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Antalya Travel Guide
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The historic centre and port enjoys a stunning setting, atop a limestone plateau, tucked into a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by the rugged Taurus Mountains.
Cruise ships dock in the commercial harbour, also boasting a spectacular mountain backdrop, some 25 m (40 km) from Antalya's historic centre. The principal attractions are the charming Old Town, known as Kaleiçi, and nearby ancient ruins, notably Termessos, Perge and Aspendos (the latter two are combined in a popular half-day tour).
Situated on the Mediterranean coast of south western Turkey, Antalya is the fourth largest city in Turkey though cruise holidaymakers see none of its modern sprawl.
The Old Town comprises a delightful maze of steep narrow streets lined with carpet shops, restaurants and boutique hotels, many occupying elegant restored Ottoman houses, curving down to the ancient harbour. The Konyaalti seafront is a wonderful place to take the evening air.
Highlights:
• Antalya Museum: a world-class archaeological collection housing the finest exhibits from classical sites right along the Mediterranean coast.
• Aspendos: its superb Roman theatre is said to be the best preserved in Asia Minor.
• Perge: dating back to 1000 BC the well preserved theatre of Perge could once seat 14,000 people.
• Termessos: with its dramatic setting and very well preserved remains this is one of Turkey's finest ancient sites 30km south east of Antalya.
• Gulet cruise: Take a half-day trip on a beautiful traditional wooden Turkish-style gulet coastal boat, to include the beautiful Düden Falls.
Antalya Tourist Information
Selcuk Mah, Mermerli Sok, Ahi Yusuf Camii Yani Kaleici, Turkey
Tel: (+242) 247 5042.
Website: www.gototurkey.co.uk
The Old Town is a very colourful place to shop, with everything from designer leather to antique carpets, spices and Turkish delight to fake Rolex and all manner of traditional handicrafts. Expect to be approached by sales people and haggling is the norm. Buying a carpet, or other expensive items, can be a lengthy process, involving taking tea with the sales merchants.
Often underestimated, Turkish food can be excellent. Try the meze (a selection of appetisers salads and dips). The most typical meat dish is the kebab, chunks of meat grilled on a spit. Simply grilled fish and shellfish are excellent.
Antalya has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot dry summers. Beware visiting in July and August when temperatures rise above 35ºC (86ºF), though this is often tempered by sea breezes. Winter sees average temperatures no lower than 15 ºC (59ºF) and only a little rain.
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