Why go
Antalya combines a beach holiday with serious history. The old quarter, Kaleici, is a maze of Ottoman houses above a Roman harbour, entered through Hadrian's Gate. The city's archaeological museum is one of the best in the country.
Within an hour are the theatre at Aspendos, among the best preserved from the Roman world, the ruins of Perge, and the mountain city of Termessos.
When to go
April to June and September to early November. The sea is warm well into autumn. July and August are very hot and busy. Winters are mild, and good for ruins and walking.
Where to base yourself
Kaleici for small hotels in restored mansions and evenings on foot. For large beachfront resorts, golf and spas, Belek is about forty minutes east. Families often prefer the resort coast; couples often prefer the old town.
What we would build into your trip
A day of ruins with an archaeologist guide, a private boat along the coast with swimming stops, and a visit to the waterfalls that fall from the cliffs into the sea just outside the city.
Good to know
Cars cannot reach many old town hotels, so expect a short walk with a porter. Carry a scarf or light cover-up for visiting mosques.