Antalya Turkey
Antalya is Turkey’s fifth largest city and the heart of its Mediterranean coast, set on limestone cliffs above a turquoise sea with the Taurus mountains rising behind. The historic core, Kaleici, is a walled Ottoman old town of narrow lanes, restored wooden houses, and a small ancient harbor, entered through Hadrian’s Gate. Around it spreads a large modern city and, along the beaches to either side, one of the biggest resort strips in the Mediterranean. The region is dense with ancient sites, from the Roman theatre of Aspendos to the ruins of Perge and Termessos. For conference travelers Antalya combines a major, well-connected airport with genuinely pleasant shoulder-season weather.
- Kaleici old town - The walled Ottoman quarter and harbor, entered through Hadrian’s Gate.
- Antalya Museum - One of Turkey’s best archaeology museums, full of finds from the surrounding ancient cities.
- Duden and Kursunlu waterfalls - Falls that tumble off the travertine cliffs, one directly into the sea.
- Aspendos - A remarkably preserved Roman theatre about 45 minutes east.
- Konyaalti and Lara beaches - The city’s long beaches to the west and east.
Antalya Airport (AYT) is about 13 km east of the center and is one of the busiest leisure airports in Europe, with dense connections across Europe and via Istanbul. The tram or a taxi reaches the center in 20 to 30 minutes.
The AntRay tram links the airport, the center, and the museum district, and a nostalgic tram line runs along the coast road. Kaleici itself is walkable only. Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, and ride-hailing works in the city.
Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are ideal, warm and sunny without the intense heat. October, when CHES is held, is one of the best months, around 22 to 27C with a still-swimmable sea. July and August are very hot.
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1 upcoming conference in Antalya
Antalya splits into the old city and the resort strip, and conferences land on the strip. The Royal Seginus, used for CHES, is at Aksu about 16 km east of the centre among the large all-inclusive resorts, and our hotel list reflects the split: two city-centre hotels around 11 km from the venue, and three out near it. For a conference held inside a resort, stay in that resort, because the strip is designed on the assumption that you never leave and taxis into town are a real expense over a week. If you want to see Antalya properly, Kaleici, the walled old town above the harbour, is the place to stay and is worth an extra night either side rather than a daily commute. October is still warm.
Our picks in Antalya
A curated selection of hotels chosen for location, value, and fit for conference travellers.
Adalya Port Hotel
Selcuk Mh. Iskele Cd. No 72, Kaleici, Antalya, Turkey
A boutique hotel above the old harbor in Kaleici with sea-view terraces. Good value for attendees who want the marina at their...
Akra Hotel
Sirinyali Mh., Lara Caddesi, Antalya, Turkey
A sleek 5-star on the cliff-top seafront east of the center, with pools over the Mediterranean and several restaurants. A top upscale...
La Paloma Hotel
Kaleici, Antalya, Turkey
A restored Ottoman-house boutique in the walled old town with a courtyard pool. Best for attendees who want atmosphere in Kaleici’s lanes....
The Marmara Antalya
Eski Lara Caddesi, Sirinyali, Antalya, Turkey
A distinctive 5-star on the Lara cliff line, famous for its revolving loft building, with sea views and full resort facilities. Best...
Patron Hotel
Tuzcular Mh. Uzuncarsi Sk. No 9, Kaleici, 07100 Antalya, Turkey
A small boutique in the heart of Kaleici steps from the old bazaar and Hadrian’s Gate. A characterful, well-located mid-range pick.
Community Notes