Antalya Travel Guide

Gateway to Mediterranean Adventures

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Antalya traces its history back to the 1st century BC, whilst those around it predate it by as much as a thousand years. Today visitors come to visit Köprülü Canyon National Park for some white-water adventure or to explore Termessos, fortress of the Pisidian people, and Aspendos, famous for what is for many one of the best Roman theatres to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean. Ancient Selge is located in great hiking country whilst other attractions include the Lower Düden Waterfalls and the ruined city of Perge. Whilst in the city itself don’t forget to see the Yivli Minaret, wander the Kaleiçi district and enjoy a beer looking out over the harbour. At the end of the day Antalya has some renowned hamams to soothe tired limbs.

Attractions in Antalya

East of Antalya is Köprülü Canyon National Park and ancient Selge. White-water rafting is available on the Köprülü and provides a great introduction to the sport for those new to it, being a grade 3 river. Further up the valley lies ancient Selge and some great walking country, whilst the site of Perge can be visited on the way back to town. Aspendos too can be found 45km east of Antalya lying on what was in antiquity the Pamphylian plain and is the site of an extraordinarily well-preserved theatre, amongst many other remains. The ancient city of Termessos, possibly Antalya’s biggest draw, is located high in a remote mountain valley 34km northwest of Antalya and this isolation together with the determination of the inhabitants to remain independent helped ensure that attackers such as Alexander the Great and even the Romans could not conquer her. The city remains a testament to its builders with many fine remains to be explored. For a day off the Lower Düden Waterfalls make a pleasant boat trip, emptying as they do into the sea at Lara Beach. There’s heaps to entertain families with great beaches and lots of activities for all ages. Whilst culture buffs can search out the Yivli Minare or Fluted Minaret which dates from the Seljuk period, being built in the 13th century - Antalya’s symbol –opposite which sits the Saat Kulesi, a clock tower with the remains of Roman columns embedded.

Activities in Antalya

To do the area justice allow at least 3 days, more if you intend doing some walking or trying out some of the other activities on offer. With careful planning it is possible to combine Termessos with Aspendos (visiting the former in the cool of the morning) into one day. Rafting can be arranged and is generally a full-day excursion. Hire a guide to lead you on walks through the hills close to Selge or to make biking trips into the mountains. Families can easily devote a day to the 'Do It’ adventure park.

Relaxing

A hamam is a great way to end the day and there are several to choose from in town. Following that and being a large and cosmopolitan city Antalya has all the restaurants, bars and clubs you would expect. Head to Kaleiçi for a good choice of intimate eating and drinking places, but be warned that the harbour-side places are predictably expensive.

Getting Around

The city can be explored on foot, by tram and by taxi. For sightseeing outside the city limits it’s best to arrange a car with driver/guide as the sites are some distance from both the city and each other. This will be both cost-effective, saving additional days that would be required if exploring using the infrequent public transport, and give you a greater insight into the places you visit. An alternative is to explore by taxi, but this can be expensive when combining several sites in one day. For activities such as white-water rafting transport to the starting point is almost always included in the cost.

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