Beyond beaches: Antalya bets on theme parks for year-round tourists

ANTALYA, Türkiye, Jan 26, 2026 (GDM) – As Türkiye’s tourism capital, Antalya is famed for its sun-drenched summer beaches. But with 2026 underway, the city is aggressively promoting a new identity: a year-round playground of world-class theme parks and immersive attractions designed to draw families during the cooler months.

Ranked among Euromonitor’s Top 10 international destinations for 2025, Antalya is leveraging major investments to diversify beyond its coastal appeal. From the colossal Land of Legends resort with its 62-meter rollercoaster to the upcoming Butterfly World sanctuary opening next month, the city is building a portfolio of all-weather entertainment.

“Antalya is a place where creativity thrives, traditions evolve, and entertainment and nature coexist,” according to a statement from the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), which is spearheading the promotional push.

The strategy targets key international markets during winter and spring breaks. Highlights include the vast Antalya Aquarium, one of the world’s largest; the cultural Dokumapark built in a repurposed factory; and the Hip-Notics Cable Ski Park for year-round watersports.

This shift aligns with a national tourism strategy to reduce seasonality. Türkiye, which attracted over 56 million visitors in 2024, aims to boost per-capita spending and lengthen tourist stays through such experiential offerings. For Antalya, it’s a calculated bet to transform its famed Mediterranean warmth into a constant draw, regardless of the season.

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