Antalya is one of the most beautiful cities of our country with its lush forests, blue flag beaches, historical monuments and warm climate. For me, its importance is a little different. Antalya is at the top of the list of cities where I have spent the most time so far, apart from the city where I live and study. The subscription to the hotels in Beldibi and Kemer region from a young age has left itself to home life in the centre over the years, but the excitement has never ended. Now Pınar and I try to spend at least 1 week of the year in Antalya, unless there is an important change of programme. Even though we go to Antalya every year, we do not get bored even if we visit the same places and swim in the same places. Although the centre has been our place for many years, we continue to explore the surrounding area every chance we get.
Everywhere in the city from Kas to Kalkan
Although Antalya, one of the largest cities in Turkey in terms of area and population, is known for its places to visit, historical monuments and ancient cities, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to "Antalya" is sea holiday. From Gazipaşa in the easternmost part of the city to Kaş in the westernmost part, each district has a great role in tourism. The most well-known towns of Antalya, which hosts millions of tourists every year, especially Russians, include Beldibi, Kemer, Göynük, Çamyuva, Tekirova, Finike, Demre and Kaş in the west, while Belek, Side, Manavgat and Alanya, which deserves a separate section, are located in the east. Many of these towns have facilities far above world standards. If you want to do the sea, sand, sun trilogy without leaving the hotel too much after a tiring year and gather energy, there are many towns and hotels to choose from, but if you say I will be bored in the hotel all day and I will visit the places to visit around Antalya, especially Antalya, you can stay in towns close to the centre such as Beldibi, Kemer or Belek. If you are going to spend more time sightseeing, Konyaaltı or Lara hotels in Antalya are also good options. Moreover, all of the hotels in Lara are of different beauty.
Nothing Like Being a Tourist and Travelling
In touristic cities like Istanbul and Antalya, I love to walk around with my camera around my neck. Instead of those curious looks in Anatolian cities, I prefer the looks of shopkeepers who are used to the density of tourists and see everyone as potential customers. It is very pleasant to walk around and take photos. On our last visit to Antalya, Pınar and I explored the city as if we were visiting it for the first time. Kaleiçi is the most beautiful part of the city with its historical buildings, narrow streets, houses with bay windows and harbour. The Yivli Minaret or the nearby Hadrian's Gate are always at the top of the list of places to visit. This time we decided to add a couple of additions to our list and added Karain Cave, located at the entrance of the city, to our list. As a matter of fact, we did not expect the cave climbing under the sun to be so challenging, but every trip means a new experience :) If you do not want to stick only to historical places during the trip, you can go to Antalya Aquarium, Fear Trophy where various reptiles are exhibited and Minicity, which is also located in this region. If you wish, you can also go to the city's famous water park called Aqualand. We see the places in the city and continue to Alanya. Our route includes Cleopatra Beach, Incekum Beach, Damlatas Cave, Alanya Bazaar and Alanya Castle. If you have travelled to Antalya with your own car, you can spend 1 day in Alanya. Apart from these, Aspendos should not be forgotten. Düden, Kurşunlu and Manvagat Waterfalls are among the fascinating natural beauties of the city that will allow you to breathe a little with their cold environments especially in summer days. Our waterfall preference this year was Düden. Cucumber and fool nuts bought at the entrance of the waterfall are one of the rituals of our waterfall trip :) Inside the waterfall, it is possible to find whatever you are looking for, such as pancakes or kumpir, according to your taste. At least tea is not to be missed.
Sea in Antalya means Phasalis
We love the sea of Antalya. Although it is very warm and salty for the first time, it is the most beautiful sea of our country for us. Konyaaltı Beach, the most famous beach of the city, is the beach we have subscribed to for years. Although the sea is a bit dangerous in a few steps, it is ideal for short-term swimming with its cleanliness and calmness. But our indispensable address for day-long sea pleasure is Phaselis Ancient City, 55 km from Antalya and 16 km from Kemer. This is a city founded by the Rhodians in the 7th century BC. The sea of Phaselis, which is one of the places to visit as an ancient city, is simply magnificent. Especially the middle harbour is almost a small pool in nature. The sea is shallow, zero waves and the most beautiful thing is that there is not the slightest concretisation around. If you want to spend time here during the day, it is a perfect place for a picnic. You can stay in touch with nature all day long in this ancient city between pine and cedar trees. There is a wc, shower and a small buffet for your basic needs. Museum card is also valid. The buses that run around Tekirova pass here, and it is very easy to reach by car. If you are close to this area, don't miss it!
Geyikbayırı for pancakes, Waterfall for fish
Our classic route in Antalya on Sundays is Geyikbayırı, 28 km from the city and famous for rock climbing. This is the nearest plateau of Antalya. On Sundays, you can buy delicious and organic vegetables and fruits where the local Yoruks set up their stalls. Apart from this, there are dozens of Gözleme Evi here, another address of pleasure intertwined with nature. Among the trees, delicious pancakes and tea or ayran are waiting for you.
If you have travelled to Antalya with your car and you like sightseeing, you can go to the Waterfall Restaurant in Ulupınar Village in Tekirova Mevkii. This is a beautiful fish restaurant with seating groups on a tiny waterfall like its name. Trout is around 15 TL. If you go to Phaselis for the sea, you can go 13 km further and choose this pleasant restaurant.
Antalya Summer & Winter Always Beautiful
Although we prefer Antalya mostly for sea tourism, many local and foreign people flock to the city especially in spring. In many parts of our country, the snow has not yet lifted from the ground, but in Antalya, the pleasure of travelling with short sleeves before the intense humidity and heat is not yet suppressed. Of course, Saklıkent Ski Centre should not be forgotten. Among the most enjoyable activities to do in summer are diving, rafting and city tours. The starting point of boat tours is Kaleiçi Harbour. The boats departing from here take you to the most beautiful places in the neighbourhood such as Squirrel Island for 6 hours. As a result, Antalya, the city covered with palm trees and orange trees, which comes to mind first when tourism is mentioned, is waiting to be discovered both in summer and winter.