Antalya
The shining star of the Mediterranean
Antalya, located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is a tourism paradise famous for its natural beauty, historical richness, and stunning beaches. Here are some key details to help you discover Antalya ;
Natural Beauties: Antalya, with its 630 km long coastline, hosts some of Turkey’s most beautiful beaches. Konyaaltı and Lara beaches are famous for their clear waters and golden sands.
Historical Sites: Antalya is also notable for its ancient cities. Aspendos Ancient Theatre, Perge Ancient City, and Olympos Ancient City are ideal stops for those who want to take a journey through history.
Natural Wonders: Düden and Kurşunlu Waterfalls are must-see places for nature lovers. Additionally, Saklıkent Ski Resort, located at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, is a perfect choice for winter sports.
Cultural Events: Antalya hosts various festivals throughout the year. The Golden Orange Film Festival and the International Antalya Piano Festival are great opportunities to explore cultural richness.
Culinary Delights: Antalya’s cuisine is famous for its olive oil dishes and fresh seafood. You must try local delicacies such as taratorlu piyaz (bean salad with tahini sauce), hülüklü çorba (a traditional soup), and tandır kebabı (tandoori kebab).
Antalya is a destination that can be visited all year round, offering unforgettable memories to every visitor. We wish you a pleasant holiday in the enchanting atmosphere of the city!
The shining star of the Mediterranean
Kaleiçi
The historical center of Antalya, Kaleiçi, is famous for its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and historical structures. Kaleiçi is an open-air museum that bears traces of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
Place to Visit ;
Hadrian’s Gate: This gate, built in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit, is located at the entrance of Kaleiçi.
Yivli Minaret: This minaret, dating back to the Seljuk period, is one of the symbols of Antalya.
Hıdırlık Tower: This tower, dating back to the Roman period, offers a magnificent sea view.
Ancient Marina: Nowadays used as a modern yacht marina, this area preserves its historical texture.
While walking through the labyrinth-like narrow streets of Kaleiçi, you can enjoy getting lost among the historical houses and bay-windowed mansions. This area, filled with colorful cafes, boutique hotels, and souvenir shops, attracts both local and foreign tourists.
Düden Waterfall
One of Antalya’s natural beauties, Düden Waterfall, is located just 10 km from the city center. This magnificent natural wonder enchants its visitors with its waters cascading from a height of 40 meters and the lush greenery surrounding it.
Upper and Lower Düden Waterfalls: Düden Waterfall consists of two main sections: Upper Düden and Lower Düden. Upper Düden has a more tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, while Lower Düden Waterfall is located at the point where the waters flow into the Mediterranean, attracting tourists especially in the summer months.
Activities: You can take a walk around the waterfall, relax in the picnic areas, and enjoy nature. Additionally, exploring the cave located behind the waterfall is quite fascinating.
Historical Significance: According to historical sources, it is said that Alexander the Great gave water to his horses from this waterfall while passing through the region. Therefore, in some sources, it is also referred to as Alexander’s Waterfall.
Düden Waterfall is an ideal destination for those who want to be in touch with nature and spend a peaceful day.
Konyaaltı Beach
Konyaaltı Beach, one of Antalya’s most popular beaches, is a favorite among both local and foreign tourists due to its proximity to the city center. This 7-kilometer-long beach is famous for its clear sea and clean sand.
Natural Beauty: You can enjoy swimming in the sea with the magnificent view of the Beydağları Mountains. The beach is Blue Flag certified, standing out for its cleanliness and safety.
Activities: At Konyaaltı Beach, you can engage in various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Additionally, you can enjoy the walking and cycling paths that stretch along the beach.
Amenities: The beach offers many amenities such as sunbed and umbrella rentals, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, there are various accommodation options available near the beach.
Aspendos Antik Tiyatrosu
The Aspendos Ancient Theatre, located in the Serik district of Antalya, is a magnificent structure from the Roman period that has been largely preserved to this day. Built in the 2nd century AD, the theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world.
Architectural Features: The Aspendos Theatre is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture. Its three-tiered seating and stage building are notable for their solid stone craftsmanship. The theatre’s extraordinary acoustics are achieved through the vaulted arches behind the stage and the special design of the seating tiers. Even whispers can be heard clearly from the farthest rows.
Historical Significance: In ancient times, the Aspendos Theatre hosted various events such as concerts, theatrical performances, and gladiator fights. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its historical atmosphere.
The Aspendos Ancient Theatre holds great importance both historically and architecturally. If you find yourself in Antalya, you must visit this impressive structure!
The Ancient City Of Perge
The ancient city of Perge, located in the Aksu district of Antalya, is one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites. Founded around 1500 BC by the Hittites, this ancient city became one of the most orderly cities in Anatolia during the Roman period.
Historical and Architectural Features:
Theatre: With a capacity of 15,000, it is one of the best-preserved theatres from the Roman period.
Stadium: With a capacity of approximately 12,000, it is one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in Turkey.
Colonnaded Streets: The main streets of the city are lined with columns, reflecting the architectural elegance of the ancient period.
Baths and Fountains: The Roman-era baths and monumental fountains provide important insights into the social life of the city.
Cultural Significance: Perge was also an important center for sculpture. The statues unearthed during excavations here are exhibited in the Antalya Museum. Additionally, it holds a significant place in Christian history; Saint Paul visited Perge during his missionary journeys.
Perge Ancient City offers an unforgettable experience with its historical and cultural riches. If you find yourself in Antalya, you must visit this impressive ancient city!
Kurşunlu Waterfall
Kurşunlu Waterfall, one of Antalya’s natural beauties, is located approximately 20 km from the city center. Declared a nature park in 1986, this area is a paradise for nature lovers.
Natural Beauties: The waterfall cascades from a height of 18 meters, forming 7 small ponds. These ponds are surrounded by lush vegetation and rich fauna. The red pine forests, various tree species, and plant communities enhance the natural beauty of the area.
Activities: At Kurşunlu Waterfall, you can go for nature walks, relax in the picnic areas, and cool off in the refreshing waters of the waterfall. Additionally, exploring the cave located behind the waterfall is quite fascinating
Wildlife: Around the waterfall, you can observe many wild animals such as rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and various bird species. This rich fauna also offers great opportunities for nature photographers. Kurşunlu Waterfall is an ideal destination for those who want to spend a peaceful day and enjoy nature.
Antalya Museum
One of the most important cultural stops in Antalya, the Antalya Museum was founded in 1922 and moved to its current modern building in 1972. The museum welcomes visitors with 14 exhibition halls, a children’s section, and open-air galleries spread over an area of 30,000 square meters
Collections: The museum boasts a wide collection ranging from the Prehistoric period to the Ottoman era. Statues unearthed from the ancient city of Perge, Roman period artifacts, coins, mosaics, and icons are among the most notable pieces in the museum.
Awards: In 1988, the Antalya Museum was awarded the ‘European Council Museum of the Year’ prize. This award has also brought international recognition to the museum.
Education and Events: The museum stands out not only with its exhibitions but also with its educational programs and events. Specially designed sections for children and guided tours offer visitors an enjoyable and informative experience. The Antalya Museum is a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts. If you find yourself in Antalya, don’t forget to visit the museum to explore its rich collections!