What three days realistically covers
Three days is enough for a genuinely satisfying first taste of Antalya — the old town, one waterfall or beach, and one nearby ancient site — without the rushed feeling of a single-day stopover. It's not enough for a day trip to Pamukkale or the Köprülü Canyon; save those for a longer stay.
Day 1: Kaleiçi & the harbour
Spend your first day entirely in the old town. Start at the Yivli Minare, work your way down through the lanes toward Hadrian's Gate, and finish at the old harbour, timing it for late afternoon so you're there as the light softens. Have dinner at a harbourside restaurant or a quieter lokanta a street back. See our full Kaleiçi guide for the detail.
Day 2: A waterfall & a beach
Morning at the Upper Düden Falls, walking right up to (and behind) the water, then an afternoon at Konyaaltı Beach — close enough to the centre to combine both in one day without excessive transit time. If sand matters more than proximity, swap in Lara Beach instead, but budget more travel time.
Day 3: One ancient site
Pick one: Aspendos for the single most impressive structure (the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere), or Perge if you'd rather walk through a full ancient city at a relaxed pace. Both are roughly 40–45 minutes from the centre and pair well with a stop at the Antalya Museum on the way back if you have energy left.