Photo: Esginmurat · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized
Antalya: where to stay, which beach to choose and when to go
In Antalya, you can alternate beach days with walks through the old town. Much depends on the area: one hotel may put restaurants and the harbour within easy reach, while another suits full days by the sea. Choose between Kaleiçi, Konyaaltı and Lara before looking for a hotel.
Which area should you choose?
| Area | Best suited to | What to ask the hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Kaleiçi | Old-town walks and evenings by the harbour. | Steps on the way to your room, where your transfer can stop and how to reach the beach. |
| Konyaaltı | Combining city walks and beach time. | Where to cross the road to the sea and how far it is to the promenade. |
| Lara / Kundu | Spending most of your holiday at the hotel and beach. | Whether the hotel is in urban Lara or farther along the coast. |
Mark the hotel and the places you plan to visit daily on a map. If you want to eat out in town, check the route to restaurants and back. If you expect to spend almost all your time at the hotel, beach distance, shade and room comfort matter more. This helps you see whether you would spend time travelling every day.
Photo: REHBER0770 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized
How to check the beach near your hotel
Look at recent photos of the exact section you will use. Check the water’s edge, steps and road crossings, and ask about sunbed charges. Sand on a sunbathing area does not tell you what the seabed is like or how quickly the water gets deep.
In Kaleiçi, plan your journey to the sea separately: you may see the bay from your window but still need transport to the beach. With children, a short walk from the shore to your room can be more useful than extra floor space in a hotel farther away.
When to go: weather and holiday plans
MGM weather-service data for Antalya covering 1930–2025 give average daily maximum air temperatures of 25.7 °C in May, 34.2 °C in July and 26.6 °C in October. These are averages across years of observations; an individual day may be hotter or cooler. Allow more time to rest between outings in July, and be ready to move walks to another day because of the weather in October.
Our month-by-month weather guide helps you compare seasons for beach holidays and sightseeing. Warm air does not necessarily mean that the sea or an unheated pool is already comfortable for swimming.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized
What to see between beach days
The GoTürkiye travel guide lists Kaleiçi and the old harbour among Antalya’s sights. You can include both in a day exploring one area, leaving time for lunch and rest. Plan longer trips separately and check the opening hours of the places you want to visit in advance.
Alternate city and beach days according to the forecast. If you want to go for a walk every evening, choose a convenient location in town. If city visits will be occasional, focus on finding a suitable beach hotel.
Airport transfers and comparing costs
Antalya Airport uses the code AYT. Give the exact hotel address and your arrival time when booking a transfer. For a shared transfer, ask how many stops there will be and whether they are included in the quoted journey time. Check the hotel’s check-in arrangements if you arrive late.
If you are choosing between Antalya and Alanya, compare the cost and duration of the entire journey to your hotel. Our family holiday questions can help when travelling with children: ask the hotel to confirm sleeping arrangements and the beach route, and the transport provider to confirm suitable child seats.
Bodrum is another alternative. The comparison covers areas to stay, beaches and opportunities for walks. For flight options and onward travel, see our airport and transfer guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit Antalya without a car?
Yes, if your hotel is close to the beach and the places you plan to visit regularly. Check these routes on a map and arrange transport for longer excursions in advance. Confirm timetables for your travel dates.
Are Antalya city and the Antalya holiday region the same thing?
No. In hotel searches, “Antalya” can refer to the wider holiday region. Check the town and address: a hotel in Side, Belek or Alanya is outside Antalya city.
Sources and editorial notes
Destination facts and climate figures are linked to the sources below. Booking checklists and comparisons are editorial guidance, not hotel inspections. Confirm changing services directly before booking.
- Turkish State Meteorological Service: Antalya statistics, 1930–2025
- Antalya Airport: official information
Published by Web Studio Neaptide. About Sunny Turkey.