Official Language:
Turkish
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Currency:
Turkish Lira
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Population:
approximately 450,000 people call Antalya home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Antalya Turkey: Antalya is the typical Mediterranean climate with 310-320 sunny days per year. Specific for this climate is that between the winter month it is mild and rainy and in the summer month it is very hot and dry. By comparison with other regions Alanya has special characteristics. Through the mountains in the East, North and West the cold winds from the interior will be broken so it is possible to bath in the sea for over 8 month and to cultivate tropical fruits and cultivated plants. One of the important factor of the historical and cultural nature paradise Alanya is the climate June-September avarage temperature Spring 68-82°F/20-28°C, Summer 86-104°F/30-40°C, Fall 86-95°F/30-35°C.
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A latecomer among Pamphylian cities, Attaleia, now Antalya, was founded in about 160 BC by Attalus II, king of Pergamum, as his port on the southern coast, and it has been the coast's major port ever since. Antalya has witnessed a turbulent history, marked by numerous attacks and invasions until it was annexed by the Ottoman Empire.
When the Turkish Republic was founded, Antalya was a small town with a population of only 15,000. Today, it is one of the world's best-loved touristic resorts, with numerous five-star hotels, holiday villages and entertainment establishments. Antalya is situated at the end of the Gulf to which it has given its name, Antalya is spread over a green plateau that plunges dramatically into the sea. Its glorious sandy beaches, Konyaalti in the west and Lara in the east, are several kilometers long and are lapped with crystal clear waters. The proximity of a great number of archaeological sites and ruins enhances its appeal, as does the possibility for skiing in the mountains and then descending to the shore for a swim.
Tourism has now become the region's major economic activity and today the city is a boomtown, with a beautifully restored harbor area whose narrow streets are lined with small houses, restaurants, and pension's. On the hilltop above the harbor are tea gardens where the brew comes from old-fashioned samovars. The view extends beyond the bay to the Taurus Mountains, which parallel the coast. Antalya is a good base for excursions to the region's major archaeological sites: Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Termessos.
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Attractions |
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Antalya City:
Perfect introduction to Antalya on the Mediterranean Sea, an area known as the Turquoise Coast. The highlights on this four hour tour include a visit to Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Palm Street, Old Town with Marina, Republican Square and finally Antalya Archaeological Museum.
The most outstanding monument in Antalya
Hadrian's Gate (Hadrian Kapisi):
halfway between Cumhuriyet Caddesi and 30 Agustos Cad., built in honor of the emperor's visit to the city in A.D. 130. A classic example of a Roman triumphal arch, Hadrian's Gate is the only remaining entrance gate into the ancient city, and a great introduction to the neighborhood of Kaleiçi.A few steps north following Imaret Sokagi is the *
Yivli Minare:
Built by the Selçuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat in the 13th century. The fluted brick minaret stands a commanding 38m (125 ft.) high and has come to be the symbol of the city. The adjacent domed mosque (not the original) is an early example of Anatolian multidomed mosques.The
Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi):
In nearby Kalekapisi Square rises above the outer reaches of Kaleiçi at Atatürk Caddesi and was once a part of the old city fortifications.Past the Clock Tower, following Atatürk Caddesi, is one of the remaining outer towers of the city fortifications, standing over 15m (50 ft.) high. Just past the tower to the left is a gracefully curving building of the former
Mevlevihane:
In use today as an art gallery (whose stark and serene interior is worth a quick detour. At the opposite end of the quarter of Kaleiçi and dominating the edges of the cliff is the 2nd-century
Hidirlik Kulesi:
Also known as the Red Tower, the Hidirlik Kulesi offers unobstructed panoramas of the sea, suggesting its original use as a lighthouse.At the bottom of the stone steps leading down from Memerli Sokagi to the harbor is the
Iskele Mosque:
A simple stone structure set on four pillars over a spring. Unfortunately, the description lends more appeal to the site than the actual thing, because careless visitors have been using the small pool as a garbage dump.
The Kaleiçi Museum:
Takes up two buildings restored between 1993 and 1995: one a former Orthodox church, the other a traditional Turkish house. The house contains an ethnological exhibit, while the former church, built in 1863 in the name of Agios Georgios, contains different cultural and art works from the Suna-Inan Kiraç collection.Located in Barbaros Mahallesi Kocatepe Sok. 25, Kaleiçi (tel. 0242/243-4274),
Kale Ici Quarter and Marina:
This restored center of Antalya which embraced many civilizations over the centuries is now a favourite stop for toruists. Whikle basking in the history of centuries vistors fill their every tourist's need in its many souvenir shops, friendly cafes, bars and restaurants as well as yacht moorings and services. Sail in the morning and enjoy the restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old city walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness. The restoration activities in Kaleici won the Golden Apple Prize, the Oscar of tourism.
One of the most interesting places in Kaleici is Hadrians Gate which was constructed in 2nd century BC by the Romans in honour of the Emperor Hadrian. Near the marina the two towers flanking the gate and other sections of the walls still stand. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Square was also part of the old city's fortifications. The elegant, fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the center of the city, built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has become Antalya's symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological college): in the Kaleici district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. Next to the marina, the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. The Hidirlik Kulesi (tower) probably was originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. The Kesik Minaret Mosque attests to the city's long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman renovations.
Attractions outside city of Antalya
Kemer,Antalya:
Kemer, built in 1910, is about (43km) 27 mil. from Antalya. It is a very attractive village at the outskirts of the Taurus Mountains. Kemer is actually nine villages. Its population is around 9740 and it has a coastline of 52 kms. In Kemer the sea, the forest and the mountains blend with each other. There have been so many developments in Kemer recently. The investments made for the development of Turkey's Tourism Industry, has an important role in Kemer's economy. The town is a good sample of the urbanization. Kemer is a comfortable and quite holiday district, with a complete infrastructure, easy and organized transportation, all the utilities of communication and well working Municipality. Today, Kemer is known internationally and a favourite stop for touristswith many hotels and 5 star resorts.
Full Day Jeep Safari trips and Local Villages:
Experience an authentic Turkish village and gain an insight into the life of villagers and their traditions. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the village and taste-test some Turkish treats such as Gozleme (Turkish pancakes) and a Turkish drink (butter-milk) called Ayran. The landscape is beautiful, so don't forget your camera to capture all of your experiences - the opportunities are endless!
Demre, Myra and Kekova:
No other place is quite like the picturesque Kekova Island! The Kekova Island view spectacular and underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena. For a different perspective, enjoy a swim or snorkel in the turquoise waters
don't forget to bring your bathing suit! Also included are the Lycian Tombs at Myra. Myra is in between Fenike and Kas. It is 25km/16 mil. from fenike. An old lykian town and a real cultural inherit. Myra is also known as the place where Santa Claus has lived for many years. The Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). So every year at 6th of December ceremonies are being held for him. The ruins, The Church, Rock houses are the wonderful sights at Myra, this location also known as Demre.
Perge, Aspendos and Side:
Turkey is simply bursting with history. Today you can learn more about its rich past on a journey to the unspoiled ruins of Perge, the huge well preserved Aspendos theater, which is one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Anatolia. Enjoy lunch by a picturesque river and visit the Manavgat Waterfalls before some time at leisure in Side. If you love ancient history, this tour is a must!
Termesos:
Climb up to Termessos and enjoy a walk among the tumbled ruins which will reveal the Theatre, Odeon, Necropolis, Temple, Cisterns from the Hellenistic and Roman period. Today you will also see the beautiful Duden Waterfalls, as you wander around to explore stop at the rest area and admire the spectacular views. A nature lovers paradise!
Manavgat Waterfall:
The Manavgat waterfall is one of the best known waterfalls in Turkey. It is located on the Oymapinar dam road 3 km from the town of Manavgat 75 km west of Antalya. If you like to stay with nature and eat fresh trout fish, perfect place to visit. The water falls from a platform 2 mt in height and since the construction of the Oymapinar dam, there has been a regular flow. Manavgat River is 93 km long and originates from Seytan Dagi (evil mount) (2,120 m / 6,954 ft). It has two dams, the Oymapinar and the Manavgat
Side:
Side is reached by turning south 3 km. before Manavgat on the Antalya-Alanya highway. The exact date of its founding is not known. In the language of Anatolia "Side" means Pomegranate. From inscriptions it appears that Side dates back to the Hittite Period. The city was constructed on a peninsula and was a Hellenistic and Roman town, protected by city and sea walls. One's attention is particularly drawn to the city gates and walls, as well as many remains of aqueducts which brought water from the foothills of the Taurus Mountains and the surrounding country. The old baths have been restored and turned into a museum, in which are exhibited some of the statues and art treasures found in Side. One of its most important buildings is its 15,000 spectator theater. Side has colonnaded streets, a triumphal arch, a harbor, baths, fountains, cisterns, aquaducts, temples and an agora.
Damlatas Cave:
It is situated in Alanya lies to the west of the peninsula. The Damlatas beach is also named after this cave. Adorned with alluring stalactites and stalagmites of various colours, the cave has a constant temperature of 72°F/(22-23°C). The atmosphere of the cave has a healing effect on asthma except the allergic type and rheumatism. The cave has a humidity of 90-100 % and very high rate of carbon containing some radioactivity. Stalactites and stalagmites can be seen is a cavity of 13-14 m. width and 15 m. height. Sight seeing and health tours to the cave are available.
Duden Waterfall:
It is located only 15 km north of Antalya and is surely one of the most loveliest falls on Mediterranean. The nice park, the tout-breeds and the falls are worth a visit. It has become a favourite picnic spot for Turkish families.
Aphrodisias and Pamukkale:
Pamukkale is entirely covered by a travertine resembling a castle, giving it its other name "Cotton castle." It is located 11 mil. (18 km) to the east City of Denizli. This marvel of nature which gives the impression of heaped cotton where history has left its marks reveals itself in this ancient village called Hierapolis. A road forks before arriving in Denizli and takes you through greenery directly to Pamukkale. The whiteness which appears from afar resembes clouds that take shape as you approach, creating a fairy world of whiteness. You may climb the ruins with greatest delight to the accompaniment of the singing streams forming basins on both sides. And when you look behind you will see a paradise at your feet., a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles and home to Turkey's famous thermal springs. While you're here take some free time for a relaxing dip, so don't forget your bathing suit! Stop at Aphrodisias, a Greco-Roman city. The play of colours during the sunset at Pamukkale is a real phenomenon of nature not to be missed.which was devoted to Aphrodite, the Goddess of sensual love.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Antalya:
Antalya Travel Information
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