Where to stay in Antalya: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Antalya for the first time and want to be surrounded by life, history, and the sea within walking distance, the best base is Kaleiçi, the old fortified town with its narrow alleys and Venetian harbour. If you're travelling on a budget but want a beach, Konyaaltı offers good value for money without the excesses of large resorts. For couples seeking relaxation in a five-star hotel with a spa, Lara and Belek boast the most comprehensive resorts in the area. Families with children usually prefer Belek or Side, where hotels are designed around pools, golf courses, and children's play areas.

Antalya isn't a compact city with a single centre. It's more of a large coastal region stretching for tens of kilometres, with the historic city in the middle and tourist resorts spreading east towards Lara, Belek, and Side, or west towards Konyaaltı and Kemer. Your choice of area will significantly influence your experience here more than in other cities, because distances are considerable and getting around without a car can be time-consuming.

If you plan to combine city and sea, Kaleiçi and Konyaaltı allow you to travel by taxi or bus in a matter of minutes. If you desire absolute relaxation in an all-inclusive resort without venturing out, then Lara, Belek, or Side are more suitable, though visiting the city will require more time and expense.

A few words about Antalya

Antalya was founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon, from whom it takes its name. It subsequently passed through Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman hands, which is clearly visible in Kaleiçi's architecture, where Roman gates, Byzantine walls, and Ottoman mansions coexist. Hadrian's Gate, built in honour of the emperor's visit in 130 AD, remains one of the city's most photographed monuments. The Venetian harbour, with its fishing boats and cliffside cafes, was once the region's commercial port and is now a popular strolling spot for visitors.

Beyond the Old Town, Antalya is known for the Düden Waterfalls, which cascade directly into the sea a few kilometres to the east, and for its Archaeological Museum, one of Turkey's richest, with finds from surrounding ancient Pamphylian cities like Perge and Aspendos. The latter boasts one of the world's best-preserved Roman theatres and hosts an international opera and ballet festival every summer.

The best time to visit is spring, from late April to June, and autumn, from September to early November, when temperatures are milder and prices lower than during the scorching summer. July and August bring temperatures over 35 degrees Celsius and crowded resorts, mainly with visitors from Germany, Russia, and Britain. Winter is mild, but most resorts outside the city close seasonally, so if you're visiting from December to March, Kaleiçi or Konyaaltı are almost the only realistic options.

Getting around the city is mainly by taxi, with the local Antray tram connecting some neighbourhoods, and buses serving distant areas such as Belek and Side. If you plan to travel frequently or visit archaeological sites around the city, renting a car offers much greater freedom.

Kaleiçi: the historic heart of the city

Kaleiçi is Antalya's fortified Old Town, with narrow cobbled streets, traditional Ottoman houses converted into boutique hotels, and views of the Venetian harbour. It's the best choice if you want to walk everywhere, dine in traditional tavernas, and have immediate access to monuments like Hadrian's Gate and the Yivli Minaret. The downside is that it doesn't have its own sandy beach, so a short journey is needed for swimming.

1. Adalya Port Hotel

Located within Kaleiçi's Venetian harbour, in a traditional building overlooking the fishing boats. It stands out for its location and generous breakfast.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. Blue Sea Garden

A welcoming hotel in a historic Kaleiçi building, with a small pool and courtyard. A good choice for those who desire a family atmosphere in a traditional setting.

• Average cost: 60 to 100 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and small groups

3. La Paloma Hotel

Located in the heart of Kaleiçi with a small pool and a lemon tree garden. Very close to restaurants and the harbour, ideal for those who wish to explore the Old Town on foot.

• Average cost: 70 to 110 € per night
• Ideal for: couples

Lara: luxury resorts next to the sandy beach

Lara stretches east of the city and is known for its long sandy beach and large five-star hotels with private beaches. It suits those who want to stay in a modern resort with a spa, multiple pools, and all-inclusive programmes, without being too concerned with contact with the city centre. The drawback is the distance from Kaleiçi, about twenty minutes by taxi, and prices that are significantly higher than in the centre.

4. Liberty Hotels Lara

Large resort with a private beach, multiple pools, and palm gardens. Suitable for families who want plenty of activities within the hotel.

• Average cost: 150 to 230 € per night
• Ideal for: families

5. Lara Barut Collection

One of Lara's most comprehensive all-inclusive resorts, with a large private beach and a variety of restaurants. It stands out for the quality of its food and services.

• Average cost: 180 to 280 € per night
• Ideal for: families and couples

6. Delphin BE Grand Resort

Resort with a water park and a rich activity programme for children. A good choice for families with young children who want to stay at the hotel all day.

• Average cost: 160 to 250 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Konyaaltı: pebble beach and affordable prices

Konyaaltı is located west of the centre and features the well-known pebble beach that stretches for kilometres, with the Taurus Mountains in the background. It is more affordable than Lara and Belek, and is just ten to fifteen minutes from Kaleiçi by taxi or tram. It suits travellers who want a beach and relative proximity to the city without the cost of a large resort. A disadvantage is the pebbles instead of sand, which not everyone likes.

7. Megasaray Westbeach Antalya

A hotel right on Konyaaltı beach with sea and mountain views. It offers an all-inclusive programme and is popular with families.

• Average cost: 100 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: families

8. Konyaaltı Hotel

A small hotel five minutes from Konyaaltı beach, with renovated rooms and good value for money. Suitable for travellers on a moderate budget.

• Average cost: 50 to 80 € per night
• Ideal for: couples on a budget

9. Sava Hotel

An affordable hotel three to five minutes from Konyaaltı beach, with a pool and simple but clean rooms. A good choice for those who want to save money without losing access to the sea.

• Average cost: 45 to 70 € per night
• Ideal for: budget travel

Belek: golf courses and family resorts

Belek, about forty minutes east of the city, is internationally renowned for its golf courses and luxurious all-inclusive resorts with endless pools, water parks, and children's programmes. It is ideal for families and couples who want to stay in a large resort without needing to leave for anything. The disadvantage is the distance from central Antalya and the lack of authentic local life around the hotels.

10. Kaya Belek

A resort with a private beach, golf course, and water park. It stands out for its tranquil atmosphere outside peak season and its extensive activity programme.

• Average cost: 170 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: families and golf enthusiasts

11. Voyage Belek Golf & Spa Hotel

A large resort with a spa, golf course, and a fairground for children. Suitable for families who want a full entertainment programme within the hotel.

• Average cost: 160 to 240 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Side: ancient theatres next to the coast

Side is located about seventy kilometres east of Antalya and combines ancient ruins, such as the theatre and the Temple of Apollo on the coast, with endless beaches and large all-inclusive hotels around the town of Manavgat. It suits those who want a combination of history and beach without the density of central Antalya. The drawback is the long distance from the airport and the city, which means more travel time.

12. Sural Resort Hotel

A five-star resort with a private beach on the Pamphylian coast, near Side. It features a gym and large swimming pools, suitable for large families.

• Average cost: 140 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: families

13. Side Royal Style Hotel

A hotel with a private beach in the Evrenseki area of Side, known for its friendly staff and spacious suites. A good choice for families with children.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: families

Comparison of accommodation areas in Antalya

Practical information for your stay

Antalya Airport is about ten kilometres from the centre and offers direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki during several months of the year, which is useful to check before booking tickets, just as when organising a trip to Cappadocia or another part of Turkey. From the airport to Kaleiçi or Konyaaltı, a taxi ride takes about twenty minutes, while for Lara or Belek, allow thirty to fifty minutes depending on traffic. There is also a bus service connecting the airport to the city centre, which is an economical but slower option.

Within the city, the Antray tram mainly serves the route between the airport, the centre, and Konyaaltı, while for distant areas like Belek and Side, public buses exist but with infrequent services. If you plan to visit archaeological sites such as Aspendos or Perge, or take day trips to the surrounding mountains, renting a car is a much more practical choice than taxis.

Accommodation price ranges vary significantly depending on the season. In July and August, large resorts in Lara and Belek can cost twice as much as in May or October. Kaleiçi has more stable prices year-round, as it operates normally even in winter, unlike many resorts outside the city that close seasonally from November to March. If you travel in late spring or early autumn, you'll find better prices in all areas and fewer crowds on the beaches.

For those who wish to combine Antalya with other Turkish destinations, you can read about where to stay in Bodrum or the best areas in Istanbul, if you're considering adding a second stop to your trip. The flight from Athens or Thessaloniki to Istanbul is relatively short, and there are many options for Athens Istanbul flight tickets throughout the year. If you're arriving via Istanbul, it's useful to know how to get from Istanbul Airport to the city centre, especially if you have a layover with a connecting flight.

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is quite far from Antalya and usually not combined in the same trip, but if your interest is the country's history and political life, it's worth checking out the guide on where to stay in Ankara for a future trip. Similarly, those who love rocky landscapes and hot air balloons will find the accommodation guide for Cappadocia useful, offering a completely different experience from Antalya's beaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best area for a first visit to Antalya?

Kaleiçi, the Old Town, offers direct access to monuments, restaurants, and the harbour, without needing a car for your daily commutes.

Which area is best suited for families with children?

Belek and Side have the most large all-inclusive resorts with water parks, children's play areas, and entertainment programmes specifically for children.

How far is the airport from Antalya city centre?

Approximately ten kilometres, with a journey of around twenty minutes by taxi to Kaleiçi, while for Lara or Belek, more time is needed.

What is the best time of year to visit Antalya?

Spring and autumn, from April to June and from September to early November, with mild temperatures and lower accommodation prices than in summer.

Do you need a car to stay in Antalya?

If you're staying in Kaleiçi or Konyaaltı, not necessarily, but if you want to visit archaeological sites or stay in remote resorts, renting a car helps a lot.

Which area has the most affordable accommodation options?

Konyaaltı offers good value for money with beach access, while Kaleiçi also has several affordable options in boutique hotels.

Can I stay in Antalya during winter?

Yes, but most resorts outside the city close seasonally, so Kaleiçi or Konyaaltı are the most realistic options from November to March.