Antalya: 5-Day Family Trip from Lycia to the Taurus Mountains

Antalya is one of the cities that can be explored as a family, with both its historical layers and natural beauties. On this 5-day route, we start from the central points of the city and extend to the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and the ancient heritage of Lycia. A different discovery awaits you every day.

Antalya Ethnography Museum

Located in Kaleiçi, the heart of Antalya, in two restored 19th-century Ottoman mansions, this museum showcases the region's cultural memory, from nomadic Yörük culture to traditional costumes. As you wander through rooms filled with Turkish-Islamic artifacts and objects from Ottoman life, you can take a short journey into the past. Admission is free, making it attractive for a family budget.

Antalya Atatürk House Museum

A few steps from Kaleiçi, on Işıklar Street, this two-story stone building is known as the house where Atatürk stayed during his visits to Antalya. Serving as a museum since 1984, the building offers an intimate glimpse into the history of the Republic with Atatürk's personal belongings, period photographs, and a documentary room. It serves as a visual history lesson for children.

Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park

Approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, Kurşunlu Waterfall Nature Park covers a lush green area of 33 hectares. With its emerald waterfall, forest cover, and walking paths, it offers a peaceful stroll in nature. In autumn, you can see every shade of yellow and red, and observe rabbits and squirrels. Visitors to the park particularly love the smell of the forest and the sound of the waterfall.

Termessos Ancient City

Located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Antalya, on Mount Güllük at an altitude of 1,150 meters, Termessos is a Pisidian city that even Alexander the Great could not conquer. With its rugged nature and theater, it offers both a historical and trekking experience. Watching the Mediterranean and the Taurus Mountains simultaneously from the ancient theater makes this place unique. Due to its high altitude, the autumn coolness is felt more intensely.

Trebenna Ancient City

Located on the northern slope of Sivri Mountain, approximately 700 meters above sea level, Trebenna offers an ancient city experience away from the crowds. With its Roman and Byzantine period city walls, tombs, and building remains, it is a quiet but impressive discovery point. This area, whose excavation is not yet complete, offers an untouched atmosphere intertwined with nature. The lack of an entrance fee also makes it a budget-friendly option.

Kocain Cave

Located in the Döşemealtı district, 788 meters above sea level, Kocain Cave is one of Turkey's largest caves open for exploration. With its 875-meter walking path and three different entrances, it attracts nature lovers. Inside the cave, there are historical stone water reservoirs and rock inscriptions. Visitors are greatly impressed by the cave's impressive dimensions and its cool atmosphere.

Aspendos Ancient Theater

Located in the Serik district of Antalya, Aspendos Ancient Theater is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres of the Roman Period. Built in the 2nd century, this structure is known for its capacity of approximately 12,000 people and its acoustics. A whispered word from the stage can be heard in the very top rows, surprising both adults and children. Visiting the theater in autumn offers a calmer experience away from the crowds.

Tazı Canyon

Located in the Beşkonak region of Manavgat district, Tazı Canyon is a natural wonder with its steep cliffs 300-400 meters high. Also known as the 'Valley of Wisdom', this canyon is ideal for nature walks and photography due to its proximity to Köprülü Canyon National Park. There is also the possibility of ziplining over the canyon; this can be an exciting activity especially for young travelers.

Selge Ancient City

Located within Köprülü Canyon National Park, 950 meters above sea level, Selge is one of the mountain cities of the Pisidia region. Offering a unique ancient city experience away from the crowds, Selge stands out especially with its theater and ancient roads. Thanks to its high location, it dominates the impressive view of the Taurus Mountains. This is a hidden paradise for nature and history enthusiasts.

Kızılkule

Kızılkule, the symbol of Alanya, is an octagonal defense tower built in 1226 by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I. Today serving as an Ethnography Museum, the tower protected the harbor and shipyard from attacks from the sea. With its red brick facade and the view extending from its top to Alanya harbor, it is worth seeing. You can also visit the nearby Seljuk Shipyard.

Alanya Museum

Located at the starting point of the ascent to Alanya Castle, Alanya Museum showcases the history of the region with its archaeology and ethnography sections. It has a rich collection of sculptures, ceramics, coins, and jewelry dating from the Hellenistic period to the Ottoman era. Especially the sarcophagi and large stone artifacts in its garden may attract children's attention. Its central location makes access easy.

Dim Çayı

Located 10-15 km from Alanya, Dim Çayı, originating from the Taurus Mountains and flowing into the Mediterranean, is the address for those who want to cool off in the summer heat with its ice-cold clear waters and valley surrounded by pine forests. You can eat fresh trout at the wooden restaurants built over the river and cool your feet in the water. There is also the opportunity to picnic in the valley, which takes on a different beauty in autumn.

Dim Cave

Located 11 km from Alanya, 232 meters above sea level, Dim Cave is a natural formation approximately 1 million years old. With its four galleries stretching 410 meters, it houses stalactites, stalagmites, and a small lake. The inside of the cave remains at a constant 18°C throughout the year, making it an ideal stop for autumn trips. The view of the Dim Çayı valley is an added bonus.

Antiphellos Ancient City

Located in the Kaş district of Antalya, Antiphellos is an ancient city of Lycian civilization dating back to the 4th century BC. Its theater, rock tombs, and sarcophagi are scattered throughout the streets of Kaş. The ancient theater overlooking the sea is a favorite of visitors, especially for its sunset views. Free admission offers a budget-friendly option for families.

İnceboğaz Beach

Located at the narrowest point of Kaş's Çukurbağ Peninsula, İnceboğaz Beach is a double-sided cove with one side facing the open sea and the other facing the marina. Its turquoise and clear water, and shallow structure make it very suitable for families. Free admission and municipal facilities provide showers and changing cabins. In autumn, the sea water is still mild, so you can enjoy swimming.

Phellos Ancient City

Located near Kaş in the Felen Plateau, at an altitude of 850-950 meters, Phellos is an ancient city dating back to the Lycian period. It served as the land connection for the port city of Antiphellos. It attracts attention with its rock tombs, traces of ancient city walls, and panoramic views of the Felen Plateau. Its secluded and undiscovered atmosphere offers a different experience for history and nature enthusiasts.

Patara Ancient City

Located in Gelemiş Village, part of Kaş district, Patara was the capital of the Lycian League. While its Roman theater, assembly building, and bath structures attract history buffs, its approximately 18-kilometer sandy beach also welcomes nature lovers. Patara, one of Turkey's longest beaches, is also a nesting area for Caretta caretta sea turtles. Taking a break at the beach after visiting the ancient city can be a great idea.

In this vast geography of Antalya, it is possible to embark on a new discovery every day. You can stay in central locations for accommodation and reach different regions with day trips. Autumn, in particular, is a great season for this route, both because the temperatures are ideal and the crowds are smaller. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and plenty of water.