Cruises from Antalya
Antalya - the turquoise pearl of the Turkish Riviera and the main maritime gateway to the country's Mediterranean coast. This is a city that welcomes tens of millions of tourists every year. The capital of the province of the same name spreads along the southwestern coast of Anatolia, between the Mediterranean Sea and the majestic Taurus Mountains. Here more than 2,000 years of history intertwine with modern resorts, ancient ruins stand alongside kilometres of beaches, and a morning coffee in the lanes of the old town of Kaleiçi can easily turn into dinner overlooking the yacht harbour beneath the walls of a Roman fortress.
For a cruise traveller, Antalya is not merely a point on a route map. It is a key turnaround port of the Eastern Mediterranean, from which liners set sail along the Turkish coast, to the Greek islands, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel. Cruise operations at the port began in 2010 and quickly turned Antalya into a new departure hub for the region. In 2025, Türkiye as a whole welcomed around 1.71 million cruise passengers in the first nine months — the highest figure in the past 12 years. 🚢
📋 Before setting off on a cruise from Antalya or going ashore for a few hours during a port call, here are the essentials worth knowing:
🇹🇷 Country: Türkiye
📍 Region: Antalya Province (Mediterranean Region)
👥 Population: over 1.3 million residents in the urban area (the province — around 2.7 million)
📐 Area: the central district of Muratpaşa — about 96 km²
🗣️ Languages: Turkish (official); English, German and Russian are widely spoken in the tourist zone
💱 Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
🕐 Time zone: TRT (UTC+3) — the same as Kyiv in summer
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, with mild rainy winters (+10…+15 °C) and hot dry summers (+30…+35 °C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Antalya Airport (AYT) — 13 km from the city centre and about 20 km from the cruise port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: QTerminals Antalya (Antalya Cruise Port)
🗺️ Berthing front: three cruise piers with a total length of 310 metres
🏛️ The history of Antalya — from King Attalos to the tourism capital of Türkiye
⏳ More than 2,000 years of Mediterranean history
The history of Antalya is above all the history of its harbour. The coast near the modern city was settled from the earliest times — there are known sites of the Stone and Bronze Ages — and for a long period the region was dominated by the Hittite kingdom. Around 159 BC, by order of the Pergamene king Attalos II, the city of Attalia was founded here — and it is from this ruler's name that the modern name Antalya derives.
In 133 BC the city came under Roman rule, and in the Christian era it took on special significance: it was from here (the harbour appears in the Bible as Attalia) that the Apostle Paul set out on his first missionary journey. Few Mediterranean cities can boast such continuity — strolling through Kaleiçi, you walk the very same lanes once trodden by Roman legionaries, Byzantine merchants and Seljuk warriors.
⚔️ From a Byzantine metropolis to a modern metropolis
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Antalya passed to Byzantium and during its heyday was a true metropolis of the region. In 1207 the city was conquered by the Seljuk Turks, who left behind one of Antalya's most recognisable symbols — the fluted Yivli Minaret. In 1423 Adalia (as the city was then called) was finally annexed to the Ottoman Empire, and it was under the Ottomans that it acquired its modern name — Antalya.
Throughout the 20th century the city underwent rapid development: agriculture, maritime transport and logistics expanded, and a modern transport network took shape. The real surge came in the second half of the century with the tourism boom — today Antalya Province welcomes around 30% of all foreign tourists visiting Türkiye. 🏖️ The resorts of Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya stretch along the coast, and the city itself has become one of the most visited tourism capitals in the world.
⚓ The Port of Antalya — a turnaround hub of the Eastern Mediterranean
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The modern QTerminals Antalya is a multipurpose port complex with separate harbours for cruise liners, container ships and bulk carriers, as well as its own yacht marina. For a cruise traveller, the key facilities are three dedicated cruise piers with a total length of 310 metres, a passenger terminal of 1,830 m² and a luggage-handling area of 990 m².
The port offers cruise ships a full range of services: pilotage, towage, mooring, security, fresh-water supply and waste collection, as well as complete terminal services including luggage operations. In 2011, QTerminals Antalya received the prestigious «Most Improved Terminal Facilities» award. ✨
🚢 How many liners the port can handle
The Port of Antalya berths cruise liners simultaneously at three dedicated piers with a total length of 310 metres, while a passenger terminal of 1,830 m² with a 990 m² luggage area ensures a full service cycle for travellers. The total annual handling capacity of the entire port complex reaches around 1,500 vessels of all types. The dynamics of the cruise flow are impressive: in 2009 the terminal handled just 13,842 passengers, but by 2015, after Antalya was actively promoted as a departure hub, this figure had risen to around 200,000. The driving force came from the turnaround operations of AIDA Cruises, which began in 2010, and TUI Cruises — from 2012; thanks to them, the port's cruise traffic increased tenfold.
🏢 Which cruise lines operate from Antalya
Antalya's port is called at by liners of leading cruise brands focused on the Eastern Mediterranean: TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), AIDA Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Crystal Cruises, Saga Cruises and others. This makes Antalya a convenient starting point or port of call for cruises along the Turkish coast, to Greece, Cyprus and the Levant. 🌍
💡 Interesting facts about Antalya and its port
Getting to know the city will be richer if you know a few non-obvious details:
🌍 Antalya is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast and the fifth most populous in the country. Its urban area numbers more than a million residents.
🏛️ The city's name is the name of a king. In honour of its founder, the Pergamene ruler Attalos II, the city was first called Attalia, and it is from this that, centuries later, the modern Antalya emerged.
✝️ The mission of the Apostle Paul began here. According to the Bible, it was from the harbour of Attalia that the apostle set out on his first missionary journey — making the city an important point on the map of early Christian history.
⛰️ In Antalya you can swim and ski on the same day. The Saklıkent ski centre lies just half an hour from the city, so in winter you really can combine the sea and snow-covered slopes.
🏖️ Konyaaltı Beach stretches for kilometres. The city's main coastal strip extends for several kilometres along the bay against the backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
🎭 Aspendos has one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. The Roman theatre in this ancient city is still used for opera and ballet festivals and seats thousands of spectators.
💧 Waterfalls right in the city. The Düden Waterfalls plunge dramatically straight into the sea from coastal cliffs — a sight rare anywhere in the world.
🛫 Antalya Airport is one of the busiest in the region. In 2025 it handled over 39 million passengers, making it the third busiest by passenger traffic in all of Türkiye.
📍 The main sights of Antalya — must-sees for the cruise traveller
A cruise liner's call in Antalya usually lasts from 8 to 12 hours, so it is important to choose your priorities in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours can be found in the «Sights and places of interest» section, while below is a brief overview of the landmark locations that shape the face of the city and the region.
🏰 Kaleiçi (Old Town) — the historic heart of Antalya, a maze of narrow lanes with old Ottoman houses, boutique hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. It descends to the former Roman harbour, today transformed into a cosy yacht marina.
🚪 Hadrian's Gate — a majestic marble triumphal archway built in honour of Emperor Hadrian's visit in the 2nd century. One of the city's best-preserved Roman monuments and the ceremonial entrance to the Old Town.
🕌 Yivli Minaret — a fluted brick minaret of the 13th century, a symbol of Antalya and one of the oldest Seljuk monuments. It rises above the rooftops of Kaleiçi and is visible from afar.
🏛️ Antalya Archaeological Museum — one of the largest museums in Türkiye, with exhibits spanning from the Palaeolithic to the Ottoman era. Its 13 halls house unique ancient statues, sarcophagi and finds from the surrounding ancient cities.
🎭 Aspendos — an ancient city beyond Antalya with one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Its acoustics still astonish visitors, and in summer it hosts opera and ballet festivals.
🏔️ Perge and Side — ancient cities with impressive ruins: colonnaded streets, agoras, baths and temples. Side is additionally famous for the picturesque Temple of Apollo right on the seashore.
💧 Düden Waterfalls — a network of waterfalls on the city's outskirts; the Lower Düden plunges dramatically straight into the Mediterranean from a coastal cliff, creating one of Antalya's signature spectacles.
🚡 Tünektepe Cable Car — it carries you to the mountaintop in just minutes from the cruise terminal, offering a bird's-eye panorama of the city, the bay and the Taurus Mountains.
✨ Why choose a cruise from Antalya
Antalya is a rare case of a city where everything comes together perfectly for the cruise traveller.
Firstly, the logistics are convenient: one of Türkiye's largest airports, just minutes from the port, receives direct flights from dozens of cities across Europe and the Middle East. ✈️
Secondly, the wealth of itineraries: from Antalya, cruises set off along the Turkish coast, to the Greek islands, Cyprus, Egypt and Israel, making the region ideal for discovering the Eastern Mediterranean. 🌊
Thirdly, the coast itself is already an experience: even if you have come only to embark, before the liner departs it is worth setting aside a couple of days to stroll through Kaleiçi, see ancient Aspendos and taste fresh fish overlooking the yacht harbour. 🍷
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you select the optimal liner, itinerary and cabin, take care of the details of airport transfers and the necessary documentation, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean and other leading brands, with which we cooperate as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference only and is accurate as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Antalya
Antalya — the main seaside resort of the Turkish Riviera and one of the key cruise hubs of the Eastern Mediterranean — is easy to reach, but the journey from the airport or the city centre to the cruise terminal has its nuances. The port of QTerminals Antalya (Port Akdeniz), where all cruise liners dock, is located in the western part of the city, roughly 10–12 kilometres from the historic heart of Antalya — the old quarter of Kaleiçi. This is a cargo-and-passenger port in an industrial zone, so walking to the centre is not possible. Below is a verified step-by-step guide with all transfer options, current prices and tips from the cruise specialists of Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Where exactly the Antalya cruise port is located
The Antalya cruise port is part of the multipurpose port QTerminals Antalya (Port Akdeniz), in which separate harbours serve cruise liners, container ships, cargo vessels and a yacht marina:
⚓ QTerminals Antalya Cruise Terminal — the only point of reception for cruise liners in the city:
• 3 cruise piers with a total length of about 310 metres, capable of accommodating several liners at once
• A passenger terminal of about 1,830 m² with an information desk, a cafe and a baggage area (about 990 m²)
• The port operates as a turnaround hub (a port of departure and arrival), not merely a transit port of call
• Cruise operations at the port have been running since 2010
📌 GPS address: QTerminals Antalya, Çağlayan Mah., 07230 Konyaaltı / Antalya, Türkiye
🚶 Distance to the city centre: about 10–12 km to the old town of Kaleiçi, about 5 km to Konyaaltı Beach
❗ Important: the port itself is an industrial area with no tourist infrastructure, so you cannot simply walk out of the terminal and find yourself in the city. All movement is via an organised transfer, a cruise company shuttle or a taxi. The exact call time and details are always stated in your cruise voucher.
✈️ From Antalya Airport (AYT) to the cruise terminal
Antalya Airport (AYT) is located 25–30 km east of the cruise port. It is one of Turkey's largest airports, receiving direct and connecting flights from Ukraine (via Istanbul and other hubs) and dozens of European cities. The journey to the port takes from 35 minutes (taxi without traffic) to 1.5 hours (public transport with transfers).
🚕 Taxi — the fastest and most convenient option
Official Antalya taxis are yellow and queue at the exits of all airport terminals. All cars are fitted with meters (taximeters) — always make sure the meter is switched on.
• Travel time: 35–50 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Approximate fare to the port: around 900–1,300 TRY (depending on the time of day and traffic)
• Payment: mostly cash in Turkish lira; not all taxis accept cards
• Apps: the BiTaksi app for hailing an official taxi works in Antalya; Uber is effectively unavailable in the city
💡 Tip from Four Gates: tell the driver exactly «QTerminals Antalya» or «Antalya Liman / Port Akdeniz» — do not confuse it with the yacht marina in Kaleiçi or with the old harbour.
🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
If you are travelling as a family, a group, or with a lot of luggage, this is the optimal choice. The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a nameplate, help with the suitcases and take you straight to the cruise terminal for a fixed price known in advance.
• Cost: approximately from 35 EUR for a sedan (1–3 people), from 55 EUR for a minivan (4–8 people)
• Travel time: 35–45 minutes
• Advantages: fixed price, English-speaking driver, flight monitoring, no waiting in the taxi queue
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking the cruise.
🚆 AntRay tram + taxi — the budget option
There is no direct public transport from the airport to the cruise port, so you will have to combine the tram and a taxi. This is the cheapest method but not the most convenient with luggage.
Route:
1️⃣ From the airport, take the modern light-rail tram AntRay (the station is right by the terminal) towards the city centre
2️⃣ Travel to one of the central stations (for example, İsmetpaşa or Meydan) — about 40–50 minutes
3️⃣ Then change to a taxi to the cruise port (there is no tram line directly to the port) — another 15–20 minutes
Cost:
• AntRay tram: about 27 TRY per ride (paid with the AntalyaKart card or a contactless bank card; the tram does not accept cash)
• Taxi from the centre to the port: about 300–450 TRY
Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
⚠️ Important: to pay for the tram and buses you need an AntalyaKart card (sold at machines at the stations, around 50 TRY) or a contactless bank card. Only the Nostalji heritage tram (line T2) accepts cash. Public transport is inconvenient with large luggage — consider a taxi or transfer.
🚌 City buses
City buses run from the airport (in particular routes 600 to Konyaaltı and 800 to Lara), but they do not go directly to the cruise port and require transfers. Payment is only by AntalyaKart card or bank card (buses do not accept cash). For cruise passengers with luggage this is the least convenient option.
🏙️ From the centre of Antalya (Kaleiçi) to the cruise terminal
If you have spent a night or a few days at a hotel in the city centre or in the old quarter of Kaleiçi, you have several options for reaching the liner:
🚕 Taxi from the hotel — approximately 300–450 TRY depending on the district. Fast (15–25 min), convenient with luggage. Make sure the driver has switched on the meter, or agree on a price in advance. Carry cash in lira — many taxis do not accept cards.
🚐 Private transfer — a convenient option if you book a car with a driver in advance. A fixed price, no haggling or waiting, help with luggage.
🚆 Tram + taxi — economical but inconvenient with suitcases:
• The Nostalji (T2) heritage tram runs along the coast from the Antalya Museum through Kaleiçi to the Zerdalilik district, but does not reach the port
• The modern AntRay tram connects the centre with the airport, but likewise has no station directly at the port
• In any case, the final stretch to the cruise terminal will have to be covered by taxi
🚌 Cruise company shuttle — many cruise lines arrange free or paid shuttle buses from the terminal to the city centre (usually to Kaleiçi or Konyaaltı Beach) on call days. Check the availability and schedule of the shuttle directly with your cruise line or with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist.
🚶 On foot — not an option: the port is located in an industrial zone 10–12 km from the centre, pedestrian access through the port territory is restricted, and the route runs along cargo highways.
🚗 By your own car — access and parking near the port
If you are arriving at the port in your own or a rented car, keep the following details in mind:
🛣️ GPS route: the port is located near the exit towards Kemer, in the western part of Antalya. The most convenient way is via the D400 (Antalya–Kemer) motorway, which passes directly by the QTerminals Antalya territory. The landmark for the navigator is «QTerminals Antalya» or «Antalya Limanı».
🅿️ Parking: there is a parking zone on the port grounds for passengers and those seeing them off, but the number of spaces is limited, and long-term parking for the duration of a cruise is not a typical service. If you plan to leave your car for several days, check the availability and cost in advance directly with the QTerminals Antalya port administration, or use private car parks in the Konyaaltı area with a transfer to the port.
💡 Tip: for most cruise passengers it is better to reach the port by taxi or transfer than to leave your own car on the grounds of a cargo-and-passenger port for the entire trip.
♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The modern QTerminals Antalya passenger terminal is adapted for people with reduced mobility:
✅ The terminal is equipped with ramps and adapted for wheelchair passengers
✅ The modern AntRay trams have low floors and spaces for wheelchairs
✅ Official taxis can provide a specialised vehicle on request — book in advance through the dispatch service
✅ The terminal has staff to assist with boarding — notify the cruise line of your needs in advance
✅ A private transfer is the most comfortable option for passengers with reduced mobility: the car is brought directly to the terminal
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Most cruise companies open check-in desks 3–4 hours before the liner's departure. The optimal arrival time:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity: at the assigned check-in time (usually 30-minute windows)
🕐 Explora Journeys, Silversea, Seabourn (luxury segment): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure — being late means you will see the liner only from the shore. All Four Gates Group vouchers contain the exact boarding time for your specific cruise.
💡 Life hacks from the experts of Four Gates Group
Over years of working with Antalya, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips that will save you time, money and nerves:
🌅 Fly in a day before the cruise. A flight delay of even 2 hours can cost you the entire cruise — the liner does not wait. Antalya is worth spending at least one night in before departure and seeing the old quarter of Kaleiçi.
💼 Book your transfer in advance. The airport is 25–30 km from the port, and during peak morning hours the taxi queue can be significant. A pre-booked transfer means a guaranteed price and zero waiting.
💶 Carry Turkish lira in cash. Many taxis and small establishments do not accept cards, and public transport (apart from the heritage tram) works only with an AntalyaKart card. Keep some cash in lira for small expenses.
🎫 Buy an AntalyaKart card if you plan to use public transport. Without it you will not be able to use the buses and the AntRay tram — they do not accept cash. The card is sold at machines at the stations.
🚕 Always check the meter in the taxi. By law all official Antalya taxis are required to switch on the taximeter. If a driver offers a fixed «tourist» price without a meter, that is a reason to be cautious.
🚌 Check whether the cruise company shuttle is available. Many lines arrange a transfer from the terminal to the city centre on call days — this is often the most convenient and cheapest way to reach Kaleiçi.
📱 Download the apps in advance: BiTaksi (hailing an official taxi), Moovit (Antalya public transport), Google Maps with an offline map of the city, Google Translate with the Turkish package.
🏨 Choose a hotel in the Kaleiçi or Konyaaltı area. From there it is convenient to reach the port, as well as to plan your programme both before and after the cruise — both districts are full of sights and restaurants and are close to the sea.
📞 Contacts of the Antalya cruise terminal
QTerminals Antalya (Port Akdeniz, general information): +90 242 259 13 14
Antalya tourist information: +90 242 241 17 47
Taxi call (BiTaksi — via the app): available 24/7 in the app
Turkey emergency services: 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53
The logistics of a cruise from Antalya may seem complicated only at first glance. In fact, it all comes down to a few reliable options: a taxi, a private transfer, or a cruise company shuttle — you just need to choose the right one for your case. The cruise experts of Four Gates Group help our clients with every stage: from selecting the optimal flight to Antalya to arranging a private transfer with a nameplate in the arrivals hall. Contact our manager — and your cruise from Antalya will begin without any stress. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for reference purposes and is current as of the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant facilities.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals
Antalya's Landmarks and Sights: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travellers
Antalya — the capital of the Turkish Riviera and the main maritime gateway to Turkey's Mediterranean coast. Here you will find over 2,000 years of unbroken history, four ancient civilisations that left behind Roman arches and some of the best-preserved theatres of antiquity, a turquoise bay framed by the Taurus Mountains, and an old town where Ottoman mansions stand alongside the gates of Hadrian. For a cruise-ship passenger with an 8–12 hour call, the key is choosing the right route. Below is a verified guide to the main landmarks, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours and precise directions on how to reach each site from the Port Akdeniz cruise terminal. 🎯
🏛️ 1. The Old Town of Kaleiçi
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Kaleiçi is the historic heart of Antalya, a maze of narrow cobbled lanes where Ottoman wooden mansions with carved bay windows and tiled roofs stand beside Roman ruins. The name itself means “within the fortress”: the entire city once fitted inside its defensive walls. ✨
🔹 Kaleiçi is subject to a strict ban on demolition and new construction — old houses may only be restored, preserving their original appearance.
🔹 Most of the mansions have been turned into boutique hotels, cafés and shops selling Turkish carpets, copperware, ceramics and spices. 🛍️
🔹 The Old Bazaar (Kaleiçi Bazaar) is one of the city's most authentic corners, where silk, leather and gold are traded.
🔹 Fragments of ancient Roman and Seljuk walls survive here, visible right in the middle of residential blocks. 🌳
📜 History:
Antalya (ancient Attaleia) was founded in the 2nd century BC by Attalus II, king of Pergamon, who was searching for “the most beautiful place on earth” for his new port. After him the city was ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans — and each civilisation left its mark on the layout of Kaleiçi.
The old town was for centuries the main commercial and residential core of Antalya. Ships put in at the old harbour below the quarter, and around it grew warehouses, baths, mosques and churches. Today Kaleiçi is a pedestrian tourist zone and the city's most atmospheric district.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Fastest (taxi): 15–20 minutes, roughly 700–900 TRY (about 18–25 EUR). Drop-off at the Clock Tower or Hadrian's Gate
• Cruise-line transfer: most ships arrange a free or paid shuttle bus to the city centre
• Public transport: city buses run from the port to the centre, but with changes, so for a short call a taxi is more practical
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to Kaleiçi: free (it is a historic district of the city)
• Visiting hours: around the clock; shops and cafés usually open from 9:00 to 22:00
⚠️ IMPORTANT: the lanes of Kaleiçi are steep and paved with slippery stone — wear comfortable shoes. Carry cash in Turkish lira for small purchases at the bazaar.
🏛️ 2. Hadrian's Gate (Üç Kapılar)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Hadrian's Gate, which locals call “Üç Kapılar” (Three Gates), is the most beautiful and best-preserved ancient structure in Antalya. It is a triumphal marble arch with three openings, erected in 130 AD to mark the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. 🏛️
🔹 The arch is adorned with elegant columns, fine carving and a marble frame — it stands as a portal between the modern city and old Kaleiçi.
🔹 The gate was later built into the city's defensive walls, which is precisely what helped it survive. It is the only surviving entrance to the old town from that era. 📸
🔹 On the paving beneath the arch you can still see ruts left by carts and chariots, worn down over nearly two millennia.
🔹 The gate is one of Antalya's most photographed spots and an excellent starting point for a walk through the old town.
📜 History:
Emperor Hadrian, famous for his vast building projects across the empire — from Hadrian's Wall in Britain to temples in Asia Minor — visited Attaleia in 130 AD. To mark the occasion, the townsfolk raised a monumental triumphal arch at the main entrance to the city.
Over the centuries the gate was restored several times, and during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods it was integrated into the system of city fortifications. As a result the arch has reached us in excellent condition and is today the chief symbol of Antalya's Roman heritage.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, roughly 700–900 TRY (about 18–25 EUR). Drop-off right at the gate on Atatürk Caddesi
• On foot from the centre: the gate sits on the edge of Kaleiçi, a few minutes' walk from the Clock Tower
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry: free
• Visiting hours: around the clock, in the open air
⚠️ Tip: come early in the morning — that way you can photograph the arch without the crowds and in soft morning light.
🗼 3. Hıdırlık Tower (Hıdırlık Kulesi)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Hıdırlık Tower is a mysterious round structure about 14 metres high, standing at the southern edge of Kaleiçi between the old town, the sea and a park. It was built in the 2nd century, and to this day no one knows for certain what it actually was. 🗼
🔹 The lower part of the tower is square, while the upper part is cylindrical; this combination of shapes makes it unique among Roman structures.
🔹 Historians still debate its purpose: a lighthouse, a watchtower, or the monumental tomb of an important Roman. 🌊
🔹 From the viewing area beside the tower there is a panorama of the Gulf of Antalya and the Taurus Mountains — one of the finest spots to watch the sunset.
🔹 Folk tradition links the tower's name to Saint Hıdır (Khidr) — a mystical figure venerated in Islamic tradition as a patron of water and greenery. 🌅
📜 History:
The tower was built in the Roman era, in the 2nd century, on a strategic hill above the harbour. Its round shape and position gave rise to the belief that it may have been a lighthouse or a signal tower guiding ships toward the old port.
Later, in the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, the structure was repeatedly repaired and used as a defensive point. Today the tower stands on the edge of Karaalioğlu Park and remains one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: 18–22 minutes, roughly 750–950 TRY (about 20–26 EUR)
• On foot from Hadrian's Gate: about 500 metres through the narrow lanes of the old town, 7–10 minutes
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry: free
• Visiting hours: around the clock, in the open air
⚠️ Insider tip: combine your visit to the tower with a stroll through the neighbouring Karaalioğlu Park — the two sites are only minutes apart.
🌳 4. The Old Harbour and Karaalioğlu Park (Yat Limanı & Karaalioğlu Parkı)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Old Harbour (Yat Limanı) is a picturesque bay at the foot of Kaleiçi, where merchant ships once moored and yachts and pleasure boats now lie. The old town rises above it, and waterfront restaurants surround it. ⚓
🔹 Sea excursions along the coast depart from here toward the Lower Düden Waterfall, which plunges straight off the coastal cliffs into the sea. 🚤
🔹 Karaalioğlu Park, covering about 140,000 m², is a green oasis with shady avenues, palms, fountains and panoramic terraces above the bay. 🌴
🔹 From the park's viewing terraces there are views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Yivli Minaret and Hıdırlık Tower.
🔹 Along the promenade work street vendors of Turkish ice cream, whose playful serving tricks have become a tourist attraction in their own right. 🍦
📜 History:
The Old Harbour is the most ancient part of Antalya's port. Ships called here as far back as the time of King Attalus II of Pergamon, and in the Middle Ages trade between East and West flourished here. In the 20th century the harbour lost its cargo role and became a cosy marina for yachts.
Karaalioğlu Park was laid out in the early 20th century on the hill above the harbour. It quickly became a favourite place for locals to stroll and to this day remains one of the finest viewpoints in Antalya.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: 18–22 minutes, roughly 750–950 TRY (about 20–26 EUR)
• On foot from Kaleiçi: the harbour and park adjoin the old town, 10–12 minutes from Hadrian's Gate
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Walking around the harbour and park: free
• Visiting hours: around the clock
• Sea excursion by boat: roughly 600–1,200 TRY (about 16–32 EUR) depending on duration and route
⚠️ Tip: agree on the price of the sea excursion in advance, before boarding the boat.
🕌 5. The Yivli Minaret and Seljuk Heritage (Yivli Minare)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The fluted Yivli Minaret (Yivli Minare) is the principal symbol of Seljuk Antalya and one of the city's most recognisable silhouettes. The brick tower, around 38 metres high, was raised in the 13th century during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I. 🕌
🔹 The name means “fluted minaret”: its shaft consists of eight semicircular ribs decorated with turquoise tile mosaic. 🔷
🔹 The minaret is part of a historic religious complex with a mosque, a madrasah and mausoleums.
🔹 The reddish brick tower rises proudly above the old town as an emblem of Antalya's religious and architectural diversity.
🔹 Nearby stands the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) — the last survivor of the 80 towers of the ancient city walls, now serving as a ceremonial entrance to Kaleiçi. 🕰️
📜 History:
After the Seljuks took Antalya in the early 13th century, the city enjoyed a genuine architectural flowering. It was then that the Yivli Minaret appeared — one of the oldest Seljuk structures in Anatolia and a model of the craftsmanship of the builders of the day.
The religious complex around the minaret was extended and rebuilt throughout the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Today the minaret remains a living symbol of the city and is listed among Turkey's cultural heritage sites.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, roughly 700–900 TRY (about 18–25 EUR). Drop-off at Republic Square or the Clock Tower
• On foot from Kaleiçi: the minaret is in the upper part of the old town, a few minutes from Hadrian's Gate
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Viewing the minaret from outside: free
• Visiting hours: the complex grounds are open during the day; during prayers, entry to the mosque is restricted for tourists
⚠️ Dress code: to enter the mosque, shoulders and knees must be covered, and women should ideally have a headscarf. Shoes are removed at the entrance.
🏟️ 6. The Ancient City of Perge
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Perge is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Turkey and the former capital of ancient Pamphylia. It is a vast archaeological complex 18 km east of Antalya, where you can easily spend half a day. 🏟️
🔹 Surviving here are monumental city gates, a long colonnaded street, a stadium, Roman baths, an agora and a nymphaeum (an ornamental fountain). 🏛️
🔹 Perge was one of the four great cities of Pamphylia, together with Aspendos, Side and Sillyon, and was famed for its temple to the goddess Artemis.
🔹 Most of the statues found here now grace the collections of the Antalya Archaeological Museum.
🔹 According to tradition, the Apostle Paul visited Perge during his first missionary journey. 📜
📜 History:
The first settlement on the site of Perge arose as far back as the Hittite era, around 1500 BC. Greeks later settled the city, and in 333 BC the armies of Alexander the Great entered it without a fight.
Perge reached its peak in the Roman era, becoming one of the wealthiest and most beautiful cities in the region. After the decline of the Roman Empire the city gradually emptied, and its ruins are today on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: 35–40 minutes, roughly 1,200–1,600 TRY (about 32–42 EUR) one way
• Organised excursion: the most convenient option — many operators offer combined Perge + Aspendos + Side tours with transfer
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry ticket: about 11 EUR (payment in cash in TRY or by card on site), prices are updated seasonally
• Opening hours (2026): April–October 8:00–19:00, November–March 8:00–17:30
• Museum Pass Türkiye: gives access to Perge and hundreds of other sites; worthwhile if you plan to visit several ancient cities
⚠️ IMPORTANT: the site is large and there is almost no shade — bring a hat, water and sunscreen. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the visit.
🎭 7. The Ancient Theatre of Aspendos
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Aspendos is another of the great cities of ancient Pamphylia, located about 45 km east of Antalya on the banks of the Köprüçay River. Its chief glory is its Roman theatre, considered one of the best-preserved in the world. 🎭
🔹 The theatre was built in the 2nd century during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius; it seats around 15,000 spectators.
🔹 The theatre is renowned for its flawless acoustics: a word whispered from the stage can be heard in the topmost rows. 🔊
🔹 Thanks to its excellent state of preservation, opera and ballet performances are still held on the stage of Aspendos every summer.
🔹 Near the theatre survive the ruins of the acropolis, the agora, a basilica and a long Roman aqueduct. 🏛️
📜 History:
Aspendos was founded, according to tradition, by the Achaeans around the 10th century BC. The city stood on an important trade route and was one of the first in the world to mint its own coinage, a sign of its prosperity.
Aspendos passed under the rule of the Persians, of Alexander the Great, and then of the Romans, under whom the city reached its greatest flowering. The theatre, built by the architect Zenon, survived the centuries almost intact and is today the chief landmark of the region.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: about 1 hour, roughly 2,000–2,600 TRY (about 52–68 EUR) one way
• Organised excursion: the optimal option, usually combined with Perge and Side
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Entry ticket: payment in cash in TRY or by card on site; it is worth checking the current price, as rates are updated seasonally
• Opening hours (2026): in summer roughly 8:00–19:00, in winter shorter — approximately until 17:00–18:00
• Museum Pass Türkiye: valid for Aspendos too
⚠️ Tip: in summer there are concerts and rehearsals for the opera and ballet festival on the stage — check the schedule so you don't arrive when the site is closed to visitors.
🏖️ 8. The Ancient City of Side
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Side is a former ancient port city and now a picturesque resort town on a headland about 75 km east of Antalya. Here the ruins of antiquity sit peacefully alongside sandy beaches, restaurants and shops. 🏖️
🔹 The name “Side” in the ancient Anatolian language meant “pomegranate” — a symbol of fertility. 🍎
🔹 The chief glory is the Temple of Apollo right on the seashore, whose white marble columns against the sunset have become the emblem of Side. 🌅
🔹 Also surviving are a large ancient theatre, an agora, Roman baths and monumental gates.
🔹 In the 20th century the city experienced a rebirth as a resort, yet the historic centre has fully retained its ancient character.
📜 History:
Side was founded by Greek colonists from Cyme around the 7th century BC. Thanks to its convenient natural harbour the city quickly became one of the most important trading ports of Pamphylia — though for a time the slave trade gave it a darker reputation.
In the Roman era Side flourished, adorned with temples, a theatre and fountains. After decline and earthquakes the city stood empty for centuries, until life returned in the 20th century thanks to tourism. Today the ruins of Side are among the most famous classical landmarks in Turkey.
🚢 How to get there from Port Akdeniz:
• Taxi: about 1 hour 15 minutes, roughly 2,800–3,500 TRY (about 73–91 EUR) one way
• Organised excursion: the most sensible choice given the distance; Side is usually included in a combined tour with Perge and Aspendos
💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Walking through the town and open-air ruins: mostly free
• Side Museum and certain fenced areas: paid entry, payment in cash in TRY or by card
• Visiting hours: the historic centre is open around the clock; the museum operates during the day
⚠️ IMPORTANT: because of the considerable distance, Side is better suited to a longer call. Allow time for the round trip so as not to be late back to the ship.
💧 9. Other Sights Worth Your Attention
• 💧 The Düden Waterfalls (Düden Şelaleleri) — an upper waterfall in Kepez Park with a grotto you can walk into, and a lower waterfall about 40 metres high that plunges straight off the cliffs into the sea. The lower waterfall is best seen from a pleasure boat. The upper one has paid entry; the lower park is free.
• 🐠 Antalya Aquarium — one of the world's longest tunnel aquariums, along with Snow World and Wildpark zones. Paid entry, payment in TRY.
• 🏛️ The Antalya Archaeological Museum — one of the richest collections of ancient sculpture in Turkey. Closed for reconstruction until the end of 2026 — the old building was deemed an earthquake risk, and a new one is being built on the same site. ❗
• 🗿 The Antalya Necropolis Museum (Nekropol Müzesi) — a temporary exhibition in the city centre, where part of the artefacts from the closed main museum are kept for now.
• 🕌 The Broken Minaret (Kesik Minare) — a structure that in the course of its history served as a Roman temple, a Byzantine church and a mosque. Free entry.
• 🚠 The Tünektepe Cable Car (Tünektepe Teleferik) — carries you up the mountain for a panorama of the bay. Temporarily closed in 2026 for maintenance — check its operating status before travelling. ⚠️
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around Antalya in 9 Hours
A cruise call in Antalya usually lasts 8–12 hours. It is realistic to see 3–5 of the top landmarks — if you plan your route well. Below are three options depending on your budget and preferences.
🥉 Route No. 1. Budget — the old town on foot
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: 1,500–2,500 TRY + food
🕘 09:00 — Leaving the Port Akdeniz cruise terminal
Take a taxi to Hadrian's Gate (about 700–900 TRY) or use the cruise line's shuttle to the centre.
🕘 09:30–10:30 — Hadrian's Gate and the Clock Tower
Free viewing of the triumphal arch and the ceremonial entrance to Kaleiçi, photos in the morning light.
🕙 10:30–12:30 — The old town of Kaleiçi
A stroll through the narrow lanes, the Yivli Minaret, Ottoman mansions, the old bazaar. Entry everywhere is free.
🕧 12:30–13:30 — Lunch in Kaleiçi
Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant: kebabs, meze, fresh fish — roughly 400–700 TRY per person.
🕜 13:30–15:00 — The Old Harbour, Hıdırlık Tower and Karaalioğlu Park
Descend to the yacht marina, view the Roman tower, stroll through the shady park with its view of the bay.
🕞 15:00–16:00 — Free time: ice cream, souvenirs, the promenade
🕟 16:00–16:40 — Return to the port by taxi
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxi there and back: 1,400–1,800 TRY
• Lunch: 400–700 TRY
• Reserve (ice cream, souvenirs): 300–500 TRY
💸 TOTAL: roughly 2,100–3,000 TRY per person (excluding paid museums)
🥈 Route No. 2. Optimal — the city plus one ancient site
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: group excursion + food
🕘 08:30 — Leave the port, transfer to Perge
A pre-booked half-day excursion or a taxi to the ancient city of Perge (35–40 min).
🕘 09:15–11:00 — Perge
Viewing the colonnaded street, the stadium, the Roman baths and the gates. Entry ticket about 11 EUR.
🕚 11:15–12:15 — Transfer to the centre of Antalya
🕧 12:15–13:15 — Lunch in Kaleiçi
Turkish cuisine with a view of the old harbour — roughly 500–800 TRY per person.
🕜 13:15–15:00 — The old town: Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret, Hıdırlık Tower
A walking tour of the historic centre.
🕞 15:00–16:00 — The Old Harbour and Karaalioğlu Park
Panorama of the bay, the promenade, free time.
🕟 16:15–17:00 — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Half-day excursion to Perge with transfer: check with the operator
• Entry to Perge: about 11 EUR
• Lunch: 500–800 TRY
• Taxi/transfer within the city: by arrangement
💸 TOTAL: depends on the excursion format; budget for the entry ticket + transport + lunch
💡 Instead of Perge you could choose the Düden Waterfalls with a sea excursion — a spectacular and slightly cheaper option.
🥇 Route No. 3. Premium — a private excursion to the ancient cities
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Approximate budget: individual quote + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meeting with a private driver holding a sign right at the gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car/minivan for the whole day
• ✅ A professional licensed guide, English- or Ukrainian-speaking
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets to all the landmarks
• ✅ A restaurant table reservation
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — we adjust it on the go
You can book through your cruise manager, or get in touch with us by any convenient means:
Phones:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕘 08:30 — Meeting the driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 09:15–11:00 — Perge with a guide
A private tour of the ancient city, with an explanation of each structure — from the colonnaded street to the stadium.
🕚 11:30–13:00 — Aspendos (fast track)
Transfer by car. Viewing of the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, testing its legendary acoustics.
🕜 13:15–14:30 — Lunch at a restaurant on the riverbank
Traditional Turkish cuisine in a scenic spot. The reservation is the guide's responsibility.
🕝 14:45–16:00 — The old town of Kaleiçi with a guide
A private walking tour: Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minaret, Hıdırlık Tower, the Old Harbour.
🕟 16:00–16:45 — Free time: souvenirs, the promenade
The driver waits while the guide suggests shops.
🕟 17:00 — Return to the port in a comfortable car
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): at the operator's rate
• Driver with car (9 hrs): at the operator's rate
• Entry tickets (Perge + Aspendos): payment in TRY or EUR on site
• Restaurant lunch: as chosen
💸 TOTAL: an individual quote per group (for 2+ people — the calculation is per group, not per person)
🤝 Four Gates Group organises private excursions around Antalya with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Antalya will be perfectly planned to suit your tastes. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Important to Know Before You Head into Town
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late, the ship will not wait, and you will have to catch up with it at the next port at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport plus your cruise Ship Card.
💶 Cash: carry Turkish lira (TRY) for small expenses — the bazaar, taxis, entry tickets. Tourist spots sometimes accept EUR, but at an unfavourable rate.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes — the lanes of the old town are steep and stone-paved. For mosques, cover shoulders and knees.
📱 Internet: download an offline Google Maps for navigation; a SIM card with data can be bought in the city.
🔐 Safety: Antalya is on the whole a safe tourist city, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and at the bazaar.
☀️ Sun protection: in summer the temperature often exceeds +35 °C. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water are essential, especially for visiting the open-air ancient cities.
🚕 Taxis: make sure the meter is running, or agree on the fare in advance.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for guidance only and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals