Antalya is Turkey's tourism capital and the gateway to the Turquoise Coast — a vibrant city where a beautifully preserved Roman-era old town meets a dramatic clifftop setting above the Mediterranean. Unlike many Turkish resort areas, Antalya is a genuine city with a population of over two million, offering cultural depth, excellent museums, spectacular natural attractions and a sophisticated dining scene alongside the beach resort experience. For Irish visitors who want more from a Turkey holiday than an all-inclusive compound, Antalya delivers richness and variety.
Location and Getting There
Antalya is on Turkey's south-west Mediterranean coast. Antalya Airport (AYT) is approximately fifteen minutes from the city centre. The flight from Dublin takes around four and a half hours. The city is the transport hub for the wider region, with the resort areas of Belek, Side, Alanya and Kemer all within one to two hours' drive.
Beaches
Konyaalti Beach, west of the city centre, is a long pebble beach backed by a modern promenade with cafes and parks. Lara Beach, east of the city, is a wide stretch of golden sand lined with large all-inclusive resort hotels. Both beaches have Blue Flag status. The small pebble beach at Mermerli, at the base of the old town cliffs, offers swimming with a historic backdrop. The coastline in both directions from Antalya has numerous further beaches, including the famous Kaputas Beach (a stunning turquoise cove) and Phaselis (a beach among ancient ruins).
Turkey's coastline stretches for over seven thousand kilometres, and the south-western coast in particular offers some of the most beautiful beach scenery in the Mediterranean. The water clarity along the Turquoise Coast lives up to the name — visibility of twenty to thirty metres is common, making the region excellent for snorkelling and diving. Many of Turkey's best beaches are within or adjacent to ancient archaeological sites, creating a unique combination of natural beauty and historical atmosphere. The all-inclusive culture in Turkish resorts means many hotels have private beach sections with complimentary sunbeds, parasols and beach service — a further advantage for families who want a hassle-free day at the beach.
Things to Do
Kaleici, the walled old town, is Antalya's heart — a maze of narrow streets lined with Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, restaurants and shops, centred around the ancient Roman harbour. Hadrian's Gate, a magnificently preserved triumphal arch, marks the entrance. The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey's finest, with an extraordinary collection from the surrounding region. The Duden Waterfalls — both the Upper Falls (in a park) and the Lower Falls (cascading directly into the sea from a cliff) — are spectacular natural attractions. Day trips to the ancient cities of Termessos (high in the mountains), Perge and Aspendos (with one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world) offer world-class archaeology.
Dining and Nightlife
Antalya's food scene is excellent. Kaleici has atmospheric restaurants in historic courtyard settings. The harbour area has fish restaurants. Antalya is famous for its citrus fruit, and fresh orange juice is available everywhere. Traditional Turkish cuisine — kebabs, pide, mezes, fresh fish — is of high quality and very affordable. The city has a lively nightlife scene, with bars and clubs in the old town and along the marina.
Best Time to Visit
The Mediterranean coast has a long season. April to November offers warm weather. June to September is the peak, with temperatures in the mid-thirties. May and October are ideal — warm, sunny, less crowded and significantly cheaper.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Irish citizens do not need a visa for Turkey for stays under ninety days. The currency is the Turkish lira — withdraw from ATMs for the best rates. Turkey is two hours ahead of Ireland in winter, three in summer. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Tipping ten percent in restaurants is customary.
The Turkish lira has fluctuated significantly in recent years, which has worked in favour of visitors from eurozone countries — Turkey offers extraordinary value for money at current exchange rates. ATMs are widely available and give a fair rate, while credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Haggling is expected in bazaars and markets — starting at around half the asking price is a reasonable approach. Turkish hospitality is legendary, and you will frequently be offered tea (cay) in shops, markets and even casual encounters. Healthcare in Turkey is not covered by the EHIC (as Turkey is not in the EU), so comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Turkish cuisine is a genuine highlight — the quality and variety of food, from street-level simit (sesame bread rings) to multi-course restaurant meals, is consistently impressive.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. Turkey offers exceptional all-inclusive value, and the team can find the right Antalya region hotel for your holiday.
Antalya is a bustling city and the main gateway to Turkey's beautiful Turquoise Coast. Its historic heart, Kaleiçi (Old Town), is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses, and Roman ruins, leading down to a picturesque harbour. Just outside the city, discover the impressive Düden Waterfalls cascading into the sea. Antalya also boasts long stretches of beach, such as the popular Lara Beach with its themed hotels, and Konyaaltı Beach. It's a fantastic base for Irish travellers to explore the region's history and natural beauty.