Kaleiçi Old Town & Düden Waterfalls: A Walking Guide to Antalya

Kaleiçi means "inside the castle". It is the walled old quarter of Antalya, where more than 2,000 years of history are packed into a few hundred metres of winding lanes. This guide takes you on a relaxed walking route through its highlights. It also shows you how to combine the Old Town with the famous Düden Waterfalls in one day.

Kaleiçi Walking Route (2–3 hours)

1. Start at the Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi)

The stone Clock Tower stands on what remains of the old city walls at Kalekapısı Square. This is the natural starting point and a great place to orient yourself.

2. The Yivli Minaret

Just a few steps away rises Antalya's most famous landmark. This fluted brick minaret was built by the Seljuks in the 13th century, and its eight-sided shaft is visible from all over the Old Town.

3. Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar)

Walk east along Atatürk Avenue to reach this elegant triple-arched marble gate. It was built in 130 AD in honour of Emperor Hadrian. Look down: deep grooves left by Roman carts are still carved into the stone.

4. The Lanes of Kaleiçi

Enter the Old Town through Hadrian's Gate and wander south. You will pass:

• Restored Ottoman houses with wooden bay windows
• Small boutique hotels and courtyard cafés
• Craft shops selling carpets, ceramics and lanterns
• The Kesik (Broken) Minaret, a building that has served as a Roman temple, a Byzantine church and a mosque

5. Hıdırlık Tower

At the southern edge of Kaleiçi stands this round 2nd-century Roman tower. It was probably once a lighthouse or a mausoleum. Next to it, Karaalioğlu Park offers wonderful sea views.

6. The Old Roman Harbour

Finish your walk downhill at the harbour, lined with traditional wooden boats, seafood restaurants and cafés. From here, 1-hour boat trips sail along the cliffs to the Lower Düden Waterfall.

The Düden Waterfalls

Upper Düden Waterfall

The upper falls are in a green park about 10 km north of the city centre. Walking paths lead behind the curtain of water into a small cave. It is cool and shady, which makes it a perfect stop on a hot day.

Lower Düden Waterfall

In the Lara district, the Düden River drops about 40 metres from the cliffs directly into the Mediterranean. Watch it from the clifftop park or, even better, from a boat.

Karpuzkaldıran Waterfall

This is a quieter cascade along the coast, often included on guided city tours together with Düden.

Seeing It All in One Day

The easiest way is a guided Antalya city tour:

This is exactly the city tour included on Day 4 of our Istanbul & Antalya Tour Package and on Day 6 of our Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya Tour.

Tips for Visiting Kaleiçi

1. Stay inside or near Kaleiçi. Everything is walkable, and evenings in the Old Town are magical.
2. Wear flat, comfortable shoes. The cobbles are polished and the streets are steep near the harbour.
3. Visit early morning or late afternoon in summer, when it is cooler and the light is best for photos.
4. Try local flavours such as piyaz (a bean salad with tahini), grilled fish at the harbour, and fresh orange juice, Antalya's signature fruit.
5. Halal food is standard, and there are several historic mosques in the Old Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kaleiçi worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is the most atmospheric part of Antalya and a must on any first visit.

How long do you need in Kaleiçi?

Two to three hours for the main sights, longer if you want to shop and relax in cafés.

Is the Düden Waterfall free?

The Upper Düden park charges a small entrance fee. The Lower Düden clifftop viewpoint is a public park.

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