Antalya, better known as the Turkish Riviera, is a paradise for every outdoor enthusiast. While humans throng its white shores and ancient ruins, Antalya has something of a thrill-seeking option for adrenalin-starved travelers, too. Be it a paragliding session over the Turquoise Coast or diving into the mystical world of the deep, Antalya boasts simply endless ways in which one can relive nature in its most thrilling.

To experience the best of the variety of landscapes in the area, car rental driving is the most convenient way to get around the hills, beaches, and action areas. Reservation through Localrent, a local car rental aggregator, is the most convenient way to reserve a good car that meets your needs. With the freedom of having your own car, you can readily find Antalya's hidden gems and outdoor adventures at your own pace.

Paragliding Over the Mediterranean

 

Take Flight from the Taurus Mountains

If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring like a bird, paragliding in Antalya is the perfect way to make it happen. The Taurus Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for this experience, offering incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea, golden beaches, and ancient ruins.

One of the best paragliding sites in Antalya is Kas, a tiny beach town with a takeoff that is dominated by a beautiful coastline. The flight takes around 20–30 minutes, which is long enough to take in the beautiful views from the top.

Best Paragliding Sites in Antalya

• Kas – Perfect for beginners, with smooth takeoffs and open-wide views.
• Alanya – A takeoff that is higher in altitude with breathtaking sea views.
• Olympos – Heart-stopping glide down from Mount Tahtali at 2,365 meters and land near Cirali Beach.

What to Expect

• No experience necessary – Experienced guides guide every flight.
• Casual clothing is recommended – Sneakers and a light jacket are best for takeoff.
• Unforgettable adrenaline ride – The combination of altitude, speed, and view creates an unforgettable ride.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Crystal Waters
 

Discover Underwater Treasures

Antalya's coast is not only stunning from above – it's equally beguiling underwater. With pristine seas that are teeming with sea life and old shipwrecks, Antalya diving is one experience that an ocean lover wouldn't want to miss.

One of the best-known dive spots is the Kas Underwater Park, which features a sunken Douglas DC-3 airplane, an artificial reef now inhabited by vibrant fish life. Not to be overlooked is Kekova Island, where divers may dive down upon partially submerged ancient buildings from Lycian times.

Top Diving & Snorkeling Spots

• Kas – A wreck diver's, reef diver's, and cave diver's paradise.
• Kekova – Snorkel over the remains of an underwater village.
• Kemer – Great for beginners, shallow reefs and abundant sea life.

Diving Basics

• All levels welcome – From beginner to advanced divers, there's something for everyone.
• Visibility in the water is excellent – Often over 30 meters, providing stunning underwater scenery.
• Diving is from April to November – The Summer months have the warmest water.

Hiking Through Antalya's Natural Wonders

 

Walk the Lycian Way

For those who enjoy having their toes wet, Antalya boasts some of Turkey's finest trekking trails. The best-known is the 500-km Lycian Way along the coast, along forest, cliff, and ancient site.

Most celebrated of all, however, is the Olympos-Çirali section that runs through beautiful woods and deposits you onto the lovely Çirali Beach, where there's the unforgettable image of millennia-old fires from Mount Chimaera — millennial-long-burning natural gas vents.

Top Hiking Trails in Antalya

• Mount Tahtali (Olympos) Trail – Challenging mountain hike with great top views.
• Göynük Canyon – Waterfalls-and-natural-pool scenic hike.
• Termessos Ruins – A historic hike to a hidden Pisidian city in the mountains.

Hiking Advice

• Wear solid shoes – Trails can be rocky and on a slope.
• Start early – Avoid hiking during the day.
• Bring plenty of water – There are few drinking water sources on most trails.

White-Water Rafting in Köprülü Canyon
 

A spine-tingling river adventure

For the thrill-seeker who loves raging rivers and rapids, whitewater rafting in Köprülü Canyon National Park is one for the books. The Köprüçay River offers a heart-stopping 14-km rafting course, class II-III rapids, perfect for rafters of all skill levels.

Why Raft in Köprülü Canyon?

• Scenic gorges – Steep cliffs and green forests flank the river.
• Refreshing waters – Perfect to cool off from hot Antalya summers.
• Accessible to all – No experience required.

Most rafting trips are a day trip with lunch on the river and ample time to get a splash in the mountain's refreshing water

Jeep Safaris: Off-Roading Through the Taurus Mountains
 

A Bumpy Ride Through Rock Country

For a different kind of adventure, take a jeep safari into the Taurus Mountains, driving on mountain roads, boulder trails, and through valleys of emerald green. These off-road excursions into the heart of the Turkish countryside include viewing traditional villages, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery.

A jeep safari will travel to:

• Uçansu Waterfall – A hidden secret in the mountains.
• Sapadere Canyon – Where there is a cascade of waterfalls and natural swimming holes.
• Nomadic Villages – Experience authentic Turkish countryside life.

Making the Most of Antalya's Outdoor Activities

Best Time for Outdoor Activities

• Spring (April–June) – Mild temperatures and lush landscapes.
• Summer (July–August) – Suitable for water sports but extremely hot at times.
• Autumn (September–November) – Suitable for trekking and paragliding.

Getting Around Antalya

Many of Antalya's adventure destinations are scattered throughout the region, and so the most convenient way to access them is by rented car. With Localrent, tourists can easily compare local rentals and find exactly the car that is required for the trip.

A Thrill-Seeker's Paradise

From the Mediterranean blue above to the depths of its crystal blue waters below, Antalya is a paradise for adventure. Paraglide across breathtaking landscapes, scuba dive through seas rich with history, hike along ancient paths, or raft through canyons for an experience that every travel adventurer will never, ever forget.

There is so much to do. Freedom to go at your own pace means that you can witness the best of Antalya's stunning great outdoors. So sit back, take the leap, and start your vacation of a lifetime in one of Turkey's most stunning destinations.