Antalya is much more than a resort destination. The Turkish Riviera spans over 500 kilometres of coastline, backed by the dramatic Taurus Mountains and filled with thousands of years of history. Whether you are staying in Lara, Belek, Side, or Kemer, taking a day trip is one of the best ways to experience the region.
From ancient Roman theatres to mountain cable cars and coastal waterfalls, here are the top day trips in the Antalya region alongside practical advice to help you plan your itinerary.
Historic Cities: Perge, Aspendos, and Side
If you enjoy ancient history, the eastern corridor of Antalya contains some of the Mediterranean's best-preserved archaeological sites. You can easily combine Perge, Aspendos, and Side into a single day trip.
Perge lies just 15 kilometres northeast of Antalya city centre. Once a bustling Pamphylian city, it features a grand colonnaded street, ancient baths, and a large stadium that held up to 12,000 spectators. Walking down the marble-paved avenue gives you a clear sense of how an ancient city functioned thousands of years ago.
A further 30 kilometres east brings you to Aspendos. The Roman theatre here was constructed in the second century AD and remains extraordinarily intact. It is still used today for music and dance performances due to its remarkable natural acoustics.
Ending your route in Side provides a complete contrast. Side is an ancient port town where modern shops and seaside cafes sit alongside Roman ruins. The Temple of Apollo stands right at the edge of the harbour, making it a famous spot to watch the sun set over the sea.
Waterfalls, Canyons, and Cool Rivers
When the summer heat peaks, heading towards Antalya's freshwater rivers and waterfalls offers a refreshing change of scenery.
Lower Düden Waterfall is located in the Lara district of Antalya. Here, the river cascades over a coastal cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea from a height of 40 metres. You can view the falls from the public parkland above or from a coastal boat excursion.
Upper Düden Waterfall sits roughly 15 kilometres inland. The site is surrounded by dense parkland and features natural caves located behind the falling torrent. Shaded footpaths make it an ideal choice for a relaxed morning walk.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Köprülü Canyon National Park is located about 90 kilometres east of Antalya. The canyon is famous for its icy turquoise river, Roman stone bridge, and popular white-water rafting routes. Riverside restaurants serve fresh trout while providing shaded dining platforms directly above the water.
Coastal Escapes: Kemer, Phaselis, and Mount Tahtalı
Heading west from Antalya towards Kemer changes the scenery. The Taurus Mountains drop steeply into the sea, creating deep pine forests and sheltered turquoise bays.
Phaselis is a unique historical site located just south of Kemer. Founded in the seventh century BC, this ancient city sits within a pine forest right along three natural bays. Visitors can explore the ancient aqueduct, agora, and theatre before swimming in the calm, shallow waters of the ancient harbour.
Nearby, the Olympos Teleferik cable car takes visitors from the coastal base station up to the summit of Mount Tahtalı. The ride lasts roughly 10 minutes and reaches an elevation of 2,365 metres above sea level. On clear days, the panoramic views cover the entire coastline from Phaselis to Finike. Remember to pack a light sweater or jacket, as the summit temperature is often 10 to 15 degrees cooler than at sea level.
Day Trips West: Demre, Myra, and Kekova
For travellers based further west towards Kaş or Kalkan, or those willing to start early from Antalya, the western coast offers exceptional coastal scenery and Lycian heritage.
Demre is home to the ancient city of Myra, renowned for its Lycian rock-cut tombs carved directly into the sheer cliff face. Demre is also the site of the Church of St Nicholas, dedicated to the fourth-century bishop who inspired the legend of Santa Claus.
From the nearby harbour at Çayağzı, you can board a boat trip to explore the sunken city of Kekova. An earthquake in the second century AD submerged parts of this ancient settlement. As you sail slowly alongside the island, you can view stone staircases, wall foundations, and ancient storage jars resting just beneath the clear water.
Practical Advice for Day Trips in Antalya
Planning ahead ensures your day trip runs smoothly without unnecessary delays or discomfort.
- Start early in the morning: Temperatures rise rapidly between June and September. Departing your accommodation around 08:00 or 09:00 allows you to explore open-air sites before peak heat.
- Wear suitable footwear: Archaeological ruins feature uneven ancient stones and loose gravel. Wear comfortable walking shoes or supportive sandals rather than light flip-flops.
- Pack sun protection: Bring sun cream, broad-brimmed hats, and plenty of drinking water. Sites like Perge and Aspendos have limited shade across the main excavation areas.
- Check child seat requirements: If travelling with young children, ensure your transfer vehicle includes correctly fitted child seats for long coastal drives.
- Keep cash on hand: While major museum entry gates accept card payments, smaller fruit stands, village cafes, and rural parking spots often require Turkish Lira in cash.
Travelling Between Destinations Comfortably
Navigating local bus connections between distant sites can take considerable time, especially during peak holiday season. Driving a rental car on unfamiliar roads or finding parking near busy destinations like Side or Lara can also add stress to your day out.
Booking a private transfer with a dedicated vehicle and professional driver lets you travel directly between your accommodation and your chosen day trip destinations. You can travel in air-conditioned comfort, keep your family together, and stick to a schedule that suits your needs.
If you are planning your itinerary across the Turkish Riviera and want reliable door-to-door transport, visit our online booking form to check available vehicles and reserve your journey.
