Antalya is Turkey's premier Mediterranean resort province, stretching along the stunning Turquoise Coast and offering a captivating blend of ancient ruins, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The region is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world alongside luxurious all-inclusive resorts and a vibrant old town.
Antalya is one of Turkey's safest cities for international tourists and consistently receives millions of visitors each year without major incidents. Standard travel precautions apply regarding petty theft in tourist areas, taxi overcharging, and sun protection.
Current safety advisory
Low
Antalya is considered safe with a Level 1-2 advisory from most Western governments (exercise normal or increased caution). The city has a significant tourist police presence in major areas. The main risks are petty crime targeting tourists and occasional scams in tourist districts.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions; Antalya is generally safe for tourism
Standard Precautions
General travel advisory for Turkey; Antalya and tourist coast are considered safe for visitors
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Always insist that taxi drivers use the meter (taksimetre); BiTaksi app is recommended to avoid overcharging
Keep valuables in your hotel safe, especially when on the beach; theft from unattended belongings is common on crowded beaches
Be cautious of restaurant touts in Kaleiçi who lead tourists to overpriced establishments; always check menus with prices before sitting down
Use official Antalya municipality taxis (yellow with TAKSI sign) rather than unmarked vehicles
Stay hydrated and use strong sunscreen in summer; heatstroke is a genuine risk in July-August when temperatures exceed 40°C
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites; cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a headscarf
Be alert to pickpockets in crowded markets, the covered bazaar, and near popular tourist sites
Carry your passport or a photocopy when traveling; Turkish authorities may request ID at checkpoints
Women travelers should be aware that some areas of Antalya are more conservative; dress according to your surroundings
At beach areas, be cautious with alcohol consumption and avoid isolated areas at night
If invited to a 'free' carpet demonstration or tea, understand there will be pressure to buy; it's fine to say no
Earthquake awareness: Turkey is seismically active; familiarize yourself with emergency procedures; Antalya itself has lower risk than eastern Turkey
For medical emergencies, Antalya Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi is a well-equipped public hospital; many private hospitals serve tourists
Water safety: rip currents exist at some open beaches; observe local warning flags and swim at flagged beach areas
When hiking in Taurus Mountains, always carry water, a map, and notify someone of your route; mobile reception can be patchy
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi meter scam
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers 'forget' to use the meter or tamper with it, charging 3-5x the correct fare, especially from the airport
How to avoid: Use the BiTaksi app, insist on the meter being activated immediately, or use the Havaş shuttle from the airport
Restaurant menu bait-and-switch
Touts lead tourists into restaurants showing cheap laminated menus; actual bill is much higher or items not on menu are added
How to avoid: Choose restaurants based on reviews, always check posted menus before sitting, confirm prices for fish (sold by weight)
Carpet / leather shop pressure
Friendly approach, free tea offer, and then aggressive sales pressure for expensive carpets or leather goods with inflated prices
How to avoid: Only visit shops you choose to enter, never feel obligated to buy, and be willing to walk away
Fake excursion sellers
Street sellers offer 'special' boat trips or excursions at lower prices than hotels; boats may be unsafe or not match what was advertised
How to avoid: Book excursions through established hotels or registered travel agencies
Shoe cleaning trick
Someone 'accidentally' drops their shoe-cleaning brush; when you pick it up they offer to clean your shoes then demand payment
How to avoid: Simply don't engage; walk on if approached with 'accidental' drops
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No mandatory vaccinations for entering Turkey; Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are recommended; ensure routine vaccinations are current
- Water
- Tap water in Antalya is treated but chlorinated; bottled water is recommended and widely available at $0.50-1 per liter; use tap water for brushing teeth
- Food
- Food hygiene is generally good in established restaurants; exercise caution with street food vendors in terms of freshness; seafood should be fresh and cooked thoroughly
- Facilities
- Antalya has excellent medical facilities including public hospitals and private hospitals accustomed to treating international patients; travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Antalya is excellent for solo travelers. The city is well-lit, has tourist police presence in key areas, and locals are generally welcoming and helpful. Stay in social guesthouses in Kaleiçi to meet other travelers. The main risks are restaurant scams and taxi overcharging which affect solo travelers more.
Female travellers
Antalya is considered safe for women traveling solo with normal precautions. Dress conservatively outside beach and resort areas, especially when visiting mosques or markets. Evening walks in Kaleiçi and along the waterfront are generally safe; use common sense in less-lit areas. The resort areas (Lara, Konyaaltı) are particularly comfortable for solo female travelers.
Families
Antalya is an extremely family-friendly destination with world-class resort infrastructure. All-inclusive hotels on Lara Beach provide secure, child-friendly environments. Public beaches have lifeguards in summer. Children are warmly welcomed in restaurants.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Turkey but same-sex partnerships are not legally recognized and public displays of affection may draw unwanted attention in conservative areas. Antalya's tourist and resort areas are relatively tolerant, but discretion is advised outside international hotels and tourist districts. The LGBTQ+ community operates mostly through private networks rather than public venues.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 155
- Medical
- 112
- Embassy
- Contact your country's embassy in Ankara or consulate in Istanbul; the nearest US Consulate to Antalya is in Istanbul
- Tourist Police
- Jandarma in tourist areas; tourist police office in Kaleiçi harbor area