16 Best Antalya Day Trips (Under 3 hours!): Beaches, History, Adventure, Hidden Gems + Tour Options

Planning a holiday to Antalya? You’re in luck! Besides having sun, sea, cute little cobblestone alleyways, and some of the best beaches in Turkey, Antalya is also the perfect base for amazing day trips!

This region is packed with variety: ancient ruins, ruggedly dramatic canyons, villages bursting with roses and lavender fields, and even islands that look straight out of the Maldives (yes, seriously — we’ve been there! 😉)

And the best part is that all of these places are within 3 hours (or less!) from Antalya.

Whether you’re after natural beauty, ancient cities, beach escapes, or a bit of everything, this guide covers 15 of the best day trips from Antalya that are 100% worth adding to your itinerary — including a few unexpected gems that you usually don’t find in typical travel guides.

Pssst! No worries if you’re not renting a car — we’ve done the research for you and picked some of the best Antalya tours that include everything from expert guides to transport, lunch, and more. All you have to do is show up and enjoy the trip. 🙂

Suluada

🗺️ Type: Nature
📍 Location: 90 km / 56 mi from Antalya

If you’ve ever wished you could teleport to the Maldives, good news: you don’t need a passport stamp or an $$$ budget — all you need to do is take a boat to Suluada!

Nicknamed “The Turkish Maldives” by locals, Suluada is a lil slice of paradise.  

Although the island is just 1 sq. kilometer (0.40 sq. mi), it packs quite a lot into such a small space — this tiny island is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and hidden coves that look like something off a Pinterest board (just look at that photo above! 😍)

However, getting from Antalya to Suluada is a bit of a mission: you’ll need to drive to Adrasan first, then find a local boat captain to take you to the island. We highly recommend skipping the hassle and booking a guided tour instead — it includes roundtrip transport from Antalya, a fresh BBQ lunch, and multiple swim stops. 

One reviewer wrote, “We just did the [Suluada] boat tour on Saturday and it was pretty good honestly. For the price it is well worth it, the beaches were really nice and the food was also very good.”

This top-rated boat tour has over 3,000 happy customers, includes transportation from Antalya + a 3-course lunch, and starts at just $20 per person! → 

Perge – Aspendos – Side 

🗺️ Type: History
📍 Location: 105 km / 65 mi from Antalya

If ancient ruins are on your itinerary, you’ll love this trio of historic sites in Antalya!

Perge, Aspendos, and Side are often grouped into one day trip because they’re all located fairly close to each other (it’s only a one-hour drive from Perge to Side) and because they cover thousands of years of history in one go. 

Here’s a quick overview of each place: 

📍 Perge was once a major Roman city and is packed with columns, gates, and an ancient stadium. Be sure to keep an eye on the columns, as some of them still have the original details. And, of course, check out the mosaics (it was our favorite part of Perge!)

📍 Aspendos has one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. It’s over 2,000 years old and still used for concerts today (the acoustics are amazing!)

📍 Side Ancient City is a lovely mix of archaeology and seaside views. The Apollon Temple is famous for overlooking the waterfront (and is a popular photo spot as well 🙂)

💡 Pro tip: Don’t try to DIY this one — there’s a lot of history and information to take in, and having a guide helps brings it all to life (plus you’ll have less stress when figuring out transportation!). We recommend this top-rated Perge-Aspendos-Side guided tour with lunch (including hotel pick-up) →

Or, if you prefer a more personalized experience, this 5-star private tour with a local expert lets you explore at your own pace! →

TRAVEL TIP: If you want to see Aspendos in action, there’s also an amazing dance show called Fire of Anatolia that’s held in the theater every week. In fact, more than 100 dancers perform one of the fastest dances in the world! You can check out availability and buy tickets here (with the option of hotel pickup and/or dinner!) →

A VIP Yacht Tour

🗺️ Type: Relaxation / Luxury / Beach
📍 Location: Off the coast of Antalya! 

You don’t have to be Jeff Bezos or James Bond to have a private yacht in Antalya — just book this one! 😉 

If you’re after a relaxing day that’s all about you (no crowded decks and no loud tour groups!), this private yacht tour is the ultimate vacation upgrade. It’s perfect for groups, families, couples, or celebrations, and surprisingly affordable when split between friends.

The tour lasts around 5 to 5.5 hours, and you can choose from three scenic route options that include stops at Pirate Cave, Alacasu Bay, and Moonlight Bay (Kiriş). There’s also flexibility in timing — you can choose from either a morning cruise or a sunset cruise:

🌞 Morning cruise: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
🌅 Sunset cruise: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

A fresh Turkish lunch is served on board, and the yacht comes fully staffed with a captain, waiter, and crew, so all you have to do is relax. There’s a floating mat for lounging on the sea, plus shaded seating, a shower, and music on deck.

Round-trip transfer from Antalya to Kemer Marina (where the yacht departs) is included, so you don’t have to worry about getting there either.

There are several yacht sizes available, and the largest can host up to 25 people (!) — perfect if you’re traveling with a large group or want to enjoy a special occasion (perhaps a birthday-at-sea kind of day?)

Book the Antalya VIP Yacht Tour here – it’s popular, so grab a spot before it “sails off!” 😉 →

Demre 

🗺️ Type: History / Ruins
📍 Location: 135 km / 84 mi from Antalya

Did you know that Santa Claus was from Turkey? That’s right! Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for secret gift-giving, was born and buried in what is now Demre (then called Myra). And best of all, Demre is just a 2-hour drive from Antalya! 

His history lives on at the Church of St. Nicholas, which was built in the 6th century over the tomb where Saint Nicholas was originally buried. The structure has been restored over time, but many original frescoes and floor mosaics remain. 

It’s an active pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians, and you’ll often see visitors lighting candles or saying prayers near the sarcophagus believed to have once held his remains. (His bones were later stolen and taken to Italy, but that’s another story… 😌)

Besides its connection to Santa Claus (known as “Noel Baba,” Father Christmas, in Turkey), Demre also has some really neat rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffs. I still remember when we visited this place for the first time and were fascinated by the faces set in stone. 😅

​​These tombs were carved directly into the cliffs by the Lycians around the 4th century BCE. They believed the dead were carried to the afterlife by winged creatures, so many tombs were placed high up on the rock faces to be “closer to the heavens.” 

Right below the tombs is a well-preserved Roman theater, built during the 2nd century CE. It’s one of the largest in the region and was used for performances, political gatherings, and possibly even gladiator fights!

This popular tour includes transportation; a guided tour to Demre, the St. Nicholas Church, and rock tombs; and even a glass-bottom boat tour to the sunken city of Kekova! Check availability and book here →

Land of Legends Theme Park

🗺️ Type: Theme Park / Water Park / Family Fun
📍 Location: 35 km / 22 mi from Antalya

Need a break from ancient ruins and day hikes? Land of Legends is practically Turkey’s version of Disneyland, complete with roller coasters, a massive water park, 5D cinema, shopping boulevard, and live shows. 

It’s great for families, but honestly, adults have just as much fun here (especially if you love a good water slide!). The park is located in Belek, about 35 minutes from Antalya, and you can easily spend a full day here.

Click here to buy entrance tickets from the official seller → and click here for private round-trip transfer →

Tazi Canyon 

🗺️ Type: Nature / Adventure
📍 Location: 105 km / 65 mi from Antalya

Also known as Adler Canyon or Eagle Canyon, Tazı Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural sights near Antalya — and easily one of the best Antalya day trips for nature lovers and photographers.

The canyon is known for its towering cliffs and dramatic views, with sheer rock walls that plunge into a deep green gorge carved by the Köprüçay River. From the main viewpoint, you’ll feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world — it’s a popular spot for drones, hikers, and anyone chasing that perfect photo.

The canyon is located inside Köprülü Canyon National Park, which is also a popular rafting destination — so depending on the tour, you might even get the chance to squeeze in some water-based adventure too.

This is one of the most popular Antalya nature tours and includes stops to Tazi Canyon, Manavgat Waterfall, the ruins of Selge Ancient City, and Adam Kayalar (“Man Rock”), a natural formation that looks like human silhouettes carved into the cliffside (hence the name :)). Click here to check availability and reserve →

Pamukkale

🗺️ Type: Nature 
📍 Location: 230 km / 143 mi from Antalya

Of course we had to include Pamukkale — it’s one of the most popular day trips from Antalya, and a total bucket list spot for travelers coming to Turkey!

Pamukkale (which literally means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish) is an iconic Turkish destination thanks to its stunning white travertine terraces, which were formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside over thousands of years. The calcium deposits slowly solidify to create soft-looking, snow-white basins — and yes, you can walk barefoot through the shallow pools!

The terraces stretch for over 2,700 meters (1.6 miles) and the water that flows over them stays at a toasty 35°C to 100°C (95°F–212°F) depending on the spring source. The area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Right next to Pamukkale is Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city complete with a massive theater, a necropolis, and a thermal pool that was supposedly used by Cleopatra herself. You can easily explore both in one trip. 

The drive from Antalya to Pamukkale is a little over 3 hours, so this is a “full day trip” situation where you leave early in the morning and come back in the evening — but it’s well worth it! 

If you’re renting a car, you can also stop by Salda Gölü, which is a beautiful white lake that’s rumored to have healing properties for the skin. But we digress. 🙂 

Prefer not to drive? The easiest way to travel to Pamukkale is with one of these tours:

👉 Top-rated group tour: This 4.8/5 ⭐️ experience includes hotel pick-up from Antalya or Kemer in an air-conditioned car, a buffet lunch, and guided tour visits to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cleopatra’s Pool. Check availability and book here →

👉 Private tour: Want something more personal? This private day trip includes door-to-door transport, your own guide, and all the freedom to explore at your pace. Check availability and book here →

TRAVEL TIP: Did you know that you can ride in a hot air balloon in Pamukkale? It’s true! This tour includes the option to book a hot air balloon trip with your tour (but be sure to book ahead, as it sells out quickly!) Check availability and book here →

Olympos And Chimera Flames

🗺️ Type: History / Mythology
📍 Location: 75 km / 47 mi from Antalya

Olympos is one of the most atmospheric ancient cities on the Lycian coast. Located in a forested valley between a river and beach, it’s famous for its overgrown ruins, including Roman baths, temples, sarcophagi, and a necropolis. The site is compact, easy to walk, and leads straight to the sea — you can even swim next to the remains of the ancient harbor!

A short drive (and hike) away is Mount Chimaera (locally known as Yanartaş), which is home to the famous “eternal flames.” 

These small fires have been burning from the cracks in the hillside for over 2,500 years — even in the rain! — fed by natural methane and other gases escaping from deep underground. The ancient Greeks believed this was the lair of the mythical Chimera, a fearsome fire-breathing creature with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail (hence the name, Chimera Flames).

Interestingly, directly below the fires are the ruins of the temple of Hephaistos, the Greek god who was associated with fire because he was a blacksmith to the gods. If you decide to visit these flames, we recommend going around twilight, as you’ll be able to see them in all of their beauty. 🙂 

This excellent day tour includes a scenic Jeep ride and hike up to the Chimera flames, a stop at Olympos, and free time at Olympos Beach →

📍 Bonus stop: On your way to or from Olympos, you can also stop by Phaselis, another ancient Lycian port city. Here you can see Roman aqueducts and marble streets before taking a dip in a calm bay.

Ormana Village & Altınbeşik Cave

🗺️ Type: Nature / Village Life
📍 Location: 105 km / 65 mi from Antalya

Looking for some Antalya hidden gems beyond the usual tourist stops? Then we recommend a trip to Ormana and Altınbeşik! 

Ormana is a small mountain village in the foothills of the Taurus Mountains that is best known for its unique stone-and-wood homes built without nails or mortar. Instead, cedar beams are slotted between stones, forming a flexible and durable structure that has lasted for centuries! 

In fact, some of the oldest houses in Ormana are around 300 years old. Cool, right? 

There are more than 300 of these “Button houses” scattered around Ormana, and you can easily spend an hour or two wandering around and looking at their design. 

Since you might be wondering… These buildings got the name “Button houses” from the way the wooden beams stick out slightly at the ends of the stone walls, creating a look that resembles buttons lined up along the exterior of the house! 

Just a short drive away is Altınbeşik Cave, home to the largest underground lake in Turkey. You can take a small boat ride into the cave to see its limestone formations and turquoise water. The cave is inside Altınbeşik National Park and is only open during the drier months (typically late spring through early fall, depending on rainfall).

You can visit Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave (along with a 650-year-old mosque and a Silk Road-era village!) on this highly-recommended tour, which also includes a lunch stop and cruise through the cave. Check availability and book here →

Kaş

🗺️ Type: City / Relaxation / Culture
📍 Location: 185 km / 115 mi from Antalya

Can we let you in on a little secret? Kaş is one of our favorite places in Turkey! (Shh, don’t tell Istanbul 😉)

But really, how can you not fall in love with this cute little town, with its bougainvillea-covered walls, cobblestone streets, sweet wooden houses, and beautiful beaches? It’s so ridiculously pretty that the whole place looks like one big postcard!

Kaş is an excellent day trip from Antalya if you want something a little more slower-paced — it’s absolutely perfect for wandering around, swimming in cool blue waters, and enjoying the finer things in life at a third-wave cafe (we always stop at Linckia Roastery Cafe when we visit Kaş). 

Just be careful: you might love Kaş so much that you’ll want to stay here on your next trip to Turkey. 😁

Saklikent 

🗺️ Type: Nature / Adventure
📍 Location: 190 km / 118 mi from Antalya

If Kaş is our favorite town in Turkey, then Saklikent is, hands down, our favorite nature escape! 

Although Saklıkent means “Hidden City,” you definitely won’t be able to stop talking about it once you’ve visited. 🙂 

This massive canyon — it’s the largest canyon in Turkey! — is famous for its cold mountain waters and towering cliffs that reach up to 300 meters (984 ft).

It’s a great place to go strolling through icy streams, explore the gorge walls, or just cool off on a hot summer day. Seriously, the last time we were here (in July), it was around 35 C (95 F) outside but still refreshingly cool in the water. 🤤

There are little riverside cafés where you can sit on wooden platforms and dangle your feet in the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sign up for rafting or canyoning through one of the local adventure outfitters nearby.

Bonus: A visit to Saklıkent pairs really well with nearby Kaş or Fethiye if you’re making it a full-day road trip. This guided day tour includes pickup from Antalya, a visit to the Blue Lagoon in Fethiye (with the option of paragliding!), and a trip to Saklikent Gorge. Click here to check availability and book tour →

Kemer 

🗺️ Type: Beach / Nature / Relaxation
📍 Location: 45 km / 28 mi from Antalya

Looking for something a little chill and easy? Kemer is one of the closest day trips from Antalya, and it’s great for a beach day. Located just under an hour away, Kemer has pebble beaches, marina views, and plenty of optional boat tours that take you along the coast.

You can hop on a daily boat cruise to Phaselis Bay, swim in turquoise waters, or even snorkel in caves depending on the route. Kemer also has pine forests and mountain views in the background, so it’s great for combining a little nature with your beach time.

It’s easy to reach by dolmuş (mini bus) or rental car — perfect for when you want to escape the city without going too far!

Burdur & Isparta

🗺️ Type: Nature / Flowers / Local Life
📍 Location: 127 km / 80 mi from Antalya

If you’re wondering where to see lavender fields near Antalya, this is it! 😉 

The inland cities of Isparta and Burdur offer a completely different vibe from the coast. Isparta is known as Turkey’s “City of Roses”, and during the rose harvest in May and early June, the town turns pink with blooming rose gardens, rose markets, and even rose-themed ice cream (we tried it and can confirm that it’s delicious!)

Visiting a bit later? No worries — from late June to late July, the village of Kuyucak, about 45 minutes from Isparta, becomes a lavender paradise. Imagine France’s famous Provence, but in Turkey: fields of lavender stretch across the hills, small family farms selling all sorts of lavender goodies, and the relaxing smell of lavender in the air. Ahhh…. 

If you don’t have a car, you can visit the lavender fields with this day tour from Antalya →

Just an hour from Isparta is another unique day trip from Antalya: the beautiful Lake Salda! It’s one of the deepest lakes in Turkey (up to 196 meters / 643 feet) and has a high magnesium content that gives the shoreline its bright white color.

It’s also one of the top photo spots in the Antalya region (and still under the radar for many tourists!)

Guided day tours to Pamukkale typically include Salda Lake, like this private tour for up to 4 people  →

Likewise, you can also enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Salda lake! Click here to check availability and book tickets →

Sagalassos 

🗺️ Type: History / Ruins
📍 Location: 130 km / 81 mi from Antalya

Sagalassos is one of our favorite “hidden gems” near Antalya — it’s a beautifully-preserved ancient city and, dare we say, even better than Ephesus? 🫢

Set high in the Taurus Mountains at around 1,500 meters (4,900 ft), Sagalassos was once a major city of the Pisidian region and later became part of the Roman Empire. Thanks to its remote location and altitude, it’s remained remarkably well-preserved — and, best of all, it doesn’t get the crowds you’ll find at more famous sites!

You can stroll through ancient streets, temples, Roman baths, and one of the most beautiful theaters in Turkey (with sweeping views of the mountains!) The highlight is the Antonine Nymphaeum, a massive ornamental fountain that still flows with water and has been partially reconstructed using original pieces. It’s one of the only ancient fountains in Turkey that is still functioning today. 

Sagalassos is located close to Isparta, so you can easily combine it with a visit to the lavender fields in Kuyucak or Lake Salda (above) if you’re making it a full inland day trip.

Travel Tip: About an hour west of Sagalassos is Kibyra, another ancient city in the Gölhisar district of Burdur. It’s known for its huge Roman stadium (seating over 10,000 people) and its incredible Medusa mosaic, still intact in the odeon. It’s much less visited but incredibly atmospheric, making it a perfect off-the-radar addition if you’re into archaeology.

This top-rated tour includes transportation to/from Antalya, a guided tour of Sagalassos, and complimentary lunch in the village of Ağlasun. →

Fethiye 

🗺️ Type: Beach / City / Adventure
📍 Location: 195 km / 121 mi from Antalya

Clocking in at around 2 hours and 45 minutes by car, Fethiye is on the longer side for a day trip — but if you’re an early riser, it’s totally doable. 🙂

The town itself is relaxed and walkable, with a harbor, fresh seafood restaurants, and beautiful views across the bay. Fethiye is also incredibly family-friendly: whether you’re traveling with a 7-month-old baby or a 77-year-old grandma, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

However, the real star is Ölüdeniz, a beach famous for its turquoise lagoon, gentle waves, and lush mountains. It’s regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world and is also one of the top spots globally for paragliding. Jumps are made from Babadağ Mountain (1,969 m / 6,460 ft), and the aerial views over the lagoon are honestly next-level.

If you’ve ever seen those epic shots of people flying over the sea with green mountains behind them — yep, this is where it happens! Even better, you can book your tandem paragliding flight (with a top-rated pilot!) here →

 Fun fact: Over 200,000 paragliding flights are made from Babadağ each year, making it one of the busiest and safest tandem jump spots in Europe.

Alanya 

🗺️ Type: Beach / History / Culture
📍 Location: 130 km / 81 mi from Antalya

If you’re planning your itinerary and looking for one of the best day trips from Antalya, don’t skip Alanya — it’s got a bit of everything: history, beaches, sea views, and even caves!

Located on a dramatic peninsula surrounded by turquoise waters, Alanya Castle is the town’s most iconic landmark. Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk era, its fortified walls stretch for over 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) along the cliffs (it kind of looks like the Great Wall of China if you look at it from a distance!). 

You can walk along the castle’s ramparts, explore towers, and soak in panoramic views of the Mediterranean below. Inside the castle complex, you’ll also find a mosque, an old cistern, and a small ethnographic museum. It’s easy to spend a few hours here — especially if you love a good view.

Just down the hill is Kleopatra Beach, one of the most famous beaches in southern Turkey. Legend says Cleopatra (and Mark Antony) swam here, and honestly, we can understand why. 😄 The beach is long, sandy, and perfect for a swim after sightseeing. Nearby, the Damlataş Cave is worth a quick stop — it’s known for its humid and mineral-rich air that’s believed to help with respiratory health.

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Photo credit: Tazi Canyon via Pavel Danilyuk | Land of Legends via Land of Legends | Alanya via Bram Tigchelaar | Yacht on the sea via Furkan Tumer | Kemer via Ondrej Bocek