Antalya
The Turkish Riviera
Antalya sits on Turkiye's stunning Mediterranean coast, offering turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and a growing number of premium medical facilities. Combine your treatment with a beach holiday — recover poolside at a luxury resort while the sun does its healing magic.
Antalya is the jewel of Turkiye's Mediterranean coast, a city where stunning natural beauty meets ancient history and modern luxury. Nestled between the dramatic Taurus Mountains and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. The city and its surrounding province attract over 15 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited regions in the world. But Antalya is far more than just a beach destination. Its old town, Kaleici, is a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era quarter with narrow cobblestone streets, historic mosques, charming boutique hotels, and atmospheric restaurants. The region is dotted with spectacular ancient ruins — from the perfectly preserved Aspendos Theatre to the clifftop ruins of Termessos, hidden high in the mountains. For medical tourists, Antalya offers a unique proposition: world-class treatment combined with a genuine holiday experience. You can have your procedure at a modern clinic in the morning and be relaxing by the pool at a five-star resort by the afternoon. The city's medical tourism infrastructure has grown rapidly in recent years, with an increasing number of internationally accredited clinics offering hair transplant, dental, and aesthetic treatments at competitive prices.
Places to explore in Antalya
Discover the landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems that make Antalya an unforgettable destination.
Kaleici (Old Town)
Kaleici is the historic heart of Antalya, a beautifully preserved old quarter enclosed within ancient Roman walls. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with restored Ottoman-era houses — many converted into charming boutique hotels, restaurants, and art galleries. At the centre of Kaleici, you'll find the ancient Roman harbour, once a major Mediterranean trading port and now a picturesque marina filled with wooden gulet boats offering coastal cruises. The iconic Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret), built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat in the 13th century, towers above the old town and is visible from almost everywhere in the city. Walking through Kaleici is a journey through layers of history — you'll pass Hadrian's Gate (a triumphal arch built in 130 AD to honour the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit), the Kesik Minare (a converted Roman temple-turned-church-turned-mosque), and countless hidden courtyards and gardens. In the evening, the old town comes alive with lantern-lit restaurants, live music, and the gentle buzz of travellers and locals enjoying the warm Mediterranean night. Kaleici is the ideal place for a gentle post-treatment stroll — flat enough to manage comfortably, full of interesting sights, and with a cafe or restaurant at every turn when you need to rest.
Duden Waterfalls
The Duden Waterfalls are one of Antalya's most spectacular natural attractions. There are actually two sets of waterfalls — the Upper Duden Falls (Yukarı Düden) and the Lower Duden Falls (Aşağı Düden), connected by the Duden River that flows through the city before plunging dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea. The Upper Duden Falls are located in a beautiful park setting about 10 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Here, the river cascades over a rocky cliff into a lush green pool, surrounded by parkland perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. Behind the waterfall, there's a cave you can walk through, offering a unique perspective as you look out through the curtain of falling water. The Lower Duden Falls are even more dramatic — the river plunges 40 metres directly off a cliff into the Mediterranean Sea, creating an unforgettable sight. The best way to see the Lower Falls is by boat, and many Bosphorus-style cruises from the old harbour include a visit. There's also a clifftop park where you can view the falls from above, with excellent cafes and picnic areas. Both waterfalls are easy to reach by public transport or taxi and make for wonderful half-day excursions during your recovery period.
Aspendos Theatre
The Aspendos Theatre is widely considered the best-preserved Roman theatre in the entire Mediterranean world, and seeing it in person is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Built in 155 AD during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the theatre could seat between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators and was designed with such acoustic precision that a coin dropped on the stage can be heard from the highest seats. The theatre's remarkable state of preservation is thanks in part to the Seljuk Turks, who used it as a caravanserai (roadside inn) in the 13th century and maintained its structure. Today, the theatre still hosts performances — the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival brings world-class performers to this ancient stage, creating an experience that is both culturally and historically unique. Aspendos is located about 47 kilometres east of Antalya, making it an easy day trip by car or organised tour. The surrounding archaeological site includes the remains of an aqueduct, a basilica, and a nymphaeum (ornamental fountain). Visiting Aspendos is one of those rare experiences that truly transports you back in time. Standing in the theatre, looking up at the perfectly preserved stone seats rising towards the Taurus Mountains, you can almost hear the echoes of the performances that took place here nearly two thousand years ago.
Available treatments
Best time to visit
May–October for beach weather, April for sightseeing
Airport
Antalya Airport (AYT)
Free cancellation before 15 days
Medical tourism in Antalya
Antalya's medical tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth, driven by the city's natural appeal as a holiday destination and its investment in modern healthcare infrastructure. The city is home to several large private hospitals and specialist clinics that hold international accreditations. Hair transplant clinics in Antalya offer the same high-quality FUE and DHI procedures available in Istanbul, often in a more relaxed, resort-like setting. Dental clinics specialise in everything from cosmetic dentistry — including Hollywood Smile makeovers and full sets of veneers — to more complex procedures like dental implants and full-mouth rehabilitations. The aesthetics scene is equally strong, with clinics offering a full range of facial and body procedures. What makes Antalya particularly attractive for medical tourism is the recovery environment. Instead of recovering in a busy urban setting, you can heal at a beachfront resort, surrounded by gardens, pools, and sea views. Many clinics have partnerships with nearby luxury hotels, offering patients special all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and post-procedure care. The combination of excellent medical care and a genuinely enjoyable recovery experience makes Antalya a top choice for patients who want their treatment trip to feel like a holiday.
Culture & history
While Antalya is best known for its beaches, the region has a remarkably rich cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. The area has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic era, and successive civilisations — including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans — have all left their mark on the landscape. The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of the best in Turkiye, housing an extraordinary collection of artefacts from the region's many ancient cities, including stunning marble sarcophagi, Roman-era statues, and delicate Byzantine icons. The old town of Kaleici is a cultural destination in its own right, with its beautifully restored Ottoman houses, ancient Roman harbour, and the iconic Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret) that has defined the city's skyline since the 13th century. Throughout the year, Antalya hosts cultural events including the Antalya Film Festival (one of the oldest in the world), the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival (held in the ancient theatre), and various music and art festivals. For patients recovering from treatment, exploring Kaleici's galleries, cafes, and shops provides gentle, enjoyable activity that aids the healing process.
Food & cuisine
Antalya's cuisine reflects its Mediterranean setting, with an emphasis on fresh seafood, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. The region is famous for its citrus fruits — particularly oranges — and you'll find fresh-squeezed orange juice at every corner. Local specialities include piyaz (a white bean salad that is Antalya's signature dish), tandir kebab (slow-roasted lamb), and sac kavurma (meat sautéed on a convex iron plate). Seafood is exceptional here — try grilled sea bass (levrek) or sea bream (cipura) at one of the harbourside restaurants in Kaleici or along the coast. For breakfast, don't miss the serpme kahvalti — an elaborate Turkish breakfast spread that's even more generous here than in other parts of Turkiye. The region also produces excellent wines, and several boutique wineries in the surrounding countryside offer tastings. Antalya's restaurant scene ranges from simple, authentic lokantas (local eateries) serving home-style cooking to sophisticated fine-dining establishments with Mediterranean views. During the summer months, open-air restaurants along the harbour and beaches create a magical dining atmosphere under the stars.
Where to stay
Antalya offers an extraordinary range of accommodation, from ultra-luxury five-star resorts to charming boutique hotels in the old town. The Lara Beach area, east of the city centre, is home to some of Turkiye's most impressive all-inclusive resorts — massive complexes with multiple pools, private beaches, spas, and entertainment facilities. The Konyaalti Beach area, west of the centre, offers a mix of modern hotels and apartments with easy access to the beach and the city. For a more intimate experience, the boutique hotels of Kaleici are hard to beat — many are converted Ottoman mansions with courtyard gardens, rooftop terraces, and just a handful of rooms. Some of the most memorable stays are at cliff-top hotels along the Falez (cliff) area, offering panoramic sea views and direct access to beaches via lifts or staircases carved into the rock. Medical tourism packages typically include accommodation at partner hotels, which are selected for their comfort, proximity to clinics, and suitability for recovering patients.
Getting around
Antalya has a modern tram system (Antray) that runs along the coast, connecting the Antalya Museum, Konyaalti Beach, the old town, and the eastern suburbs. The tram is clean, frequent, and affordable, making it the easiest way to get around the city centre. For destinations further afield, dolmus (shared minibuses) run regular routes to nearby towns and beaches. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced, though make sure the meter is running. Many medical clinics provide complimentary transfer services between your hotel, the clinic, and the airport. Antalya Airport (AYT) is located about 13 kilometres from the city centre, with regular bus services and taxis available. If you want to explore the wider region — visiting ancient sites like Aspendos, Perge, or Side — renting a car is the most convenient option, though organised day tours are also readily available.
Recovery in Antalya
Antalya is arguably the best city in Turkiye for post-treatment recovery, thanks to its combination of sunshine, sea air, comfortable resort accommodation, and gentle activities. After your procedure, you can spend your recovery days at a five-star resort — lounging by the pool, taking short walks along the beachfront promenade, or simply relaxing in a garden setting with mountain and sea views. The warm Mediterranean climate promotes healing and wellbeing, and the clean sea air is genuinely refreshing after a medical procedure. As you feel stronger, you can explore the old town of Kaleici at your own pace, take a gentle boat trip along the coast, or visit the excellent Antalya Museum. Many resorts also have spa facilities where you can enjoy gentle treatments like massages and facials (with your doctor's approval). The relaxed pace of life in Antalya, combined with the beauty of the natural surroundings, creates a recovery environment that feels more like a holiday than a medical trip.
Beaches and Nature
Antalya's coastline is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Konyaalti Beach, a long pebble beach backed by dramatic mountains, stretches along the western edge of the city and offers excellent facilities including beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports. Lara Beach, on the eastern side, features fine golden sand and is lined with luxury resorts. Beyond the city, the coastline reveals hidden gems: Kaputas Beach, a stunning cove reached by a flight of stairs carved into the cliff, is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Turkiye. Phaselis, an ancient Lycian port city surrounded by three separate beaches and pine forests, offers a unique combination of history and natural beauty. For nature lovers, the Koprulu Canyon National Park offers white-water rafting through a dramatic gorge, while the ancient Lycian Way — a 540-kilometre hiking trail — passes through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the Mediterranean. The Taurus Mountains rise sharply behind the coast, offering cooler temperatures, alpine meadows, and dramatic gorges just a short drive from the beaches. Saklikent (Hidden City), a narrow gorge carved through limestone mountains near Fethiye, is another popular excursion for those wanting to experience Turkiye's dramatic natural landscapes.
Antalya at a glance
Travel tip
The Konyaalti and Lara beach areas have the best mix of clinics and resort hotels. Many clinics partner with nearby hotels for seamless recovery stays.
Ready to visit Antalya?
Book your treatment in Antalya today. Hotel and transfers included. Free cancellation before 15 days.
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