3-Day Antalya Ancient Coast Route

This three-day route combines central Antalya with some of the archaeological sites and coastal landscapes east and southwest of the city.

Day 1: Kaleiçi and Antalya

Begin at Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic centre. Enter through the area around Hadrian’s Gate and continue through narrow streets lined with traditional houses toward the old harbour.

The harbour sits below the historic district, surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean views. Walking back through Kaleiçi reveals structures from different periods, including Yivli Minare and sections of the old city walls.

Later, visit the Antalya Museum, where archaeological material from sites across the surrounding region helps place the next two days in historical context.

Finish the afternoon along Konyaaltı, where the Mediterranean coastline meets the mountains west of the city.

Local dishes to look for include Antalya piyazı, traditionally prepared with tahini, and hibeș, a tahini-based speciality associated with the region.

Day 2: Perge, Aspendos and Side

Travel east from Antalya to Perge, one of the major ancient cities of Pamphylia. Its archaeological area includes a theatre, stadium, baths, monumental streets and other surviving remains.

Continue east to Aspendos, best known for its Roman theatre. The theatre is one of the most recognisable structures in the region and remains the central feature of the ancient site.

From Aspendos, continue toward Side on the Mediterranean coast.

Walk through the archaeological area and the historic centre before reaching the waterfront. The remains of the Temple of Apollo stand close to the sea and are particularly distinctive in the late afternoon.

Spend the evening around Side before returning toward Antalya or staying generally in the coastal area.

Day 3: Olympos, Çıralı and Yanartaş

Travel southwest along the Mediterranean coast toward Olympos.

The ancient ruins are spread through a wooded valley close to the sea. Stone remains, vegetation and the river corridor give Olympos a different character from the more open archaeological sites visited the previous day.

Continue to Çıralı, where a long beach extends below forested mountains.

The area combines sea, coastal vegetation and the dramatic slopes of the Beydağları.

Later, visit Yanartaş, where natural flames emerge from openings in the rocky hillside. The phenomenon has been known since antiquity and is closely associated with the landscape and legends of the region.

Finish the route around Çıralı and the Mediterranean coast.