
With the best of Mediterranean climate of long summers, pleasant winters and lots of sunshine, Antalya is a perfect holiday destination. The biggest attraction here is its exquisite natural beauty, especially the coastal attractions and the lovely beaches, which is well complemented by a plenteous historic past which is showcased by a selection of interesting sights. And if you are willing to venture away from the city, the complete Antalya experience is yours!
Generally the summer months bring in a lively atmosphere to Antalya as the city stirs with holidaymakers in search of sun, sand and sea. The beaches are gorgeous during the summer and are the main attraction during this time of the year. And even though the main public beach can get a little too busy during the peak season there are other beaches at Bedibi, Tekirova, Phaselis, Olympos, Kas-Kaputas and Kermer which provide less crowded atmosphere to enjoy the holiday. Most waterfront hotels offer their own beaches for guests.
Antalya offers a dazzling array of interesting sights and most of these sights are located in the old town better known as Kaleici. Located in the city’s historic district, Kaleici features narrow streets which lead up to marvelous pieces of original ancient Turkish architecture. This historic city centre, which had embraced many civilizations, is now an attractive little town with hotels, bars and restaurants. Amongst the attractions to look out for are the memorial Hadrian Arch and the Clock Tower, both dating back to the Hellenistic era, and the port’s marina which has been completely restored.
The ancient city of Perge, perched on a hill just outside of Antalya, is believed to date back to the 4th century BC or earlier. Home to one of Asia Minor’s oldest Christian communities it had played a significant role in the Roman imperial times. The remarkable ruins and archaeological attractions include the Temple of Artemis along with the theatre, churches and palaestra and the acropolis which was built during the Bronze Age. Perge is located approximately 15km east of Antalya.
Originally a base used by Alexander the Great during the winter months, the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis dates back to the 6th century. The main attraction here is the Hadrianus gate which was built in 129 AD to welcome the Roman emperor Hadrianus. Other wonderful ancient ruins at Phaselis include temples, a theatre, an archway, an amphitheatre and an aqueduct. The small museum onsite offers information on the background of the city. A swim in one of the fascinating little bays of Phaselis provides a perfect ending for day exploring the ruins. The city is about 56 km away from Antalya.
The dark blue tiled fluted minaret of the Yivli Minare Mosque is the landmark of the city. Built in 1230 the minaret reaches a height of 38 metres. The original structure had been a Byzantine church which was later converted to a mosque during the reign of the Seljuk sultan Ala ad-Din Kay Qubadh (1220-1237). The current structure, a reconstruction on the original in the 14th century, boasts six domes and is one of the oldest examples of multi-dome construction in Anatolia. Today the building houses the Antalya Ethnographic Museum.
For a relaxing holiday on one of the cleanest beaches of the Lycian coast, with an added advantage of easy access to lovely pine forests, visit Kalkan on the western shores of Antalya. Originally an old fishing village the small town with it historical sights, white washed little houses and warm traditional Turkish hospitability offers the ideal Antalya holiday with the just the correct blend of nature and ancient attractions.




















