Antalya - The Captivating Richness of History, Nature, and Culture
Antalya, one of Türkiye's most popular holiday destinations, is known as the pearl of the Mediterranean. With its thousands of years of history, captivating natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Antalya attracts millions of domestic and foreign tourists every year. While wandering through the city's historic streets, it is possible to encounter impressive structures dating from ancient times to the Ottoman period. Additionally, with its crystal-clear sea, golden sandy beaches, and lush nature, Antalya is a true paradise for nature lovers. In this article, you will find a comprehensive travel guide, including the must-see places in Antalya, activities to do, dishes to taste, and its cultural richness. Detailed information on accommodation and transportation in Antalya will also be provided, so you will be ready to explore this unique city.
Kaleici, the historic center of Antalya, is one of the city's most enchanting and impressive areas. Its narrow stone streets, old Ottoman houses with bay windows, historic mansions, and colorful bazaar offer visitors a journey through time. Among the places you can visit while strolling through Kaleici are Hadrian's Gate, the Broken Minaret, the Yivli Minaret, and the historical city walls. Hadrian's Gate, built in honor of the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, features impressive architecture. The Broken Minaret, formed by converting a church from the Byzantine period into a mosque, has been damaged over time but still remains an important structure that attracts visitors. The Yivli Minaret, one of Antalya's symbols, is an outstanding example from the Seljuk period.
For history enthusiasts, the Antalya Museum is a paradise and one of Türkiye's largest and most significant museums. Established in 1922, the museum covers an area of 30,000 square meters and houses thousands of artifacts in 13 exhibition halls. The museum showcases a wide range of works, from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period, with particular attention given to ancient sculptures, sarcophagi, and mosaics. It highlights the rich heritage of ancient regions such as Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia, making it an essential stop for visitors with an interest in history.
Located about 50 kilometers from Antalya, the Aspendos Theater is considered one of the best examples of Roman theater architecture. Built in the 2nd century AD, this theater has a seating capacity of 15,000 and still attracts attention with its excellent acoustics. Aspendos captivates visitors not only with its ancient theater but also with other historical structures such as city walls, aqueducts, and the agora.
Located 18 kilometers from Antalya, Perge Ancient City is known as one of the most important cities of the Roman period. Founded in the 4th century BC, Perge stands out with its wide-columned streets, massive theater, stadium, and baths. The city was of great importance both commercially and culturally in ancient times.
One of Antalya's natural beauties, Duden Waterfalls is an ideal escape for those who want to cool off and enjoy nature, especially in the summer months. Created by the waters of the Duden River falling from a height of 40 meters, this waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, mesmerizes its visitors. The Duden Waterfalls are located in two separate areas: Upper Duden and Lower Duden. The Upper Duden Waterfall offers an ideal area for picnics and nature walks, while the Lower Duden Waterfall offers a magnificent view as the waters flow into the sea.
Located to the west of Antalya, Olympos is famous for its ancient ruins, pristine beach, and its atmosphere intertwined with nature. Olympos is also known as one of the breeding grounds for the Caretta Caretta sea turtles. An important port city of the ancient Lycian civilization, Olympos has historically been a strategic location for pirates and merchants. Today, while walking through the narrow streets of Olympos, it is possible to get lost among the ancient ruins and explore the unique natural beauty that the area offers.
Located close to Olympos, Cirali is famous for its continuously burning natural gas outlets, known as Yanartas. This fascinating natural phenomenon has attracted visitors since ancient times and has been the subject of mythological stories. Yanartas offers a more impressive view when visited at night, and the number of tourists visiting Cirali to see this natural wonder is quite high. Cirali is also a peaceful extension of Olympos, where you can enjoy the sea, sand, and sun.
Located at the summit of Gulluk Mountain, at an altitude of 1,050 meters, Termessos is a fascinating ancient city where nature and history merge. Known as the city that even Alexander the Great could not conquer, Termessos attracts the attention of history enthusiasts. The ancient city's theater is famous for its magnificent view, and from here, you can enjoy a panoramic view stretching all the way to Antalya's mountainous regions. Additionally, the remnants of the agora, gymnasium, necropolis, and temples in the city are also worth seeing.
Located in the east of Antalya, Koprulu Canyon National Park is an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and especially rafting. Koprulu Canyon, one of the longest canyons in Türkiye, stretches along the Koprucay River. The canyon is also known for its rich vegetation and wildlife. For rafting enthusiasts, Koprulu Canyon is one of the most popular spots, offering a breathtaking experience with its stunning nature and adrenaline-filled activities.
Beach and Sea Enjoyment: Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Antalya is famous for its magnificent beaches. Konyaalti and Lara beaches, located close to the city center, are among the most popular beaches, offering various amenities to visitors.
Water Sports: Antalya is like a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. At many of the city's beaches, you can find opportunities to try various water sports. For diving enthusiasts, the Antalya coast offers a world waiting to be discovered with its rich underwater life and historical shipwrecks.
Hiking: For nature hiking enthusiasts, there are many different trails in Antalya, but the Lycian Way is the most famous. The Lycian Way is considered one of the best long-distance walking routes in the world and stretches from Antalya to Fethiye. This ancient path, 540 kilometers long, offers a hiking experience filled with magnificent Mediterranean views, pine forests, and historical Lycian ruins.
Golf: Antalya is also an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts. Particularly Belek is known for its world-class golf courses. Thanks to the favorable climate provided by the Mediterranean, Belek is suitable for golf throughout the year.
Paragliding: For those who want to see Antalya's stunning views from above, paragliding offers a unique experience. One of the most popular spots for paragliding in Antalya is Alanya.
Known for its proximity to the city center, Konyaalti Beach is one of the most preferred beaches by both local and foreign tourists. The beach, with its long and wide sand, clear sea, and surrounding modern amenities, attracts attention. While enjoying the sea at Konyaalti, you can also spend time at cafes and restaurants along the beach and engage in various water sports.
If you are looking for a place where history and nature intertwine, Phaselis Beach is just for you. Located within the ancient city of Phaselis, this beach offers a unique spot where you can enjoy both the sea and the historical ruins. Surrounded by pine trees and with its clear sea, Phaselis offers a peaceful holiday experience.
Located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Adrasan Beach is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy nature and tranquility. With its long and wide sand, clear sea, and surrounding natural beauty, Adrasan is the choice of those seeking a peaceful holiday away from the crowds. The bungalows and camping areas around the beach provide an opportunity to stay close to nature.
Piyaz: A delicious salad unique to Antalya, made with boiled beans, egg, and plenty of tahini sauce.
Tahini Pumpkin Dessert: Antalya's famous dessert, tahini pumpkin dessert, is especially ideal for satisfying sweet cravings after a meal.
Local Olive Oil Dishes: Olive oil dishes made with fresh vegetables in Antalya offer a light and healthy option.
Fish and Seafood: Fresh fish and seafood from the Mediterranean are abundant in Antalya's restaurants and are worth trying.
One of Türkiye's oldest and most prestigious film festivals, the Golden Orange Film Festival, was first held in 1964. This festival, held every October in Antalya, brings the finest works of Turkish and world cinema to film lovers. The Golden Orange trophy, the festival's most prestigious award, is considered one of Turkish cinema's highest honors.
Aspendos Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, is famous for its excellent acoustics and impressive atmosphere. The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, held every year, hosts unforgettable performances in this historic theater. The events held in the mystical atmosphere of Aspendos allow visitors to feel as though they are traveling back in time, experiencing the grandeur of the ancient world.
Antalya is a city that stands out for its appreciation of the theater arts. The Antalya Theater Festival brings together theater troupes from all over Türkiye, adding an artistic vibrancy to the city. During the festival, both classical and modern theater works are performed, bringing together different artistic approaches and disciplines.
Another important event for art lovers in Antalya is the Antalya Jazz Festival. Held every year, this festival brings together some of the most famous jazz artists from Türkiye and around the world. The festival, with concerts held in historical venues like Kaleici, offers music lovers the opportunity to feel the rhythm of jazz while exploring Antalya's historical fabric. The Antalya Jazz Festival is one of the events that brings cultural life to the city and adds a different musical color to it.
There is so much to see and do in this city, with different beauties to discover in every corner. To explore these wonders of Antalya in the most comfortable and free way, you can take advantage of car rental services. iZMiRCAR provides services in Antalya with its wide fleet of vehicles and customer satisfaction-oriented approach. Car rental services in Antalya make it easy to explore every corner of the city and offer a comfortable travel experience. With its history, nature, and cultural richness, Antalya offers something new to discover in every corner. By keeping this guide in mind when planning your trip, you can fully enjoy your time in Antalya.
Where to Visit in Antalya?
Kaleici
Kaleici, the historic center of Antalya, is one of the city's most enchanting and impressive areas. Its narrow stone streets, old Ottoman houses with bay windows, historic mansions, and colorful bazaar offer visitors a journey through time. Among the places you can visit while strolling through Kaleici are Hadrian's Gate, the Broken Minaret, the Yivli Minaret, and the historical city walls. Hadrian's Gate, built in honor of the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, features impressive architecture. The Broken Minaret, formed by converting a church from the Byzantine period into a mosque, has been damaged over time but still remains an important structure that attracts visitors. The Yivli Minaret, one of Antalya's symbols, is an outstanding example from the Seljuk period.
Antalya Museum
For history enthusiasts, the Antalya Museum is a paradise and one of Türkiye's largest and most significant museums. Established in 1922, the museum covers an area of 30,000 square meters and houses thousands of artifacts in 13 exhibition halls. The museum showcases a wide range of works, from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period, with particular attention given to ancient sculptures, sarcophagi, and mosaics. It highlights the rich heritage of ancient regions such as Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia, making it an essential stop for visitors with an interest in history.
Aspendos Theater
Located about 50 kilometers from Antalya, the Aspendos Theater is considered one of the best examples of Roman theater architecture. Built in the 2nd century AD, this theater has a seating capacity of 15,000 and still attracts attention with its excellent acoustics. Aspendos captivates visitors not only with its ancient theater but also with other historical structures such as city walls, aqueducts, and the agora.
Perge Ancient City
Located 18 kilometers from Antalya, Perge Ancient City is known as one of the most important cities of the Roman period. Founded in the 4th century BC, Perge stands out with its wide-columned streets, massive theater, stadium, and baths. The city was of great importance both commercially and culturally in ancient times.
Duden Waterfalls
One of Antalya's natural beauties, Duden Waterfalls is an ideal escape for those who want to cool off and enjoy nature, especially in the summer months. Created by the waters of the Duden River falling from a height of 40 meters, this waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, mesmerizes its visitors. The Duden Waterfalls are located in two separate areas: Upper Duden and Lower Duden. The Upper Duden Waterfall offers an ideal area for picnics and nature walks, while the Lower Duden Waterfall offers a magnificent view as the waters flow into the sea.
Olympos
Located to the west of Antalya, Olympos is famous for its ancient ruins, pristine beach, and its atmosphere intertwined with nature. Olympos is also known as one of the breeding grounds for the Caretta Caretta sea turtles. An important port city of the ancient Lycian civilization, Olympos has historically been a strategic location for pirates and merchants. Today, while walking through the narrow streets of Olympos, it is possible to get lost among the ancient ruins and explore the unique natural beauty that the area offers.
Cirali
Located close to Olympos, Cirali is famous for its continuously burning natural gas outlets, known as Yanartas. This fascinating natural phenomenon has attracted visitors since ancient times and has been the subject of mythological stories. Yanartas offers a more impressive view when visited at night, and the number of tourists visiting Cirali to see this natural wonder is quite high. Cirali is also a peaceful extension of Olympos, where you can enjoy the sea, sand, and sun.
Termessos Ancient City
Located at the summit of Gulluk Mountain, at an altitude of 1,050 meters, Termessos is a fascinating ancient city where nature and history merge. Known as the city that even Alexander the Great could not conquer, Termessos attracts the attention of history enthusiasts. The ancient city's theater is famous for its magnificent view, and from here, you can enjoy a panoramic view stretching all the way to Antalya's mountainous regions. Additionally, the remnants of the agora, gymnasium, necropolis, and temples in the city are also worth seeing.
Koprulu Canyon National Park
Located in the east of Antalya, Koprulu Canyon National Park is an ideal spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and especially rafting. Koprulu Canyon, one of the longest canyons in Türkiye, stretches along the Koprucay River. The canyon is also known for its rich vegetation and wildlife. For rafting enthusiasts, Koprulu Canyon is one of the most popular spots, offering a breathtaking experience with its stunning nature and adrenaline-filled activities.
Activities to Do in Antalya
Beach and Sea Enjoyment: Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, Antalya is famous for its magnificent beaches. Konyaalti and Lara beaches, located close to the city center, are among the most popular beaches, offering various amenities to visitors.
Water Sports: Antalya is like a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. At many of the city's beaches, you can find opportunities to try various water sports. For diving enthusiasts, the Antalya coast offers a world waiting to be discovered with its rich underwater life and historical shipwrecks.
Hiking: For nature hiking enthusiasts, there are many different trails in Antalya, but the Lycian Way is the most famous. The Lycian Way is considered one of the best long-distance walking routes in the world and stretches from Antalya to Fethiye. This ancient path, 540 kilometers long, offers a hiking experience filled with magnificent Mediterranean views, pine forests, and historical Lycian ruins.
Golf: Antalya is also an attractive destination for golf enthusiasts. Particularly Belek is known for its world-class golf courses. Thanks to the favorable climate provided by the Mediterranean, Belek is suitable for golf throughout the year.
Paragliding: For those who want to see Antalya's stunning views from above, paragliding offers a unique experience. One of the most popular spots for paragliding in Antalya is Alanya.
Most Famous Beaches in Antalya
Konyaalti Beach
Known for its proximity to the city center, Konyaalti Beach is one of the most preferred beaches by both local and foreign tourists. The beach, with its long and wide sand, clear sea, and surrounding modern amenities, attracts attention. While enjoying the sea at Konyaalti, you can also spend time at cafes and restaurants along the beach and engage in various water sports.
Lara Beach
Located in the eastern part of Antalya, Lara Beach is famous for its fine sand and long coastline. Lara Beach, with its comfortable hotels, beach clubs, and wide beach, is a preferred destination for those seeking a luxurious holiday experience. The sunbeds and umbrellas along the beach provide a comfortable environment for visitors to sunbathe.Phaselis Beach
If you are looking for a place where history and nature intertwine, Phaselis Beach is just for you. Located within the ancient city of Phaselis, this beach offers a unique spot where you can enjoy both the sea and the historical ruins. Surrounded by pine trees and with its clear sea, Phaselis offers a peaceful holiday experience.
Adrasan Beach
Located in the Kumluca district of Antalya, Adrasan Beach is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy nature and tranquility. With its long and wide sand, clear sea, and surrounding natural beauty, Adrasan is the choice of those seeking a peaceful holiday away from the crowds. The bungalows and camping areas around the beach provide an opportunity to stay close to nature.
What to Eat in Antalya?
Piyaz: A delicious salad unique to Antalya, made with boiled beans, egg, and plenty of tahini sauce.
Tahini Pumpkin Dessert: Antalya's famous dessert, tahini pumpkin dessert, is especially ideal for satisfying sweet cravings after a meal.
Local Olive Oil Dishes: Olive oil dishes made with fresh vegetables in Antalya offer a light and healthy option.
Fish and Seafood: Fresh fish and seafood from the Mediterranean are abundant in Antalya's restaurants and are worth trying.
Cultural Events in Antalya
Golden Orange Film Festival
One of Türkiye's oldest and most prestigious film festivals, the Golden Orange Film Festival, was first held in 1964. This festival, held every October in Antalya, brings the finest works of Turkish and world cinema to film lovers. The Golden Orange trophy, the festival's most prestigious award, is considered one of Turkish cinema's highest honors.
Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival
Aspendos Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, is famous for its excellent acoustics and impressive atmosphere. The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, held every year, hosts unforgettable performances in this historic theater. The events held in the mystical atmosphere of Aspendos allow visitors to feel as though they are traveling back in time, experiencing the grandeur of the ancient world.
Antalya Theater Festival
Antalya is a city that stands out for its appreciation of the theater arts. The Antalya Theater Festival brings together theater troupes from all over Türkiye, adding an artistic vibrancy to the city. During the festival, both classical and modern theater works are performed, bringing together different artistic approaches and disciplines.
Antalya Jazz Festival
Another important event for art lovers in Antalya is the Antalya Jazz Festival. Held every year, this festival brings together some of the most famous jazz artists from Türkiye and around the world. The festival, with concerts held in historical venues like Kaleici, offers music lovers the opportunity to feel the rhythm of jazz while exploring Antalya's historical fabric. The Antalya Jazz Festival is one of the events that brings cultural life to the city and adds a different musical color to it.
Car Rental and Transportation Services in Antalya
There is so much to see and do in this city, with different beauties to discover in every corner. To explore these wonders of Antalya in the most comfortable and free way, you can take advantage of car rental services. iZMiRCAR provides services in Antalya with its wide fleet of vehicles and customer satisfaction-oriented approach. Car rental services in Antalya make it easy to explore every corner of the city and offer a comfortable travel experience. With its history, nature, and cultural richness, Antalya offers something new to discover in every corner. By keeping this guide in mind when planning your trip, you can fully enjoy your time in Antalya.
