Antalya, the perfect mix of culture and scenery
The historic city of Antalya serves as the gateway for millions of the all inclusive tourists that head to Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline each year. The city is also a fascinating stand-alone destination in its own right and with a history dating back over two thousand years, Antalya boasts an impressive array of cultural sights. Summer months are the busiest but with mild temperatures year round, the region is also favoured during the shoulder seasons for a quieter holiday. Easily accessed from much of Europe, visitors can enjoy one of Turkey’s most popular cities and the variety of attractions on offer.
Historic elements of Antalya
Visitors to Antalya are treated to an abundance of historic architecture throughout the centre of the city. The old quarter known as Kaleiçi is sheltered by ancient city walls and features many of the city’s significant buildings including two ancient mosques; Kesik Minare and Yivli Minare. The focal entrance point for the old quarter is the second century Hadrian’s Gate, formed of three elegant archways. Here visitors can access many quaint boutiques and sample some of the finest local cuisine on offer. Indeed there are also multiple independent and unique hotels in the old quarter of Antalya allowing visitors immediate access to the charm of the city. The ancient harbour of Yat Limanı is a prominent feature along the waterfront of the Kaleiçi neighbourhood; lined with cafes and restaurants it is a popular area for tourists to enjoy a drink with the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the city is home to a range of theatres and museums offering further cultural dimensions, plus the local annual film festival each autumn is the oldest in Turkey.
A host of beautiful beaches on offer
Being on the coast, Antalya is obviously very well known for its spectacular beaches, a major draw for many of the visitors frequenting the region. The closest beach to the city centre is Konyaalti, a few kilometres west of the old quarter and home to many renowned tourist attractions. The large water and beach park complex of Aqualand is the central point of the district and is surrounded by a variety of other attractions, including an aquarium and fairground. Several larger Antalya hotels are situated close to Konyaalti Beach Park, with many all-inclusive resort style options present. MMM Migros shopping mall is also in this district, offering international brands plus an assortment of western-style dining options. Some fifteen kilometres to the east of the city is Lara Beach, another district centred around a long straight sandy beach, with further resort accommodation in the immediate vicinity. There are multiple water sport activities offered from Lara Beach, plus the beach is very popular with families staying at the nearby hotels. Smaller beaches include Mermerli and BLM, both easily accessible for those staying in a central Antalya hotel.
Turkish cuisine and beyond
The quantity and variety of restaurants and bars is a highlight for many visitors to Antalya, with travellers truly being spoilt by the choice. Turkish cuisine obviously features heavily and there are endless local eateries from small kebab shops through to grand restaurants all serving a multitude of Turkish dishes. The old quarter is home to many of the smaller restaurants, cafes and bars, all of which are packed into the small streets of this culturally rich area. International cuisine is well represented as well with Mediterranean style restaurants dotted throughout including many Italian options. Guests often find that their hotel in Antalya houses a local restaurant and this is particularly the case in the larger resort style hotels Antalya is known for. Similarly there are many in-house bars which can be popular with young travellers, however drinking options are not limited to just the resorts. There are in fact a series of bars to be found throughout Kaleiçi, with tourists enjoying the unique nature of these often small establishments, each offering its own individual charisma.
Exploring attractions nearby
For those looking to explore further from the close proximity of their hotel, Antalya is nearby two significant ancient ruins, both of which are must-see destinations. Firstly, the amphitheatre of Termessos is nestled in the hillside around forty kilometres west of the city and is a top highlight for history lovers. Furthermore, in the opposite direction lies the ancient city of Perge, a Roman city complex featuring a hippodrome and theatre. One of the best natural attractions is the Düden Waterfalls which cascade directly into the ocean, just along from Lara Beach. In terms of accessing these further afield attractions, there are countless tour operators leaving from the city centre, but it is possible to take public transport as well. Moreover, public transport is also available to reach Antalya Airport, where guests can take public buses or a taxi direct from their hotel.