Are you looking for an exciting place to visit this winter? Turkey may be the best location for you. There’s so much to do here like taste the local cuisine, enjoy the tourist attractions and experience the endearing culture, which is why more than 44 million people visited last year alone.
Once you decide on Turkey, your next task is to select the city to spend your time. Will you head to Istanbul to experience the hustle and bustle of the capital, experience the arts in Ankara or head to the resort city of Antalya to enjoy the best of both worlds with beautiful coastal areas and a thrilling center to explore?
Antalya is one of the gems of Turkey, which is why our guide below is filled with everything you need to know about this city, so you can begin to get excited about visiting. Continue reading to discover what there is to do, what you can eat and just about anything else you’ll need to know ahead of an epic trip to southern Turkey.
Weather
In general, Antalya's winters are pleasant, warm and sometimes wet. Between November and February, you can expect the average temperature to sit somewhere between 10°C and 15°C.
This means you’ll need to pack accordingly and we recommend packing trousers, sweatshirts and lightweight jackets. If you’re planning on going on long hikes, then walking boots and a set of waterproofs are advised, so you can continue even if bad weather strikes.
Tourist attractions
Antalya boasts a rich history and visitors are free to explore fascinating archaeological sites like Hadrian’s Gate, the ancient city of Perge, and the Aspendos Theatre when staying here. Local guides are available if you want to learn more about the sites or you can stroll by yourself at your own pace.
There are natural attractions to explore here too with the Duden Waterfalls and Sapadere Canyon offering beautiful views that make for a great photo opportunity.
Visiting in winter lets you enjoy these attractions more than in summer with temperatures favouring walking around - instead of constantly looking for your next bit of sun-shelter.
Activities
There’s never a dull moment in Antalya and there are fun activities wherever you turn in this city. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Walk around the beaches, city center and nearby mountains
- Go for a swim in the lush, blue waters
- Try kayaking and explore the Sunken City of Kekova
- Head to the slopes and ski in Saklıkent
- Learn about the history of the city at one of the museums
- See plenty of animals at the local zoo
- Watch Antalyaspor Football Club take on their rivals at Corendon Airlines Park Stadium
Accommodation
With Antalya being a resort city, you can expect a huge amount of hotels including budget-friendly and five-star options with the finest service in the country. This means there should be a hotel to cater for most people’s finances as an added benefit.
There are many Airbnb’s available for larger groups wanting to stay together as well. These vary from city center apartments to beachside houses, so you can find a suitable option for your needs.
Food and drink
Antalya is renowned for its local food. Both Kulaklı Soup and Gülüklü Soup will make you warmer in winter but you should also try the local lentil ice cream if you get the chance too. Other classic dishes of the region include İç pilav, Kokoreç and Kabak tatlısı for dessert, so be sure to try them all to get a real taste of Turkey during your stay.
There are also some local drinks to try too with raki being the national drink of Turkey. This is known as lion’s milk and it’s made of twice-distilled grapes as well as aniseed and it’s known for healing the heart or soothing the mind. Those looking to enjoy an alcoholic beverage on holiday can, so long as you’re over the age of 18.
Transport
Getting to Antalya is relatively straightforward from the UK with the city having its own airport around 13km from the center. Flights should be cheaper in winter than in summer too, freeing up some extra funds to spend on entertainment and accommodation once you arrive. As always, be sure to check the entry requirements before flying to make sure you have everything you need to enter the country with no issues.
Once you land, you’ll want to get to your accommodation as soon as possible. You can choose to book an Antalya Airport transfer in advance for quick and easy travel to your hotel, so you can get started on your fun plans right away.
Getting around the city is simple too with plenty of options available. Select from public transport, taxis, rental cars, bicycles, and electric scooters or take a stroll to appreciate the beautiful scenery this region has to offer.
