Antalya, located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is one of the country’s most popular and beautiful destinations. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and ancient ruins, Antalya offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and history. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Antalya’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for exploration. This seven-day itinerary will guide you through some of the most beautiful natural wonders of Antalya, ensuring you experience the best the region has to offer.

Day 1: Konyaaltı Beach and Lara Beach

Your journey begins with a visit to two of Antalya’s most famous beaches: Konyaaltı Beach and Lara Beach. Both beaches are known for their clear, turquoise waters and golden sands, making them ideal spots to relax and soak up the sun.

Konyaaltı Beach, located west of the city center, stretches for several kilometers along the Mediterranean coast and is framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. The beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and parks, offering plenty of amenities for visitors. You can rent sunbeds, swim in the warm waters, or take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

On the opposite side of the city, Lara Beach is another must-visit destination. Known for its soft, golden sand, Lara Beach is a great spot for families, thanks to its calm waters and wide, spacious shoreline. The beach is also home to several luxury resorts, making it a popular destination for those looking to combine relaxation with comfort. Spend your first day lounging on the beach, swimming, and enjoying the Mediterranean sun.

Day 2: Düden Waterfalls and Kurşunlu Waterfall

On your second day, explore the natural beauty of Antalya’s waterfalls. Start with a visit to the Düden Waterfalls, located just a short drive from the city center. The Düden Waterfalls are divided into two main sections: the Upper Düden Waterfall and the Lower Düden Waterfall.

The Upper Düden Waterfall is located in a lush park surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful setting for a leisurely walk. You can follow the walking paths around the waterfall, passing through caves and viewpoints that offer stunning views of the cascade. The sound of the rushing water and the cool mist in the air make this a refreshing retreat from the heat of the city.

Next, head to the Lower Düden Waterfall, which plunges dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs above. You can view this waterfall from land, but the best experience is to take a boat tour from Antalya’s harbor, allowing you to see the waterfall up close from the sea. The sight of the waterfall crashing into the water is unforgettable.

After visiting the Düden Waterfalls, make your way to Kurşunlu Waterfall, located in a forested area northeast of Antalya. Kurşunlu is smaller and more secluded than Düden, but its serene surroundings and emerald-green pool make it a hidden gem. The forest around Kurşunlu is perfect for hiking and picnicking, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Day 3: Güllük Mountain National Park and Termessos

For your third day, venture into the mountains to explore the stunning landscapes and ancient ruins of Güllük Mountain National Park and Termessos. Güllük Mountain National Park is located about 30 kilometers north of Antalya and is known for its dramatic cliffs, pine forests, and rich biodiversity.

The highlight of the park is the ancient city of Termessos, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey. Perched high in the mountains, Termessos was once a powerful city-state that resisted Alexander the Great. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the city, including its impressive theater, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hiking through the park, you’ll pass by ancient city walls, temples, and tombs, all set against the backdrop of the rugged landscape. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Termessos one of the most unique destinations in Antalya. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the hike to the ruins can be steep and challenging.

Day 4: Olympos and Cirali Beach

On day four, head to the picturesque coastal village of Olympos and the nearby Cirali Beach, both of which are located along the famous Lycian Way hiking trail. Olympos is known for its ancient ruins, beautiful beach, and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for backpackers and nature lovers.

Start your day by exploring the ancient ruins of Olympos, which are scattered along the banks of a small river. The ruins date back to the Lycian period and include tombs, temples, and a theater, all surrounded by dense forest and vines. The setting is peaceful and atmospheric, and you’ll often have the ruins to yourself.

After exploring the ruins, head to Cirali Beach, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Antalya. The beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and is a protected area due to the nesting grounds of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles. You can relax on the beach, swim in the calm waters, or rent a kayak to explore the coastline.

In the evening, don’t miss the chance to visit the Chimera, a natural phenomenon where flames spontaneously ignite from the rocky mountainside due to escaping natural gas. The flames have been burning for thousands of years and are best seen at night. The short hike to the Chimera offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coast.

Day 5: Saklıkent Gorge and Tlos

On your fifth day, take a day trip to the breathtaking Saklıkent Gorge and the ancient city of Tlos. Saklıkent Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in Turkey, stretching for 18 kilometers through the Taurus Mountains. The gorge is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering opportunities for hiking, canyoning, and rafting.

As you enter the gorge, you’ll walk along wooden walkways suspended above the rushing river. The towering cliffs on either side of the gorge create a dramatic and awe-inspiring atmosphere. For the more adventurous, you can wade through the icy waters of the river and explore deeper into the gorge. The cool shade and refreshing water make Saklıkent a great escape from the summer heat.

After visiting Saklıkent, head to the nearby ancient city of Tlos, one of the oldest and most important cities of the Lycian civilization. Tlos is perched on a hill overlooking the Xanthos Valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The ruins of Tlos include a theater, a stadium, and several Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs.

The combination of natural beauty and ancient history makes this day trip one of the highlights of any visit to Antalya.

Day 6: Kekova and the Sunken City

On day six, take a boat trip to the stunning coastline of Kekova, known for its crystal-clear waters and underwater ruins. Kekova is a small island located off the coast of Demre, and the surrounding area is a protected natural and archaeological site.

One of the main attractions of Kekova is the sunken city, an ancient Lycian city that was partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. The ruins of the city can be seen underwater, and boat tours with glass-bottom boats allow visitors to view the submerged ruins from above.

In addition to the sunken city, the Kekova region is home to several secluded coves and bays, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The turquoise waters and dramatic coastline make this area one of the most beautiful spots in Antalya.

Day 7: Taurus Mountains and Köprülü Canyon

For your final day in Antalya, explore the rugged beauty of the Taurus Mountains and the stunning Köprülü Canyon National Park. The Taurus Mountains are a dominant feature of Antalya’s landscape, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring traditional mountain villages.

One of the highlights of the Taurus Mountains is Köprülü Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Köprüçay River. The canyon is a popular destination for white-water rafting, with rapids ranging from gentle to challenging, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The canyon is also a great place for hiking, with trails that offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding cliffs.

In addition to outdoor activities, the area around Köprülü Canyon is home to several ancient Roman bridges and aqueducts, adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty. After a day of adventure in the mountains, relax by the river and enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at one of the local restaurants.

Conclusion

Antalya is a destination that truly has it all: stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, ancient ruins, and crystal-clear waters. Over the course of seven days, you can experience the best of Antalya’s natural wonders, from the turquoise waters of Konyaaltı and Lara beaches to the rugged beauty of the Taurus Mountains and the breathtaking waterfalls of Düden and Kurşunlu. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Antalya’s diverse landscapes and rich history make it a perfect destination for every traveler.