Antalya

The cobbled alleyways of Antalya’s Kaleiçi, or Old Town, are traffic-free and punctuated by a swathe of attractively restored old stone buildings, translating into an atmospheric place to enjoy a night’s rest. The Tuvana Hotel (Karanlık Sokak 18) is housed in a restored row of Ottoman houses, serving up a comfortable boutique-style option. Villa Perla (Hesapçı Sokak 26) and Mediterra Art Hotel (Zafer Sokak 5) are both more moderately priced yet still packed with old-world charm, in addition to swimming pools. There’s also plenty of character at White Garden Pansion (Hesapçı Geçidi 9), which is cheaper still.

For those looking for Turkish souvenirs starting at Hesapçı Sokak in the Kaleiçi is advised. There are plenty of shops selling hand-painted ceramics, copperware and beautiful carpets along the narrow alley, while cheaper goods can be picked up from the stalls along the road that leads down to the Roman Harbour. Elsewhere in the centre of Antalya (off Cebasoy Caddesi), the Doğu Garajı Market is a vibrant local favourite crammed with opportunities to purchase Turkish delight, spice and halva.

Antalya’s finest restaurants can be found in the Kaleiçi area. For an inventive Mediterranean-fusion menu try Seraser (Karanlık Sokak 18), or for a meal with superb views of the harbour head to Club Arma (Yatlımanı 42) and sample the delicious seafood. Kebabs in Turkey are much more of an art form than their late-night reputation suggests, and those interested in discovering why should make for Atatürk Caddesi and its surrounding streets, found outside the old city walls. For enjoying an idyllic sunset drink, the Terrace Bar (Hıdırlık Sokak) is hard to beat thanks to its epic cliff-side location.

SunSplash Antalya

June

Top international club DJs perform at this relaxed, boutique music festival that is held right on the beachfront. 

International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival

June-October

Lara Beach plays host to the biggest sand art event in the world each year, with colossal sculptures created to a specific theme by artists from around the globe. The efforts are exhibited through the summer months, and each year around 20 million people admire the end products.

Antalya Festival

September

The Antalya Festival runs for 18 days and signals the end of the summer holiday season. It combines art workshops, folk music and dancing, a variety of music concerts and plenty of activities suitable for all the family around the city.

International Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival

October

The Antalya Culture Center hosts most of the screenings and events at this film festival, although the glamorous closing night award ceremony is held in the stirring Roman amphitheatre at the nearby Aspendos ruins. The Golden Orange awards for drama and documentary films are highly coveted, which makes this event one of Turkey’s most important film festivals.

International Antalya Piano Festival

November-December

The Antalya Culture Center is again the centre of attention for this celebration of piano music, which attracts both up-and-coming performers and established stars.