Mediterranean
International cruise ships dock at the International Cruise Terminal (Antalya Cruise Port) with direct pier access to the city.
Antalya is Turkey’s crown jewel on the Mediterranean coast — a city where Roman harbours sit beneath snow-dusted mountains and the sea glows an impossible shade of blue. Whether you’re stepping off your ship for a few hours or planning an extended stay, this port delivers history, adventure, and flavour in equal measure. Few cruise destinations manage to feel this cinematic without even trying.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Antalya, located just west of the city centre. It’s a modern, well-organised terminal with taxis and shuttle services waiting outside. The old town, Kaleiçi, is roughly a 10–15 minute taxi ride away — agree on a price before you get in, or insist on the meter. If you’re feeling energetic and the weather is kind, some travellers walk the coastal road into town, enjoying views of the harbour along the way. Port opening hours and shuttle frequency vary by season, so check with your cruise line before you disembark. The good news: almost everything worth seeing is reasonably close together, making Antalya one of the more manageable ports to navigate independently.
Things to Do
Kaleiçi, Antalya’s walled old town, is where you should head first. Wandering its narrow, cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-era mansions, Roman ruins, and bougainvillea-draped walls feels genuinely timeless. Don’t miss Hadrian’s Gate — a triumphant Roman arch built in 130 AD that still stands in remarkable condition. The ancient harbour below the old town is equally beautiful, ringed with restaurants and small boats bobbing in turquoise water.
If you want to get out on the water, a full-day boat trip to Suluada Island is hard to beat. Sometimes called the “Maldives of Turkey,” Suluada offers crystalline shallow waters in shades of aquamarine you’ll struggle to believe are real. 🎟 Book: Antalya Suluada Boat Trip w/Lunch & Pickup (Maldives of Turkey) For a slightly longer but premium experience with hotel transfers and lunch included, this is one of the region’s best-value day trips. 🎟 Book: Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer
For the thrill-seekers, a tandem paragliding flight above the coastline near Alanya offers jaw-dropping aerial views of the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains. 🎟 Book: Tandem Paragliding in Alanya, Antalya Turkey with a Licensed Guide It’s an hour of pure adrenaline with a licensed guide — and the photos alone are worth it.
The Antalya Museum is also worth two hours of your time if archaeology is your thing. Its collection of Lycian, Roman, and Byzantine artefacts is among the finest in Turkey.
Local Food
Antalya’s food scene is rooted in the broader Turkish tradition but carries a distinctly Mediterranean lightness. Start your eating adventure with piyaz, a local white bean salad dressed with tahini and lemon that’s practically a religious experience in Antalya — locals are fiercely proud of their version. Grilled sea bass and sea bream are ubiquitous along the harbour, served with simple salads and crusty bread.
Dive into a meyhane (traditional Turkish tavern) for a spread of cold meze dishes — think stuffed vine leaves, hummus, roasted aubergine, and creamy cacık (cucumber yoghurt). Wash it all down with a glass of ayran (chilled yoghurt drink) or, if the evening stretches on, rakı, Turkey’s anise-flavoured spirit. For something sweet, seek out şekerpare, a syrup-soaked semolina pastry that makes baklava feel like the warm-up act.
Shopping
The bazaars around Kaleiçi are excellent for picking up Turkish ceramics, hand-painted tiles, leather goods, and kilim rugs. Haggling is expected and enjoyed — go in with a smile and a number in mind. The Antalya Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) is worth a browse for spices, dried fruits, and lokum (Turkish delight) in flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
For something more relaxed, the streets around the old town harbour are lined with independent shops selling locally made jewellery, olive oil soaps, and hand-crafted copper items. Avoid the obvious tourist traps near the cruise terminal and push a little deeper into the neighbourhood for better quality and prices.
Practical Tips
Turkish lira is the local currency, though many vendors accept euros — but you’ll get a better rate paying in lira. ATMs are widely available near the port and throughout the city. Dress modestly if you plan to visit any mosques (cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes). Summers are intensely hot, so carry water and sunscreen. Taxis should use meters within the city; always confirm this before you set off. Most locals in tourist areas speak enough English to help, and a few words of Turkish (teşekkürler means thank you) go a long way in goodwill.
Antalya rewards curiosity. Give it your full attention — even a single day here leaves you booking your return before the ship has left the harbour.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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Getting Around from the Port
Taxi
Official white taxis available at terminal exit; negotiate fare or use meter before departure
Shuttle Bus
Organized cruise line shuttles often available; check at guest services for schedules and pricing
Rental Car
Car rental desks at terminal; ideal for exploring regional sites like Perge or Aspendos
Shore Excursion
Pre-booked cruise line tours with guides; most convenient and hassle-free option
Top Things To Do
1
Kaleici (Old Town)
Charming historic district with narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman architecture, and harbor views. Features boutique shops, restaurants, and the iconic Yivli Minaret.
Find shore excursions on Viator2
Du00fcden Waterfalls
Spectacular 40-meter cascade flowing directly into the Mediterranean Sea with a scenic park and picnic areas. Accessible by short hike with stunning photo opportunities.
Find shore excursions on Viator3
Perge Ancient Ruins
Well-preserved Greco-Roman archaeological site featuring a stadium, theater, and city walls dating to 1000 BCE. Located 18 km east with museum displaying artifacts.
Find shore excursions on Viator4
Aspendos Roman Theatre
One of the world's best-preserved Roman theaters still hosting performances, dating to the 2nd century AD. Located 45 km east with panoramic countryside views.
Find shore excursions on Viator5
Antalya Museum
Impressive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations including St. Nicholas relics and Hellenistic sculptures. Located 3 km from Old Town with excellent English descriptions.
Find shore excursions on ViatorPractical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency; USD and EUR accepted in tourist areas but exchange rates favoring Lira withdrawal from ATMs
- Old Town is highly walkable but steep in areas; wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection as shade is limited
- Many restaurants in Kaleici cater to cruise passengers; eat lunch away from immediate harbor for better value and authentic Turkish cuisine
- Haggling is expected in bazaars and markets; start at 50% of asking price and negotiate upward
- Book popular shore excursions early as Antalya is a busy Mediterranean port with limited daily passenger capacity
Frequently Asked Questions
Walking to Old Town (12 km) is not practical, but the terminal area has some shops and cafes within 5-10 minutes. Use organized transport for attractions.
Most cruise ships spend 8-12 hours in Antalya, allowing time for Old Town visits or regional excursions but not enough for distant sites like Cappadocia.
Explore Kaleici's Old Town for history and atmosphere, or combine it with Perge or Aspendos ruins for deeper cultural immersion; both are accessible within typical port time.
Book your Antalya shore excursions in advance to secure spots on popular tours and maximize your time exploring Turkey's stunning Mediterranean coast.
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