Antalya – clear water of the sea bay, wonderful beaches, palm alleys and unique gardens of exotic trees on the slopes of cliffs and architectural monuments. Among the resorts of Turkey on the Antalya coast, the port city of Antalya is rightfully the most popular – a real pearl of a tourist paradise. It is often called the Turkish Riviera for its unique natural beauty and historical architectural monuments.
The city itself stands on a steep plateau, raised to a height of 40 m above sea level and covered with pine thickets. The charming nature of the resort town turns your vacation into an unforgettable pleasure. The cleanest water of the sea bay, wonderful beaches, palm avenues and unique gardens of exotic trees on the slopes of cliffs, architectural monuments that tell about different historical eras experienced by the city, and finally, the most modern hotels with a decent level of service – this is far from a complete list that attracts tourists from all over the world. The modern city has a very developed infrastructure. Antalya International Airportconsidered the best on the coast. City roads are in perfect condition, new highways are being built. Antalya hotels attract tourists with a high level of service and work on the principle of “all inclusive”. In addition, the local authorities have recently been doing a lot to attract foreign investment in urban real estate. Hundreds of thousands of Europeans have already acquired their own homes here.
Antalya. general information
The city and port of Antalya is the administrative center of the province of Antalya , located in southern Turkey on the Black Sea coast. Antalya covers an area of 1417 square meters. km, the population is almost 1.1 million inhabitants.
First, in 159 BC e., under the king of Pergami Attala II, this place was called Attala . Later, the city became a Roman possession, then a Byzantine one. In the XIII century Byzantium was weakened by internal turmoil, and the city was captured by the Seljuks. The Turks conquered Antalya in 1423.
Climate of Antalya
Subtropical climate prevails in Antalya , where it is always sunny, cozy and warm. In the summer season, the average air temperature is around 30 ° C, and the water warms up to 25 ° C. The sea breeze softens the scorching heat and provides the necessary comfort for rest. In winter, it usually rains and is wet, but it is quite warm. This is due to the mountainous protection of the city from cold winds from the north. Although, there are occasional snowfalls here. The best time to relax in Antalya is from April to October.
How to get to Antalya
Antalya International Airport (Antalya Airport, IATA: AYT) is the best on the southern coast of the country. People who go on vacation to the Antalya coast on a tour usually do not have a question about how to get there, since the flight is included in the price of the package tour. This is a more relevant topic for independent travelers. The fastest and easiest way is by air. During the high summer season, there are many charter flights from different regions of Ukraine. You can also go to Antalya on a connecting flight via Istanbul.
Transport in Antalya
Antalya Airport has connections with other major Turkish cities: Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. From the port of Antalya there is a ferry connection with Izmir, Kusadasi, Mersin and Tusuku. Usually, for tourists who have bought a package tour to one of the resorts of the Antalya coast, the group transfer is included in the price, and they do not need to worry about how to get to the hotel. The city transport of Antalya is represented by buses and minibuses (dolmushs), they run in all areas of the city. To travel by public transport, you need to buy an A-kent card at a bus stop or at a bank branch. The card itself costs 8 lira, it must be topped up for travel. A taxi in Turkey is not cheap due to the high cost of gasoline.
Sights and entertainment of Antalya
Sights of Antalya. Hadrian’s Arch
Hadrian’s Arch , erected in the 2nd century BC, is located in the central part of Antalya , organically fitting into the image of the resort city. It was built in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited here many centuries ago, and served as a city gate. Like many similar buildings of that time, the arch is made of marble, while all 3 holes in it are punched out by hand, without the use of building compounds. The height of the building is 18 meters. The corners of the building are decorated with pilasters with capitals, and columns are used as decoration. An ancient inscription can be seen on the walls of the arch, which means that the city is in the imperial possessions.
Initially, the building consisted of 2 tiers, and portraits of Emperor Hadrian’s family were placed on the eaves. Today, on closer inspection, you can see remnants of its former splendor, including the imperial coat of arms on the left side of the arch. In addition, the fact that the ground level under the ancient historical monument is 2 meters below the real surface is also noteworthy. Once the arch was an integral part of the city wall and in many respects, that is why it has been so well preserved to this day. It is surrounded by massive toothed towers on both sides. On the southern side is the ancient tower of St. Julia , built in the time of Emperor Hadrian, and the Northern tower , dating from the 13th century, stands opposite.
Hadrian’s Arch precedes the entrance to the territory of the Old Town of Kaleici , which means “inside the fortress”. There you can feel the atmosphere of long-gone eras, enjoy the view of a number of historical buildings, as well as taste national cuisine in local restaurants, buy souvenirs and admire the views of the seaport. Due to the fact that the arch is located not far from the picturesque park and the coast, in the center of Antalya, it is almost impossible to pass by it, so the popularity of this place among tourists and local residents is quite understandable, especially since a rare photo shoot of the city does without photos with the participation of this iconic for resort attractions.
Sights of Antalya. Upper and Lower Duden waterfalls
Duden waterfalls are one of the most beautiful natural sights of Antalya and its surroundings. They represent a whole group of water streams formed by the Duden and Tavra rivers. Following from the Toros mountains, the rivers arise in the southern part of Turkey and, in the end, fall into the Mediterranean Sea. The number of such picturesque cascades exceeds two dozen, and the largest and most famous are the Upper and Lower waterfalls. The first of them is located in the Varsak district , which is 14 km from the city center. You can get to it by public transport, but you should ask the driver to stop at the Düden Şelalesi Nature Park , where it is located.
The upper waterfall begins from the very central gate of the reserve, in the form of a narrow river, which gradually turns into a stream and eventually leads to the place where the water forms into a raging mass falling down. In various places, suspension bridges are thrown across the river leading to the other side of the bank. There is a cafe, a children’s playground and a rest area. There are pretty stone paths along the waterfall. Stunning views of the waterfall surrounded by green vegetation can be seen from almost any point. You can go to it from different sides, since the paths and stairs allow you to do this. If you wish, after going inside the rocky ledges, you can see the wavy streams from the natural windows created by nature itself.
Continuing down the slope, guests of the park have the opportunity to see how 2 significant streams of water rush from the rock into the space of a small lake, where they merge and follow the direction of the Lower Duden waterfall , which falls into the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It, in turn, is an equally wonderful sight, located 8 km from Antalya on the way to Lara Beach. Its height reaches 50 meters, and the noise of the water does not allow you to hear any sounds except the sound of the falling stream, if you stand too close. To fully enjoy its contemplation, it is better to swim to the waterfall from the sea, on a yacht or a boat, although it also looks quite impressive from the coast. Lovers of a romantic atmosphere should go here in the dark to see this natural creation under the stars.
The Upper and Lower Duden waterfalls are an integral part of the program of many tour agencies that sell tourist tours in Antalya and its surroundings. Both of them are admirable and serve as a great excuse to distract yourself from the beach pastime, especially since the natural beauty of the waterfalls undoubtedly deserves it.
Sights of Antalya. The old port
The old port of Antalya is considered the heart of the historical district of Kaleici . The surrounding medieval fortress wall with crenellated walls gives it a suitable environment, and the snow-white yachts moored at the pier are perfectly combined with the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It arose here even before the beginning of our era, immediately becoming one of the main ports of this part of the Mediterranean coast. Once upon a time, ships trading in weapons and slaves stopped here, and the port cannons terrified many pirates. After the large-scale reconstruction that the Old Port underwent in 1988, together with the rest of the district, it was transformed and became even more attractive, while not losing its historical entourage at all.
Today, yachts depart from here to the Lower Duden Waterfall , Mouse Island and other interesting places on the Antalya coast. For tourists, water walks with discos right on the deck are organized, as well as special fishing tours are arranged. There are not so many cafes and restaurants here, but all of them are decorated in the appropriate spirit and allow you to enjoy a meal while looking at wonderful seascapes. Small charming houses with tiled roofs, surrounded by picturesque gardens with fruit trees, are a wonderful addition to the appearance of the port. Also, artists regularly come here, stand for a long time near their canvases and transfer to them all the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Antalya was formed right around the Old Port, and today, looking at the numerous boats and yachts swaying measuredly on the waves, a picture is drawn in the mind, representing ancient galleys and ships, which are exactly the same as moored at the pier, to the cries of many sailors and port officials hundreds of years ago. Tourists vacationing at the resort should definitely visit this romantic place, if only to admire the seascapes and soak up the incredible atmosphere of the historic port, with its numerous yachts and boats.
Sights of Antalya. Kaleichi quarter
Kaleici quarter is the historical center of Antalya , a place where you can soak up the atmosphere of long past years, walk along narrow streets among low-rise old buildings, and feel the peculiarities of the local color. The total area of the territory of this district is 35 hectares and consists of 4 quarters in which buildings from the Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods have been preserved. According to beliefs, about 2 thousand years ago, the Pergamon king Attalos II ordered his people to find a place that corresponded to the concept of “heaven on earth”. After long wanderings, the detachment reached the picturesque shores, where Antalya is located today , and soon the messenger informed the ruler of the good news.
Once on the coast, the king immediately ordered to found a city here, naming it Attaleia . Over the centuries, this name did not change, and only the Seljuks, who captured the local shores in 1085, renamed the future resort several times until, finally, the city was given its current name. The streets of Kaleichi start right from the city port and lead upwards. Ancient houses built of wood and brick are organically combined here with a lot of greenery and flowers, and the full-scale reconstruction of the area by the local authorities only added to its sophistication. In addition to its historical surroundings, Kaleichi can boast cozy but not cheap restaurants, comfortable hotels, colorful souvenir shops and entertainment venues.
Almost every house in the quarter has its own garden, surrounded by high walls, barely hidden under the heavy branches of fruit trees, attracting attention with a large number of fragrant fruits hanging from them. The entrance to the courtyard is usually preceded by a wooden gate. You can admire Kaleichi from the upper part of the coast, where the central square is located. From there, there are breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the tiled roofs of the houses, which contrast strongly with the blue of the sea in the light of bright sunlight.
The quarter of Kaleici serves as an integral part of the noisy and festive resort of Antalya , maintaining the connection between the past and the present. This unique area is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of the city, without which it is difficult to imagine. You can get here from different directions, and the historical center is located in a very convenient place, so it is almost impossible to get lost or not find it.
Sights of Antalya. Market in the Lara district
The street food and goods market, located in the Lara district, not far from the “Laura” shopping center , is considered the largest in Antalya , always enjoying great popularity among both local residents and tourists. Almost everything is sold here, from inexpensive clothes to fruits and vegetables, so even the most picky shopper can satisfy their shopping needs here. Prices on the market in Lara are noticeably lower than in Antalya’s elite shopping centers and are pleasing to the eye. In this regard, sellers make very moderate discounts, which is quite understandable, considering the initially low cost. The quality of goods in most cases is quite good, especially for clothes, and is worth the money spent.
At the same time, it is recommended to be careful when buying an incredibly cheap perfume, which, unlike other products, is of questionable quality. Sometimes, street vendors offer customers several packages of perfumes from well-known perfume companies at a discount of 50 percent or more, but in reality, it is most likely just diluted water. In addition, on the counters you can see incredibly cheap fruits that cost 2-3 times more in Kyiv or Lviv. They look unusually appetizing, and the internal content fully corresponds to their appearance. Among the clothes, numerous t-shirts and shirts with very decent prices, ranging from 5 to 15 Turkish liras, attract attention. Traditionally, a large selection of all kinds of spices and oriental sweets.
Like any other market in Antalya , you should come here with Turkish lira in your pocket, because local sellers accept money in any currency, but the exchange rate at which they exchange it is very peculiar, and at the exit you can get an extra couple of dozen lira . For those who find themselves in a similar situation, there is a special service on the market that detects negligent traders, but the fact of deception still needs to be proven, and this is not always possible.
The market in the Lara district is open on Saturdays and is a great place for inexpensive shopping , offering visitors a wide range of goods. Many tourists who come to Antalya prefer it over other markets, paying tribute to its scale, the total volume of goods sold, and low prices.
Sights of Antalya. Yevli Minaret
Ivli Minaret is one of the historical symbols of Antalya . It was born together with the mosque in 1230, by the will of the Seljuk Sultan Ala-ad-Din Kay-Qubad I, whose name is forever reflected on the building, it embodies an early example of Islamic architecture and is beautifully visible from various points. The minaret got its name because of one structural feature. The fact is that the cylindrical building itself is as if divided by bricks into separate layers, presented in the form of eight semi-cylinders, which are decorated with a brick-tile mosaic, and the word “Yivli” means “corrugated”, which is reflected in the exterior of the minaret. It stands on a stone foundation with a square cross-section, and a spiral staircase with 90 steps leads to the very top. The height of the building is 38 meters.
A mosque, a madrasa, 2 mausoleums and several other buildings are located near the Yevli Minaret. The mosque is 4.5 meters from the southeast corner of the building. In its current form, it was built with the participation of the architect Balaban Tavashi in 1372. On the mosque today you can see a plaque dating back to 1373, which states that its patron is Mubariz al-Din Mehmet Bey – the ruler of the Seljuk Emirate of Tekke. During the construction of the mosque, in addition to traditional materials, fragments of ancient ruins found in the surrounding area were used.
The Ivli Minaret rises on the territory of the Kaleichi quarter and is considered one of its main attractions. In addition to its peculiar appearance, which is crowned by a conical roof covered with lead, it is also notable for the fact that in its interior, on the floor, there is an inscription symbolizing the words of the Prophet Muhammad, drawn with different colors of paint. The building is well visible from the upper part of the coast, so even without knowing the address of the exact location, it is easy to find it among the large number of green trees and tiled roofs of the historical part of the city.
The Yevli Minaret perfectly fits into the image of the resort, representing a part of the Muslim faith and a reflection of religious culture in a place where the laws of the tourist business have long ruled, and where religion is of secondary importance. However, both tourists and local residents often come here to soak up the atmosphere of the Kaleichi quarter and take pictures against the background of the ancient monument of Seljuk architecture.
Sights of Antalya. Kurshunlu waterfall
The Kurshunlu waterfall, together with the adjacent Nilufer lake , is located only 18 km from Antalya and serves as a wonderful place for a secluded vacation surrounded by wild nature. It is located on the territory of the Kurshunlu National Park of the same name, which, thanks to careful care, retains its natural advantages for many years. The cleanest air permeated with the aroma of pine trees, combined with the sound of water and the singing of birds, create a unique atmosphere that is noticeably different from the one that prevails on the Antalya coast. Even the sun’s rays take on a turquoise hue here, and the silhouettes of colorful fish are clearly visible in the clear water. For the convenience of visitors, convenient footpaths and benches where you can rest are equipped throughout the park.
It is forbidden to drive a car on the territory of the park, so already at the entrance you can feel the process of filling the lungs with oxygen, which is not burdened by the presence of impurities of any foreign substances. Many tourists arriving in Antalya don’t even know about the existence of this place, unaware of the beauty that is right next to them. Meanwhile, the Kurshunlu waterfall is very popular with local residents, who often come here for nature to take a break from the hustle and bustle and gain strength. Excellent conditions are created here for organizing a picnic, and you can simply lie on the green lawn, looking at the blue sky and listening to the sound of water rushing down, which, according to legend, has healing powers. If you wish, you should approach the waterfall closer to stand under the unobtrusive rain, which is formed due to drops that fly in different directions.
It is believed that Kurshunlu water takes away all negative energy from people, giving them vigor and longevity instead. Of course, this is nothing more than a legend, but it does not arise out of nowhere. In addition, the waterfall really impresses with its grandeur and purity. As in all similar places in Turkey, the infrastructure here is well developed and all kinds of wishes of park visitors are taken into account. At their service are cozy restaurants with a variety of cuisine, and cute souvenir shops, where you can buy souvenirs and memorable gifts at quite reasonable prices.
Entrance to the park is paid, but the amount is purely symbolic, and you can get to it both by taxi and by rented car. It is better to come here in the first half of the day, before 12 o’clock, when there are not many people, although there is never a crowd here anyway. A walk along the Kurshunlu waterfall is a great opportunity to once again admire the natural beauty of Turkey and get a lot of pleasant experiences far from the traditional Antalya coast.
Sights of Antalya. Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Antalya is one of the most representative and visited in Turkey. It has a large collection of unique exhibits, located in 14 halls, and allows you to see rare finds found by archaeologists in different parts of the country. In the spring of 1919, when the city was occupied by Italian troops and many historical values found in these places were already being prepared for transportation to Italy, thanks to the decisive actions of the famous teacher Suleiman Fikr Bey, who managed to convince the authorities of the need to leave them in Turkey, the museum exhibits were preserved their registration and since 1922 they have been filling the halls of the museum, which was opened then in the Alaeddin-Jami mosque. After a little more than ten years, he moved to another mosque – Ivli Jami, and then settled in today’s building, in the center of Antalya .
All the halls of the museum are divided according to the subject. So, in the Hall of Nature, visitors can see all forms of life on our planet, from unicellular organisms to humans, in illustrations and diagrams. The prehistoric hall exhibits unique antiquities, as well as petrified remains of animals and items of kitchen utensils. The Prehistoric Hall is a source of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age artifacts, and the Antiquity Hall boasts numerous sculptural compositions from the Ancient Roman and Ancient Greek periods. The hall of the gods is interesting for lovers of myths and legends, who have the opportunity to admire fragments of sculptures related to ancient Greek mythology, discovered by researchers in the ancient city of Perga .
The special pride of the Archaeological Museum is its Ethnographic Halls , where exhibited objects dated to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, including handicrafts made of porcelain, orders, seals, jewelry, elements of national clothing and much more. In addition, the interiors of Antalya houses of the past are reproduced here, there is a collection of weapons, embroidered carpets and household items that symbolize the life of Uryuk nomads. Of great value in the museum are the Mosaic Hall and the Hall of Coins, where mosaics from the Byzantine era and coins from different eras are placed, respectively. Special attention should be paid to the inspection of the Hall of Small Finds and the Hall of Emperors.
The archaeological museum is quite large and a tour of it can last several hours. Today, it is very popular in Antalya not only among foreigners, but also among Turks themselves, who often come here to see a huge number of rare finds made by archaeologists in the spaces of the former Ottoman Empire . For tourists vacationing on the beaches of Antalya, the museum serves as an excellent opportunity to diversify their leisure time and enrich themselves culturally.
Sights of Antalya. Khidyrlyk tower
The Khydirlyk Tower rises in the southern part of the city bay of Antalya, representing a massive structure built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. Its total height reaches 13.5 meters, while the entrance is located on the side of the eastern facade. According to experts, it once had the status of a defensive structure and had a pointed roof, which was probably demolished during the Byzantine rule. However, there is a hypothesis that predicts that a tomb could have been located inside the building many centuries ago. Archaeologists were led to this opinion by the presence of a large square stone block located inside. One way or another, now the tower is a historical monument of the resort and always enjoys increased tourist attention.
Being in a picturesque place, in the northern part of Karaalioglu Park , the monument of the Roman era can be seen beautifully with an inflated waist, which is also helped by the reddish-brown color of the stone that served as the basis for its construction. Such a specific location allows us to believe that the Khydyrlyk tower could well serve as a lighthouse, although there are already many opinions about its true purpose. During the research, ancient frescoes were discovered on the inner walls of the building, as well as traces of restoration during the Seljuk reign. The appearance of the house also cannot be attributed to traditional buildings of this type. Its lower part has a square shape, and the upper part is made in the shape of a cylinder.
The entrance is through a rectangular door, behind which there is a small hall. A narrow staircase leads up from it. After climbing them, you can find yourself at the observation deck, from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Mediterranean. Today, numerous cafes and restaurants are located around the tower, where visitors have the opportunity to taste dishes of national cuisine and at the same time admire the scenery of the coast.
Like many other ancient objects of Antalya , the Khydirlik tower organically looks against the background of evergreen palm trees, lush vegetation, blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the resort bustle of the seaside city. In addition, the fabric of the Turkish flag swaying in the wind is a good reference point here. Tourists often come here to take pictures and take a close look at the ancient building of the Roman era.
Entertainment in Antalya. Water park “Aqualand”
Water amusement park “Aqualand”, located in Antalya , is one of the most popular in Turkey. It receives thousands of guests every day, a significant part of which are families with children. Almost any tour operator that organizes vacations at this resort must include “Aqualand” in its excursion program. Staying in this sunny oasis of water and entertainment can lift anyone’s mood, so the rare tourists who come to the city remain indifferent to the many advantages of the park.
Despite its rather limited territory, the water park impresses with its functionality. It contains about three dozen different slides, several pools, including a large pool with artificial waves, a jacuzzi, a cafe-bar offering a wide selection of various dishes and drinks, as well as interesting caves, grottoes and waterfalls. Between the attractions there are convenient scenic paths that connect different parts of the park, while a walk along them is usually accompanied by admiring the abundant green vegetation and a photo shoot against the background of park landscapes. During the day, music plays here, competitions are organized and animation programs for children are arranged.
Aqualand has created all the conditions for a pleasant pastime. Here you can sunbathe on sunbeds under umbrellas, there is always room even in the height of the beach season, ride down the slides, sit in the jacuzzi, visit the local dolphinarium, go canoeing or swim in the pool. Those who wish have the opportunity to take pictures underwater using professional equipment. In addition, the price of the ticket includes one lunch, with a choice of drink, culinary dish and dessert. For the convenience of guests, there is a changing room and a storage room on the territory.
When entering the park, visitors receive rubber bracelets with a key to the locker room and a meal ticket. You can enjoy your stay in this wonderful place until 5 o’clock in the evening, but in the case of an independent visit, it is better to come here from the very morning, while there are no long queues for the water slides. In addition, it is easier to reserve a good place with a sunbed and an umbrella for the whole day. “Aqualand” is good because it can be visited many times and every time it gives a lot of positive impressions. For this reason, even tourists who have already come to the resort more than once, are happy to return to it again, to once again experience the unforgettable sensations of a visit to this classic water amusement park.
Entertainment in Antalya. Bars.
We got the impression that the bars of Antalya are mostly locals. Tourists often choose discotheques. Although the small pubs and bars of the city have a very pleasant friendly atmosphere and excellent music.
They are mainly located in the Kaleichi area, closer to the seaport and in Lara. We liked the bars in the old part of the city more, which are often located in ancient Turkish houses. Surprisingly, there are quite a lot of places. And the prices here are cheaper than in the same clubs. Beer, for example, will cost only a few lira (1 USD) more than in stores. Bars are open until late at night, many have live music. The performers are often Turkish and even entertain the audience, keeping them from getting bored and creating a friendly atmosphere. The famous rock pub Jolly Joker Pub stands out for its music .
We also recommend visiting:
Tudors Pub;
Roof Bar;
King Bar;
Shinto Bar;
Simurgh Temple .
Entertainment in Antalya. Clubs and nightlife
Nightlife boils not only in numerous bars, but also in clubs. Most work during the high tourist season. Entertainment is standard – a dance floor with fashionable DJs, cocktails, go-go dancers. The entrance fee at many parties starts from 10 USD, one alcoholic drink is included. Clubs are open until the morning, there is no strict dress code, but you should not go in beach T-shirts and shorts.
The most popular nightclubs in Antalya:
Arma . This is a complex of a large restaurant, bar and dance floor. Excellent view of the sea harbor.
Ally Night Club . A famous and sought-after rock club on the Antalya coast. The sound is excellent here and famous guests often come. On Friday and Saturday, get ready for a full house and queues. We advise you to dress for the evening in this place.
Club Soho . Here you will find excellent service and two dance floors: one large with DJs, and the other a little smaller with the performance of Turkish and world stars.
Inferno . Stylish night club. After midnight, the most visitors and the music gets better. The starry sky overhead is a bonus.
Nightlife in summer Antalya is boiling in all corners of the city. Small parties and discos can be found on the beaches right under the open sky. In general, you can have fun at any time of the day or night.
Entertainment in Antalya. Extreme sports
In Antalya and its surroundings, there is something interesting for fans of thrills and extreme recreation.
There are many dive sites near the coast of Antalya . The choice of places for diving is large – there are safe for beginners and those where experienced divers will not be bored. To view the most interesting objects for river lovers, permission from the Turkish authorities is required. Without it, it is forbidden to dive in the area of the sunken French ship “Saint Didier” and the American military aircraft. Not far from the shore there are other interesting sites from the point of view of wreck diving – the ancient ship Gelidonya and a specially sunken plane of the Turkish Air Force.
The underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea is diverse – moray eels, tuna, turtles and even dolphins can be found on rocky formations, near small islands and in underwater caves.
Several diving centers operate on the territory of the resort. Vacationers are offered trial dives for beginners, training according to international standards, safaris to remote and difficult sites for experienced divers, etc. The cost of one swim is from 70 to 120 TRY (depending on experience). You can take training and get a PADI Open Water Diver certificate for 1200 TRY. Equipment rental is included in the price. For those who want to see the underwater world, but are afraid of scuba diving, there is snorkeling – 45 TRY.
Rafting is also popular . Travel agencies offer a trip to the Keprelu Canyon with rafting on a mountain river. The cost of such an excursion is 25-45 USD, it includes a transfer, lunch, and equipment. Suitable for beginners because it is safe. Only children under 7 and pensioners over 70 are not allowed.
Motor safari excursions . Very extreme and interesting. And the mountain views are simply enchanting. First, you’ll be given a ride on the track to see how you handle the controls. According to the results of the test, you will be in the passenger seat or behind the wheel. And then you will have an exciting trip along rivers, forest roads, mountains, fields and meadows with picnic stops. You will be accompanied by an experienced instructor. The cost of the trip is 20-30 USD. There are also excursions on large jeeps.
Paragliding is something amazing. Here you will get both thrills and unique views of the Antalya coast from a bird’s-eye view. Paragliding is practiced on Mount Olympos and Baba Dag . The first is closer to Antalya . The price of a tandem flight ranges from 100 to 150 USD.
Beaches of Antalya
The truly fabulous beach of Antalya is Lara , it was not for nothing that it deserved to be awarded the blue flag. Lara Beach is located 12 km from the city center, this beautiful and rather wide beach attracts many tourists due to its cleanest sand, excellent sunset into the sea and evening events are held here. For a modest fee, everyone will be able to enjoy a wonderful introduction to Lara Beach.
Another great place to relax on the seashore is Adalar Beach , which is part of the famous Karaalioglu City Park . This place is a mosaic consisting of small islands of rocks, however, equipped with everything necessary to make tourists feel comfortable.
The territory of the Alanya beach begins not far from the Sheraton hotel . This pebbly beach covers a fairly large area, ending near the city’s commercial port. The beach is equipped with booths for changing clothes, umbrellas and sunbeds will be provided to tourists for a fee. The beach is very popular among city residents.
One of the first and oldest beaches in Antalya is Mermerli . This tiny beach with ancient breakwaters is located in the historical center of Antalya , Kaleici district. The beach is sandy and rather narrow. A large crowd of people is rare here. The territory of the beach belongs to the restaurant of the same name, the entrance is paid.
Somewhere 11 km from the center of Antalya is the Olympos National Park , the territory of which is considered the favorite place for outings in nature among the townspeople – Topchii beach . This strikingly beautiful corner impresses with its blue waters and rocky gorge, and the special charm of the mountain protruding from the water . Sivchan and lack of tourists.
What is the best way to choose a vacation time in Antalya?
If you are aiming for urban tourism and you don’t care about relaxing on the beach, then the season will not play a special role, the mild Mediterranean climate of Antalya will facilitate walking even in November and December. However, we would not recommend choosing the height of summer (July and August months), as it can be excessively hot (the temperature reaches 35 degrees Celsius, and it is in the shade). In our opinion, Antalya is especially beautiful in spring: it is already green and warm, but there are still few tourists and it is easy to get to and take pictures near the main attractions.
If you are a beach vacation fan, the bathing season in Antalya is quite long: it starts at the end of April and lasts until the end of October. Each month is beautiful in its own way, but it is necessary to remember that in the middle of summer, in July, it can be very hot. Also, when choosing a beach vacation, you need to consider that the safe hours for sunbathing here end earlier, already at 11 in the morning you can easily get sunburned. Especially if you fly on holiday with children.
Having determined the appropriate time for rest in Antalya , it’s time to choose where to stay. Hotels in Antalya are extremely diverse: from small hotels that provide bed and breakfast to chic hotel complexes that operate under the “all inclusive” system.
Accommodation in Antalya
For most tourists, the most important criterion for a good vacation in Antalya is the choice of hotel. The resort offers the widest selection of beautiful Turkish hotels. From budget 2-3 * hotels, located some distance from the beach and with a minimal set of services, to the most luxurious ones. Turkey is loved for its large infrastructure in hotels, excellent service, a large number of entertainment and even water parks and amusement parks, as well as the favorite concept of “all inclusive”.
The choice of hotel depends on your budget and preferences.
A room for two with breakfast in a small hotel will start from 25-27 dollars. The advantages of choosing small hotels that provide bed and breakfast is the opportunity to get to know the city and country better, its culture, specifics and traditions, to try local cuisine. Cons: You’ll still need to find what to see and where to dine while staying within budget. By the way, alcohol in Turkey is expensive, so it is a mistake to choose small hotels with breakfast only, thinking that it will cost you much cheaper.
For many people, Turkey is associated with big white hotels, blue swimming pools and the “all inclusive” system. The advantage of such hotels is that you do not need to worry about anything, the hotel takes care of your food and entertainment. There are also disadvantages: some tourists do not leave the hotel during the entire vacation, walking between the restaurant, bar and pool.
When choosing a hotel, you need to take into account its geographical location, since Antalya is a big city and going to the beach or to the center for sightseeing may not be very convenient. To begin with, we suggest deciding on the concept of rest. If you prefer sightseeing, choose a hotel in the center or close to the center. But it should be taken into account that there is no beach there, the central part of the city stands on a 40-meter cliff. In some places, there are very steep paths for the brave, which allow you to go down to the water, but you will definitely not find sunbeds there. This option is definitely not suitable for vacationing with children.
The western or eastern parts of the city are suitable for those who enjoy beach leisure. The gorgeous sandy beaches of the Lara district will not leave you indifferent!
Kitchen in Antalya
Many tourists get to know Turkish cuisine in Antalya . There are really many establishments with delicious national food.
What can I say about Antalya – fresh fruits and vegetables will always be waiting for you here, because they are all grown nearby. And, of course, there will be a huge selection of all kinds of seafood in restaurants and cafes. For example, a popular street food is mussels with lemon juice.
Even the most frugal tourist will not go hungry. First, Antalya has a lot of tasty and cheap street food (about 5 USD per dish + drink). Secondly, in cafes and restaurants you will always find something inexpensive (of course not a meat dish, the price is 3.5-5 USD). And, thirdly, it is quite possible to get by with food from supermarkets.
Many hotel restaurants in Antalya have the opportunity to try ala carte Turkish cuisine – rich and very diverse. It is even better to go to the city on your own, pre-ordering a table, for example, in a fish restaurant with a Turkish menu. It is worth trying dishes made from baked fish “grida”, which is found only in the Mediterranean Sea. You can not mention oriental sweets, they are so widely represented in resorts, including in Antalya , that you will see them yourself.
Shopping and stores in Antalya
Tourists cannot imagine a vacation in Antalya without shopping. And here there are many shops, bazaars and shopping centers for all kinds of shopping.
For some reason, many of our compatriots “hunt” for cheap leather goods and fur coats, coming to rest in Antalya and its surroundings. There are even introductory tours where you are taken to shops and shown fur coats, jackets, etc. Moreover, these trips are designed purely for tourists from the CIS. We did not go on such tours, but all sources say that it is cheaper to come to the store yourself. Plus you always have to bargain.
In addition to the notorious fur coats and jackets, people go here for high-quality textiles, spices, olive oil, Turkish sweets, and ceramic products. The selection of interesting items and souvenirs is very large.
All this can be purchased at bazaars (they work all over the city, but on clearer days in different areas), shops (there are many of them in the city center) and shopping centers.
It is most comfortable for us to shop in modern malls, where well-known brands are presented at an affordable price. Pay attention to:
Mark Antalya . Brand new shopping center in the heart of the city (near Sharampol). There are stores Zara, H & M, Nike, Mango, Adidas, Sony and many others. Prices are average. Detailed information on their website.
Erast . Just a giant complex with 140 boutiques and lots of fun for the whole family. Delusional things can be bought at a low price. Learn more about the mall on their official website.
Migros 5M . Popular shopping complex. Prices are average.
Deepo Outlet Center . A place of eternal sales and low prices. The remaining goods of Turkish manufacturers are sold here at purchase prices. Nike and Adidas products will also be sold out. Located near the airport.
Terra City . Another large shopping mall. Here you can find shops, cafes, playgrounds and even a cinema with shows in English.
Big sales are possible throughout the year. Plus, a bargain is always appropriate. Pay attention to the Turkish brand LC WAIKIKI (average quality, but everything is very cheap).
Precautions
The Antalya Police Department has a “tourist police” department, where tourists can contact in case of lost passport, theft of luggage or victims of any other criminal activity. There is a multilingual staff.
Surroundings
Antalya is such an interesting place to relax, it is worth allocating a few days for excursions. In the eastern part of Antalya, in the Lara district, there are several interesting places – Nizhny Duden waterfall, Lara Kent Nature Park, Sand Sculptures. In the south of Antalya there is a small nature park where you will find the very picturesque Upper Duden waterfall.
So, where you must visit:
Perga (20 km from Kaleichi). There are many ruins of ancient cities around Antalya . Perga is the closest of them, in fact, it is located just in one of the districts – Aksu . The majestic columns and gates have been perfectly preserved.
Aspendos (50 km east of Antalya). The main attraction of this ancient city is the grand Roman theater. It was preserved in excellent condition.
Side (70 km east of Antalya). A very pleasant resort with a rich history. Ancient buildings are located inside the city. The most famous of them are the columns of the temple of Apollo on the shore and the largest ancient amphitheater in Turkey.
Heinyuk Canyon (40 km west of Antalya). It is located in a deep gorge among the Taurus Mountains. We advise you to visit in the hot season, because Heinyuk is the saving coolness of a mountain river among high rocks. And at the end of the hiking trail, you can rent a wetsuit and a helmet to continue your journey on the water.
Tekirova (60 km west of Antalya). This is a very nice resort village, near which are the ruins of the ancient city of Phaselis .
Mount Olympos or Takhtalydag (50 km west of Antalya). From here you can enjoy the best views of the Antalya coast from a height of 2,365 m. You can go up both by cable car and on foot.
Cirali and Olympos (85 km west of Antalya). Chiraly is the most popular resort village on the coast. It is better to come here for at least a few days. There are no all-inclusive hotels, noisy discos and water entertainment. Instead, small guesthouses, a long pebble beach with a river flowing into it, rare plant species and sea turtles.
And, of course, the famous lights of Chimera, bursting from the depths of the earth, and the ancient city of Olympus nearby.