car hire antalya
With sun, sea, celebrities and a romantic history, there's lots to explore in your hire car in this beautiful town. Book car hire antalya airport now
the 60-second guide to antalya
in its own head
"With our beautiful mix of boulevards and beaches we're the number one Mediterranean holiday resort in Turkey. After all, we've been attracting discerning holidaymakers for centuries."
but more realistically
The boulevard / beach combo is indeed attractive, but Antalya is so much more than that. It's a destination that caters for all tastes, from beach babes to those who like some history with their holiday. Throw in great food and even greater weather and you're on to a winner.
the vibe
Cosmopolitan - Antalya is part of the ancient region of Pamphylia, meaning 'land of all tribes' and this cultural diversity can still be seen in its architecture, music and food.
the natives
Increasingly European as wealthy foreigners set up holiday homes and retirement getaways in the area. Germans and Russians are particularly prevalent here.
the weather
Antalya enjoys 300 days of sun a year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C to a scorching summer high of 40°C. Winter brings the rainy season.
the local speciality
Try kulakli soup of chickpeas and small diced meat, tahinli piyaz - a dried-bean salad with sesame seeds or kabak tatlisi, pumpkin dessert with grape syrup and bergamot jam.
the celebrity
Richard Gere, Mariah Carey and Monica Bellucci attended a recent hotel opening and the annual Golden Orange Film Festival lures many A-listers.
did you know?
The region's population is said to have bloomed when Greek refugees settled here after the Trojan War, around 1184 BC.
they say
"Antalya is now known as a [film] festival city. Its name is mentioned as a brand of the cinema world." - Culture Minister Ertugrul Günay
5 to see in town...
An ancient fortified tower, perfect for playing soldiers. Also offers stunning, panoramic views of the Gulf of Antalya.
where to park?
There's no car access but you can park in nearby Hesapci Sk.
5 to see in town...
Folklore says the architect Sinan built this mosque to show his love for the daughter of Suleyman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Empire's longest-reigning sultan. Unfortunately she was already married to someone else.
where to park?
Street parking is available on Tuzkapisi Sk.
5 to see in town...
Boasting an impressive 38-metre tower, this mosque is one of the oldest Islamic buildings in Antalya. Its blue-tiled minaret is a city landmark.
where to park?
There's no car access, so park on the nearby Pasa Cami Sk.
5 to see in town...
The triumphal arches were built to celebrate the arrival of the bearded emperor in the city in 130 AD.
where to park?
Park at Ataturk Cd or Clvelek Sk and then walk to the gate.
and 4 to drive to...
These compact falls are a soothing place to relax and escape from the chaos of the big city.
how to get there?
Take the D400 east from Antalya to Manavgat, which is about 60 miles from Antalya.
and 4 to drive to...
Just 40 minutes' drive from Antalya are the rolling waves of the Mediterranean. Most of the beach here is shingle but you can find sand near the marina and at Yörük Park.
how to get there?
Take the D400 south from Antalya to Kemer, which is only about 20 miles away.
and 4 to drive to...
Get some fresh air with some wholesome mountain activities. Hike, ski or climb in this impressive roaming range.
how to get there?
This range is about 100 miles north-east of Antalya. You'll need a map though, because the mazy route takes in the D400, D695, D340, D350 and D715.
and 4 to drive to...
Bliss out on the glorious sandy beach or, if you're feeling a bit more active, stretch your legs and go exploring in the nearby forest.
how to get there?
Take the D400 south from Antalya to Tekirova, which is about 27 miles.
ask a antalya cabbie!
Local taxi driver Rauf Dogan on car hire in Antalya: "You're going to need a car here so that you can properly explore the area. Car parks are rare though, but there's plenty of street parking. If there are other local cars parked then you'll be safe to do so too. The centre of town, the Kalechi, is lovely and extends to the old harbour. But don't spend all your time in the city or you will miss out. You can drive to the Manavgat Waterfall and the Taurus Mountains. If you get time, you should also check out the Kemer Beach. The drive there is spectacular."