Antalya, places to visit?

Ancient history and beautiful landscapes blend in perfect equilibrium

Antalya is without doubt an exceptional tourist destination. The nearby Taurus mountains are covered with pine forests and extend down to the sparkling sea, forming an irregular coastline of rocky promontories and hidden bays. Considered one of the least contaminated coastal areas of the Mediterranean and one of its kind worldwide for its incredible landscapes, this Turkish region leaves a lasting memory in the mind of those who visit it.

The “turquoise” coast that runs from the city of Fethiye to Antalya is so beautiful that ancient legends claim it was the Garden of Eden, and in past times it was frequently visited by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt.

Kaleiçi

Kaleiçi, the old centre of Antalya, is bordered by walls with eighty towers. In the area surrounding the wall, you can find traditional houses sitting along narrow lanes.

Nowadays, the ancient port of Kaleiçi is a modern port, while Kaleiçi is the heart of the city. A place to stay, eat and have fun.

Hadrian's Gate in Antalya

It is flanked by two towers and delineates the boundaries between the modern city and Antalya's ancient city. Built in honour of Emperor Hadrian, who came to Antalya in 130 AD

Archaeological sites in Antalya

Anatolia is one of the most fascinating places for history, archeology and art lovers.

In the surroundings of Antalya are the archaeological sites of the cities of Termessos, Perge, Sillyon and Aspendos.

Beyond the interesting and mysterious archaeological site of Olympos lies the gulf, with its 12 km of sandy beaches, on which the city of Antalya stands.

The contrast between the architectural traditions of the old city, Kaleici, and the typically modern character, together with the white sandy beaches and the extraordinary climate with three hundred days of sun per year, make Antalya the jewel in the crown of Turkey.

Turkish cuisine

The Turkish cuisine, with the exception of some dishes that can be tasted all over the country, offers numerous regional specialties. The Black Sea region to the north offers maize and anchovy dishes. The south-east is famous for kebabs, meze (appetizers) and desserts like kadayıf, baklava and künefe. All the Mediterranean, Aegean and Sea of Marmara coast offers a Mediterranean cuisine rich in vegetables, aromas and fish. Central Anatolia is known for its kneaded specialties such as keşkek, mantı, especially from Kayseri and gözleme.

Kebab

Meze

Baklava

Text by Lisa Maria River

Avion Tourism Magazine

Photos: Sisterscom.com; Shutterstock

Video: www.hometurkey.com

Tourism Board

www.hometurkey.com

www.turchia.it

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Where to sleep in Antalya

Antalya is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Hotels for stars, differentiated by type of services:

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

DISTRICTS

Hotels in the districts

LANDMARKS

Hotels in tourist areas

Museum

AIRPORT

Hotels near the airport

Antalya Airport (AYT)

WHERE TO GO in Antalya

Monuments and Museums in Antalya

KELEICI

Kaleiçi, the old centre of Antalya, is bordered by walls with eighty towers. In the area surrounding the wall, you can find traditional houses sitting along narrow lanes. Nowadays, the ancient port of Kaleiçi is a modern port, while Kaleiçi is the heart of the city. A place to stay, eat and have fun.

ROMAN THEATRE OF ASPENDOS

The well-preserved Aspendos Theatre is the most monumental example of the construction built by Rome in Asia and Africa. According to its epigraph it was erected during the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-180) by architect Zenon, the son of Theodorus.

YIVLI MINARET

This 13^th century Seljuq work is the oldest Islamic monument in the city, which features a carved stone pedestal, grooved brick tower and turquoise majolica decorations. The Yivli minaret, symbol of Antalya, is 38 metres high and the top can be reached by climbing 90 steps.

HADRIAN'S GATE

Built in honour of Emperor Hadrian, who came to Antalya in 130 AD, Hadrian's Gate is constructed over two floors with three forts and a round arch. It is made of white marble (excluding its columns) and is adorned with bas-reliefs and engravings. It is flanked by two towers and delineates the boundaries between the modern city and Antalya's ancient city.

ANTALYA MUSEUM

Antalya Museum exhibits works depicting the region’s history: finds of the prehistoric period, statues of emperors, mosaics, icons, marble busts, sarcophagi, pottery, coins and ethnographic works of the Seljuq and Ottoman periods.

www.muze.gov.tr

Excursions in Antalya and surroundings

WATERFALLS IN ANTALYA

The waterfall of Yukari Düden (Upper Waterfall) is located on the River Düden, 10 km from Antalya. The water flows in Kirkğoz and drops 20 metres. Instead, the waterfall of Aşaği Düden (Lower Waterfall) is higher than the latter and is located on Lara Road where the Düden River flows into the sea, 8 km from Antalya. Next to it is the Youth Park (Gençlik Parki). The Kurşunlu Falls are 18 metres high and forms 7 ponds. Ideal for eco-tourism or nature walks.

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Discover more excursions and tours in Antalya

BEACHES IN ANTALYA

Konyaaltı beach is located 3 km from Antalya whilst Lara beach (12 km long) is found east of Antalya. It has fine sand and is surrounded by a pine forest. Topçam beach, which is east of Antalya, can be reached by car in 15 minutes. Surrounded by a forest, there are diving spots on the beach in front of Sıçan Island. The beaches of Mermerli and Adalar are smaller beaches. The rocky beach of Adalar is close to Karaalioğlu Park, while Mermerli beach is at the foot of the park itself.