Turkey is a beautiful country with varied landscapes and places to see. Including Monasteries, museums, monuments, ancient palaces, rugged mountains and beautiful coastlines. We wish we could include Turkey in our list of places to visit on our two weeks trip to Europe, nevertheless, it will happen one day.
Today, we are taking you to the heart of Turkey. The place which is known as Turkey’s capital of tourism – Antalya. And why not !! Antalya’s history runs as deep as its modern port with amazing cruises and a beautiful coastline.
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A brief about the history of Antalya
The first evidence of human settlement in Antalya runs as far back as 200 BC. It was the Attalid dynasty who were the first rulers of Antalya. Romans conquered them. Antalya thrived under Roman rule. And later under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for 500 years at a stretch.
After world war 1 when Turkey regained its control of Antalya from Italy, it focused big time on encouraging tourism in the region. As a result, Antalya emerged as the biggest international sea resort in Turkey.
How to reach Antalya
Antalya has an airport that is well connected with the capital of Turkey Istanbul and other nearby places. If you plan to reach Antalya, the best will be to land in Istanbul. And then take a connecting flight to Antalya. There are very comfortable flights operated by Pegasus Airlines that provide quick connectivity between Antalya and Istanbul.
What are the things to do and see in Antalya?
Visit the old historical town of Kaleici
The main attractions of the old historical town of Kaleici in the Antalya province are the famous Hadrian Gate dedicated to King Hadrian and the Suna-Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum which houses the ancient monuments of the historical town with great cultural significance. Although, it is a sheer delight to just take a walk around the old town, admiring the old buildings of great architectural value. It kind of transports you to the ancient world of Turkey for a while.
Cruise through the old Harbour of Antalya
As you visit the city of Kaleici on your trip to Antalya, don’t forget to check out the old Roman Harbour here. There are yachts here on which you can take a short but breathtaking cruise into the sea. After your cruise, you can check Kecili Park or Antalya Bazaar nearby. And have a mouth-watering meal at one of the several restaurants that dot the harbour.
Experience The historical ruins at Aspendos
Aspendos is another beautiful rustic town not very far from the Antalya province. And on a trip to Antalya, it makes all the sense to include it in your list. The place is particularly famous for its Roman theatre, something that will remind you of the Colosseum of Rome. However, there are many other old buildings that are excellent examples of the wonderful Greco – Roman architecture.
Take a trip to Termessos & Karain Caves
Termessos is located in the Gulluk Dagi National Park. It can be visited over a day trip from Antalya. Again, one of the most significant historical towns in the vicinity of Antalya Province. Termessos is home to significant ancient ruins of temples, tombstones and statues. I am surely going to have this place on my bucket list when I make a trip to Antalya. Because I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting such places in the past. My trip to Sukhothai National Park in Thailand, Ayutthaya and the Khajuraho Temples are testimony to the same.
Karain Caves are located near Termessos and often combined on a trip to Termessos from Antalya. These caves have evidence of life as old as the Palaeolithic era !! The caves are famous as the largest inhabited caves in Turkey and the oldest caves in Turkey that were occupied by humans!
Explore Purge
A city that dates back to the bronze age, Perge is another historical pride of Turkey, situated near the Antalya province. It is located on the banks of the Cestrus Rivers. The two must-visit places in Perge are the Stadium of Perge and a Greco-Roman theatre. But overall, the ruins and the archeological wonders that you get to see while walking around here are mind-blowing.
Hike to the Kursunlu Waterfalls
The Kursunlu Waterfalls is located just 19 km from Antalya province. It has a beautiful tropical feel of a waterfall, surrounded by lush green forests on all sides. At the bottom of the waterfall lies a crystal-clear natural pool. Overall, it is an absolute feast for a nature enthusiast to visit here on a trip to Antalya.
Manavgat Waterfall
Other waterfalls in the Antalya province that you might want to check out include the Manavgat Waterfall. In fact, it is the most visited waterfall in the whole of Turkey. Owing to the way it lies low and spreads out, there is a big area around the waterfall. Where several restaurants, tea gardens and cafes have come up. And tourists flock here in big numbers. Enjoying beautiful views of the waterfall while having tea or some delicious pastries!!
Enjoy the water sports at the Konyaalti Beach
Konyaalti Beach is a nearly 13 km long stretch of beach. Which is a must-visit on your trip to Antalya if you are a night party enthusiast. Because it is world famous for the same. But, if you are not in for a night party, nothing to worry about. Because this beautiful beach also offers plenty of water sports that you can enjoy here. Some of these include swimming, diving, jet skiing etc. And also the beach is dotted with some excellent restaurants, bars and cute cafes to enthral your taste buds after you get hungry from all the water sports!!
Visit Kaputas Beach
Turquoise water and fine golden sand – something that makes a beach all the more attractive – are characteristics of Kaputas Beach. No wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey. And hence is on the bucket list of every trip to Antalya. While Konyaalti Beach is more for sports, Kaputas Beach is for those who just want to chill with a book and a drink under an umbrella on a sunbed. Listening to the splash of the waves and enjoying the scene in front of them.
Take a cable car ride
The most amazing way to view the mesmerising landscapes of Antalya is by taking the cable car ride that begins at the Sarısu station on Konyaalti Beach. It gives a beautiful view of the cityscape on one side and the beautiful coastline dotted with fine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters on the other side. I hope you can picture what I am talking about 😊 So, don’t miss it on your trip to Antalya.
Enjoy a day at the land of legends with your family
The Land of Legends has come to be known as one of the most famous amusement parks in Turkey. Located right in Antalya, do include it in your list of places to visit on your trip to Antalya – whether you are visiting with family and kids or with friends. The amusement park has rides that fit all age groups. It has a fairy tale castle, dolphin show, water park, adventure park and much more. And if you decide to stay on the premises, you will have exclusive access to all the rides in the parks. And even free diving lessons are on offer !! Reminds me of my own trip to Disneyland Paris with my family 😊
Visit the Aktur Park
Another beautiful amusement park is located right in the heart of Antalya. Aktur Park offers a lot of adventurous rides, horror tunnels and adrenaline-rushing roller coasters. But fear not, the adventure park does cater to all age groups. So, even if you are visiting with young children, it will provide for an amazing break from all the historical and natural places you would have visited on your trip. Something for kids to look forward to!
Antalya Aquarium
The Antalya Aquarium is one of the largest sea tunnel aquariums. And it is located right in the centre of Antalya city – the capital of the Antalya province. It has several sub-sections, a restaurant that serves Turkish delicacies and a Snow World Ice Museum as well. A must-visit when you are on a trip to Antalya.
Shopping in Antalya
Antalya is a great shopping centre as well. From dazzling multi-story shopping malls and complexes to street-side shops and flea markets, you will be dazzled by the options for shopping that you get in Antalya. Handicrafts, spices, clothing, rugs and carpets, affordable jewellery, souvenirs – you name it. Antalya is definitely a shoppers’ paradise. So, on your trip to Antalya, do keep some room in your timetable as well as your bags for a shopping spree.
How many days are required to visit Antalya
To thoroughly enjoy all the places listed above and be able to do justice to your trip to Antalya, you should allocate at least 7 days to a trip to Antalya. The trips to Antalya generally range from 7 to 20 days. Depending on how much you want to do on your trip. However, owing to good connectivity and Turkey’s proximity to both the Middle East and Europe, people do frequent here for extended weekends and smaller trips as well, covering only one part of Antalya at a time. Or, even do theme trips to Antalya – some covering only the beaches, others covering the historical places and yet others covering the city attractions. So, planning a trip to Antalya will really depend on what you seek from Antalya. However, I will personally recommend including a bit of history, culture, beaches as well as city attractions on your list on your trip to Antalya. That way, you will be able to make the most of your vacation in Antalya.
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