Antalya is the capital of Turkey's Turquoise Coast — a stunning Mediterranean city with a walled old town, dramatic cliffs, ancient Roman ruins, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. The surrounding coastline, stretching hundreds of kilometers in both directions, offers ancient Lycian cities, pine-forested coves, and mountain backdrops that rival anything in Greece or Italy, at a fraction of the price.
Antalya Airport (AYT) is 13 km east of the city center and is Turkey's busiest leisure airport. Car rental companies operate from both Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 2 (domestic). Operators include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise, and Turkish companies like Garenta and B-Rent. Turkey offers excellent rental value — economy cars from €10-€20/day, making it one of Europe's cheapest markets.
Insurance is important in Turkey. Basic coverage often has high excesses (€1,000+). Full CDW with zero excess is recommended, especially on mountain roads.
The ancient Lycian civilization left extraordinary cliff tombs, hilltop cities, and coastal ruins along the coast southwest of Antalya. While the Lycian Way is famous as a hiking trail, many sites are accessible by car:
Turkish driving requires confidence but is manageable with preparation:
The D400 highway from Antalya to Fethiye (220 km) is one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful coastal drives. The road hugs clifftops above impossibly blue water, dipping into coves and passing through small towns. Beyond Fethiye, the road continues to the Dalyan river delta (loggerhead turtle nesting beaches), Marmaris, and eventually Bodrum. The full Antalya-to-Bodrum drive is 470 km and makes a spectacular 3-5 day road trip.
Turkey uses the Turkish lira (TRY); the exchange rate fluctuates significantly. Many tourist businesses accept euros, but you will get a better rate with lira. Petrol stations are frequent along the D400. Turkey is not in the EU, so cross-border rental travel (to Greece or Bulgaria) is usually prohibited or carries significant surcharges. The best driving season is April-June and September-November — summer (July-August) is extremely hot (40°C+) and crowded along the coast.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Antalya:
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kaleiçi (Old Town) | TRY 30/hr (~€0.85) | The walled old town has extremely narrow streets. Park outside and walk in. Small car parks on the perimeter. |
| Konyaaltı Beach Area | TRY 20/hr (~€0.55) | Metered parking along the popular western beach. Municipal car parks available for TRY 100/day (~€2.80). |
| Shopping Mall Parking (MarkAntalya / TerraCity) | Free (first 2 hrs) | Large malls offer free parking for shoppers. A practical option for leaving your car while exploring. |
Traffic note: Antalya is Turkey's fastest-growing city and traffic has increased significantly. The D400 coastal highway carries heavy traffic through the city. Turkish drivers are assertive — frequent lane changes, close following, and creative interpretation of traffic rules are standard. Roundabouts can be chaotic. Outside the city, coastal roads are generally good but mountain roads inland can be winding and narrow. Speed cameras are common on the D400. The city has a modern tram system covering the main tourist areas.
Book your Antalya rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at AYT pickup locations.
One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, still used for performances. The 15,000-seat amphitheater from the 2nd century AD has remarkable acoustics.
Surreal white travertine terraces cascading down a hillside, filled with thermal pools. The ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis sits atop the formations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ancient Lycian ruins in a forested gorge reaching the sea, with a beautiful beach. Nearby, the Chimaera — eternal natural gas flames burning from the mountainside — is mystical at night.
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