Antalya’s superior position in the world tourism sector is unique, since it deserves the title of “Turkish Tourism Capital” and “Mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea”. That is why the Turkish government, represented by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, pays great attention to the infrastructure which is becoming very advanced and solid, in addition to creating many high-end recreational facilities.
In fact, the tourist position of Antalya has increased more and more, when investors have started to set up mega tourism projects, such as resorts, holiday homes and hotels, in very popular sites and places. preferred by tourists, in order to offer them a comfortable stay and provide them with both entertainment and tranquility.
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Places to Visit in Antalya
Düden Selalesi
One of the first places that comes to mind when talking about the natural beauty of Antalya is Duden Waterfall, located within the boundaries of Çağlayan district in Muratpasa. The focal point of the waterfall is in the two branches of Kırkgöz Mevkii, a lower and an upper one. This area is probably the number one attraction and will captivate you with its natural beauty like nowhere else.
Surrounded by greenery, the Lower Düden waterfall merges with the Mediterranean Sea and its structure surprises the viewer like a visual feast. It is one of the most popular picnic spots, especially in the summer. The Dudenfall is also used as a local recreation area and is often the first choice for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is one of the most popular places after the Manavgat waterfalls.
Alanya Castle
It is unknown who and when Alanya Castle was built and is located within the boundaries of Hisariçi district in Alanya. The castle is said to have been built in the 4th century BC. Already 4 BC Mentioned in written sources from around 1000 BC. J.-C., it acquired the reputation to be an important place for the pirates and the rebels. Thanks to the 6 km long wall and the peninsula on which it is located, it gained a great advantage over the invaders.
During its history it hosted the Greek civilization, the Roman civilization, the Byzantine civilization, the Seljuk civilization and the Ottoman civilization. Many parts of the castle have survived to this day, retaining their ancient presence. Inside the castle are historic wooden and masonry houses that still exist today. In addition to the souvenir shop, there are also silk and cotton fabrics on the wooden benches in front of the house. Pumpkins are also drawn in different shapes, offering authentic treats to visitors in the small garden.
Antalya Museum
The Antalya Museum is located within the boundaries of the Bahçelievler district of Muratpaşa, one of the central districts of Antalya and houses many works of art from the past. Originally a place for displaying works recovered during the war, today it is the place where works are exhibited in open and closed spaces, revealing some of the oldest stories of the region.
With 14 exhibition halls, sculptures from different civilizations, archaeological artifacts unearthed during ongoing excavations in the Antalya region, outdoor and indoor galleries, it offers visitors the opportunity to see many events in history at the same time. In the Antalya Museum, the greatest attention is paid to chronological works that reflect the millennial history of Antalya, which began with the first inhabitants and continues to this day.
Kaleici
Kaleici is located where the sea meets the sea in Muratpaşa, the central district of Antalya, and it is here that the buildings that best reflect the unique history of the region are located. About 3.000 years old, Kaleiçi has a picture-postcard look with walls that surround it from end to end and its historic houses. The central location is one of the main advantages. Kaleici is very important for Antalya.
Visitors who wish to explore Kaleici on foot prefer Hadrian’s Gate, whose starting point was recently restored. In this area, contrary to the general tourist structure of Antalya, nature or beautiful beaches are not in the foreground, but one can rather speak of a city break.
Ancient City of Side
Side, Lateral City, 7th century BC. founded by Greek settlers in the resort town of Manavgat. Due to its privileged location with a natural harbor, Side quickly became one of the most important settlements and trading centers in the region. The ancient city of Side Located on the coast of Side, it gained wealth and power by selling slaves in its early years.
Like other ancient towns in the region, the town of Side, built on the peninsula, is accessible through the main gate and leads through monumental streets to the end of the town. The architectural details of works still exist today, attracting the attention of many people and giving great privilege to guests due to its location. As it is by the sea, it looks like a postcard.
Ancient City of Olympos
One of the first places that comes to mind for the ancient city of Antalya is the ancient city Olympos at Beydağları National Park in the Kemer district. The city was one of the 6 main states of the ancient Lycian League, established in the 3rd century BC.
It is located in two parts of the valley formed by the Olympus stream. The cemetery on the south side of the river has rock-cut chamber graves. Next to the cemetery are the remains of a Roman theater with a wide entrance. An old-fashioned path north of the river leads visitors to the ornate and enchanting entrance to the Ionian temple. The statue at the entrance to the temple bears an inscription of Marcus Aurelius at the bottom. Many ancient artifacts still exist.
Ancient City of Patara (Ruins of Patara)
The ancient city Patara in the Kas Gelemis district is famous for its beaches and during Lycia Times as a port city. The city is said to date back to the 8th century BC. It dates from around 1000 BC. and was founded by Patarus, son of Apollo.
Mount Tahtali – Olympos Cable Car
Mount Tahtalı is the highest point of the Bey Mountains on the Teke Peninsula and is located southwest of Kemer district, west of Tekirova village.
Take the cable car from Olympos to reach the summit at 2365 meters above sea level. There is a beautiful view of Kemer and its surroundings from the top of Tahtalı, and there are restaurants and cafes to pass the time. For transportation to Mount Tahtalı, the cost of the Olympos cable car may vary at certain times of the day. In terms of price, there is a difference between sunset, sunrise and even domestic/overseas.
Ancient Theater of Aspendos
The ancient theater of Aspendos in the district of Serik was built by the Greek architect Zeno, born in Aspendos, during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century AD. Its main importance comes from the fact that it is the best preserved ancient theater.
The theater is 96 meters deep and 96 meters in diameter and is divided into upper and lower parts by a horizontal pillar. It is said that Aspendos was specially prepared for the families of gods and emperors. The theater was so popular back then that it still hosts more than one concert today.
Koprulu Canyon National Park
Köprülü Canyon National Park is located in Bozyaka district of Manavgat and begins in Sütçüler district of Isparta province. It takes its name from the two historic bridges that cross it. With a total length of 14 kilometers, it is one of the longest gorges in Turkey. The gorge is a destination for nature lovers and one of the most popular rafting options. The gorge is 81 kilometers from the center of Antalya and 115 kilometers from the center of Alanya.
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Things To Do In Antalya
You can go to Eynif Plateau among the places to visit in Antalya and enjoy the fresh air. One of my suggestions, which is one of the places to visit in Antalya, is waterfalls. Manavgat Waterfall and Düden Waterfall can be preferred due to its proximity to the city. Also, the Kursunlu Waterfall on Isparta road can be included in the list of sights. Saklıkent Canyon is located in Saklıkent National Park, located within the borders of the province of Muğla and Antalya. If you like hiking, you can have a pleasant time at the Antalya stage of the Lycian Way. If you want a beautiful view, Gelidonya Lighthouse is worth seeing through a nice walk. You will love the view of this place. It is useful to rent a car in Antalya to provide comfortable journey between all these points.
There are so many beautiful ancient cities among the places to visit in Antalya that I will share the most important and worth seeing ones with you. I suggest you visit Perge Ancient City, which is 17 km away from the city. One of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in our country is here. If you continue on this road, you can also visit Aspendos Ancient City in Belkıs. Aqueducts, temples, and the stadium’s standing structure will surprise you as much as I do. Aspendos is about 50 km from the center. I suggest you watch the Fire of Anatolian shows staged in the summer evenings when you come here.
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Two of Antalya’s favorite ancient cities are the Xantos Ancient City and Letoon Ancient City, which are included in the Unesco World Heritage List. Although they are at the other end of the city, it is worth seeing. These ancient cities are on the way for those coming from Muğla and Fethiye. One of my favorite ancient cities is Myra Ancient City in Demre city center. In this ancient city, especially the rock graves on the slopes that attract my attention. Olympos Ancient City is at the top of the places I like. I admire the natural beauty of this place. Olympos, one hour away from Antalya, must be on your list. While coming here, you can also visit Phaselis Ancient City on the road. An exquisite place in the shade of pine and cedar trees. You can also swim in the small port of the ancient city.
Remember that you should add Side Antique City for list of Antalya travel guide. It is an exquisite place with a settlement in the city. Ancient theater, Apollon temple, city gate, bathhouse, city walls, harbor, necropolis, agora, and Vespasianus fountain are the most important structures of the ancient city.
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What to Eat in Antalya?
Turkish cuisine and its local specialties such as soups, meze (appetizers), kebabs, lahmacun (Turkish pizza) or seafood represent the ancestral Turkish culinary art. If you are in Antalya, do not miss the local specialties of Turkish cuisine. You only have to go to the city center and you will easily find good little restaurants where you can eat in reasonable quantities and for an affordable price of good Turkish cuisine; fresh fish as well as varieties of grilled meats. You will be spoiled for choice and you can never ask yourself: What to eat in Antalya?
First of all, note the meatball and the haricot bean salad with tahini. Meatballs are served as a normal or skewers. They also make the pumpkin dessert with tahini in Antalya very well. Şişci Ramazan in the center and Şimşek in Aksu are very delicious restaurants. I recommend you to eat burnt ice cream in the center. At the moment, I could only find it at the Nur Patisserie in the center.
Although very popular, breakfast at Çakırlar is an event that everyone should do. You can experience the spreading of local breakfast in the region. In this Mediterranean city, you can try fish and other seafood. One of the legendary flavors in the city is Paçacı Remzi.
Turkish Breakfast
For a good start to the day, do not hesitate to start with a Kahvalti. You will feast on eggs, cheeses and varieties of olives, tomatoes and cucumber, pastries and plenty of freshly brewed Turkish tea.
Borek
It is a tasty pastry filled with various ingredients and cooked to perfection. The ultra-thin dough of the börek is rolled by hand, which is the secret of this typical dish filled with minced meat or cheese or topped with powdered sugar as a sweet treat.
Akdeniz Dondurma
Having an ice cream in summer is a legitimate choice, Akdeniz Dondurma literally the ice cream of the Mediterranean is distinguished by its goat’s milk ice cream, creating a thick consistency: caramel, melon, sour cherry, almond, pistachio, you will have a hard time choosing.
Lahmacun and Pide
Pide is the other Turkish pizza after lahmacun. Pide is a traditional specialty of Turkish cuisine consisting of an elongated bread on which there are several ingredients. A pide can be cheese, minced meat, sucuk (a type of spicy sausage very popular among the Turks) or spinach.
Manti
Turkish cuisine is known for a local specialty in Antalya called manti, these are ravioli made from a stuffing made from lean and minced lamb meat which is flavored with onion and pepper. A dough is also prepared from flour, egg, water, oil and salt. This is worked exactly like a classic ravioli dough
Dolma and Sarma
Sarma (or Dolma) comes from the Turkish verb “sarmak” which means to roll, wrap and “dolmak” to fill. Sarma are prepared with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, rice and spices, all wrapped in a vine leaf. This specialty rich in flavors offers the inhabitants of Turkey a large choice of preparation and variations. It is traditional to eat them cold as a starter or appetizer, in the middle of an assortment of small delicacies.
Iskender Kebap
Another local specialty of Turkish cuisine that you can try during your tasting in Antalya. İskender kebap is named after a butcher called İskender Bey, who first prepared this tasty dish. It consists of thinly sliced lamb grilled and combined with a spicy tomato sauce and pita bread, while melted mutton butter and yogurt are traditionally drizzled over the dish at the table. It is recommended to pair this kebap with şıra, a Turkish drink known to aid digestion.
Cig Kofte
Cig Kofte, meatless bulgur is a popular street food in Turkey. The name “cig kofte” means raw meatballs. In the traditional recipe, there is meat with crushed bulgur. The meat is cooked by adding many spices and kneading by hand for a long time. But as street food, it is usually made without meat.
Stuffed bulgur balls, Içli Köfte
Içli köfte are bulgur (cracked wheat) dumplings stuffed with spicy minced meat, a traditional Turkish recipe fried in oil, very often prepared for Ramadan.
Bulgur (bulgur in Turkish) which is made from durum wheat and precooked with steam, is widely used in Turkish cuisine. It is therefore very often found in side dishes with skewers.
Menemen
Menemen is a very common dish in Turkey served for breakfast, lunch or simply during the day. It is served with olives, feta cheese and pide bread.
Breakfast in Turkey is a very important moment. The tables of the small restaurants are well stocked with vegetables such as cucumbers, olives, olive oil, bread, cheese, sucuk and juice without forgetting Turkish coffee and cay (tea).
Generally the Menemen includes 3 main ingredients: peppers and tomatoes, at the end of cooking we beat the eggs in a bowl and pour them.
Gozleme
Gözleme is a delicious and tasty Turkish recipe for pancakes or savory pancakes with a filling of Turkish cheese and a mixture of parsley and coriander. A flatbread that can be found in different versions such as spinach and cheese
Toppings for Gözleme are numerous and vary by region, and include a variety of meats (minced beef, minced lamb) as well as fresh or smoked seafood, vegetables (spinach, zucchini, eggplant, leek, chard , various peppers, onion, shallot and garlic). We add cheese (feta, Turkish white cheese), as well as eggs, herbs and spices.
Mercimek Çorbası
The famous lentil soup. Perceived as a classic of Turkish gastronomy, it very often accompanies local meals. This soup includes: lentils, flour, cumin, tomato concentrate and onions. It is always advisable to generously add lemon before tasting it.
8 Things We Would Say Do not Return Without Doing in Antalya:
- You should enjoy nature in Olympos.
- You should walk in Saklıkent canyon.
- You should try shish meatballs, pumpkin dessert with tahini, and haricot bean salad with tahini.
- You should see the Gelidonya lighthouse.
- You can walk in the Antalya part of the Lycian road.
- You should take a boat tour in Kekova.
- You can follow the brown signs.
- You can see the buttoned houses in İbradi.
How to Get to Antalya?
How far is it from İstanbul to Antalya? The distance between the two cities is 694,8 kilometers and you can reach Antalya in 8 hours and 56 minutes via D650 by renting a car in İstanbul. It is an ideal option to rent a car in Antalya, especially for Antalya travel guide.
How far is it from Ankara to Antalya? The distance between the two cities is 482,4 kilometers and you can reach Antalya in 6 hours and 27 minutes via D695 by renting a car in Ankara.
How far is it from İzmir to Antalya? The distance between the two cities is 460,8 kilometers and you can reach Antalya in 6 hours and 2 minutes via E87 by renting a car in İzmir.
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