Antalya Day Trip from Side: Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate & Kurşunlu Waterfall
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Casual walking ability; must be comfortable on uneven cobblestones and short stair climbs
Overview
Spend a day exploring Antalya’s Kaleiçi, from Hadrian’s Gate and the clock tower to a cooling stop at Kurşunlu Waterfall. This full-day tour from Side pairs guided context with free time for independent discovery.
Antalya Day Trip from Side: Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate & Kurşunlu Waterfall
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Morning light hits the Mediterranean like a promise as the minibus slips out of Side and follows the coast toward Antalya. By the time guests step into Kaleiçi — Antalya’s compact, centuries-old old town — the city has already arranged its contrasts: marble Roman arches framing sleek yacht masts, Ottoman wooden houses facing boutique cafés. For four hours the town belongs to the traveler: wandering cobbled lanes, peering through arches at blue sea, and finding the slow cadence of a city that has been a crossroads for Greeks, Romans and Ottomans.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Comfortable shoes
Kaleiçi’s cobbles and short stairways reward sturdy walking shoes over sandals.
Bring water and cash
Carry a refillable bottle and some Turkish lira for small museum fees or vendors; ATM lines can be slow.
Plan museum priorities
You’ll have about four hours in the Old Town—choose one or two museums or sights to avoid rushing.
Optional waterfall fee
Entrance to Kurşunlu Waterfall is optional and paid locally; budget a small amount if you wish to enter.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- House sparrows and swifts common in Kaleiçi
- Freshwater fish and kingfishers near Kurşunlu Waterfall
History
Antalya served as a key Roman port and later a Seljuk stronghold; layers of architecture reflect centuries of Mediterranean trade and empire.
Conservation
Kurşunlu Waterfall sits within a protected green area—visitors are asked to stay on paths, avoid littering, and respect quiet zones to protect sensitive riparian habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Side
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and traction for cobbled streets and stairways in Kaleiçi.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated in Antalya’s Mediterranean heat; refill stations or cafés are available.
summer specific
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)
Open waterfront and midday sun make sun protection necessary in warm months.
summer specific
Light packable jacket
Early mornings or sea breezes can be cool; a thin layer is handy year-round.
spring specific