Where history meets the Mediterranean
Antalya lies on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast, between the Taurus Mountains and a long sweep of turquoise bays. A Roman-era harbour town at its heart, it is today one of the country's busiest destinations for holidays and for international patients alike.
The city
The city stands on cliffs above the Gulf of Antalya, with the peaks of the Taurus range rising behind it, often snow-capped into spring. Rivers drop from the mountains in waterfalls, some falling straight into the sea, and long beaches stretch to the east and west.
Founded in the second century BC by King Attalus II of Pergamon, the city was later Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman. Its old quarter, Kaleiçi, still follows the curve of ancient walls around the harbour, and the surrounding region is rich in classical sites such as Perge, Aspendos and Termessos.
Antalya is where the mountains come down to meet the sea, and the old town listens to both.
Life in Antalya moves outdoors for much of the year. The cuisine features citrus, fresh fish and the local piyaz, a bean salad dressed with tahini. Markets overflow with oranges, pomegranates and vegetables from the fertile coastal plain.
Summers are long and hot, winters mild and relatively wet. Spring and autumn are ideal for walking, sightseeing and outdoor activities, and the sea is often warm enough for swimming from late spring to autumn.
Antalya has a substantial network of private hospitals and clinics experienced in welcoming international patients, served by a large international airport. Many visitors value the chance to recover in a calm, sunny setting close to their care providers.
Landmarks
The sites, streets and landscapes that give the destination its character — with nearby excursions marked as such.
Antalya's historic centre, a maze of cobbled lanes, restored Ottoman houses, small hotels and courtyard cafés descending towards the old harbour. The fluted Yivli Minaret is its best-known landmark.
Old town, city centre
A triple-arched marble gateway built to honour Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 AD. It remains one of the main entrances to the old town.
Atatürk Avenue, edge of Kaleiçi
The Düden river forms two sets of falls: the upper falls in a shaded park, and the lower falls, where the water drops from the cliffs straight into the sea.
North-east of the centre and at Lara
A long pebble beach west of the centre with a landscaped promenade and a spectacular backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
Western Antalya
The Roman-era harbour below Kaleiçi now shelters fishing boats and excursion vessels, with cafés overlooking the water and cliffs on every side.
Below Kaleiçi
Home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built in the second century AD and still used for performances, as well as the remains of an aqueduct.
Near Serik, about 45 km east of Antalya
Rest and renewal
Quiet settings, traditional bathing culture and landscapes that invite a slower pace — places many visitors seek out before or after a period of care.
Away from the busiest resorts, smaller hotels along the coast offer calm gardens, sea views and an unhurried pace for rest.
Seafront promenades in the city suit gentle walks, while west of Antalya the Lycian Way and forested trails around Kemer and Olympos offer longer routes for active visitors.
Good to know: Promenades are level; mountain trails are rough and best left for when you are fully fit.
Many hotels in Lara, Belek and Kemer include spas with pools, hammams and massage services designed for relaxation.
Good to know: Facilities vary widely; check accessibility and services before booking.
Antalya has numerous private hospitals and clinics experienced with international patients. Our coordinators can help identify appropriate, verified providers.
Explore Medical ServicesThese places are offered for general rest and wellbeing. None of them treats or cures a medical condition, and none replaces care or rehabilitation prescribed by your clinician. Suitability depends on your health and mobility — please ask your doctor before planning activities, thermal bathing or travel after a procedure.
The character of the city
Antalya holds Roman gates and Ottoman houses within sight of luxury resorts and long beaches, and it wears both with ease.
A morning in the lanes of Kaleiçi can give way to an afternoon by the sea, with the Taurus Mountains always on the horizon.
“Between ancient stones and endless blue, the world seems to remember how to breathe.”
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Discover how our team can help coordinate your medical journey in Türkiye, from finding appropriate healthcare providers to organising appointments and related assistance.
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