There’s never a bad time for a dreamy beach getaway, so when you get the chance to visit a record-breaking Mediterranean hub in the “off-season,” you take it.
I’m talking, of course, about Antalya, a place that seamlessly combines high-end experiences and reasonable prices, so much so that over 14 million tourists have flocked to its sunny shores in the first nine months of 2024 alone.
If you haven’t gotten a chance to take in the Turkish hub for yourself this year, don’t worry.
You might still have a bit of time to plan that perfect Antalya trip, and here’s why:
Taking In That Mediterranean Allure Without The Insufferable Crowds
Because Antalya offers such excellent value to travelers, everyone is rushing to take in its scenic beauty while the prices are still reasonable, hence the massive crowds.
You have to consider, however, that most of the 14 million people coming to the city in nine months are choosing summer as their travel season, leaving the beaches far more peaceful and quiet this time of year.
Since it’s officially fall, those coming to Antalya right now can connect more with the local culture and relax on world-class beaches like Konyaaltı and Lara without constantly bumping into other people.
The Weather Is Still Dreamy
Make no mistake – just because people aren’t traveling to the Turkish hub as much this time of year doesn’t mean that the weather isn’t beach-friendly.
Sure, you might have to deal with an occasional shower or two, but most of the time, you’ll get to take advantage of the amazing 25°C (77°F) temperatures and surprisingly warm waters!
For those late-night strolls, though, bringing a light jumper, cardigan, or hoodie along would be a good idea (all the better, if you ask me, since Antalya nights in the summer can be uncomfortably warm and humid).
The milder temperatures are also perfect for sightseeing, taking in the area’s gorgeous outdoors, and generally spending some time away from the admittedly stunning beaches.
I’ve always thought Antalya’s city scene to be criminally underrated, so now’s the best time to check out another fascinating side of the city that many of us sadly miss out on throughout the summer.
The All-Inclusive Experience For A Fraction Of The Price
Turkey has always been one of the world’s best-value destinations.
Notice how I said best-value and not just cheap, since there’s a very real difference between the two, and Antalya’s the perfect example of that.
Good prices shouldn’t always be correlated to a budget experience, and the many, many luxurious yet reasonably-priced resorts across the Mediterranean city prove that.
Take Megasaray Westbeach Antalya, for example.
It’s a stunning all-inclusive resort with tens of thousands of rave reviews across all platforms, and rooms here start at just ~$138 a night.
The price includes all your meals, bottomless drinks, and endless entertainment options, though if you’re looking for an even higher-end experience that’s still reasonably cheap (~$273 a night) Concorde De Luxe Resort is the way to go.
Plenty Of Culture To Take In, Too
I briefly mentioned that Antalya is just as great for a typical city break experience as it is for a lavish beach getaway, and that’s thanks to its rich culture and history that unfortunately, almost always get overlooked.
So take advantage of the dwindling tourist crowds and go for a walk through the Old Town of Kaleiçi where the narrow cobbled streets, traditional Turkish houses, shops selling handmade crafts, and quaint cafes serving everything from tea to pastries will have you transported to a whole other era.
Other must-adds to your itinerary include the Antalya Museum, the ancient city of Perge, and the Roman Theater of Aspendos, just to name a few.
You’ll Get In Touch With Your More Spontaneous Side
Visiting Antalya in summer is great but almost always predictable – you’ll sit in the sun for most of the day and then feel too tired or overheated to do much (beyond a laid-back lunch or dinner) the rest of the day.
Right now, the weather might be a bit more capricious, but that gives you a bit of leeway to get more spontaneous about your plans.
That’s why you’ll want to think a bit outside the box and maintain some flexibility in your itinerary, especially for those sunbathing days – having a backup plan that’s not weather-dependent is always a good idea and; bonus point, it’ll help you get out of your comfort zone and take in new facets of the incredible city you’re in.
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