Turkish Riviera in 5 Days: Antalya Beaches, Ancient Ruins & Coastal Villages
The stretch of coast from Antalya west toward Kaş is dense with ancient ruins that most short beach trips never get to — this itinerary uses Antalya as a base for the first half, then drives the coast road toward Kaş for a slower two days, before looping back for departure. It's best done with a rental car or a hired driver for the Side/Aspendos and Kaş/Demre legs; the coast road between towns is scenic but not well served by public transport for a time-limited trip.
Budget more driving time than a map suggests — the coast road winds through hills and small towns, and what looks like an hour on a straight line is often 90 minutes to two hours in practice.
Cities
Antalya, Side, Kaş
Duration
5 days
Budget
Mid-Range
Activities
18 items
Day 1 — Antalya Old Town
Airport transfer / rental car pickup
20–40 minKaleiçi old town walk
1.5 hrsAntalya's restored Ottoman-era quarter, built around a small Roman-era harbor.
Hadrian's Gate
20 minA well-preserved triple-arched Roman gate built around 130 AD to mark Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city.
Dinner overlooking the harbor
1.5 hrsDay 2 — Waterfalls & Museum
Düden Waterfalls
1.5 hrsTwo separate falls — an upper set in a park setting, a lower set dropping dramatically off a cliff into the sea.
Antalya Museum
1.5 hrsOne of Turkey's major archaeological museums, with an especially strong collection of Roman-era statuary from nearby Perge.
Konyaaltı Beach afternoon
3 hrsDay 3 — Aspendos & Side
Drive east to Aspendos and Side
45 min–1 hr each wayAspendos Roman theatre
1 hrOne of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, with near-original acoustics — still used for opera and ballet performances today.
Side ancient city & Temple of Apollo
1.5 hrsA working seaside town built directly around and among Roman ruins, including a temple ruin right on the water, popular at sunset.
Beach time at Side
1.5 hrsDay 4 — Coast Road to Kaş via Demre
Drive west along the coast toward Kaş
3–4 hrs with stopsChurch of St. Nicholas
45 minA Byzantine-era church in Demre associated with the historical bishop who inspired the Santa Claus legend.
Ancient Myra rock-cut tombs
45 minDramatic Lycian rock tombs carved into a cliff face, plus a well-preserved Roman theatre at the base.
Evening in Kaş town
2 hrsA relaxed harbor town with a strong diving scene, built over the ancient city of Antiphellos.
Day 5 — Kekova Boat Trip & Return
Kekova sunken city boat trip
3–4 hrsA half-day boat tour past partially submerged Lycian and Roman ruins near Kaleköy (Simena).
Swimming or diving directly over the sunken ruins is prohibited to protect the site.
Drive back to Antalya
3–4 hrsAirport transfer / rental car drop-off
20–40 minTour details
- Transportation
- Car rental and driving along the coast road between Antalya, Side, Aspendos, Kaş, Demre, and back to Antalya; boat trip from Kaş for Kekova sunken city tour; airport transfers by vehicle.
- Duration
- 5 days
- Languages
- English
- Format
- 5-day itinerary
- Group size
- Up to 2 travellers
What you'll experience
Travelers explore ancient ruins including Aspendos Roman theatre, Side's Temple of Apollo, Demre's Church of St. Nicholas, and Myra's rock-cut tombs. They walk Antalya's historic Kaleiçi old town and visit Düden Waterfalls and Antalya Museum. The journey includes scenic coastal drives, relaxing beach visits at Konyaaltı and Side, and a boat trip to the Kekova sunken city to observe underwater ruins from the boat.
Organisation details
The itinerary is structured over five days, starting with arrival in Antalya, followed by local city sightseeing and museum visits. Mid-trip involves driving visits to key archaeological sites in Aspendos and Side, then a longer coastal drive west toward Kaş with stops at historic locations near Demre and Myra. The final day includes a half-day boat tour and return drive to Antalya for departure. Timing includes moderate activity durations and scenic drives through hilly coastal roads.
Meeting point
Antalya
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Turkey Trip Planner Team
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