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FrançaisBest Places to Visit in Antalya by Car
Best Places to Visit in Antalya by Car – Explore the Turkish Riviera
Antalya is much more than a single city or beach destination. The province stretches across a spectacular section of Turkey's Mediterranean coast, combining ancient cities, waterfalls, mountain villages, hidden bays and famous holiday resorts. Many of these places are located far from one another, which is why discovering the best places to visit in Antalya by car can completely transform your holiday.
Having your own vehicle allows you to begin the day whenever you choose, stop at viewpoints along the coast and visit several attractions without following the timetable of an organised tour. You can spend the morning exploring ancient ruins, swim at a quiet beach during the afternoon and finish the day in a Mediterranean harbour town.
At Turtas Rent a Car, we have been helping international travellers explore Antalya since 1996. With more than 400 professionally maintained vehicles, transparent rental conditions, multilingual support and nearly three decades of local experience, we understand which routes make a journey through Antalya truly memorable.
This guide introduces destinations suitable for short city journeys, full-day excursions and longer road trips along the Turkish Riviera.
Begin with Antalya City Centre and Kaleiçi
Kaleiçi is the historical heart of Antalya and an ideal starting point for discovering the city. Its narrow streets, traditional houses, Roman remains and Ottoman architecture lead towards the old harbour and Mediterranean viewpoints.
Hadrian's Gate is one of the most recognisable entrances to the old town. From there, you can explore the streets around the harbour, Hıdırlık Tower, Karaalioğlu Park and the Yivli Minaret area on foot.
Because the streets inside Kaleiçi are narrow and access can be restricted, it is usually more practical to park outside the old town and continue walking. Arriving early makes parking easier and allows you to explore before the area becomes busier.
After visiting Kaleiçi, you can drive towards the Antalya Museum, Konyaaltı Beach or the Düden Waterfalls. Having a rental car makes it possible to combine several city attractions during the same day without repeatedly arranging taxis.
Konyaaltı Beach and the Western Side of the City
Konyaaltı Beach stretches along the western side of Antalya and offers impressive views of the Taurus Mountains. The surrounding area includes cafés, restaurants, parks and walking paths, making it suitable for both a short stop and a full afternoon beside the Mediterranean.
The beach is located within easy reach of Antalya city centre. Travellers staying in the area can find more local information on our Konyaaltı Car Rental page.
From Konyaaltı, the main coastal road continues towards Kemer and the western districts of Antalya Province. This makes the area a practical starting point for a longer journey along the Lycian Coast.
If you plan to swim, explore the city and continue to another destination on the same day, keep valuables out of sight and never leave important documents unattended inside the vehicle.
Lara and the Düden Waterfalls
Lara is one of Antalya's best-known resort areas and is located close to the city and airport. Its hotels, beach facilities and restaurants make it a convenient destination for travellers who want to combine relaxation with easy access to other attractions.
Lower Düden Waterfall is one of the most dramatic natural sights near the city, where the water falls directly from the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. The surrounding park provides coastal views and is suitable for a short stop during a city driving route.
You can combine Lara, Lower Düden Waterfall and Antalya's historical centre during the same day. Travellers staying in this part of the city can review our Lara Car Rental page for additional information.
Because Lara is also close to Antalya Airport, it is a practical first or final destination for visitors who want to enjoy the coast without travelling a long distance before their flight.
Perge and Aspendos Ancient Cities
Antalya is surrounded by archaeological sites that reveal the history of the ancient regions of Pamphylia, Lycia and Pisidia. Perge and Aspendos are two of the most important destinations east of the city and can be visited during the same driving route.
Perge contains the remains of monumental gates, colonnaded streets, baths, fountains and a stadium. The size of the site makes it easier to appreciate when you allow enough time to walk through the ancient city rather than treating it as a brief photo stop.
Aspendos is famous for its remarkably preserved ancient theatre. Its scale and architectural condition make it one of the most impressive historical attractions in the Antalya region.
Travelling by car allows you to continue from Perge and Aspendos towards Belek or Side instead of returning directly to Antalya. This creates a complete day combining history, countryside and the Mediterranean coast.
Belek and the Surrounding Region
Belek is internationally known for luxury resorts and golf courses, but it is also a useful base for exploring several nearby attractions. Aspendos, Perge and Köprülü Canyon can all be included in routes beginning from the Belek area.
Families can also enjoy the beaches and entertainment facilities around the resort, while independent travellers can use Belek as a comfortable stop between Antalya and Side.
A rental vehicle makes it easier to travel beyond the hotel district and discover places that are not included in standard resort transfers. Additional information is available on our Belek Rent a Car page.
During the busiest summer months, leave additional time for traffic around hotels, beach entrances and popular attractions.
Side Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo
Side combines an ancient city, Mediterranean beaches, restaurants and a working holiday town within the same destination. Its archaeological remains extend through the modern centre, allowing visitors to move naturally between history and the coast.
The ancient theatre is one of Side's most impressive structures, while the columns of the Temple of Apollo create one of the best-known sunset views on the Turkish Riviera.
Side can be visited as a full-day trip from Antalya or included as part of a longer eastern route. Arriving earlier gives you time to explore the ruins, walk around the harbour and relax beside the sea before sunset.
If you plan to stay in the region, our Side Car Rental page explains how a vehicle can help you explore the surrounding coastline independently.
Manavgat Waterfall and Green Canyon
Manavgat is located close to Side and offers a completely different experience. The famous waterfall is easy to combine with a visit to Side, while the wider region includes river scenery, countryside and routes towards Green Canyon.
Manavgat Waterfall is not especially high, but the width and power of the river make it a popular natural attraction. Visiting earlier in the day can provide a quieter experience during the busy summer season.
Green Canyon and the surrounding mountain landscape offer a contrast to Antalya's beaches and ancient cities. The area is suited to travellers interested in nature, photography and a more relaxed day away from the main resort centres.
For additional information about travelling in the area, visit our Manavgat Car Rental page.
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Köprülü Canyon is one of the most impressive natural destinations within driving distance of Antalya, Belek, Side and Manavgat. The national park is known for its river, steep canyon walls, forests and outdoor activities.
Many visitors travel to the area for rafting, but the route is also rewarding for travellers who simply want to enjoy the landscape. Ancient bridges and rural scenery make the journey different from a typical beach day.
If you plan to join an organised activity, confirm the meeting point and arrival time in advance. Mobile reception may be less reliable in some mountain areas, so downloading the route before departure can be helpful.
Drive carefully on smaller roads and allow additional time rather than rushing to meet a fixed schedule.
Alanya Castle and Cleopatra Beach
Alanya is one of the most important destinations on Antalya's eastern coastline. Its castle rises above the Mediterranean and provides panoramic views of the harbour, town and surrounding beaches.
Cleopatra Beach, the harbour area and the historic centre can be combined during the same visit. Because Alanya has enough attractions for more than one day, travellers may prefer to stay overnight rather than completing a rushed return journey.
The drive from Antalya passes several resort areas and can be combined with stops in Side and Manavgat. Groups and families should plan rest breaks and avoid creating an itinerary with too many major destinations during the same day.
Our Alanya Car Hire page provides further guidance for visitors staying in the region.
Gazipaşa and the Eastern Mediterranean Coast
Travellers continuing east from Alanya can explore Gazipaşa and the quieter sections of Antalya's eastern Mediterranean coastline. Gazipaşa offers beaches, natural scenery, ancient remains and a more peaceful atmosphere than the region's larger resort centres.
The area is particularly convenient for visitors arriving through Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport. From the airport, travellers can continue towards Alanya, Mahmutlar, Manavgat and Side or explore the bays and countryside surrounding Gazipaşa.
Having a rental car makes it easier to discover destinations outside the main town and create a flexible route along the eastern coastline. Visitors arriving in the region can find further information on our Gazipaşa Airport Car Hire page.
Gazipaşa can be included in a longer route beginning in Antalya and continuing through Side, Manavgat and Alanya. Because the journey covers a considerable distance, an overnight stay can provide a more comfortable experience than attempting to return to Antalya on the same day.
Kemer and the Mountain-Coast Route
The road from Antalya towards Kemer is one of the easiest ways to begin exploring the western Mediterranean coastline. Mountains rise close to the sea, and the landscape changes noticeably after leaving the city.
Kemer offers beaches, a marina, restaurants and easy access to nearby natural and historical attractions. It can be visited as a day trip or used as a base for continuing towards Phaselis, Tekirova, Çıralı and Adrasan.
Travelling independently allows you to stop at coastal viewpoints and choose quieter beaches away from the busiest resort areas. Learn more on our Kemer Car Rental page.
During summer weekends, the coastal road and popular beach entrances may become busier. An early departure gives you more time and makes parking easier.
Phaselis Ancient City and Its Beaches
Phaselis is one of the most rewarding destinations for travellers who want to combine archaeology, forests and swimming during the same visit. The ancient port city lies between pine-covered slopes and the Mediterranean Sea.
Its remains include a main street, theatre, baths and harbour areas. Unlike many archaeological sites, the surrounding coastline allows visitors to enjoy history and nature without travelling to a separate beach afterwards.
Phaselis is located southwest of Kemer and can be included in a route towards Tekirova. Allow enough time to walk through the ruins and enjoy the natural setting rather than treating it as a short roadside stop.
Opening times, entrance conditions and access arrangements can change, so checking current information before departure is recommended.
Tekirova and Tahtalı Mountain
Tekirova is surrounded by the Taurus Mountains, pine forests and clear Mediterranean bays. Its location makes it a practical base for visiting Phaselis, Olympos, Çıralı and other parts of the western coast.
The region also provides access towards Tahtalı Mountain, where the landscape changes dramatically from the coastline. Weather conditions at higher elevations may differ from those beside the sea, so carrying an additional layer of clothing can be useful.
Travellers staying in the area can find more information on our Tekirova Car Rental page.
Tekirova works particularly well as part of a multi-stop journey beginning in Antalya and continuing south-west along the Lycian Coast.
Çıralı, Olympos and the Flames of Chimaera
Çıralı provides a quieter atmosphere than Antalya's larger resort destinations. Its long beach, natural surroundings and proximity to Olympos make it one of the most rewarding places to visit by car.
Olympos Ancient City lies among vegetation near the coast and was once an important port settlement. Exploring the ruins and continuing towards the beach creates a memorable combination of history and nature.
Chimaera, also known as Yanartaş, is famous for natural flames emerging from the rocky ground. Visiting requires a walk uphill, so suitable footwear and water are important. Visitors planning an evening walk should also carry a light source.
Our Çıralı Car Rental page provides additional guidance for travelling in this quieter part of Antalya Province.
Adrasan and the Natural Lycian Coast
Adrasan is surrounded by mountains and forests, creating a peaceful alternative to Antalya's larger resort centres. Its beach, boat trips and natural scenery attract travellers who want to experience a quieter side of the Mediterranean.
Having a car is especially useful because attractions and accommodation can be spread across the wider area. You can combine Adrasan with Olympos, Çıralı and other coastal destinations while setting your own schedule.
Drivers should take their time on smaller roads and avoid relying entirely on estimated journey times. Mountain routes may be slower than the distance suggests.
Further information is available on our Adrasan Car Rental page.
Kaş and the Mediterranean Harbour
Kaş is one of the most attractive towns on the western Antalya coastline. Its harbour, hillside streets, restaurants and sea views give it a distinctive character that rewards more than a brief visit.
The journey towards Kaş passes beautiful sections of the Lycian Coast. Instead of rushing directly to the town, allow time for viewpoints and beaches along the route.
Kaş can be used as a base for exploring nearby historical sites, coastal villages and beaches. The town centre becomes busy during summer evenings, so accommodation with parking can make an overnight stay more convenient.
Visit our Kaş Car Hire page for further information about exploring the region.
Kaputaş Beach and Kalkan
Kaputaş Beach lies between Kaş and Kalkan and is one of the most recognisable beaches on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The beach sits below the coastal road, surrounded by steep cliffs and clear turquoise water.
Parking near the beach can be limited during busy periods. Arriving early improves the experience and reduces the risk of encountering heavy roadside congestion.
Kalkan is located further along the coast and is known for its harbour, hillside views, restaurants and villa holidays. Its position also makes it a useful base for visiting Patara and other Lycian attractions.
Our Kalkan Rent a Car page provides more information for travellers staying in this part of the Turkish Riviera.
Patara Ancient City and Beach
Patara combines an important Lycian archaeological site with one of the region's most famous beaches. It lies between Kalkan and Fethiye and can be included in a longer western road trip.
The ancient city contains monumental remains spread across a large area, while the nearby beach adds a completely different experience to the visit. Allow enough time for both rather than trying to fit Patara into a crowded schedule.
The landscape is exposed to strong sunlight during summer, so water and sun protection are important when exploring the ruins.
Patara can be combined with Kaş, Kalkan or Fethiye, but travellers should avoid placing every destination into a single rushed day.
Fethiye and Ölüdeniz
Fethiye lies beyond Antalya Province but forms a natural continuation of a western Mediterranean road trip. Its marina, surrounding bays and proximity to Ölüdeniz make it one of the most popular destinations in southwestern Turkey.
The journey from Antalya is best treated as part of a multi-day route rather than a short return trip. Stops in Kemer, Kaş, Kalkan or Patara can turn the drive into a complete exploration of the Lycian Coast.
Travellers planning to continue west can find more information on our Fethiye Car Hire page.
If your journey begins or finishes in the Dalaman region, our Dalaman Airport Car Hire page explains the local rental and travel options.
From Antalya to Cappadocia by Car
Cappadocia is not located within the Antalya region, but it remains one of the most popular destinations for travellers planning a longer road trip across Turkey. Its valleys, rock formations, underground cities and distinctive landscape provide a completely different experience from the Mediterranean coast.
Driving from Antalya to Cappadocia requires considerably more time than the coastal routes towards Kemer, Side or Alanya. It should therefore be planned as a multi-day journey rather than a normal Antalya day trip.
Families and groups travelling in a spacious vehicle can combine Antalya's beaches and ancient cities with the landscapes of Cappadocia during the same holiday. Regular breaks, realistic driving times and suitable overnight accommodation are important when planning the route.
Customers intending to travel from Antalya to Cappadocia should inform our team before the rental begins. This allows the planned route, rental duration and applicable conditions to be reviewed in advance.
Termessos and the Taurus Mountains
Termessos offers one of the most dramatic archaeological settings near Antalya. The ruins are situated in the Taurus Mountains, surrounded by forest and panoramic scenery.
Visiting Termessos involves more walking and climbing than many other ancient sites. Suitable footwear, water and a reasonable level of fitness are important.
The mountain location can provide cooler conditions than the coast, but weather can change and some sections may be uneven. Allow enough daylight for both the walk to the site and the return journey.
Termessos is an excellent choice for travellers who want a combination of history, nature and mountain scenery without following the main coastal route.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for Your Route
The best vehicle depends on the number of passengers, luggage and destinations included in your itinerary. Couples and solo travellers mainly exploring the city may prefer an affordable compact vehicle from our Economy Car Rental Antalya category.
Drivers who want a more relaxed experience in city traffic and on longer coastal routes can review our Automatic Car Rental Antalya options.
Families and groups should select a vehicle according to both passenger and luggage capacity. Our 7 Seater Car Rental Antalya and 9 Passenger Van Rental Antalya pages introduce options for larger groups.
Before confirming your reservation, consider how far you plan to drive, where you will park and whether every passenger will have sufficient space during longer journeys.
Practical Tips for Driving Around Antalya
Plan realistic routes rather than trying to visit too many major destinations in one day. Coastal and mountain roads may take longer than expected, particularly during summer traffic or when you stop at viewpoints.
Begin popular routes early. This can make parking easier at beaches, ancient cities and resort centres while helping you avoid the hottest part of the day.
Navigation applications work well throughout most of Antalya Province, but downloading your route can be useful before travelling through mountain areas with weaker mobile reception.
Keep enough fuel for longer routes and do not wait until reaching an isolated area before searching for a station. Check parking signs carefully and avoid leaving the vehicle where it may block traffic.
Always carry the documents required under your rental conditions and contact our team if an accident, warning light or unexpected problem occurs.
Collecting Your Rental Car Near Antalya Airport
When making your reservation, we ask for your flight number so our operations team can prepare the vehicle according to your arrival time. If the flight is delayed, the collection schedule can be adjusted using the updated flight information.
After collecting your luggage, contact our team. We will pick you up and take you to our office approximately five minutes from Antalya Airport.
The paperwork and vehicle handover normally take around ten minutes. Most customers can begin their journey approximately fifteen minutes after leaving the baggage collection area.
At the end of the rental, the vehicle is returned to our office and our team takes you back to the airport. Our office and telephone support remain available 24/7.
Plan Your Antalya Road Trip with Turtas Rent a Car
The best places to visit from Antalya by car are not limited to a single route. You can travel east through Side, Manavgat, Alanya and Gazipaşa, follow the western coast through Kemer, Tekirova, Kaş, Kalkan, Fethiye and Dalaman, or plan a longer journey towards Cappadocia and other parts of Turkey.
Having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to stop when the landscape catches your attention, remain longer at places you enjoy and discover destinations that fixed tours often miss.
At Turtas Rent a Car, we have been helping travellers explore Antalya since 1996. With more than 400 professionally maintained vehicles, transparent rental conditions, multilingual support and trusted local experience, we are ready to help you enjoy every kilometre of your journey.
Choose the right vehicle, create a realistic route and discover Antalya's beaches, ancient cities, mountains and Mediterranean towns with complete freedom.
