach break on the Turkish Riviera.
It goes without saying, due to Antalya’s popularity the Summer season can get busy and with warm year-round temperatures this provided the perfect opportunity for me to enjoy some Winter sun with Jet2Holidays!
After discovering Antalya is one of the most visited cities in the world, I’m surprised I hadn’t visited Antalya sooner and I can’t wait to return to explore more of the Turquoise Coast!
I trust you found this blog post useful to plan your holiday to Antalya, if you did please share this Antalya 4-Day Itinerary with others using the share icons!
Happy travels!
Jaz
Check out these other travel guides in Antalya and beyond:
Kaleiçi Antalya Old Town Things to Do!
What to Pack for Antalya in Winter – Spring
Antalya Hotel Titanic Deluxe Golf Belek Review
Unusual Things to do in Limassol Cyprus
How to Spend 7 Days in Lanzarote