Antalya sits on Turkey's southwest coast, backed by the Taurus Mountains, with a hot summer climate and mild, rainy winters. It is the country's largest international sea resort, and the city's tourist infrastructure is spread across distinct strips rather than concentrated in a single centre.
For a visitor, the practical choice is between the historic core, the beach districts to the west and east, and the downtown area. This guide covers which of those areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and how the choice changes depending on your budget and priorities.
Best areas to stay in Antalya
1. Kaleiçi (Old Town)
Kaleiçi is the historic core of Antalya, and Kılınçarslan is its southern extension. This is where you find the greatest concentration of small, inexpensive pansiyons, along with a few larger and more atmospheric places in the historic district. It suits first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of the old harbour, Hadrian's Gate and the clocktower, and it also suits budget travellers, since the area has the widest supply of low-cost rooms.
It is the most convenient base for sightseeing on foot, and several properties sit within a short walk of the main old-town landmarks. Rooms here range from simple to comfortable, and some places are quiet at night despite the central location.
2. Konyaaltı
Konyaaltı lies southwest of the centre and has a long pebble beach, with some industry around the marina at its western end. It suits travellers who want a beach base without the package-holiday crowds, and it is generally cheaper than Lara because western package holidays do not base here.
Accommodation is a mix of beachfront hotels and mid-range places, some facing the beach directly. It is a reasonable choice if you want sea access and lower prices, though you will rely on transport to reach the old town and the main historic sights.
3. Lara
Lara is a hotel strip stretching east for a long distance along the coast. The section nearest town, Şirinyalı, is bustling but has little beach, so prices there are lower. Rates rise along the long sandy beach further east, from Kundu towards Aksu, which is prime territory for western package deals. The access road is officially Yaşar Sobutay Boulevard but is better known as Lara Turizm Yolu.
This area suits families and package-holiday travellers who want large resort facilities and a sandy beach, and hotels have more room to spread out the further east you go. Facilities beyond Aksu Creek belong to the separate resort of Belek. Note that some properties here sit a kilometre or more from the beach, and noise and catering standards vary between places.
4. Downtown (north end)
The downtown area has mid-range chain accommodation at its northern end, which suits travellers who prefer a straightforward, modern base over the historic character of Kaleiçi. It is a practical option if you want reliable mid-range comfort and easy access to the city rather than a beach or old-town setting.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small pansiyons and inexpensive guesthouse-style rooms, concentrated in Kaleiçi and its southern extension Kılınçarslan. Expect simple rooms, often with air conditioning and private bathrooms, and quiet nights in the old town.
- Mid-range: Comfortable independent hotels and chain properties, found in the old town, downtown and Konyaaltı. These typically offer more space, better fittings and, in some cases, beachfront positions or small pools.
- Splurge: Large resort hotels along the Lara strip, particularly on the sandy beach east from Kundu to Aksu, with extensive facilities and family-oriented services. Prices and standards vary considerably between properties, so reviews matter more than the category.
Best area for a first visit
Kaleiçi is the best base for a first visit. It puts you in the historic core, within walking distance of Hadrian's Gate, the clocktower and the old harbour, and it has the widest choice of accommodation at every level. You can see the main sights on foot and still reach the beach districts by transport when you want them.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I want to be near the beach?
Konyaaltı has a long pebble beach and is generally cheaper than Lara, while Lara has the long sandy beach east from Kundu to Aksu. Şirinyalı, the part of Lara nearest town, is bustling but has little beach.
Where should I stay if I am on a budget?
Kaleiçi and its southern extension Kılınçarslan have the largest supply of inexpensive pansiyons. Konyaaltı is also cheaper than Lara because western package holidays do not base there.
Which area suits families?
The Lara strip, particularly the sandy beach section east from Kundu to Aksu, is prime territory for package deals and has large family-oriented hotels. Konyaaltı is a quieter alternative with beach access.
Do I need a car to get around from these areas?
Kaleiçi and the downtown area put you within walking distance of the main historic sights. Konyaaltı and Lara are further out, so you will rely on transport to reach the old town and other sights.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.