The Freedom of Exploring Antalya by Car
Antalya is one of Turkey's most geographically diverse provinces. On one side, the Mediterranean stretches out in every shade of blue; on the other, the snow-capped peaks of the Taurus Mountains rise dramatically above the coast. Exploring this extraordinary landscape by car — free from tour bus schedules and public transport timetables — delivers a travel experience that simply cannot be replicated any other way. Antalya's most scenic driving routes range from legendary coastal highways to winding mountain roads that climb through ancient forests to remote highland villages.
At Azra Rent a Car, you will find the perfect vehicle for every one of these routes in our fleet. From compact economy cars to four-wheel-drive SUVs, every road type is covered. We also share our vehicle recommendations for each route throughout this guide.
Route 1: Antalya to Side — The Classic Coastal Drive (D400)
This is the definitive coastal road of the Antalya region. The D400 highway runs east from the city centre all the way to Manavgat, passing through dozens of villages, ancient ruins, and public beaches along the way. Aspendos ancient theatre, the Side ruins, and Manavgat Waterfall are the headline stops on this route.
- Distance: Antalya to Side — approximately 75 km
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours (excluding stops)
- Difficulty: Easy — flat coastal road, wide lanes
- Best Season: April to November
- Recommended Vehicle: Any vehicle; a saloon or compact is perfectly adequate
- Photo Stops: Side harbour entrance, Apollon Temple at sunset
Traffic can build around the Aspendos junction during summer. Setting out early in the morning gives you both clearer roads and better natural light for photography.
Route 2: Antalya to Kaş — The Breathtaking Coastal Curve
One of the most spectacular coastal drives in the entire Mediterranean region, this route sweeps west from Antalya to Kaş. The Kemer pass, Phaselis ancient harbour, the Church of St Nicholas (Santa Claus) in Demre, and the secluded coves around Kaş are the standout highlights. Sea views are constant throughout, with a new cove or ancient ruin appearing around every bend.
- Distance: Antalya to Kaş — approximately 185 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours (excluding stops)
- Difficulty: Moderate — some sections involve narrow, winding roads
- Best Season: April to October
- Recommended Vehicle: SUV or mid-size saloon; start with a full tank
- Photo Stops: Phaselis bay, Uçağız village harbour, Kaş clock tower
Route 3: Antalya to Saklikent Canyon — Mountain Escape
Only 50 kilometres from the city centre, Saklikent Gorge holds snow on its upper reaches in winter while offering refreshing riverside walks in summer. The route follows the Antalya–Fethiye highway along the foothills of the Ak Mountains and through the Eşen River valley. The ancient ruins of Tlos and Pınara also lie along this stretch of road.
- Distance: Antalya to Saklikent — approximately 50 km
- Duration: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Moderate — mountain passes, snow risk in winter
- Best Season: March to November (4x4 recommended in winter)
- Recommended Vehicle: SUV or 4x4; winter tyres essential from December to February
- Photo Stops: Gorge entrance bridge, Tlos acropolis panorama
Route 4: Termessos and Güllük Mountain — Summit Drive
Perched just 34 kilometres north of Antalya city centre, the ancient city of Termessos is the defining landmark of the high-mountain route. The road passes through Güllük Mountain National Park, winding through pine forests where wild mountain goats graze — and eventually revealing a sweeping panorama over the Bay of Antalya. This is a short route, but one of the most majestic in the region.
- Distance: Antalya to Termessos — approximately 34 km
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging — high elevation, narrow forest road
- Best Season: September to May (summer can be extremely hot)
- Recommended Vehicle: SUV or vehicle with high ground clearance
- Photo Stops: Termessos amphitheatre, Antalya Bay panorama from the summit
Route 5: Köprülü Canyon — Rafting Road Adventure
For those heading to Köprülü Canyon, Turkey's most celebrated white-water rafting destination, a rental car is by far the most comfortable option. The mountain road climbs north from Serik, passing the ancient city of Selge before descending to the canyon itself. Village markets, ancient olive groves, and Roman stone bridges create a vivid historical atmosphere throughout the drive.
- Distance: Antalya to Köprülü Canyon — approximately 95 km
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate — the final 15 km may involve unpaved or gravel road
- Best Season: March to June (snow melt makes for the most exciting rapids)
- Recommended Vehicle: SUV strongly advised; smaller cars may struggle on the last section
Route 6: Alanya Coastal Drive and the Inner Fortress
Alanya is Antalya's most popular eastern destination, combining impressive history with natural beauty. The coastal road running from Konyaaltı to Alanya passes through dozens of beach towns before delivering you to the dramatic Red Tower (Kızılkule) and the hilltop inner fortress. Cleopatra Beach, Damlataş Cave, and the Dim River valley are also worth stopping for along the way.
- Distance: Antalya to Alanya — approximately 130 km
- Duration: 2–2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy — motorway and coastal road
- Best Season: Year-round (quieter and more peaceful in winter)
- Recommended Vehicle: Any vehicle
- Photo Stops: Alanya Peninsula aerial viewpoint, inner fortress walls
Driving Routes at a Glance: Distance and Difficulty Table
| Route | Total Distance | Estimated Duration | Difficulty | Recommended Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antalya – Side (Coastal) | 75 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Easy | Saloon / Compact |
| Antalya – Kaş (Coastal) | 185 km | 3–4 hrs | Moderate | SUV / Saloon |
| Antalya – Saklikent | 50 km | 1 hr | Moderate | SUV |
| Antalya – Termessos | 34 km | 45 min | Moderate–Challenging | SUV / 4x4 |
| Antalya – Köprülü Canyon | 95 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Moderate | SUV |
| Antalya – Alanya | 130 km | 2–2.5 hrs | Easy | Any vehicle |
Route 7: Olympos and Chimaera (Çıralı) — History and Natural Fire
One of the most mystical drives in the entire Antalya region, the Olympos–Çıralı route combines ancient ruins, a secluded beach camp, and an astonishing natural phenomenon: the Chimaera (Yanartaş), where natural gas seeping from the mountainside has kept flames burning for thousands of years. The flickering lights scattered across the hillside after dark are one of the most unforgettable sights in Turkey.
- Distance: Antalya to Olympos — approximately 80 km
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate — the descent road to Olympos is narrow and steep
- Best Season: April to November (autumn is ideal for seeing the Chimaera at night)
- Recommended Vehicle: SUV or vehicle with good ground clearance
- Photo Stops: Chimaera night photography, Olympos beach entrance
Entry to Olympos is through a ticketed ancient site gate. Parking areas are located several hundred metres before the entrance. The walk up to Chimaera is a separate hiking trail, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Practical Tips Before You Set Off
Before any drive in the Antalya region, there are a few important points to keep in mind. Fuel stations are plentiful in major towns, but on mountain routes and along the canyon roads, long gaps between stations are common. Always start with a full tank.
GPS signal can be weak in deep mountain areas; we recommend downloading an offline map app before you leave. In coastal towns, roadside parking is often metered — keep some coins handy. All vehicles from our fleet come with per-seat insurance and a roadside assistance package as standard, so you can drive with confidence on every route.
Best Photo Spots for Photography Enthusiasts
The Antalya region is extraordinarily rich for landscape and travel photography. Along the coastal routes, the beach in front of the Side archaeology museum, the Apollon Temple silhouette at golden hour, and the Alanya peninsula viewpoint are all iconic. On mountain routes, the panorama of Antalya Bay from Güllük Mountain and the sheer walls of Saklikent Canyon are spectacular in any light.
For sunset photography, the Chimaera flames on the Olympos hillside create an otherworldly backdrop, while the first light of dawn breaking over the Termessos amphitheatre produces images that are genuinely breathtaking. Arriving at these locations by rental car means you can be there exactly when the light is right — something no tour bus can offer.
Choose the Right Car for the Right Route
When planning your car rental in Antalya, deciding on your route first will directly inform your vehicle choice. On coastal drives, an economy car keeps costs down perfectly well. On mountain and canyon routes, an SUV gives you the ground clearance, traction, and power you need to stay comfortable and safe. Share your itinerary with us and we can make a personalised vehicle recommendation.
For multi-day touring plans, a weekly rental package is always the most cost-effective solution. Using Belek or Antalya as your base, you can radiate outwards along any of these routes — from the turquoise coves of Kaş in the west to the historic grandeur of Alanya in the east — entirely at your own pace. Browse our fleet to find the right vehicle, or visit our contact page to make a reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. All Azra Rent a Car rentals include unlimited mileage, making them perfect for road trips of any length.
The Eastern Riviera (Belek to Side to Alanya) is easy driving on good roads with great variety. The Kemer Coastal Loop is perfect for a shorter trip.
Yes. Main roads and motorways are modern and well-maintained. Mountain and coastal roads are narrower but in good condition. Road signage is clear.
Yes. Just inform us when booking. Azra Rent a Car allows long-distance trips throughout Turkey.