Antalya and the Mediterranean Coast is one of the country’s most popular holiday regions, combining long sandy beaches, dramatic mountain scenery, ancient ruins and modern resort towns. Stretching east and west of Antalya, the region attracts millions of visitors each year with its warm climate, clear water and wide variety of holiday experiences.
While the Turquoise Coast is known for hidden coves and sailing, the Mediterranean Coast offers larger beaches, historic towns, family-friendly resorts and some of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites. The region is also home to many of the country’s best-known all-inclusive resorts, making it a favourite destination for package holidays from across Europe.
At the heart of the region lies Antalya, a vibrant coastal city surrounded by beaches, mountains and important historical landmarks.
Antalya
Antalya is the largest city on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast and serves as the region’s main gateway. The city combines modern shopping districts and beaches with the historic streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s atmospheric old town.
Visitors can explore Roman-era landmarks, stroll along the harbour, relax on nearby beaches or take boat trips along the coast. Antalya also serves as an excellent base for exploring many of the surrounding archaeological sites and natural attractions.
Side
Side is one of Turkey’s most distinctive resort towns, combining sandy beaches with some of the country’s best-preserved Roman ruins. Ancient temples, city walls and a large Roman theatre sit beside the modern town and waterfront promenade.
The Temple of Apollo, dramatically positioned beside the sea, has become one of Turkey’s most photographed archaeological landmarks.
Belek
Belek is known for its luxury resorts, golf courses and long sandy beaches. The area attracts visitors looking for high-quality hotels, spa facilities and family-friendly holidays.
Many of Turkey’s most prestigious golf resorts are located here, helping establish Belek as one of Europe’s leading golf destinations.
Alanya
Alanya combines beaches, historic landmarks and lively resort facilities beneath a spectacular medieval castle overlooking the sea. The town has developed into one of Turkey’s largest holiday destinations while retaining a number of historical attractions.
Highlights include Alanya Castle, the Red Tower, harbour areas and several popular beaches stretching along the coast.
Kemer
Located southwest of Antalya, Kemer sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the dramatic peaks of the Taurus Mountains. The scenery here differs from many other resorts, with pine forests and mountains reaching close to the coastline.
Kemer offers beaches, marinas, boat excursions and easy access to nearby natural attractions and ancient ruins.
Olympos
Olympos is one of the Mediterranean Coast’s most unusual destinations. Hidden among forests near the coast, the ancient Lycian city lies scattered through a river valley leading towards a beautiful beach.
The area is particularly popular with independent travellers, nature lovers and those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere than the larger resort towns.
Cirali
Çıralı is a peaceful coastal village known for its long beach, natural setting and slower pace of life. Development has remained limited, helping preserve much of the area’s natural character.
The beach is also an important nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles.
Termessos
High in the mountains north of Antalya lies Termessos, one of Turkey’s most atmospheric archaeological sites. Surrounded by forested slopes within a national park, the ruins occupy a dramatic mountain setting rarely matched elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
Visitors can explore ancient streets, defensive walls and a spectacular theatre overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Koprulu Canyon
Köprülü Canyon National Park offers a different side of the Mediterranean Coast, with forests, rivers and steep canyon landscapes replacing beaches and resort towns.
The area is particularly popular for rafting, hiking and outdoor activities and provides one of the region’s best opportunities to experience Turkey’s natural scenery away from the coast.
Best Time to Visit Antalya & the Mediterranean Coast
The Mediterranean Coast enjoys a long holiday season from April to October. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C, while spring and autumn often provide more comfortable conditions for sightseeing and exploring archaeological sites.
Sea temperatures remain warm well into October, extending the beach season beyond many other Mediterranean destinations.
Why Visit Antalya & the Mediterranean Coast?
The Antalya region combines beaches, history, outdoor activities and resort facilities on a scale unmatched elsewhere in Turkey. Visitors can explore Roman cities, mountain landscapes, waterfalls and sandy beaches while enjoying one of the Mediterranean’s sunniest climates.
Whether you are looking for a family beach holiday, luxury resort, archaeological discoveries or outdoor adventure, Antalya and the Mediterranean Coast offer some of Turkey’s most diverse travel experiences.