Antalya Old Town, known as Kaleiçi, is the city’s historic district, built around a natural, protected harbour. Walking its lanes connects Roman-era landmarks such as Hadrian’s Gate with the marina, harbour and later historic sights.
- Location: Selçuk Mahallesi, Muratpaşa, Antalya.
- District history: The settlement was named Attaleia in the 2nd century BC.
- Route options: The municipal map has three numbered walking routes.
- Hotel reference: Hıdırlık Tower is about a 1-minute walk from a hotel in Kaleiçi.
Start at Hadrian’s Gate
Hadrian’s Gate is a Roman landmark at the edge of Kaleiçi and a natural place to begin a walk through Antalya Old Town. It was built in honour of Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Attaleia in AD 130.
The gate is also called Üç Kapılar, meaning Three Gates, for its three arched entrances. From here, continue into Kaleiçi’s historic lanes, or take time to read more about Hadrian’s Gate’s history and visiting tips before setting out.
Walk Kaleiçi’s historic lanes
Kaleiçi’s lanes weave through a district shaped by centuries of settlement around the harbour. Its early Hellenistic settlement took the name Attaleia after Pergamon’s King Attalos II, who controlled the area in the 2nd century BC.
The harbour and old town have served as a port settlement from antiquity to the present. Their distinctive character led to the inner harbour and Kaleiçi being designated a protected site in 1972.
As you walk, notable sights include the Clock Tower, Yivli Minare, İskele Mosque and Kesik Minare, as well as Hadrian’s Gate and Hıdırlık Tower. The district is at Selçuk Mahallesi, Muratpaşa, Antalya.
Continue to Antalya Old Harbour
Antalya Old Harbour sits at the centre of Kaleiçi’s long connection with the sea. The district grew around this natural, protected harbour, which has served as a port settlement from antiquity to the present.
From the marina, Kırk Merdivenler descends through the city wall toward the harbour. The municipality describes the steps as running east of the marina, offering a route between the upper streets and waterfront.
Find viewpoints and waterfront paths
For a change of level and perspective, follow the waterfront edges and steps around the marina. Kırk Merdivenler leads down through the wall east of the marina toward the harbour.
Tophane Park is north of the marina. The area was converted into a modern park in 1926, making it another landmark to include as you explore the harbour surroundings.
Hıdırlık Tower is also among Kaleiçi’s historic sights; its seafront setting makes it a useful landmark to pair with a waterfront walk. For its background and location, read the guide to Hıdırlık Tower.
Plan a practical walking loop
Antalya Metropolitan Municipality’s Kaleiçi Culture and Tourism Map gives you three numbered walking routes: the Long Tour, the Roman-Byzantine Tour and the Ottoman-Seljuk Tour. You can use the map to choose a route and check it as you walk.
A simple sequence is to begin at Hadrian’s Gate, follow the historic lanes toward the harbour, then take in the marina and its surrounding landmarks. If you want a route that connects Kaleiçi sights into a day on foot, a one-day Antalya itinerary from Kaleiçi offers another way to structure the walk.
There is no stated recommended time allowance for a Kaleiçi loop, so choose a route based on how many landmarks you want to include. Check the official site before you go for the municipal map and any practical updates.
Access and visitor etiquette
Kaleiçi’s route choices include historic lanes and steps, including the descent at Kırk Merdivenler. The available route information does not establish a step-free loop or general accessibility conditions, so check the route details before setting out if those affect your plans.
The district and inner harbour are protected for their distinctive character. Keep to the route you choose and take care on the steps and historic street surfaces as you move between the upper lanes and waterfront.
FAQs
What is Antalya Old Town called?
Antalya Old Town is commonly known as Kaleiçi, the historic district around Antalya’s natural harbour.
What are the three walking routes in Kaleiçi?
The municipal map names the Long Tour, the Roman-Byzantine Tour and the Ottoman-Seljuk Tour.
Why is Hadrian’s Gate called Üç Kapılar?
Üç Kapılar means Three Gates, referring to the landmark’s three arched entrances.
Is there an entry fee to walk around Kaleiçi?
No entry fee for walking the lanes or accessing the old harbour waterfront is stated in the visitor information. Check the official site before you go for practical updates.