Antalya is a beautiful resort town located on the southern coast of Turkey. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the Mediterranean sun and beaches, as well as the rich history and culture of Antalya. There are plenty of activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained, making it the perfect holiday destination. Here is a full guide for your trip to Antalya.
History
Antalya is a destination where water, sun, history, and nature coexist in perfect harmony, and it also has the most beautiful and cleanest Mediterranean shoreline. In addition to its amazing natural beauty, the city retains its historical significance as a centre on the country's south coast. The fabled city that housed the Gods and Goddesses is now open to the public, revealing all of its mysteries and marvels. Antalya is found in the western Mediterranean area.
They discovered this place after a lengthy search all over the world and declared, "This must be 'Heaven,'" and King Attalus constructed the city, naming it "Attaleia."
Antalya has been quickly developing since 1960, with a population of 1,146,109 according to the 1990 census.
The province has a classic Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. From April to October, the weather is certain to be sunny, while the winters are moderate. The humidity is slightly high, around 64%, and the average water temperature is 21.5 °C. Antalya is truly a paradise, with a summer season that lasts around 8-9 months.
Top Attractions
Antalya is a renowned tourist destination for a reason - its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and rich history all come together to create an unforgettable experience. And while there are many different ways to enjoy Antalya, here are just a few of the top attractions that should not be missed.
One of the most popular things to do in Antalya is to explore the ancient city of Perge. This well-preserved archaeological site was once an important centre of the Hellenistic world, and it boasts a number of impressive ruins, including a theatre, agora, and baths. Another must-see attraction is the Aspendos Theatre, which was built in the 2nd century AD and is still used for performances today. And no visit to Antalya would be complete without spending some time at one of its numerous beaches. Lara Beach, Konyaalti Beach, and Olympos Beach are just a few of the many options, each offering its own unique blend of sun, sand, and sea.
Lifestyle
Where to eat in Antalya?
Zaika Meyhane
Zaika’s name is derived from the concept of "zaika," which means the sense of taste. They have many ways to serve red meat here, and the mezes will make your day. Also, don't forget to try their delicious pumpkin dessert.
Oburus Momus
This is another restaurant in Kaş, but this is the only one serving vegetarian/vegan food. There are some great options on their menu with a good portion size. Handmade ice tea and lemonade will help to make your day if you're dropping in between swims.
Lara Balikevi
Lara Balikevi has earned a reputation for offering some of Antalya's greatest seafood. It features lovely sea views, is furnished in a modern manner, and has plenty of outdoor terraces and gardens. A large counter presents the catch of the day, which is utilised to prepare the restaurant's daily fresh meals.
Seraser Fine Dining
Seraser Fine Dining is located in Antalya's ancient centre. The sophisticated décor, the warm light lighting the stone walls and velvet seats, and the decor touches such as amphorae and sculptures lend a distinct flavour to the atmosphere.
Ramiz Grill House
Ramiz Grill House is reserved for special occasions. If it's your birthday or anniversary, make this your dinner destination. If you're lucky, you'll locate a table right by the water. There are many delectable alternatives on their menu, such as steak with butter or a Dallas burger.
Burnt Ice Cream for Dessert
Burnt ice cream (yank dondurma) is a new flavour of cream served in Antalya Region. The predominant flavour is vanilla, but the milk is burnt during the production process, giving the ice cream its distinct flavour.
Finike Orange
Antalya is well-known for its Finike oranges. They were introduced to the region at the end of the 1960s and are delicious. Consider include oranges in your fruit menu.
Vanilla Lounge
The Vanilla Lounge is close to the Roman landmark Hadrian's Gate. Diners are drawn into a beautiful ambiance by the interior décor. The menu has a diverse selection of meals influenced by world cuisine with a strong Italian flavour, including appetisers such as salmon gravadlax and tagliatelle.
Shopping
Kaleiçi
Antalya's old district, or Kaleiçi, is one of the best places to shop in Turkey. Local souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, antiques, and carpets are all available. Shop along the main shopping streets of Cumhuriyet, Güllük, and Atatürk.
Çağlayan Bazaar
Antalya's Çağlayan bazaar is a great place to observe the locals, who come here to do their weekly shopping. The indoor market offers an amazing selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, nuts, spices, and olive varieties.
Antalya Kaleiçi Marina
The city's marinas are a great place to visit if you're looking for snorkelling, diving or water sports equipment. It also offers beautiful views of the sea from its cafes and restaurants.
Shopping centres
With over 150 businesses and 30 eateries, TerraCity Mall is the city's largest shopping mall. There is also a large Migros shop nearby if you need to fill up on food or buy souvenirs.
İki Kapılı Han
Head over to this old, elegant, and covered bazaar from the late 15th century, which lies just north of Antalya's old town, Kaleiçi, for a more historic experience. Make sure to stop by the jewellers, copper workshops, and metalwork craftsmen, as well as the merchants offering lovely fabrics, Iznik style tiles, and spices.
Lara Street Market
This is Antalya's largest street bazaar, held every Saturday. Clothing, jewellery, accessories, luggage, and souvenirs are available, as are fresh vegetables, herbs, and ready-made dishes. If you're a devoted bargain seeker or simply want to mix with the locals who are doing their bulk purchasing on a bright afternoon, this is the place to be.
Transportation in Antalya
Tramway
Antalya has 2 tramway lines.
The old tram is also known as Heritage Tram or nostalgic tramway line and has 11 stops. It runs from the Ancient Museum to the Zerdalilik district. It stops at the Old Port, Hadiran's Gate, and the famous Clock Tower, among other places.
AntRay is the name of the second and more recent tramway line. It was expanded outside the Aksu area to the garden exhibition location in 2016. Modern vehicles go over a 30-kilometer route with 49 stops.
This addition means that trams can now take you to Antalya Airport. Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes and are normally available from 6 a.m. until midnight.
Trams may also take you to the historic city of Perge, which is 16 kilometres northeast of Antalya.
Bus
You can go to practically any section of the city and almost any portion of Antalya via bus. Buses are a prominent mode of transportation throughout Turkey, including Antalya. As a result, they can become rather congested at times.
The buses are labelled with numbers, and the letters on the route numbers identify the towns or districts they serve. Take bus number 600 to the airport. The travel on newer buses may be paid for with a QR code from your phone, however not all vehicles are presently equipped.
Dolmuş
The Dolmuş is a tiny community bus, sometimes known as a collective taxi. They are one of Antalya's most popular modes of transportation.
They go between two sites on a predetermined path at a certain time interval. On this route, passengers can hop on and off at any time. Simply signal the dolmuş from the roadside, and it will stop to pick you up. If you wish to get off, simply inform the driver, and they will pull over at the next available chance.
Taxi
There are around 3,500 cabs on the road in Antalya, which are easily identified by their distinctive yellow hue. A hand gesture from the road is sufficient, and the taxi will stop if space is available. If the car is free, you can tell by the lighting on the roof.
AntalyaKart
You need the AntalyaKart in order to use the public buses and streetcars. The credit card is made of plastic and will let you pay for your local transport. It can be refilled at vending machines.