7 Day Antalya Itinerary: The Ultimate Week on the Turkish Riviera
Antalya isn't just a gateway to all-inclusive resorts. It is a massive Mediterranean hub with millennia of history, rugged cliffs, and some of the best infrastructure in Turkey. This 7 day Antalya itinerary balances the ancient ruins of Lycia with the modern beach culture of the Turquoise Coast.
Day 1: Kaleiçi and the Historic Core
Your first day focuses on the old city, known as Kaleiçi. It’s a pedestrian-heavy maze of Ottoman-era mansions and Roman gates.
Morning
Start at Hadrian’s Gate. Built in 130 AD to honor the Roman emperor, it remains the most iconic entrance to the old town. Walk through the triple arches and head down toward the harbor. Grab a Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) at a courtyard cafe. Look for places serving local bergamot jam, a regional specialty.
Afternoon
Navigate the narrow streets toward the Hıdırlık Tower. This Roman landmark overlooks the Gulf of Antalya. From here, walk through Karaalioglu Park. It offers the best vantage point for photos of the western Taurus Mountains. If you want to get on the water early, head to the Old City Marina for a short 45-minute boat tour to see the city walls from the sea.
Evening
Eat dinner in Kaleiçi. Many restaurants are tourist-heavy, so look for spots in the back alleys away from the main thoroughfare. Try piyaz, a local bean salad with tahini dressing that is specific to Antalya. End your night at the Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı) to see the dancing fountains.
Day 2: Waterfalls and High-End History
Antalya is defined by water. This day takes you from the city’s cliffs to its most prestigious museum.
Morning
Head to the Düden Waterfalls. There are two parts: the Upper Düden and the Lower Düden. Start with the Lower Düden in the Lara district. This is where the river drops 40 meters off the cliff directly into the Mediterranean. There is a well-maintained park along the cliff edge for viewing.
Afternoon
Take a taxi or tram to the Antalya Archaeological Museum. This is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean. It houses massive Roman statues from Perge and the "Heracles" sarcophagus. Spend at least two hours here. Even if you aren't a "museum person," the sheer scale of the Hall of Gods is worth the entry fee.
Evening
Walk from the museum down to Konyaaltı Beach. This is a long pebble beach with a massive promenade. The "Beach Park" area is lined with upscale bistros and cafes. It is less claustrophobic than the old city. Grab a table for sunset and watch the paragliders land nearby.
Day 3: The Ancient Triple Threat
On day three of your 7 day Antalya itinerary, you head east to see how the Romans and Pamphylians lived.
Morning
Drive 20 minutes to Perge. This was once a massive Roman city. You can still walk the long colonnaded street, see the stadium that held 12,000 people, and explore the Roman baths. It is less crowded than Ephesus but arguably just as impressive.
Afternoon
Continue east to Aspendos. This is home to the best-preserved Roman theater in the world. It’s still used for opera and ballet festivals today. Walk to the top row to test the acoustics—you can hear a whisper from the stage. If you have time, drive another 10 minutes North to see the massive Roman aqueduct that once fed the city.
Evening
Drive back through the town of Belek. It’s the golf capital of Turkey. While largely resort-focused, the Land of Legends shopping avenue is worth a quick walk-through for the over-the-top architecture and nightly light shows.
Day 4: Local Life and Neighborhood Markets
Break the tourist rhythm. This day is about the neighborhoods where locals actually live and shop.
Morning
Head to the Konyaaltı Çarşamba Pazarı (Wednesday Market) if the timing aligns, or any of the neighborhood pazars. This is where locals buy mountains of fresh produce, olives, and textiles. It’s loud, crowded, and authentic. Buy some local honey or spices to take home.
Afternoon
Explore the Murpaşa district. This is the commercial heart of the city. Walk down Işıklar Street. It’s the main vein for local shopping and dining. Stop at a local pastane (bakery) for baklava or simit. This area gives you a feel for the modern Turkish middle class, away from the museum crowds.
Evening
Visit a traditional Hamam (Turkish Bath). Avoid the ones inside major hotels. Look for historic baths like Sefa Hamam in Kaleiçi. It’s been in operation for centuries. Get the full scrub and foam massage. You’ll leave feeling incredibly clean and ready for the second half of your trip.
Day 5: The Sunken Ruins of Kekova and Kaş
This is your longest day trip, but it is the highlight of most 7 day Antalya itineraries.
Morning
Drive three hours west toward Demre. From here, take a boat tour to Kekova. You will sail over a sunken Lycian city. Earthquakes in the 2nd century caused the land to slide into the sea. You can see foundations, stairs, and amphorae through the clear water. Most boats stop at Kaleköy, a village accessible only by sea, topped with a small fortress.
Afternoon
Head to the town of Kaş. It’s a bohemian, upscale fishing village. The vibe here is different from Antalya—more boutique, less concrete. Walk the flower-lined streets and shop for handmade jewelry. If you have time, take a quick swim at Kaputaş Beach, a turquoise cove located 20 minutes further west.
Evening
You can either stay overnight in Kaş or drive back to Antalya. If you drive back, stop in Finike for a quick dinner. The road is winding and hugs the cliffs, offering some of the best coastal views in the country.
Day 6: The Eternal Flames of Chimaera and Olympos
Head south toward the Olympos National Park for a mix of mythology and nature.
Morning
Explore the ruins of Olympos. This ancient Lycian city is overgrown with vines and trees, giving it an Indiana Jones feel. The ruins lead directly onto a secluded pebble beach. You can swim right next to ancient sarcophagi.
Afternoon
Drive up to the nearby mountain for the Chimaera (Yanartaş) hike. It’s a 30-minute uphill trek to a site where natural gas vents from the rocks and stays permanently on fire. These "eternal flames" have been burning for thousands of years and inspired the myth of the fire-breathing Chimaera.
Evening
Have dinner in Çıralı. This village is a protected area for sea turtles. The restaurants are situated under massive plane trees and serve fresh trout and organic vegetables. It is the quietest, most peaceful meal you will have all week.
Day 7: Leisure and Last Looks
Wrap up your week by hitting anything you missed or simply relaxing before your flight.
Morning
Head back to Konyaaltı or Lara beach for a final swim. If you want a more "VIP" experience, many of the Lara beach clubs offer day passes that include a sunbed, umbrella, and waiter service for a reasonable fee.
Afternoon
Spend your remaining Lira at the TerraCity or MarkAntalya malls. These are modern shopping centers with everything from international brands to high-quality Turkish leather goods and textiles. It’s the easiest way to consolidate your souvenir shopping in a climate-controlled environment.
Evening
For your final meal, return to the Old City harbor. Choose one of the restaurants built into the cliffside. It’s a "tourist" move, but the view of the sun setting over the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains is the definitive way to end a week in Antalya.
Where to stay for a week in Antalya
Choosing the right base is critical for a 7 day Antalya itinerary. The city is geographically large, and traffic can be slow.
- Kaleiçi (Old City): Best for couples and boutique seekers. You are in the heart of the history and nightlife. However, hotels here are often in converted mansions with small rooms and might be noisy at night. Stick to this area if you want character and walkability.
- Lara: Best for luxury and convenience. This is where the "Lara Beach" resorts are located. It is closer to the airport and the waterfalls. If you want a private beach and high-end dining, stay here.
- Konyaaltı: Best for a local feel and beach access. The hotels here range from budget apartments to 5-star towers. You have the best access to the Taurus Mountains and the museum. The waterfront is wide, modern, and excellent for morning runs or evening walks.
- Belek: Best for golfers. Located 30 minutes east of the city, it is a enclave of resorts. Only stay here if you plan on spending most of your time on the greens or at the Land of Legends theme park.
For a one-week stay, splitting your time—3 nights in Kaleiçi and 4 nights in a coastal resort—is a great way to experience both the history and the relaxation that Antalya offers.