The Physical Structure of Antalya

Antalya's Physical Geography: Mountains, Plains, Coast

Few places show such contrasts in such a short distance as Antalya. Within an hour you can drive from sea level to mountain plateaus over 1,000 metres high. Did you know that the city of Antalya itself is built on terraces of travertine, a rock formed from mineral-rich spring water, which is why it ends in cliffs above the sea at Konyaaltı and Lara?

The Taurus Mountains

The Taurus range forms a wall behind the coast. In the west, the Bey Mountains and Tahtalı rise steeply from the sea around Kemer, leaving only narrow beaches and coves. In the east, the Central Taurus stands further inland, behind Manavgat and Alanya. These mountains catch winter rain and snow and supply the province with water.

A karst landscape

Most of the Taurus is limestone. Rainwater dissolves the rock, creating caves, sinkholes, underground rivers and large springs. Canyons such as Köprülü and Tazı were carved by rivers cutting through this soft rock.

Plains and Plateaus

  • Antalya travertine plateau: the stepped terraces on which the city stands.
  • Pamphylian plain: the fertile lowland between Antalya, Serik and Manavgat, home to ancient cities such as Perge, Aspendos and Side.
  • Highland plateaus: around Elmalı and Korkuteli, cooler areas used for farming and summer pastures.

The Coastline

Antalya's coastline stretches for roughly 640 kilometres. West of the city it is rocky and indented, with coves around Kemer, Kaş and Kekova. East of the city the coast becomes straighter, with long sandy beaches in Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya.

Why it matters for travellers

This geography explains why Antalya offers so many activities. Mountain rivers make rafting possible, deep canyons create jeep safari routes and the indented western coast is ideal for boat trips to hidden bays.

A landscape in layers

Travelling inland from the coast, you pass citrus groves and greenhouses on the plains, then pine forests on the lower slopes, and finally bare limestone peaks and high pastures. This sequence can be seen in a single afternoon drive from Antalya towards the Taurus Mountains.