Destination Antalya
To see
The Archaeological Museum
There is quite a lot to see here, when you walk by well-preserved Roman statues, enormous sarcophaguses and remains of the amphitheatre in Perge. The museum also houses a collection of national costumes and very beautiful carpets. Address: Konyaalti Cad Antalya
Yivli Minareli
This minaret was built in the 13th century by Sultan Keykubat and is the symbol of the city. Close by there is an equestrian statue of Kemal Atatürk. Address: Kaleiçi, Antalya
Karatay Medrese
The Koran school is a good example of excellent stone carving from earlier times. Address: Iskele Cad., Kaleiçi, Antalya
Perge
Perge, which is located around 17 km to the east of Antalya, was where the Hittites lived before the Greeks colonised the region after the Trojan War. Among the extensive ruins you can find a Roman amphitheatre, an enormous stadium and various streets that date from the time when the apostle Paul stayed there during one of his missions. You should take a local bus or dolmus (a minibus).
Side
Side, which is located between Antalya and Alanya, is one of the numerous places where Cleopatra and Mark Antony enjoyed a rendezvous. You will stumble across ruins on almost every street corner. The theatre, which can hold 25,000 spectators, lies on a flat piece of ground and is supported by strong walls. The Roman bath next to the theatre has now become a very beautiful archaeological museum. You should take the local bus.
Beskonak
The National Park between Antalya and Alanya is beautiful and has a number of interesting trout farms. It is always colder here than on the coast. You can also go rafting here.
The beach life
The best way to reach the various beaches is by ‘dolmus’, the frequent minibuses that have many stops en route. This is a cheap way of travelling. The majority of beaches in the region are well geared towards families and children. A number of beaches offer sports activities such as surfing and waterskiing.
Antalya
Lara Plaji, which is located just under 10 km to the east of Antalya, is a beautiful, shallow sandy beach. Konyaalti beach, which mainly consists of shingle and rocks, is a bit closer, to the west of the city. Boat trips depart from the harbour and go to the Düden Waterfalls and Lara Beach.
Side
Wide sandy beaches lie on both sides of Side, a small beach in the centre of the city. The holiday resorts of Sorgun, Kizilagaç and Titreyen Göl lie to the east, whilst Kumköy and Colakli with their bars and cafés lie to the west.
Kemer
Kemer has two beaches: Moonlight Beach on one side of the marina and Public Beach on the other. Other beautiful beaches can be found to the north of Kemer in Göynük, Beldibi and Kiziltepe, or to the south in Camyuva and Tekirova. Boats depart to the various beaches from the marina, but you can also take the dolmus.
