Things to do & places to visit in Turkish Mediterranean Coast, Turkiye

On the Turkish Riviera, traditional fishing villages such as Üçagiz nestle alongside the modern resort destinations of Marmaris and Antalya. Unspoiled yellow sand beaches and pine forests line this history-rich coast whose illustrious former residents include St. Paul. Buses make easy connections between the coves, castles and cities beside the turquoise waters of what the Turks call the White Sea. Dont miss the awe-inspiring eternal fires of Chimaera at Olympos most impressive at night.

Turkish Mediterranean Coast #3 destination in Turkiye 2023. The average rating score is 4.44 based on 78.8k traveler reviews, of 120 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Istanbul, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 9:48.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Aynaligol (Gilindire) Magarasi (322 reviews)
- Impressive !!!
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Caverns & Caves

We have visited 3 caves in one day with my daughter : Cennet-Cehennem, Astim and Aynaligol. All nice but Aynaligol is by far the most beautiful. If you have time and energy, you can visit all, but if you are missing these, and need to choose, then it is Aynaligol! Guided tour is recommended. Please please do not throw bottles or papers into the cave! Let's save it for future generations... See more..
4.5 Kaleici (5.314 reviews)
- A walk through time
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

Dating back to Roman times, Antalya’s seafront historic core contains many of the city's must-sees. Following extensive renovations, the district of Kaleici now boasts several hotels, restaurants and shops. Take a stroll down the area’s narrow streets and spot ancient mosques along the way, as well as tons of bars and cafes where you can try local cuisine. Load up on souvenirs from the shops, then head off to the pier for fantastic views of the harbor. You might want to join a historic tour to learn more about the major points of interest in Kaleici such as Hadrian's Gate. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Apollon Temple (5.182 reviews)
- Beautiful place, worth to visit
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Stunning location and the site itself, beautiful view of the sea and surrounding old city is gorgeous. Fresh coconut and squeezed on demand orange juice just adding to the experience. Lots of shops and restaurants around. After exploring old side, temple and harbour you can use a little tourist road train taking you back to the bus station for pennies See more..
4.5 Kleopatra Beach (5.153 reviews)
- Relaxed experience
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

We loved this beach as it was part of Cooks Corner hotel so the access to it was easy. Lots to see while you are lay on your sun bed. At one point seven ships must of been on the water. Paragliding going on above . Lots of families out for the day This beach had a lovely relaxed atmosphere and no lucky lucky men are allowed so you can relax in peace This beach is perfect to watch the sunset See more..
4.5 Lower Duden Waterfalls (4.357 reviews)
- Beautiful waterfalls - 10 min stop
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Waterfalls

The Lower Duden Waterfalls is a spectacular cascade that occurs as the Duden River spills off the Antalya City cliffs into the sea. To view the falls from above, stroll along Duden Park—where you can also lounge on the grass or grab something to eat in one of the cafes at the observation deck. The falls can be reached by public bus from the center of Antalya. You can also join boat tours departing from the marina in Kaleici. Visit during spring or summer as that's when you can get close to the waterfall with the boat. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 The Land of Legends Theme Park (4.265 reviews) from $25.65
- Worth every penny!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Check out the action-packed atmosphere of The Land of Legends Theme Park. Besides your regular amusement park fare—gigantic roller-coasters and a memory-evoking merry-go-round—the complex features dozens of water rides, daily meet-and-greets, fountain shows, and parades. You can even interact with dolphins in shallow waters at Dolphin Encounter. Don't miss trying refined Eurasian cuisine at Nemo Restaurant & Lounge, which boasts stunning views of the aquarium. About 22 miles from bustling Antalya, the park makes an amazing day trip if you’re visiting the southern coast of Turkey. If one day is not enough, spend the night at The Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Kaputas Beach (3.867 reviews)
- Can't get better
Beaches

On our way from Fathyia to kas we managed to get parking spot on the main road, then walked down to this beautiful beach It has restaurant with toilets and showers. Same restaurant rent out sunbeds and umbrella for 15 tl unless you buy any food or drink then they waive out the rent fees. Beach was Amazing See more..
4.5 Greek Amphitheater (3.294 reviews)
- Stunning, good as Ephusus
Ancient Ruins

Stunning Amphitheatre, well preserved. It cost 70lira in June 2020 per adult to enter and its well worth it. You can combine the ticket with museum but gave that a miss as it was way too hot. See more..
4.5 Alanya Kalesi (3.179 reviews)
- Best thing to do in Alanya - city symbol
Castles

The Alanya Castle dominates the entire area, standing high on a huge cape (better say peninsula) dividing the city into two parts. It dates back to 13 c when it was built by the conquering Seljuks on the existing Roman and Byzantine fortification remnants. During the Ottomans the Castle declined in military importance and throughout the 19c many private villas and homes were built on the site which are still there. The top fortification is a museum with remaining buildings of Romans, Byzantines and Turks. To visit it there's an entrance fee, but there's also a free part by the Mosque and cable car. The Castle offers magnificent views of the city beneath. We went there by our rented car (big parking lot in front, symbolic fee), but you can also reach it via cable car. Count on around 2 hours for a proper visit. See more..
4.5 Old City Marina (2.592 reviews)
- Nice but a bit messy place to walk around
Spent 1-2 hours Marinas

Descend from Kaleici to the Antalya Marina via very steep stone steps. Bring sturdy shoes so as not to slip. It's well worth the effort because the marina is a lovely crescent-shaped place where fishing boats rub shoulders with smart yachts. Watch the fishermen sell their latest catch and chat with yacht owners. A few small cafes offer coffee or tea. Look back up toward the plateau, which forms the basis of Antalya and get a special view of the landmarks from down below. See more..
4.5 Phaselis (2.363 reviews)
- very unique: Phaselis ancient city
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

Phaselis is an ancient city, so make your preparations according to this. There is a small market inside, toilets and shower available but average. There is no sunbeds or parasols but you can bring your things. Care about your sun protection and don't forget to get hydrated. You can also bring your foods. The entrance is not free but you can use Museum Pass if you have one. Go early as much as you can so you can find a good place. Enjoy with the ancient ruins, nature, beach and sun in one place! See more..
4.5 Antalya Muzesi (2.324 reviews)
- The best museum on Greek and Roman history.
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The museum contains 13 display halls with exhibits from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times. A special children's section offers activities to stimulate an interest in antiques and museums. See more..
4.5 Dimcay (1.948 reviews)
- Fabulous gem on the river
Waterfalls

Having been told by a taxi driver in Alanya that we must visit Dimcay we took a taxi there a couple of days later. From Alanya it was €30, around TL550. After looking at reviews and speaking to a few locals we plumped for Pinarbasi, hearing it was the best. On entering you’re helped tour your ‘booth’ sitting on the river or up on the cliff face. There’s a big choice of where to sit; shade or sun, high or low. We sat overlooking a wharf, a little noisy but with a good view. We were brought the menu and ordered the breakfast, a huge array of wonderful goodies. The cheeses and jams were especially nice. After eating we chilled out, reading and drinking; watching others jump into the icy cold water pools. It’s somewhere we’d never expected seeing or going to but it’s a must if you’re in Alanya and go to Pinarbasi. See more..
4.5 Perge Ancient City (1.812 reviews)
- Fascinating place to visit when you’re in Turkey
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins

The historical site of Perge, 18 kilometers east of Turkey, holds the vast remains of what was once the most propserous city of the ancient world. Enter by passing through the arch of the Roman Gate to be greeted by an amphitheater, the Hellenistic Gate (quite well preserved) and richly decorated remains of the city wall and much more. See more..
4.5 Hadrian's Gate (1.799 reviews)
- A well-preserved piece of history
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

A historical site not to be missed. Just off Atatürk Boulevard you’ll see the impressive three double arches of the gates, which were erected in 130 to celebrate the visit of Emperor Hadrian. Legend has it that in ancient times, the queen of Sheba passed through the middle arch on her way to Aspensos and spent a happy night with King Salomon. With the exception of the columns, the arch is made from white marble and is richly decorated. See more..
4.5 Kursunlu Waterfalls (1.540 reviews)
- Beautiful setting.
Waterfalls

About 20km outside Antalya on the Isparta road are the well signposted falls.Big car park and a current entry charge of 16tl..it is a beautiful spot with great photo opportunities and a path to the lower falls, but not suitable for those with disabilities. Cafes and toilets in the park plus the inevitable camel/donkey/parrot photo opportunity.Adjacent to the falls is a pine wood where you can enjoy a picnic. Being close to Antalya it can get busy though..not sure if the falls dry up in the summer though! See more..
4.5 Dim Cave (1.431 reviews)
- Beautiful but lots of stairs
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves

Very beautiful and indeed worth visiting! The site has lots of stairs both outside (rise uphill to the cave by stone stairs) and inside (stone stairs of varying step size, some pretty high, and some metal stairs. Inside is very humid so it can prove slippery so you need to be careful in your steps) so it requires some physical condition. (I do physical work but exercise very little on my free time. Dim was doable but very sweaty!) See more..
4.5 Patara Beach (1.340 reviews)
- Very nice sandy beach
Beaches

Patara Beach is one of Turkiye’s largest beaches and a naturally protected area. Here, you can admire the breathtaking backdrop of Lycia’s towering limestone peaks and honey-yellow sand dunes. The dunes are great for sunset-watching and have also made cameos in many Turkish films. Other popular activities here include rafting, horseback riding and canoeing on the Dalaman River. Patara Beach is also the spawning area of the endangered loggerhead turtles—you might see them hatch if you're lucky. Consider pairing your visit to the beach with a trip to Patara’s ancient city and witness the fascinating ruins there too. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Chimaera (1.319 reviews)
- Worth the climb.Take water.Take your time.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

A series of flames that spurt from cracks in the rock, which are caused by the combustion of natural gas seeping out of the mountain at the ancient site of Olympos. See more..
4.5 Side Museum (1.311 reviews)
- Much Bigger Than Expected
Speciality Museums

From the outside, the museum doesn’t look very big but as we explored further, we kept finding more rooms/areas so it is definitely good value for money. Some items are displayed outside and others are in the old bath-house. The collection inside is well lit and the place had a very relaxed feel. See more..
4.5 Aspendos Ruins (1.307 reviews)
- in the footsteps of history
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins

The best-known attraction among the ruins of Aspendos is the great theater, an amazingly well preserved vestige of Roman architecture that may be as impressive as Rome's own Colosseum. See more..
4.5 Kekova Island (1.217 reviews)
- Love Kekova
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Islands

It is an amazing place beautiful islands very good small bays and sea. You should see it if you travel to Antalya also i strongly recommend you to take a boat trip to see beautiness of Kekova. Also you can climb to caste in Ucagiz to see whole view from very high point. I went to Kekova with my friends and really enjoyed. We rented a boat with friends as 5 people its price was reasonable and hospitability was very good, whose owner is Mehmet Kaptan in kekova harbour the boat was neither too small nor too big.it is ver good for you are travelling 5-7 people you can reach him via whatsapp Mehmet Kaptan +905363317809. See more..
4.5 Alanya Teleferik (1.197 reviews)
- Enjoyable experience
Friday: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Trams

A great experience - lovely staff, everything is clean and well taken care of. Going up or down you have amazing views of the hill covered by a forest, the fortifications and wide views of the city and harbour on one side and mountains on the other. For a comfortable ride have a max of 6 people inside (or 4 if larger size or with large bags/strollers). See more..
4.5 Alanya Limanı (1.173 reviews)
- Alanya sea port
Scenic Walking Areas

Alanya is a resort town on the Mediterranean coast with warm sun and tangerines. There are many historical, cultural and natural attractions, mosques, cafes and shops in Alanya. I recommend trying the local Anatolian cuisine and going to the sea port. See more..
4.5 Termessos (1.024 reviews)
- We really enjoyed
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins

Approximately 34 kilometers northwest of Antalya lies Termessos and the beautiful Güllük Dagi National Park. The ancient Psidian city is built on a mountain platform, surrounded by pine woods and an abundance of rare plants. It’s one of the best preserved historical sites of Turkey and, due to its isolated location, an oasis of calm and tranquility. See more..
4.5 Hatay Archeology Museum (1.013 reviews)
- Huge mosaics and much more brilliantly displayed
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

This contemporary museum opened in 2014. The architecture and lightening adds to the magnificence of he exhibits. The museum houses some of the largest ancient mosaics in the world, all from this region. There are also many other artefacts including some of the earliest coins ever found. The Statue of Suppiluliuma, Stelas of Arsuz, Assyrian Orthostat, Tyche Statue, The Antakya Sarcophagus and Double-Lion Column Base are also must-sees. All items are clearly labelled with information in Turkish and English. An audio guide is also available. Museum cards are accepted but a note of caution. Come out of the museum to use the toilet or onsite cafe and card holders then need to pay a fee to enter again. The museum is in a suburb of Antakya, an inexpensive taxi ride from the centre, and walkable for most people from St Peters church or Necmi Asfouroglu Arkeloji Muzesi. Consider half a day to appreciate this exquisite museum. See more..
4.5 Red Tower (987 reviews)
- Like it
Military Museums • Architectural Buildings • Lookouts

The Red Tower is really nice to visit, I personally liked the most that you can walk along the walls that lead to the tower from the fortress (a small part) because it is impossible on the fortress itself. It has a couple of floors, the stairs are quite steep so I would not recommend people who have difficulty moving to climb the floors. People who go with small children are best to have a scarf or stretcher attached to their chest to make it easier to move. The view from the fortress itself on the harbor and the shipyard is very beautiful. The ticket is 10tl per person, but if you buy it complete with a ticket for the shipyard, there are 15tl together. See more..
4.5 Cirali Beach (981 reviews)
- An absolute must visit beach and area!
Beaches

Most stunning relaxed beautiful beach we have visited. The setting with the mountains is so gorgeous. A real must if you like to see rural chilled slightly bohemian Turkey, away from all inclusive hotels, to enjoy the views, the atmosphere, cycling around the area, smelling figs, olive groves in mostly flat terrain. See more..
4.5 Tahtalı Dagi (641 reviews) from $42.82
- Absolutely good trekking to the top
Mountains

We left from Beycik and went on the top. The trail is very well marked, first traverse the wood and then stony, dry part of mountains. The views were amazing! Very nice restaurant on the top (especially giant chocolate muffins!). Really suggest that route it's much more interesting than the cable car. See more..
4.5 Mersin Marina (566 reviews)
- Marin Mersin Turkey
Marinas

Marin Mersin Turkey is a location on the sea, a beautiful place and a must-visit, it is an open-air complex, there are many international brand shops, there are many luxury restaurants and cafes, you can spend hours walking seeing the attractive views, and also book breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the luxury restaurants See more..