Antalya Destination Guide

Aspendos is another ancient city located 47 km from Antalya on the southern Mediterranean coast. Founded by Estvadys, a colonist from Argos, it has one of the most well preserved Roman theatres in the world. The splendid theatre was built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 161 AD as a tribute to ‘the Gods of the Country and the Imperial House’.

Zeno, the architect of the theatre, used blocks of conglomerate for construction and cream-colored limestone for the doors and windows. The Aspendos theatre has a seating capacity of 20,000 and is still functional today.

An ancient archaeological site and a major tourist attraction, Perge was one of the chief cities of Pamphylia during 400 AD. It lies 18 km east from Antalya on the coastal plain between the Duden and Aksu rivers. Perge saw many bloody wars and destruction by pirates. Finally an agreement with Alexander the Great ensured safer times for Perge.

Located 35 km northwest of Antalya, Termessos has a reputation of being the most magnificent necropolis on the Mediterranean. It is on a high mountain with remnants of an agora, theatre and an odion. Termessos is a historic treasure trove with ancient structures, the theatre, stadium, city gates, avenues, agora and baths. For the serious tourist this city offers much more than a passing glance.

The first thing that strikes you about Antalya is the Yivli Minaret, also called the Fluted Minaret. Situated below the Republic Square, Cumhüriyet Meydani, near the harbour, the fluted minaret was built in the 13th century by the Seljuks. It is a much photographed spot and has become synonymous with Antalya.

The mosque itself is an extraordinary multi-dome construction decorated with dark blue tiles. It stands majestically at 38 metres high and has eight fluted sections. If you are up to it, take the 90 steps to the top and see the views from there.

This is a Roman tower that dates back to the 2nd century BC. There are many theories and legends ascribed to the purpose of building it. Some believe it served as a lighthouse, some say it was a tomb and still others believe it was constructed to be used as a defence tower. The original reason is still a mystery.

Situated 16 km on the east of Antalya, near the ancient roman city of Perge, the Kursunlu Waterfalls drop from a height of 20 metres. They become a part of the river flowing southwards. The waterfall itself is in the midst of a green pine forest and stunning countryside. This makes it a perfect picnic spot.

The Hadrian Arch is an ornamental marble arch that was constructed in the 2nd century BC by the Romans. It was built in honour of the Emperor Hadrian. The city walls enclosed the gate in earlier times and it was not used for many years. This may be reason why it wasn’t destroyed till the walls collapsed naturally and revealed the monument inside. The gate is considered Pamphylia's most beautiful gate. The Hadrian Arch is one of the best preserved monuments in Antalya.

The harbour or Eski Liman lies below Kaleici, with citadel walls along the slopes. It has a history that dates back to Roman times. You can take a relaxed walk around the harbour and stop at the many cafes and shops for quick refreshment by the sea. There are many tour boats that take tourists on day and evening trips around the harbour.

The Ataturk Monument was erected as a mark of respect to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a Turkish hero who reformed Turkey to what it is today. Ataturk made many reforms to bring Turkey to the level of contemporary civilizations. Abolishment of the Sultanate, declaration of the Republic, equal rights for women, surname law, abolishment of nicknames and royal titles, adoption of the international calendar, time and measurements are some of the reforms spearheaded by Ataturk.

Antalya houses the best archaeological museum in all of Turkey. The assortment of artefacts from different eras and civilization are a historian's delight. From fossils to jewellery from the Bronze Age and tools, pottery, statues of classical gods, and mosaics, everything is displayed excellently.

The archaeological section leads to the room displayed with ethnographic artefacts from the Ottoman era like dresses, music instrument, weapons and carpets. The museum cannot be seen in a hurried fashion. You have to take your time and let the historic mood transport you into a bygone era.

Antalya is a beach lover's paradise. There are many beaches that one can get tanned but the most famous is the Konyaalti, to the west. The pebbled beach is about 3 km long and offers a variety of water sports. There are a lot of recently built hotels but if you are not staying at the beach side resorts, you can take a tram to the last station, Müze, and walk to the shore.

The beautiful Suna and Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum resides in an ancient restored Ottoman house in Kaleici. The upper floor has an exhibition of ethnography showcasing life in the second half of the 19th century. It includes a display of important events like serving of coffee and a bride's henna night. The museum also has a bookstore for history buffs. Just across the courtyard is an old restored orthodox church.

Narrow alleys, old timbered houses, stone archways, and private gardens make up this old citadel, the Kaleici. You can get a peek into the Ottoman era with the old restored houses now transformed into pensions, hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Some back packers come and stay on for months while others prefer a quick guided tour with a group. A leisured stroll through the small alleys is highly recommended.

In the ancient days Antalya was protected by two walls and shaped like a horseshoe. One end enclosed the city along the shore and the other enclosed it along the inland. There were many walls and towers further cutting the city into various settlements. The stone walls built with ancient inscriptions were preserved till the end of the 19th century.