Book flights to Antalya

Antalya is a prominent maritime gateway on the southwestern coast, is a primary entry point for travellers exploring the Mediterranean. The city is a significant hub for those arriving by air to experience the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters that define this stretch of the coastline.

The historic core, Kaleici, contains narrow winding streets that lead to the monumental Hadrian's Gate, a structure built to honour the Roman emperor. Nearby, the fluted minaret of the Yivli Minare Mosque and the ancient stone Hidirlik Tower overlook the old harbour, contains a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture.

This destination is defined by its balance of archaeological depth and natural beauty, drawing visitors for both historical discovery and coastal relaxation. The proximity of the Düden Waterfalls and the vast collection of statues in the Antalya Museum provides a varied itinerary for any journey to the region.

Antalya in the high season

Antalya experiences a surge of energy during the summer months from June to August, when temperatures often exceed 34°C. The Mediterranean sun defines the daily rhythm, pushing most activity toward the turquoise waters and the breeze-cooled shoreline. Visitors landing at Antalya Airport during this peak period are met with a wall of heat and a landscape of lush, green palms and bright bougainvillea.

The city has a lively, 24-hour social atmosphere where the narrow streets of Kaleici stay busy well past midnight. Local life centres on outdoor dining, open-air concerts at the Aspendos Theatre, and water sports along Lara Beach. The high season is characterized by a festive pace, with the harbour filled with boats and the scent of grilled seafood and jasmine citrus hanging in the warm evening air.

Antalya in the low season

Antalya softens during the low season, which runs from November to March, as the intense heat gives way to a mild, Mediterranean spring-like climate. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 15°C, making it a comfortable time for exploring the ancient ruins of Perge or Termessos without the summer crowds. While the sea may be too cool for swimming, the snow-capped Taurus Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the city's skyline.

Life slows down to a more traditional pace, allowing the local culture to take centre stage. The city contains a peaceful atmosphere where residents gather in tea gardens and parks to enjoy the soft winter sun. Arrival during these months is a tranquil experience, as the air is crisp and the surrounding orange groves are heavy with fruit. This season is defined by a quiet beauty, offering a chance to see the historic heart of the city in its most authentic state.

It is the primary gateway to the Turkish Riviera, a single major international hub handles the vast majority of air traffic for this coastal region. Travellers arriving on a flight to Antalya typically land at a facility designed to manage high volumes of seasonal visitors seeking the Mediterranean sun.

Antalya Airport (AYT)

Antalya Airport (AYT) is located approximately 13 km northeast of the city centre in the Muratpaşa district. As one of the busiest hubs in the Mediterranean, it is a massive international and domestic gateway, and includes two international terminals and one domestic terminal. The airport is a primary base for carriers such as SunExpress, Pegasus Airlines, and Turkish Airlines, providing frequent flights to Antalya from major European and Middle Eastern cities.

Upon clearing arrivals, you can reach the city centre via the AntRay light rail (T1A line), which provides a direct and efficient link to the Otogar (main bus station) and the central Ismetpaşa station. The journey by tram typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, the Havaş airport shuttle and public bus line 600 offer regular departures toward the city centre and the Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal, with travel times ranging from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are available 24 hours a day at the ranks outside each terminal building, offering a faster transit to the historic Kaleiçi district or nearby coastal resorts.

The first glimpse of Antalya from above reveals a stunning meeting of the rugged Taurus Mountains and the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Stepping off the plane, the warm, salt-tinged air signals the start of a journey through an ancient landscape that has welcomed travellers for millennia.

Kaleici
The historic heart of the city is a maze of narrow, winding streets where Ottoman-era houses with overhanging wooden balconies lean over cobblestone paths. Walking through these alleys feels like stepping back in time, as the scent of jasmine and the sound of distant church bells or calls to prayer fill the air.

Hadrian's Gate
This monumental three-arched marble gateway was built to honour a Roman emperor and remains the grand entrance to the old city. Its intricate floral carvings and towering columns are a striking reminder of the Roman influence that shaped the region’s early identity.

Antalya Museum
One of the most significant cultural institutions in the area, this museum houses an extraordinary collection of statues rescued from nearby ancient ruins. The hall of Roman emperors contains lifelike marble figures that bring the grandeur of the classical world into the modern day.

Düden Waterfalls
These dramatic falls create a powerful spectacle where the river plunges directly off a rocky cliff into the sea. The sight of the mist rising against the coastal backdrop is a refreshing contrast to the sun-drenched stone of the city centre.

Konyaalti Beach
Stretching out beneath the shadows of the mountains, this pebbled shoreline is where the local energy is most palpable. The clear turquoise water is a constant invitation to pause and take in the vastness of the horizon.

Aspendos
Located a short distance from the city, this ancient theatre is one of the best-preserved structures of its kind in the world. Its acoustics are so perfect that even a whisper on the stage can be heard from the highest stone tiers, maintaining a living link to the performances of antiquity.

Every great journey begins with a simple click, and securing your flight to Antalya is the first step toward your Mediterranean discovery. Booking your air travel well in advance and staying flexible with your dates helps you find the most favourable rates, while eDreams Prime members can access additional savings to make frequent trips even easier. Before you know it, you will be boarding your plane and anticipating the warm breeze of the Turkish coast as you prepare for landing.