Antalya Summer Holiday by Car: Freedom to Explore on Your Own Terms
Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most rewarding destinations for road travel. Ancient cities, crystal-clear beaches, cascading waterfalls, mountain villages, canyon trails, and a cuisine rooted in centuries of tradition — all of it is here, and almost none of it is well-served by public transport. When you rent a car, you set your own timetable, choose your own stops, and unlock parts of the region that tour buses simply never reach. At Azra Rent a Car, we have put together this seven-day summer itinerary to help you balance beach, nature, and culture across Antalya's greatest highlights. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family, or a small group, this route gives you a solid framework to adapt as you go.
Before You Set Off: Essential Preparations
A little preparation before day one makes everything smoother. For families of three to five people, an SUV or minivan is the practical choice — generous boot space matters when you are travelling with full summer luggage. Download Google Maps or Yandex Maps for offline use before you leave; phone signal can drop on the approach roads to some canyon trails and ancient sites. Plan at least one fuel stop into each day's route rather than hoping for the best; in summer, air conditioning increases fuel consumption by 15 to 20 percent compared to a cooler month, so budget accordingly. Carrying some Turkish Lira in cash is also wise — card payment is not always available at rural car parks, village roadside stalls, or smaller ancient site entrances.
Day 1: Antalya Airport to Lara — Settle In and Explore the Old City
After a long flight, the smartest move on arrival day is to keep it gentle. Collect your Azra Rent a Car vehicle at the airport, check into your hotel in Lara or Kundu, and then spend the afternoon in Antalya's magnificent Kaleiçi old quarter. Hadrian's Gate, the Roman-era harbour walls, the fluted Yivli Minaret, and the winding stone alleys are all within walking distance of each other. Note that Kaleiçi has restricted vehicle access; use one of the paid surface car parks on the outer edge of the district — a 5 to 10-minute walk brings you into the heart of the old city. In the evening, dine at one of the seafront restaurants at the old harbour, watching the sun drop below the Taurus Mountains across the bay.
Day 2: Düden Waterfalls and Köprülü Canyon Rafting
Start day two with a morning visit to Upper Düden Waterfall, just 12 km from the city centre inside a pleasant picnic park — a gentle and genuinely beautiful spot that works well for all ages. From there, drive a few kilometres to the coastal cliffs at Güzelyalı to see Lower Düden Waterfall plunging directly into the sea; this is a spectacular and surprisingly little-visited viewpoint. In the afternoon, head inland 75 km to Köprülü Canyon for white-water rafting on the Köprüçay River. Book your rafting slot in advance during July and August; operator capacity fills quickly. After the adrenaline, stay for an early dinner at one of the open-air restaurants built over the riverbanks inside the canyon — fresh trout and grilled meats in a gorge setting is an experience you will not forget.
Day 3: Side Ancient City and Manavgat Waterfall
Day three takes you east. Side is a living town built on and around the ruins of an ancient Hellenistic city — a rare combination that gives it a completely different atmosphere from a purely archaeological site. The Temple of Apollo, the Roman theatre, and the compact but excellent museum are best explored in the cool of the morning before the tour groups arrive. From Side, drive just 5 km north to Manavgat Waterfall, where a string of riverside restaurants lines the banks; lunch here with the sound of rushing water is a highlight in itself. On the way back, a quick loop through Manavgat market town is worth the detour for anyone who enjoys local commerce. The day's round trip covers approximately 130 to 150 km.
Day 4: Olympos, Çıralı, and the Chimaera Flames
Day four points you west towards one of Antalya's most mythologically charged landscapes. Olympos ancient city was for many years famous as a backpacker hub, but families have increasingly discovered it as a superb destination: the ruins are intertwined with a forested river valley leading to a beautiful pebble beach with free access. Two kilometres from Olympos, the village of Çıralı offers a completely different pace — quiet, shaded, and genuinely unspoiled. Plan to reach the Chimaera (Yanartaş) flames in the late evening; the 20-minute uphill walk through pine forest is best done as the heat subsides, and the natural flames emerging from the rock face look dramatically more impressive in darkness than in daylight. A rental car is essential for this evening excursion — the last public minibus to the area leaves in the early afternoon.
Day 5: Aspendos, Perge, and Local Market Culture
Day five is dedicated to the finest preserved ancient structures in the Antalya hinterland. Aspendos Theatre, built in the second century AD, is acknowledged by historians as one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in existence — its towering stage building is still largely intact after nearly 2,000 years. Arriving before 9 am means you will have the theatre to yourself for the first hour. After Aspendos, continue to Perge ancient city, where a long colonnaded street flanked by carved fountains leads through the heart of the Hellenistic city. If your visit falls on a local market day in Manavgat or Serik, add a quick stop; Turkish produce markets are worth experiencing. Round off the day with dinner in Belek, which offers an excellent selection of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale.
Day 6: Kaş and Kekova — A Long but Unforgettable Drive
Day six requires an early start: Kaş is 185 km from Antalya, but the coastal road through Kalkan and along the clifftops above the deep blue Aegean is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country. Kaş itself is a gem — small enough to walk, but packed with boutique shops, good restaurants, and a lively harbour. Book a morning boat trip from Kaş to Kekova to see the submerged ruins of a Lycian city lying just below the surface of a sheltered bay; the combination of ancient walls and turquoise water is stunning. Spend the afternoon browsing the Kaş bazaar streets before the drive back. Budget 4.5 to 5 hours of total driving time for this day, and consider refuelling in Kaş before the return journey.
Day 7: Termessos or Pamukkale — Your Choice
The final day offers two very different alternatives. If your party includes young children or you are feeling road-weary after six full days, Termessos ancient city is an outstanding choice — just 34 km from Antalya city centre and almost entirely unknown to mass tourism. The site sits at over 1,000 metres altitude in a national park; the combination of mountain air, pine forest, and extraordinarily dramatic ruins is genuinely special. For travellers with more stamina and an early start, Pamukkale and the Hierapolis ruins are approximately 215 km away — reachable as a day trip, but only just. We recommend an overnight stay in Pamukkale to do it justice; the travertine terraces and hot springs are far more rewarding with unhurried time.
7-Day Route Summary
| Day | Route | Approximate Distance | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airport → Lara → Kaleiçi Old Town | 30 km | City and culture |
| 2 | Düden Waterfalls → Köprülü Canyon | 170 km | Nature and adventure |
| 3 | Side → Manavgat Waterfall | 140 km | Ancient history + nature |
| 4 | Olympos → Çıralı → Chimaera Flames | 120 km | Nature and mythology |
| 5 | Aspendos → Perge | 100 km | History and archaeology |
| 6 | Kaş → Kekova | 370 km | Coastal exploration |
| 7 | Termessos or Pamukkale | 70–430 km | Mountain or thermal |
Daily Budget Estimate for a Family of Four
Planning your spending in advance prevents surprises. The figures below are approximate 2026 estimates for two adults and two children at three budget levels.
| Expense Item | Budget (TL) | Mid-Range (TL) | Comfortable (TL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car rental (per day) | 800 | 1,400 | 2,500 |
| Fuel (approx. 130 km/day) | 200 | 250 | 350 |
| Parking | 0–50 | 50–150 | 150–300 |
| Entrance fees (ancient sites etc.) | 100 | 250 | 500 |
| Lunch (4 people) | 300 | 600 | 1,200 |
| Dinner (4 people) | 400 | 900 | 2,000 |
| Activities (rafting, boat trip etc.) | 0 | 400 | 1,000 |
| Estimated daily total | 1,800–2,000 | 3,850–4,000 | 8,000+ |
These figures are indicative and subject to seasonal variation. Fuel prices fluctuate daily in Turkey — check the current rate before each day's drive. A practical money-saving tip: purchasing a combined museum pass (Müzekart) before visiting multiple archaeological sites can significantly reduce your total entrance fees compared to buying individual tickets.
Tips for Families Travelling with Young Children
A summer road trip with small children is immensely rewarding with a little extra planning.
- Book your child seat in advance: Request the appropriate age-group seat when making your reservation with Azra Rent a Car. Last-minute requests risk unavailability during peak season.
- Drive outside peak heat hours: Between 11 am and 4 pm, cabin temperatures inside a parked car soar quickly. Plan long drives in the early morning or after 5 pm when the day cools down.
- Shade strategy at open sites: Aspendos, Side, and Perge involve significant walking across open ground. Hats, high-SPF sunscreen, and plenty of water are non-negotiable; plan shaded rest stops.
- In-car entertainment: For the longer drives — especially the Kaş route — tablets loaded with offline content, headphones, and a snack bag save everyone's sanity.
- Build in a midday rest: For children under five, an early afternoon rest at the hotel or beach makes the second half of the day far more enjoyable for the whole family.
- Buggy considerations: Baby pushchairs are impractical on the uneven stone surfaces of ancient sites. A soft structured carrier or backpack carrier is a much better option.
Book Your Summer Car Rental Early
Antalya's peak summer season runs from mid-June through to the end of September. Vehicle availability drops rapidly as the season builds — particularly for SUVs and minivans, which are in highest demand from family groups. We strongly recommend booking at least two to three weeks ahead once your travel dates are confirmed. Early bookings also unlock our best pricing. Child seats, navigation devices, and other extras should all be requested at reservation stage to guarantee availability. Rentals of seven days or more qualify for priority vehicle selection and preferential rates. Browse our full fleet to compare categories and current prices, or contact us to build a personalised itinerary — our team knows the region inside out and is happy to help you plan the perfect Antalya summer drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, October is great for swimming. Sea temperatures are around 24 degrees, which is warmer than the UK in August. Many locals swim until November.
Absolutely. Winter is ideal for golf, sightseeing, and exploring without crowds. Temperatures are mild (10-18 degrees) and car rental prices are at their lowest.
November to March offers the lowest prices for flights, hotels, and car rental. January and February are the absolute cheapest months.
It almost never snows on the coast. However, the nearby Taurus Mountains get snow from December to March, and there is even a ski resort (Saklikent) just 50 km away.