Sun, Sea and Storybook Streets: My May Escape to Antalya

I swopped my desk for the turquoise coast of Türkiye and spent eight unforgettable days exploring Antalya and beyond. Flying with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, the journey itself was smooth and comfortable, and set the tone for a trip filled with warm hospitality, incredible food and some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever experienced.

Staying in the Heart of History: Antalya’s Old Town 

For eight nights I based myself in Antalya’s charming old town. This is the historic core of the city, where narrow, cobbled streets twist between traditional houses, colourful bougainvillea spills over whitewashed walls, and every corner seems to hide a little café or boutique.

Each day began with the sounds of the harbour drifting up from below and the scent of fresh coffee from nearby cafés. I loved simply wandering without a plan, discovering tiny squares, old stone archways and viewpoints over the sparkling Mediterranean.

In the afternoons, it was an easy stroll down to the beach. There is something wonderfully indulgent about lazing on a sunbed with the old town behind you and the sea stretching out in front. It was the perfect balance of culture and relaxation.

Sweet Treats: Dondurma and Turkish Delight

No trip to Türkiye is complete without sampling a few local treats, and Antalya did not disappoint. I quickly developed a soft spot for dondurma, the famous stretchy Turkish ice cream. Buying a cone is half theatre and half dessert, with vendors playfully spinning the ice cream, flipping cones and trying to trick you before you finally get your scoop. The texture is wonderfully chewy and it holds up beautifully in the warm weather.

I also made it my mission to try as many different types of Turkish delight as possible. From classic rose and lemon to pistachio‑studded cubes dusted in powdered sugar, every shop seemed to have its own speciality. It was the perfect little pick‑me‑up while wandering the streets, and a lovely souvenir to bring home.

A Night in a Fairy‑Tale Cave Hotel: Cappadocia

One of the absolute highlights of my trip was a 1‑night overnight visit to Cappadocia. Rather than rushing through on a day trip, I took my time and stayed in a traditional cave hotel. Waking up in a room carved straight into the rock, with soft lighting, stone alcoves and thick walls that kept everything beautifully cool, felt like stepping into another world.

The landscapes outside were just as magical: soft, sculpted rock formations, honeycombed cliffs and the famous “fairy chimneys” that make this region so unique. With an evening and a morning to explore, I had time for panoramic viewpoints, wandering among the valleys and soaking up the almost other‑worldly atmosphere before returning to the coast.

Balloons and Cotton Castles: A Day at Pamukkale

Another standout experience was a full‑day visit to Pamukkale, with its dazzling white terraces and mineral-rich pools. From a distance the hillside looks like it is dusted with snow, but up close you see the intricate patterns carved by water and time.

I started the day with a hot air balloon flight over Pamukkale. Watching the first light of the morning spill over the travertine “cotton castles” and the surrounding countryside from above was unforgettable. As we floated quietly over the landscape, the white terraces, turquoise pools and patchwork fields below looked even more surreal and beautiful.

Walking barefoot along the warm, flowing water afterwards, with the memory of the balloon still fresh in my mind, made the whole experience feel extra special. Combined with the ruins of ancient Hierapolis nearby, it was a wonderful blend of natural wonder, gentle adventure and history.

Scooter Adventures and Mountain Views

Back in Antalya, I decided to hire a scooter for a day and explore the coastline. I rode out towards Kemer, a coastal town framed by pine-covered mountains and clear blue sea. It is a beautiful stretch of coast, with plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or a quick photo.

From there I went up by teleferique (cable car) to Mount Olympos. Rising high above the coastline, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking: sweeping vistas over the Mediterranean, rugged peaks and the coastline stretching off into the distance. It really puts the scale of the region into perspective and is a must for anyone who loves a good viewpoint.

Slow Moments by the Sea

Between the big adventures, some of my favourite memories are the simple ones: wandering the old streets with an ice cream, settling into a café to watch the world go by, or finding a quiet spot on the beach to read and swim.

Antalya in May was a joy: warm but not overly hot, the sea already inviting, and the city buzzing but not yet in peak-season mode. It felt like the ideal time to be there.

Final Thoughts

My trip to Antalya was the perfect blend of city charm, beach time and big-ticket experiences. From my night in a cave hotel in Cappadocia and a sunrise balloon flight over Pamukkale, to mountain views above Kemer, sweet dondurma stops and lazy days by the sea, it offered something special every single day.

If you are dreaming of a holiday that mixes relaxation with adventure, history with natural beauty, Antalya is a fantastic choice. 

If this sounds like your kind of escape, I would love to help you plan your own tailor‑made Antalya adventure: get in touch and we can start shaping your perfect trip.