Cycling and walking in Antalya: the Konyaaltı seafront, parks and Karaalioğlu

One of the nicest things about living in Antalya is that you can have a good day without getting into a car: a morning walk on the seafront, an evening bike ride in a park. But knowing which route has which character is not easy, especially for new arrivals. In this article we summarise the Konyaaltı seafront, Karaalioğlu Park, the Düden area and the cycle routes announced by municipalities, based on information in news reports and official sources. Because cycle routes expand and change over time, we suggest checking the municipality's current map and announcement before you set out.

The Konyaaltı seafront: long, flat and open

According to the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality's beaches page, Konyaaltı Beach is about 7 kilometres long. This shoreline is one of the most used lines in the city for both walking and cycling; its dead-flat layout offers a suitable surface for beginners and for families with children. In summer, afternoon heat and beach crowds can make walking harder, so early morning and late afternoon are preferred. For the beach layout and public beaches, see our article on public beaches and seafront parks in this series.

Because walkers and cyclists meet on the same surface along the seafront, good manners matter: give way to slow walkers and children, ring your bell and use lights in the evening, which are easy but effective habits.

The Metropolitan Municipality's "uninterrupted cycle path" project

According to a Hürriyet Yerel report of 25 December 2018, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality began work on a 28-kilometre cycle path between Konyaaltı and Lara. The report lists the route as follows: from Liman Junction along Konyaaltı Seafront, Dumlupınar Boulevard, Hasan Subaşı Park, Teomanpaşa Street, Cumhuriyet Square, Atatürk Street and Tevfik Işık Street; then Eski Lara Road, Düden Park and Rauf Denktaş Street. The report says that work had begun and gives no completion date. We therefore cannot tell from this source how continuous the route is today; check the municipality's current map before you go.

A nature walking and cycling route: the 38-kilometre line

According to another Hürriyet Yerel report, dated 27 April 2021, the Metropolitan Municipality's Urban History and Promotion Department announced a 38-kilometre walking and cycling route project covering Sarısu, Gökdere, Gedeller, Hacısekiler, Akdamlar, Gökçam and Doyran; the opening had been planned for 5 June, World Environment Day. The report does not detail the surface or how much of the route was completed; for the current state and surface, ask the municipality.

The cycle path network in Kepez

According to an İHA report of 30 May 2022, Kepez Municipality opened a 19-kilometre uninterrupted cycle path network in the district; the mayor said cyclists can pedal on wide, standards-compliant roads from the Kepez Municipality building up to the summit of Masa Mountain. Anyone thinking of living in and around Kepez can treat such routes as part of daily transport. We covered the district from a wider angle in our article on buying a home in Kepez.

Karaalioğlu Park and the clifftop walk

One of the first places that comes to mind for a walk in the city centre is Karaalioğlu Park. According to Wikipedia's article on the park, it lies just south of Kaleiçi and can be reached on foot or by tram. The park area, which looks out over the cliffs and the Gulf of Antalya, has monuments and sculptures such as the Nâzım Hikmet monument and the Don Quixote statue. Kaleiçi and Hıdırlık Tower are nearby. We described life around the park in Living on the Işıklar cliffs and around Karaalioğlu Park.

For a walk from Karaalioğlu on into Kaleiçi, see A one-day walking route through Kaleiçi and, for one of the historic stops on the route, Hadrian's Gate.

Photo: Hasan.unal / CC0 — Wikimedia Commons

The photo above shows Antalya's harbour, boats and the rocky hillside facing the sea, the kind of view you meet at the end of walks around Kaleiçi. It does not show a specific route.

The Düden area and nature in the city

In the area between Konyaaltı and Lara, Düden Park and the surroundings of Düden Waterfall are another favoured option for walking. You can find more detail on this natural area in Düden Waterfalls and Düden Park. If you want something a little farther and more nature-focused for a weekend, Kurşunlu Waterfall and the Aksu area: a day-trip nature route may give you an idea.

Planning by season and time of day

• Summer: Go out early in the morning or near sunset, and take water. We covered how to manage summer heat at home in our summer heat guide.
• Winter: Winters in Antalya can be rainy; be careful on wet ground and near the cliff edges. For the winter routine see our winter guide.
• Light and safety: If you ride in the evening, use front and rear lights and a helmet, and slow down where pedestrian traffic is heavy.
• Equipment: Sea wind and salt can affect a bicycle's chain and parts; maintain it regularly.

Walking and cycling as a factor when choosing a home

For anyone who wants to walk and cycle in daily life, these questions help when choosing a home: Is the seafront or a park within walking distance? Is there somewhere I can store a bicycle safely? Do slopes make daily use hard? For a walkable setup in the city centre, The 15-minute city is also useful. For general information on the process, see our page on buying a home in Antalya.

From the same series: other articles in our Antalya living guide may also help: airport transport, living with a pet and neighbourhood markets and local produce.

Conclusion

For walking and cycling in Antalya, the seafront, the parks and the routes announced by municipalities complement one another. The safest way to confirm which route is current is to check municipalities' announcements and observe on the spot. You are welcome to write to us with any questions.

Cover photo: Julia Maudlin / CC BY 2.0 — Wikimedia Commons