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Antalya > Where To Go?
Where To Go?
Sightseeing in and around Antalya
Antalya has several places of historical interest, and you can go on daily excursions to various ancient cities and excavation places.
In the old city Kaleici you can visit the following historical sites:
Ancient City Walls:
Since its founding in the 2nd century B.C., Antalya has had a chequered history. The ancient walls surrounding the city are still standing near the marina.
Clock Tower:
Situated by the ancient city walls, the clock tower is a part of the old city at the Kalekapisi Square.
Hadrian's Gate:
The beautifully decorated, three-arched gate was built in honour of Emperor Hadrian when he visited the city in 130 A.D.
Hidirlik Tower:
This tower was probably first built as a lighthouse in the lovely Antalya City Park in the 2nd century.
Karatay Medrese:
This theological school dates from the 13th century, and is situated in the Kaleici. The stone carvings on the portal and mihrap (prayer niche) are fine examples of Seljuk art.
Ataturk Monuments:
One of the largest and most interesting monuments is located in the Cumhuriyet Square within the city centre. The other one is in the centre of Vatan Square.
Kaleici Quarter:
This quaint area surrounding the Kaleici Marina is full of small hotels, pensions and restaurants as well as restored houses that all reflect the city’s historical past.
Coastal Attractions
With magnificent beaches warmed by the exotic sun and surrounded by copious forests and mountains you are sure to enjoy your holiday in the romantic Turkish Riviera.
You will be able to arrange visits to coastal areas through tour operators, and some of the best sites are:
Kas:
This lovely town is located at the west of Kekova and is surrounded by mountains. When you feel like exploring further, the choice of caves, bays and beaches is almost endless. The local fishermen are very friendly and are happy to run a water-taxi service to take you to a favourite bay along the coast. The area around Kas has remained completely unspoiled, and for people who enjoy swimming, it is ideal. Kas is an underwater paradise for divers who want to explore the underwater world.
Kekova:
An hour from Dalyanagzi by sea, especially enjoyable for yachtsmen, is the island of Kekova, “the home of the sun.” Kekova is also the name for this entire area of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities. Geological shifting along the northern shore of Kekova Island (Apollonia) over the years has caused some of the ancient structures to sink under the clear water, creating this magnificent sunken city.
Olympos:
This ancient city is situated on the southern foothills of Mt. Tahtali. The designs of the mosaics in the Olympos baths are enhanced by the play of light. There is a temple gate and a theatre which are of interest as are the other walls and towers around the bay which date back to the Middle Ages. North of Olympos and up from Cirali Beach is Yanartas (at a height of 300 metres), where, according to mythology, the fire breathing monster, Chimaera, was slain by the Lycian hero Bellerophon, who was mounted on his winged horse, Pegasus.
Kemer:
The 42-kilometre road from Antalya has spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has been designed to blend in with the scenery and offers the perfect environment for a wonderful holiday. The fully equipped marina, the untouched bays and beaches at the south of the town are a yachtsman's dream. There is a beach promenade on the northern part of the marina, which has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the beach. Kemer Beach is rated Blue Flag (meaning “clean beach”) by the European Union. Along the adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with sports and entertainment facilities discreetly hidden in pine groves.
Koprulu Canyon National Park:
Northeast of Antalya, on the Side road, take the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak, for the beautiful circular, scenic route that leads to the Koprulu Canyon National Park. The road crisscrosses over the clear, flowing water of the mountain river, and passes through virgin forests and over rippling waterfalls. Reaching the park, 92 kms from Antalya, you will encounter a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon stretches for 14 kms along the Kopru River and is 400 metres deep in some places. At the rest area there are fish restaurants offering delicious food especially fresh trout. The Roman Oluk Bridge over the canyon and the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere stream were engineering feats of their time.
Manavgat:
The Manavgat Waterfalls (80 kms to the east of Antalya) are not high, but the float is very powerful, and the water rushes with milky white bubbles over the rocks. Near the waterfalls are shady tea gardens, fish restaurants and souvenir shops, making it a pleasant, cool rest stop, especially welcome after a day of sightseeing. It is possible to take a delightful boat trip on the Manavgat River and explore this lovely area.
Side:
Today, it is a pretty resort town, very popular because of its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, a variety of shops and plentiful tourist accommodation. The magnificent theatre of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. The creamy white columns of the Apollo Temple is a place where you can watch the incredible sunset make a striking contrast against the blue sea. The extensive Roman bath, now a museum, and the typical houses are one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections.
Alanya:
This popular and well-known town is nestled along the golden beaches of the Mediterranean. It is crowned by a 13th century Seljuk fortress which is one of the most magnificent sights on the Mediterranean. The well-preserved, double-walled fortress has 150 towers and stands 220 metres above sea level. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques and a covered bazaar. Within the inner walls and toward the top are the ruins of a cistern and a Byzantine church. In 1220, Sultan Aleaddin Keykubat made Alanya his winter residence and naval base. Near the harbour are the unique, arched boat yards and the large, impressive, octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower), both Seljuk structures. Alanya is a beautiful holiday centre of modern hotels and motels as well as numerous fish restaurants and cafes near the sea along the sandy beaches where a leg of the European Triathlon Championships are performed. These cafes on the fringe of the harbour have become a popular gathering spot for tourists. From the lovely flower park, the road runs along the coast to the harbour lined with countless boutiques, tempting the tourist with handicrafts and souvenirs such as leather wear, jewellery, handbags, and the colourful painted gourds, which are a symbol of the area. The harbour, the long white beaches, the brilliant turquoise waters, and the foothills of the Toros Mountains sloping down to the sea make Alanya a unique, picturesque town on the Mediterranean coast.
Damlatas Cave is an extremely old cave with wonderful multicoloured stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. Ataturk Park is a good place to rest and enjoy the scenic mountains and sea. Of special interest are three sea caves (grottos): Fosforlu Magara (Phosphorescent Cave) with its phosphorescent rocks; the Kizlar Magarasi (Maids' Cave) where pirates kept their female captives and the Asiklar Magarasi (Lovers' Cave). These can only be reached by boat.
Museums
The Archaeological Museum:
With remains from the Palaeolithic Age to Ottoman times, this is one of the most important museums in the Mediterranean region, where you have the chance to see the incredible sculptures of the Queen of Perge, Zeus, Apollon, Aphrodite and many more. (Open daily except Mondays.)
Ataturk Museum:
This museum displays objects used by Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. (Open daily except Mondays.)
Suna-Inan Kirac Museum:
This museum of the Research Institute for Mediterranean Cultures is located in the Kaleici.
Mosques
Yivli Minaret Complex:
Built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, it is an elegant, fluted minaret which has now become the symbol of the city.
Kesik Minaret Complex:
A memorial to the mixed history of Antalya is the Kesik (truncated) Minaret Mosque in the Kaleici. Originally built as a church, several modifications were made during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque:
An important 18th century Ottoman mosque situated in the Kalekapisi district, inside the city walls.
Murat Pasa Mosque:
Built in the 16th century, the unique tile design of this mosque is of particular interest.
Iskele Mosque:
This attractive little mosque built in the 19th century is situated by the marina. It was constructed of set stone and built on four pillars over a spring.