Antalya Weekender: Live Music, Sand Sculptures & Seaside Fun

Beloved Turkish singer Ayta Sözeri brings her powerful pop and arabesque-infused vocals to Antalya Open Air Theatre for a summer night under the stars. Expect a mix of emotional ballads and upbeat favourites that locals know by heart.

Mahsun Kırmızıgül, one of Turkey’s best-known folk and arabesque artists, performs at Antalya Open Air Theatre as part of the summer series. A heartfelt, crowd-pleasing set is ideal for visitors wanting to experience contemporary Turkish music live.

Antalya International Sand Sculpture Festival (Sandland) turns Lara Beach into an open-air gallery of monumental sand artworks themed around world cultures and myths. It’s a photogenic, family-friendly walk-through exhibition right on the Mediterranean shore.

Families can spend the day exploring larger-than-life sand sculptures, interactive zones and evening illuminations at Sandland. Kids love the fantasy figures and parents get sweeping sea views along Lara’s long sandy shoreline.

Experience a traditional Turkish bath ritual with steam, exfoliation and foam massage in a historic-style hammam. This relaxing activity is ideal for weekend visitors wanting a wellness break between sightseeing and beach time.

Join a self-guided scavenger hunt around central Antalya, solving clues at landmarks and hidden corners while discovering local stories. It’s a fun, flexible way to explore the city with friends or family at your own pace.

Spend a leisurely Saturday at Lara Beach, combining swims in the turquoise sea with seaside cafés serving fresh grilled fish, meze and Turkish ice cream. Many stretches of the public beach are free to access, making this a budget-friendly day out.

Antalya’s seafront clubs and bars around Lara and Konyaaltı host resident DJs and live sets on summer Saturdays. Expect open-air dance floors, cocktails and a mix of Turkish pop and international hits for a late-night Mediterranean party vibe.

Stroll the narrow streets of the historic Kaleiçi quarter, lined with Ottoman houses, boutiques and cafés, then visit Hadrian’s Gate and the marina. This relaxed walk offers sea views, small museums and plenty of stops for ice cream and fresh juice.

Escape the coastal heat with a day trip into the Taurus Mountains, stopping at viewpoints and local eateries around the high plateaus. It’s a refreshing outdoor option for travellers wanting cooler air, village food and expansive scenery.