With only a long weekend to spare, there is plenty to see and do on a road trip from Antalya to Istanbul. This short-but-sweet road trip itinerary will help you explore Turkey as the locals do. The driving distance from Antalya to Istanbul is 993 km, which can easily be covered in almost 11-12 hours. However, it’s recommended to spend 3-5 days to make the most of your trip.
Turkey has something thrilling for every kind of traveler. From world-famous hot air ballooning, beautiful beaches, historical sites, to iconic Grand Bazaar, you’ll find everything here. It’s just one exciting rambling moment after the next, and to your surprise, Turkey travel is very easy to navigate. At this Turkey travel itinerary, you will find travel guides, useful information like the best time to travel to Turkey, places to stay and eat, the top places to visit, and much more. So, start your road trip Antalya, Turkey’s 2nd most popular tourist destination after Istanbul.
Antalya
- Recommended days: 1-2
- Famous for: Waterfalls, Beach, Castles
Antalya hosts travelers for various reasons, be it someone looking for a luxury experience, or culture hunters in search of historic treasures. The natural beauty of Antalya offers picturesque panoramic views to visitors. Natural wonders like the Duden Waterfalls and the Chimera are must-visit here. You can also explore the old town Kaleiçi, as there are several things to see here like Hadrian’s Gate, the Roman Tower, Yivli Minare Mosque, and the Antalya.
It doesn’t matter whether you are on a luxury vacation or a budget traveler, because the wide range of hotels, bars, and restaurants ensures that you will find what you are looking for.
Top 5 Attractions in Antalya
Düden Waterfalls
Is a group of waterfalls in the province of Antalya, Turkey
Hadrian Castle Gate
located in Antalya, Turkey, is a triumphal arch Gate honoring Roman emperor’s visit
Konyaaltı Beach
located on the western side of the city on the cliffs to the Beydağl
Antalya Museum
Antalya Archeological Museum is one of Turkey’s largest museum
Kurşunlu Waterfall
it is a nature park with a waterfall & more. It is one of the tributaries of the Aksu River.
Where to Stay in Antalya
- Hostel Vague: Budget hotel, centrally located
- Beyaz Butik Hotel: homestay, offer private en-suite rooms
- White Garden Hotel: rooftop terrace, outdoor pool with easy beach access
Places to Eat in Antalya
- Arma Restaurant: outdoor seating, late-night food available
- Rokka Pizza Falafel: Casual, good for kids
- Seraser Fine Dining Restaurant: Beer, outdoor seating
Antalya to Dalaman via Road
When you are done exploring Antalya and its richness of attractions, you can move forward to your next destination for this road trip. While Dalaman is almost 3 hours away via D330, we recommend a few pit stops.
- Drive on highway D400 and make a stop at Mount Tahtali, which is located on the outskirts of Kemer. If you have enough time, you can even travel to the summit base in a cable car.
- The Chimaera flames near the resort of Cirali is another spot worth visiting. Natural gases oozing out of rocks means that flames are alight 24 hours a day seven days a week.
- Further on D400 highway, drive through Kas- a small coastal resort that has maintained its traditional roots as a fishing village.
- On route D330 head to the resort of Olu Deniz for the beautiful and natural scenery of Butterfly valley.
Dalaman
- Recommended days: 1/2-1
- Famous for: Beaches, Rivers, Water Sports
Dalaman is a small town on the southwestern coast of Turkey, in Muğla province. Basically, the area is associated with party crowds, older British holidaymakers, and all-inclusive resorts. Dalaman is surrounded by some popular towns like Marmaris, Ölüdeniz, and Fethiye that are worth exploring. The best part of the Dalaman is the Dalyan River. You can also visit the Kayaköy Ghost town, which is an ancient, and now empty village to the south of Fethiye in the Taurus Mountains.
Top 5 Attractions in Dalaman
Blue Lagoon
Float in the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz. It is one of the most photops places on the Turkish coast.
Göcek
Being the sailing capital of the Dalaman region, Göcek offers a great place to have lunch at al-fresco and watch yachting
Ölüdeniz
Visit Ölüdeniz, which is world famous for paragliding. Babadag Mountain- the take-off site is also one of the highest commercial take-off zones in the world.
Fethiye
from fresh fruit to exotic spices to jewelery, clothes, and shoes, you can find everything at Fethiye’s Tuesday market.
Marmaris
Hit the biggest party clubs on the coast of Marmaris.
Where to Stay in Dalaman
- Liberty Hotel Oludeniz: outdoor pool and free WiFi
- Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa: indoor & outdoor pool, spa
- D’Resort Grand Azur: beachfront resort, Indoor, and outdoor pool
Places to Eat in Dalaman
- Cinar: Turkish, Mediterranean cuisine
- Akkaya Garden Restaurant: International, Turkish
- Yakamoz: Italian, Mexican
Dalaman to Istanbul via Road
The drive from Dalaman to Istanbul via A22 is quite long, which can take up to 8 hours. So, you can make a few stops in between to make your journey more relaxing and interesting.
- Drive via Muğla Fethiye Yolu to Dalyan. The Dalyan coast is known for its sandy beaches, Iztuzu Beach on the Turkish Aegean and Mediterranean shoreline.
- Continuing on the road towards Marmaris, make a stop and visit the national park along with plenty of other eye-catching sights.
- Further, on route D330, make a stop to visit Kocagöl Lake. If you have time, go for a thermal mud spa in Dalyan Peloid.
Istanbul
- Recommended days: 1-2
- Famous for: Art & Culture, Museums, Amusement Parks
Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey and acts as the economic, cultural, and historic center. Istanbul is a very popular tourist hub and the only city covering 2 continents. This Turkish city is undoubtedly every traveler’s dream. While traveling in Istanbul, a visit to the world-famous Blue Mosque is a must along with Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia. Travel back to old times by visiting the Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern. Also, spend some time rejuvenating your body at a local hammam or Turkish bath. Sip on some divine Turkish coffee and feast on delicious food and baklava, before leaving for the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Top 5 Attractions in Istanbul
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
It is the most iconic monument in Turkey.
Hagia Sophia
is a beautiful Byzantine basilica museum with glittering mosaics depicting biblical scenes.
Topkapı Palace
is a huge opulent historic Ottoman-era palace complex and museum built-in 1478.
Basilica Cistern
The historical landmark comprises huge restored Roman waterworks that showcases Greek architecture.
Dolmabahçe Palace
It is a Museum in an ornate Ottoman sultan’s palace.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
- Big Apple Hostel & Hotel: both dormitory room and private rooms
- Meserret Palace Hotel: 4 Star hotel offers en-suite rooms
- Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet: Luxy hotel, close to Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace
Places to Eat in Istanbul
- Çiya Sofrası: Turkish restaurant with a rooftop terrace
- Asitane: art-lined walls & patio tables serving traditional Turkish cuisine
- Sunset Grill & Bar: serving Med food & sushi, bar on a hilltop with views