| 4 mins read
Offering a brilliant fusion of history and natural beauty, Turkey’s southwestern city of Antalya is one of the top five most-visited destinations in the world by international travelers. And why not; stunning landscapes, a picturesque old quarter and unique cultural attractions happily supplement the lure of the Mediterranean sun, making it a most exotic and unforgettable locale.
The Old Quarter
Formerly known as Attalia, Antalya has a history reaching back as far as 150 BC. The Old Quarter called Kaleiçi stands separated from modern Antalya by ancient city walls and gates. Amongst these urban barriers is Hadrian’s Gate, one of the key entry/exit points of Kaleiçi built in dedication to Roman Emperor Hadrianus. Pass through this iconic triumphal arch to find the second century Roman-built Hıdırlık Tower, Antalya Clock Tower, fortified Roman port and a number of notable Islamic structures such as the İskele, Broken Minaret and Fluted Minaret Mosques to name a few. The Kaleiçi area is also home to the Kaleiçi Museum and the Atatürk's House Museum, a great place to equip oneself with some regional history.
Hues of Blue and Green
With a long shore, the “blue city” is quite a draw for visitors with picture postcard beaches on their mind. The Konyaaltı District is highly popular amongst tourists and locals alike with boulevards lined by palm trees, beaches with water sports, bars and cafés, clubs, a waterpark and loads more. Facing the Mediterranean Sea with the Beydağları Mountains in the background, this outdoor district is one of Antalya’s most beautiful. Lara is another tourist-friendly district in Antalya, boasting one of the longest sand beaches in the entire country. While the ruins of Olympos are a popular tourist attraction, its clear-pebbled waters make it popular with beach goers too. Undersea attractions further beckon divers from around the world; from Side to Adrasan, take your pick of diving sites with vibrant sea life, wrecks and even caves. In the city, Karaalioglu Park is an attractive spot to wander in the southern end of the city center with well-manicured green space in the city.
And there’s so much more to do…
Beyond visiting the Old Quarter, lounging on the beaches and strolling the parks, tourists will find some excellent shopping at Antalya's huge selection of malls, outlets, wholesale markets & traditional bazaars. Head back to the Kaleiçi area for delicious food options that include excellent seafood, the signature Piyaz, and traditional Turkish, Mediterranean and International cuisine. Tünektepe Hill on the west side of Antalya has some of the best vistas and panoramic shots of the city for the outdoor enthusiasts. The city is a veritable golf magnet; even if you are not a fanatic, go ahead and take a swing at one of its many manicured golf courses to see why this sport is a multi billion-dollar industry here.
If you’re traveling with kids, your Antalya tour guide will highly recommend the Antalya Zoo and Nature Park, one of Turkey’s best-kept zoos with neat green spaces. Looking for a night out? Loads of bars, clubs, beer gardens and cafés found along Konyaaltı Beach and within the Kaleiçi area provide entertainment options to choose from.
Great Experiences Around Antalya
The Antalya Province is home to a number of excellent day trips and multi day visits. Explore the historic ruins of Termessos, get adventurous with river rafting at the Koprulu Canyon, get aboard a jeep safari around the Taurus Mountains or climb and swim the gorgeous cliffs and waterfalls of upper and lower Düden Falls. The roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos are absolute must sees that not only offer excellent lessons in history, but are also the starting points for fantastic trekking trails and river rafting on the River Köprüçay. The region’s quieter towns, Kaş and Elmalı promise quaint, scenic stays, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, the Kemer and Alanya are some of the province’s most popular beach resorts. No matter what you’re looking for on your Turkish vacation, be it history, culture, ancient ruins or natural beauty, you’re bound to find it either inside Antalya or within it’s surrounding regions.
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