Antalya 3-day itinerary

Start at Hadrian's Gate, the ornate triple-arched Roman gate built in 130 AD for Emperor Hadrian's visit. Walk through into Kaleiçi's labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, restored Ottoman mansions with wooden shutters, and tucked-away courtyards. Visit the Yivli Minare Mosque — the fluted 13th-century Seljuk minaret is the city's symbol. Grab a Turkish breakfast spread at Çakırlar Kahvaltı Evi (₺250 for two).

Descend to the Old Harbour where colourful fishing boats and gulet yachts bob in turquoise water beneath the cliffs. Walk or take the nostalgic tram westward to Antalya Museum (₺300) — one of Turkey's best. The Hall of the Gods features marble statues from Perge, including a stunning Heracles. Allow two hours. The Roman sarcophagi collection rivals anything in Rome.

Walk to Karaalioğlu Park, the clifftop green space stretching along the Mediterranean. Find a bench on the cliff edge for a spectacular sunset over the bay and Beydağları Mountains. Dinner at Seraser Fine Dining in Kaleiçi for a splurge (₺800–1,200), or keep it budget at Parlak Restaurant near the bazaar — legendary İskender kebab for ₺180. Evening stroll through the lamp-lit streets of Kaleiçi.

Take a dolmuş (shared minibus, ₺25) from the city centre to Upper Düden Waterfall — a cascade plunging into a lush valley with walking paths behind the falls. The cool mist is glorious on a warm morning. Spend an hour exploring the park and caves. Then head to Lower Düden Waterfall on the coast, where the river plunges directly off a cliff into the Mediterranean — genuinely jaw-dropping.

Antalya's main beach stretches 7km with the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. The pebbly shore meets crystal-clear turquoise water. Rent a sunbed at one of the beach clubs (₺200–300 with towel) or use the free public sections. Beach Park area has restaurants and cafes right on the shore. Try a cold Efes beer (₺100) and a grilled fish sandwich — köfte and fish from beach vendors for ₺80–120.

Taxi (₺150) to Lara Beach on the east side — sandier than Konyaaltı and lined with beachfront restaurants. Watch the sunset from the sand, then have dinner at one of the fish restaurants along the strip. Balık Evi serves fresh catches at ₺300–500 with meze. Return to Kaleiçi for drinks on the rooftop terraces — Castle Bar has views over the harbour and clifftops.

Take a dolmuş from Antalya Otogar to Perge (₺20, 30 minutes) — a spectacular Greco-Roman city with a 15,000-seat stadium, colonnaded streets, Roman baths, and an agora. This is where many of the museum's statues were found. The site is vast and uncrowded compared to Ephesus. Allow 2–3 hours to wander the ruins. Bring water and sunscreen — there's almost no shade.

Continue to Aspendos (another ₺20 dolmuş, 30 minutes from Perge) — home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world. Built in 155 AD for 15,000 spectators, the acoustics are so perfect that a coin dropped on stage can be heard in the top row. Still used for concerts today. Entry ₺300. Grab lunch at one of the roadside lokanta restaurants nearby — home-cooked Turkish dishes for ₺120–180.

Return to Antalya and freshen up before a final evening in Kaleiçi. Walk the illuminated lanes one last time. Dinner at 7 Mehmet restaurant — a local institution since 1942 with traditional Antalyan cuisine. Try the piyaz (white bean salad with tahini — an Antalya specialty) and the tandır kebab. Finish with Turkish coffee and baklava at a courtyard café.