Things to Do Before and After COP31 Antalya

COP31 will take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026. International participants may arrive before the conference begins or remain in Antalya after the official programme has finished.

If your travel schedule includes additional time, there are many things to do before and after COP31 Antalya. The region combines Mediterranean beaches, waterfalls, ancient cities, mountain scenery and historical districts.

Having access to a rental vehicle makes it easier to explore destinations outside the city centre without depending entirely on public transportation or organised tours.

This guide introduces places you can visit during a few free hours, a full day or an extended stay in Antalya.

Planning Free Time Around COP31

Before arranging an excursion, check your conference programme, meeting times, weather conditions and vehicle return schedule.

Antalya is a large region. Although some attractions are close to the city centre, other destinations require a full-day journey. Trying to include too many distant places on the same day can make the trip unnecessarily tiring.

When planning your free time, consider:

• How many hours you have available
• Daylight hours during November
• Current weather and road conditions
• Distance from your hotel
• Opening days and visiting hours
• Parking availability
• Your next conference appointment
• Your flight departure and vehicle return time

Opening hours and entrance conditions for museums, archaeological sites and attractions may change. Check the official information for each destination before beginning your journey.

Places to Visit When You Have a Few Hours

Participants with only a morning, afternoon or evening available should choose attractions in or close to central Antalya.

Kaleiçi – Antalya Old Town

Kaleiçi is the historical centre of Antalya. Its narrow streets, traditional houses, small hotels, restaurants and old harbour create a very different atmosphere from the city's modern districts.

Popular sights around Kaleiçi include:

• Hadrian's Gate
• The Clock Tower
• Yivli Minaret
• Republic Square
• The historical marina
• Karaalioğlu Park
• Hıdırlık Tower

Many streets inside Kaleiçi are narrow, pedestrianised or subject to traffic restrictions. It is generally easier to use an authorised car park outside the historical centre and continue on foot.

Lower Düden Waterfall

Lower Düden Waterfall is one of Antalya's best-known natural attractions. The water falls from the coastal cliffs directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

The surrounding park provides walking paths and viewpoints. It is a practical stop for visitors staying in Lara, Kundu or areas near Antalya Airport.

The waterfall can be combined with Lara's coastal parks or a visit to central Antalya when you have several free hours.

Konyaaltı Beach and Coastal Park

Konyaaltı Beach stretches along the western side of Antalya. The coastline offers views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains.

Visitors can walk along the coast, have a meal at one of the nearby restaurants or spend time in the surrounding parks. Swimming conditions depend on the weather and sea temperature during November.

Antalya Museum

Antalya Museum contains archaeological artefacts from ancient cities throughout the region. It can be especially useful for visitors who want to understand the history of Perge, Aspendos and other sites before exploring them.

Confirm the current opening hours and ticket conditions before visiting.

Half-Day Trips from Antalya

If your schedule allows approximately half a day, several historical and natural attractions can be reached from Antalya.

Perge Ancient City

Perge was one of the most important cities of ancient Pamphylia. Visitors can explore the remains of monumental gates, Roman baths, a columned street, an agora and an impressive stadium.

The site is largely outdoors, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Perge can be combined with Kurşunlu Waterfall when visiting conditions and opening hours permit.

Kurşunlu Waterfall

Kurşunlu Waterfall is surrounded by pine trees, walking paths and small natural pools. It offers a peaceful contrast to Antalya's busy urban districts.

Rain may make some paths slippery during November. Wear suitable footwear and follow local safety notices.

Termessos Ancient City

Termessos is located in the mountains northwest of Antalya. Its elevated position, natural surroundings and ancient ruins make it one of the region's most distinctive archaeological sites.

Visiting Termessos involves walking on uneven and sometimes steep terrain. It is more physically demanding than many coastal attractions and should only be planned when the weather and daylight conditions are suitable.

Check current access conditions before travelling.

Full-Day Trips Before or After COP31

Participants with a complete free day can explore destinations farther from central Antalya.

Aspendos Ancient Theatre

Aspendos is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre. Its scale, architecture and acoustics make it one of the most impressive ancient monuments in the Mediterranean region.

Aspendos can be visited independently or combined with Perge, Belek or Side, depending on the time available.

Belek

Belek is internationally known for its resort hotels and golf courses. Visitors can explore the surrounding coastline, have lunch at a local restaurant or combine the area with nearby historical attractions.

For driving and transportation information, visit our Belek Rent a Car page.

Side Ancient City

Side combines an archaeological site, a coastal town, restaurants, beaches and a harbour. The ancient theatre and Temple of Apollo are among its best-known landmarks.

Some areas around the ancient centre are pedestrianised or subject to vehicle restrictions. Use authorised parking and continue on foot.

Side can be combined with Manavgat Waterfall during a full-day journey.

Read our Side Car Rental guide before travelling.

Manavgat Waterfall

Manavgat Waterfall is known for its broad and powerful flow. The surrounding visitor area provides viewpoints and places to take a short break.

The waterfall is relatively close to Side, making it practical to visit both destinations on the same day.

Kemer and Phaselis

The coastal road toward Kemer offers Mediterranean and mountain scenery. Kemer contains a marina, restaurants and coastal walking areas.

Farther south, Phaselis combines ancient ruins with natural bays. Visitors should confirm current opening hours and archaeological-site conditions before travelling.

For regional information, visit our Kemer Car Rental page.

Extend Your Stay Along the Mediterranean Coast

Visitors remaining in Antalya for several days after COP31 can plan a longer coastal journey.

Olympos and Çıralı

Olympos is known for its ancient ruins, forested surroundings and coastline. Nearby Çıralı offers a quieter village atmosphere and a long beach.

The road includes winding sections, so drive carefully and allow more time than a simple distance calculation may suggest.

Adrasan

Adrasan is a small coastal destination surrounded by mountains and natural scenery. November is quieter than the summer season, and some tourism businesses may operate with reduced hours.

Check accommodation, restaurant and activity availability before making the journey.

Kaş and Kalkan

Kaş and Kalkan are located along one of the Mediterranean coast's most scenic routes. The journey passes through mountain landscapes, small coastal towns and viewpoints.

These destinations are better suited to an extended trip than a short break between conference sessions. Allow enough time for rest stops, daylight and changing road conditions.

Kaputaş Beach

Kaputaş Beach lies between Kaş and Kalkan and is known for its turquoise water and dramatic coastal location.

Parking near the beach can be limited. Swimming conditions vary according to season, weather and sea conditions.

Suggested Itineraries for COP31 Participants

Three-hour Antalya itinerary

1. Park near Kaleiçi.
2. Walk through Hadrian's Gate.
3. Explore the old streets and historical harbour.
4. Continue to Karaalioğlu Park.
5. Return to your hotel or meeting location.

Half-day history and nature itinerary

1. Leave Antalya after breakfast.
2. Visit Perge Ancient City.
3. Continue to Kurşunlu Waterfall.
4. Have lunch near Antalya or Lara.
5. Return before your afternoon or evening programme.

Full-day Aspendos and Side itinerary

1. Travel from Antalya toward Aspendos.
2. Visit Aspendos Ancient Theatre.
3. Continue to Side.
4. Explore the ancient centre and harbour.
5. Visit the Temple of Apollo.
6. Return to Antalya before late evening.

Full-day Kemer and Phaselis itinerary

1. Drive from Antalya toward Kemer.
2. Stop at an appropriate coastal viewpoint.
3. Visit Kemer Marina.
4. Continue to Phaselis Ancient City.
5. Return before darkness when road or weather conditions require additional care.

These are general route suggestions. Check opening hours, weather, traffic and current access conditions before departure.

Choosing a Rental Vehicle for Your Antalya Trip

The most suitable rental vehicle depends on the number of passengers, amount of luggage, route and driving preferences.

Economy car

An economy vehicle is practical for one or two participants visiting central Antalya, Perge, Belek or Side. It can provide lower fuel consumption and easier parking.

Automatic car

Automatic vehicles are popular with international visitors and provide additional convenience in city traffic and on unfamiliar roads.

View our Automatic Car Rental Antalya options.

Hybrid vehicle

A hybrid vehicle combines automatic driving with efficient performance. It may be suitable for participants planning regular urban journeys and several regional excursions.

Read our Hybrid Car Rental for COP31 Antalya guide.

SUV

An SUV offers additional passenger and luggage space and may provide greater comfort on longer coastal journeys.

Visit our SUV Rental Antalya page.

Seven-seater or nine-passenger vehicle

Larger vehicles can be practical for delegations and teams exploring Antalya together. Consider luggage capacity as well as passenger numbers.

Review our 7 Seater Car Rental Antalya and 9 Passenger Van Rental Antalya pages.

Antalya Airport Vehicle Collection

Turtas Rent a Car operates from an office approximately two kilometres from Antalya Airport. We provide a free shuttle service between the designated airport meeting point and our nearby office.

Provide your correct flight number when making a reservation. This allows our team to follow arrival-time changes and prepare your vehicle accordingly.

The collection process includes:

1. Collect your luggage after landing.
2. Contact our airport team.
3. Proceed to the designated meeting point.
4. Use our free shuttle to reach the office.
5. Complete the rental agreement and vehicle inspection.
6. Begin your journey.

At the end of your rental, return the vehicle to our office. After the return checks, our team will take you free of charge to the appropriate departure terminal.

Complete information is available on our Car Rental Antalya Airport page.

Driving Tips for November

November driving conditions in Antalya can vary. Coastal weather may be mild, but rain, wind and shorter daylight hours should be considered when planning longer routes.

• Check the weather forecast before leaving.
• Allow additional time during rain.
• Reduce speed on wet or winding roads.
• Use headlights when visibility is reduced.
• Avoid rushing to complete a long route before a meeting.
• Park only in authorised areas.
• Follow all displayed speed limits and road signs.
• Keep your rental documents with you.
• Return the vehicle with the recorded fuel level.

Travelling as a Company or Delegation

Companies and international organisations extending their stay can request several vehicles under one coordinated quotation.

Different categories can be combined according to passenger numbers and responsibilities. For example, an organisation may reserve automatic cars for individual representatives and a larger passenger vehicle for group excursions.

Organisations should provide the number of passengers, travel dates, vehicle requirements, driver information and accommodation details.

Visit our COP31 Corporate and Long-Term Car Rental page for more information.

Why Choose Turtas Rent a Car?

• Car rental experience in Antalya since 1996
• Office approximately two kilometres from Antalya Airport
• Free airport shuttle for collection and return
• 24/7 support for confirmed reservations
• Modern and regularly maintained rental vehicles
• Automatic, hybrid, SUV and passenger vehicle categories
• English, German, Russian and Turkish customer support
• Individual, group and long-term rental options
• Transparent rental conditions
• Direct communication with a local Antalya team

For complete event-period rental information, visit our COP31 Antalya Car Rental 2026 page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I visit if I only have a few hours?

Kaleiçi, Lower Düden Waterfall, Konyaaltı Beach and Antalya Museum may be suitable when you have limited free time. Choose according to your hotel and meeting location.

Which places are suitable for a half-day trip?

Perge Ancient City and Kurşunlu Waterfall can be suitable for a half-day journey when opening hours and weather conditions permit.

Where can I go for a full-day trip?

Aspendos and Side or Kemer and Phaselis are possible full-day combinations. Allow sufficient time for travel, parking and visits.

Can I visit Kaş during a short conference break?

Kaş is better suited to an extended stay because the journey is considerably longer than travel to attractions around central Antalya.

Do I need a rental car to explore Antalya?

Central attractions may be accessible by taxi or public transportation. A rental car provides greater flexibility for visiting ancient cities, waterfalls and coastal destinations outside the centre.

Can an organisation rent a vehicle for a group excursion?

Yes. Seven-seater and nine-passenger vehicles are available subject to the requested dates and fleet availability.

Should I reserve before arriving?

Yes. COP31 is expected to create increased demand for automatic cars, hybrid vehicles, SUVs and larger passenger vehicles.

Is Turtas an official COP31 tourism or transportation partner?

No. Turtas Rent a Car is an independent car rental company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by COP31 or the UNFCCC.

Explore Antalya Before or After COP31

Extending your stay gives you the opportunity to experience Antalya beyond the conference programme. Depending on the time available, you can explore Kaleiçi, waterfalls, ancient cities, coastal towns and the Mediterranean landscape.

Plan a realistic route, check current visiting conditions and reserve a vehicle suitable for your passengers and luggage.

Turtas Rent a Car provides airport coordination, modern rental vehicles and 24/7 assistance for confirmed reservations.

View COP31 Antalya car rental options and plan your journey.

Turtas Rent a Car is an independent company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by COP31 or the UNFCCC. Attraction opening hours, access conditions and ticket information should be checked through official sources before travelling.