Sunny Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast, is a popular destination among tourists from various countries.
The fresh sea air, warm waters, and mild Mediterranean climate attract lovers of good relaxation almost all year round. The beach season here starts in May, but the peak tourist season is during the warm summer months. In Antalya, as in other Turkish resorts, the high summer temperatures are quite bearable.
In the summer, the Antalya coastline transforms into a bustling tourist hub with a well-developed beach infrastructure and a vast array of entertainment options. Due to the influx of tourists, the city's population increases by almost a million people, and the vibrant life here continues around the clock. Therefore, when planning a summer vacation, it's important to arrange for rental housing in Antalya in advance—demand for residential apartments multiplies from May to September.
Antalya Summer Weather by Month
In June, the daytime temperature at the resort averages around 30°C, while at night it drops to 21°C. July and August are traditionally hotter, with average daytime temperatures reaching 34°C and nighttime temperatures around 25°C. The sea temperature in June is 24°C, and by July and August, the water warms up to 28-29°C.
When heading to Antalya in the summer, there’s no need to study the weather forecast in advance. Rain, thunderstorms, and downpours are rare, and there are no cold winds, so even if you're only staying for a short time, you're unlikely to encounter bad weather. Tourists can escape the heat with air conditioning, refreshing drinks, shady avenues, and swimming in the sea.
If the summer temperatures in Antalya seem excessive and you prefer cooler weather, consider visiting in late May or early September—the peak season in Antalya runs from mid-May to late September. Even during the low season, the tourist life at Turkish resorts remains lively.
What to Do in Antalya?
Turkey offers a variety of entertainment options for people of all ages and interests. If you enjoy hiking through picturesque locations, you might consider the following recommendations:
- Embark on a trek along the famous Lycian Way, which passes through lush forests, sheer cliffs, turquoise seas, secluded beaches, and the ruins of ancient cities;
- Visit the "Duden" National Park, known for its incredible nature and enchanting waterfalls;
- Stroll through the winding streets of the old town, admiring the Ottoman-era architecture;
- Connect with history by visiting the ruins of ancient civilizations in Perge, Termessos, and Olympos;
- Wander through the "Mini-City" park, where mini-models of famous Turkish landmarks are displayed.
If you're on vacation with your family, there’s no chance of getting bored—summer activities for children in Antalya are exciting for both kids and parents alike:
- Spend time at a water park, enjoying water slides and attractions;
- Visit the aquarium to observe sharks, jellyfish, clownfish, and other marine creatures;
- Ride the attractions at the "Land of Legend" theme park, Dino Park, or "Aktur Park";
- Get closer to wildlife at one of Turkey's largest zoos.
If you're a thrill-seeker:
- Ride the giant Ferris wheel "Heart of Antalya," which stands 90 meters tall;
- Take a cable car ride up to Mount Tahtali for stunning views of the city;
- Go on an extreme rafting adventure down Antalya's rivers or a jeep safari on Turkey's rugged roads.
Popular Beaches in Antalya
The beaches of this Turkish resort are well-equipped for a comfortable stay, with sun loungers, umbrellas, benches, changing rooms, and restrooms. The following beaches are particularly popular among tourists:
- "Konyaalti" – A clean urban beach on the western side of the city, stretching along the coast for 8 kilometers. A promenade lined with cafes, restaurants, and clubs runs along the shoreline.
- "Topcam" – A pebble and sand beach located in a picturesque bay surrounded by green hills. It’s a perfect spot for those who enjoy peace and solitude.
- "Lara" – Located in the Lara district of Antalya. This beach offers both public areas and private sections owned by hotels. It is famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear sea.
- "Beach Park" – Another well-maintained beach in the Lara district. Beach Park is ideal for sports enthusiasts—you can rent wakeboards, jet skis, and kayaks here. The beach area also features children's playgrounds, sports equipment, and bike paths.
How Can Tourists Get Around Antalya?
Antalya has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to reach other areas of the resort. This allows visitors to freely move around the city, explore new places, and visit interesting attractions while choosing the best options for their leisure.
During the summer, you can use the following transportation options to get around Antalya:
- Buses – A vast bus network covers most of the resort. This convenient and affordable mode of transport can take tourists to major beaches, attractions, cultural, sports, and shopping facilities.
- Trams – Comfortable tram cars run along Antalya's main roads, connecting different parts of the city.
- Taxis – A convenient option for traveling with luggage. You can call a taxi by phone or find one at designated stands. To avoid overpaying, make sure the driver uses the meter.
- Car rental – Ideal for tourists who prefer the freedom of movement. Antalya has many companies offering car rental services. Keep in mind that traffic in the city can be quite heavy, and parking restrictions exist in central areas.
In addition, there are sightseeing and tour buses in the city, offering guided tours around Antalya. Using this type of transport, you can visit major attractions and listen to professional guides talk about the history and culture of Turkey.
Getting to the city from the airport is also easy. The airport is located ten kilometers from the center of Antalya. There are designated taxi areas within the airport. A budget-friendly transfer option is public transport, which operates on a schedule, and tickets can be purchased at bus stops. Another option is to book transportation in advance through a transfer company. This option is more expensive than public transport but cheaper than a taxi.
Gastronomic Features of Antalya
Besides sightseeing, a closer encounter with Turkish culture can be achieved through tasting the local cuisine. Antalya's coastline is dotted with dining establishments offering juicy kebabs, aromatic pastries, national lamb dishes, seafood delicacies, traditional vegetable appetizers, and Turkish sweets.
In addition to national cuisine, the coast is home to European restaurants, bars, and street food stalls. Tourists will appreciate the large portions and affordable prices. Dining on a cozy restaurant terrace with a picturesque sea view can be considered a unique form of leisure.
Summer Holidays and Festivals
During the summer, the resort hosts numerous holidays, concerts, festivals, and various events that attract both visitors and locals. For those returning to Turkey who have already seen all the attractions in Antalya, here's what else you can see during the summer in this wonderful city:
- The International Opera and Ballet Festival, held at the ancient Aspendos Theater;
- The Sand Sculpture Festival, taking place from late May to early June;
- The Jazz Festival, which gathers renowned musicians and jazz enthusiasts, takes place in mid-summer;
- The traditional Honey Festival, celebrated in August.
In addition to these events, Antalya hosts many activities on the beaches, in clubs, and restaurants during the summer, where you can enjoy music, dance, and cultural entertainment.
The Best Areas for Relaxation in Antalya
Among the most popular tourist areas in Antalya are:
- Kaleiçi – The Old Town – the historical center located around the city fortress. Here, you'll find narrow streets, stone houses, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
- Lara – a prestigious district known for its beaches and five-star hotels. This area is home to luxurious resorts, cafes, nightclubs, and boutiques.
- Konyaaltı – another prestigious urban location popular among Russian-speaking tourists. The district is perfect for family vacations—calm, comfortable, and safe. Konyaaltı offers many spots for walking and cycling.
- Belek – a district famous for its luxurious golf resorts and excellent beaches. Belek features top-notch golf courses, spa centers, and elite restaurants.
- Muratpaşa – a residential and commercial district located in the heart of the resort. It has museums, historical sites, markets, shops, malls, parks, and restaurants.
If you're planning a summer vacation in Antalya but aren't sure which area to choose for your stay, contact Ataberk Estate Real Estate Agency. We will recommend a convenient location that meets your needs and find comfortable apartments that match your preferences and budget.
