Spring is especially beautiful in Antalya with the onset of longer days, warmer weather and signs of nature waking up. Everywhere feels fresh and new, and it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and about before the season begins and the summer heat gets too fierce.

If you’ve moved to Turkey permanently after buying property in Antalya, you might be wondering what there is to do in the area. Or perhaps, after enjoying summer holidays on the Turkish Riviera, you’re considering renting a luxury villa or apartment and treating yourself to an off-season break. Either way, here are a few must-do activities in Antalya in spring.

Enjoy the beach life

It might seem hard to believe, but lazy beach days are entirely possible at this time of year. Although the evenings are still cool, there’s plenty of sunshine during daylight hours – temperatures can reach the low 20°Cs.

Unless you’re a hardy type, you’ll likely find the water is still a bit chilly. But it’s definitely warm enough to relax on the sand while you make a start on this year’s suntan. Konyaaltı and Lara are among the most popular beaches near the city, but as Antalya boasts more than 200 coveted Blue Flags in the province, you won’t be far away from an ideal spot.

Discover Kaleiçi

Antalya’s famous Old Town, Kaleiçi (Ka-lay-ee-chee) is a historian’s paradise. Wander through the walled city and you’ll see architecture dating back to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras, among others. Each time you walk the cobbled streets, you’ll notice something different.

As well as ancient monuments such as Hadrian’s Gate, built by the Romans in 2AD, there are shops selling everything from authentic antiques and handmade jewellery to richly textured carpets and artisan crafts.

Beautiful Kalkan

The jewel in the crown of the Turquoise Coast, Kalkan has a reputation for elegance and refinement. Curling protectively around the old harbour, the soaring Taurus Mountains are dotted with some of the region’s most spectacular properties – exclusive villas with infinity pools enjoy breath-taking views that sweep across the town and ocean beyond.

Grab yourself of a taste of the high life and soak up the quiet, laid-back atmosphere in this most gorgeous of Mediterranean resorts. Even out of season, you’ll find a warm welcome and plenty to enjoy.

Explore Patara

To experience genuinely unspoiled natural beauty, take a trip to Patara, which is part of the national park. With its spread of dunes and famous 12-kilometre stretch of golden sand, the last thing you’ll feel here is crowded. The beach is the second-largest nesting ground in the area for loggerhead turtles, affording its protected status. (It’s worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the beach.)

Patara, ancient Lycia’s primary seaport, is also home to historic ruins including a theatre, temple, and town walls. It’s believed the lighthouse at Patara, built in 60AD, may be the oldest in the world. Excavations are ongoing, with recent discoveries including a 2,400-year-old kitchen and ‘women’s room’ with mirrors and ornaments in October 2020.

Wonderful waterfalls

Heading away from the beach or town centres, enjoy another of nature’s spectacular offerings – cascading falls of water. Düden lies around 15km from Antalya city, with the upper and lower falls tumbling through a narrow gorge and directly into the sea. There are plenty of walkways for visitors, and even a cave where you can watch the torrent of water fall in front of you.

Manavgat waterfall near Side, while much lower, is no less dramatic. The foaming water flows over the rocks over a wider area, and shady tea gardens offer a welcome place to rest. The impressive Oymapinar Dam, around 12km away, is also well worth a visit.

A trip to Termessos

There are so many historic sites in Antalya, but Termessos is one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities. Lying some 34km outside the city, it is hidden among the pine forests and has a distinctly peaceful atmosphere.

Wear stout footwear and take plenty of water and snacks to explore the area fully. Especially impressive are a colonnaded street and the upper agora, while the theatre has incredible views across the Taurus mountains.

Need help to find the right property?

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Our team will be there to help and advise you at every step, ensuring peace of mind and a smooth transaction. Take a look at our current portfolio and get in touch if we can answer any questions.