Antalya
Antalya is thought to be founded by King Attalus II of Pergamon in 150 BCE. At the time, the city was named after the king as Attaleia. Due to the city’s location right beside the Mediterranean Sea, it was used as the naval base of Pergamon for the fleet of King Attalus. The city later on in 133 BCE, came under the rule of the Roman Empire. This was the high time of the city when it improved and prospered. Christian missionaries came to the city and Christianity started to spread in the first century CE.
Antalya was also an important city during the Byzantine Empire era, due to its closeness to the Mediterranean Sea. The city was a major naval port of the Byzantine Empire just like all the other empires came before them. Antalya was also a place where many people from different descents came together such as Jews, Armenians, Saracens as well as Italians. In 1118, Antalya was only accessible by sea due to being surrounded bu Turkish beyliks of the time. In 1207, Kaykhusraw who was the sultan of the Seljuk Turks took over the city. Antalya then became the capital of the Turkish beylik named Teke at the time. Later on, the Ottomans came and took over the city.
After the industrial revolution, there were factories opened in Antalya for spinning and weaving cotton. After the Turks immigrated from Balkans to the Anatolia, the population in Antalya grew. The economy of Antalya strictly remained centered on its ports. For a long time, Antalya was manufacturing and exporting flour, wheat, sesame seeds, timber, charcoal and livestock. At the end of World War I, Antalya was occupied by the Italians until 1923 when the Republic of Turkey was established. After the 1970s Antalya became a metropolitan city with the improvements made especially in terms of tourism.
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WHEN TO VISITAntalya is best to be visited during summer because it has a beautiful sea to offer and you will fall in love with its natural beauty. Many tourists both local and foreign prefer to visit Antalya during the summer holidays to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. Antalya is also a great option for those who would like to go on a romantic trip or a honeymoon with its natural beauty and many secluded areas away from the city.
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LANGUAGETurkish is the official language that is spoken. Since so many tourists visit Antalya both for its historical value and for vacation purposes, many people are used to interacting in different languages but mostly in English.
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HOW TO GET AROUNDThere are many different public transportation options in Antalya. To reach the city center, it is best to use the tram. However, in general, buses can take you pretty much anywhere in Antalya unlike the other transportation options.
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WEATHERDuring the summer Antalya is very hot and dry, exceeding 30°C on many days. The winter season can get a bit cold but not as cold as the other parts of Turkey.
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AIRPORTSAntalya International Airport is only 13 kilometers away from the city center and is preferred by the tourists especially during the holiday season. It takes about 45 minuted to reach the city center from the airport.
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ELECTRICType C
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CURRENCYThe currency is Turkish Lira or TL.
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TIME ZONETime zone of Antalya is GMT +03:00
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POPULATION2.426.356
Antalya International Airport is only 12 kilometers away from the city center and it is quite fast and easy to reach it as there are many different ways you can choose from.
Airport shuttles might be the easiest and direct options you have to reach the city center. Havas buses are operating hourly between 06:00 am and 10:00 pm. There are also two buses specific to the morning, one at 04:30 am and the other at 05:30 am. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the city center and the fee is between 10 to 12 Turkish Liras. AtlasJet also offers shuttles that can take you to the city center for free.
Another way you can reach the city center is by getting on buses. 600 numbered bus comes in about every 30 minutes and takes you directly to the city center. The trip costs 3,60 TL and the fee can only be paid by using Antalyakart. 800 numbered bus also travels to the city center along with many other famous locations such as Kaleiçi.
AntRay Tram is a tramway that reaches to the Antalya International Airport. Keep in mind that the tram line has two stops for the airport. One of the stops is for the domestic terminal while the other is for the international terminal. All you have to do is to get on a tram that travels to Fatih and get out at the İsmetpaşa stop which is the city center.
When it comes to traveling around the city of Antalya, there are a few public transportation options that you can choose from.
If you are staying near the Old Town, also known as Kaleiçi or you are planning to visit the area, the best option you have is to take the tram also known as AntRay. In order to benefit from the tram, you need to buy “TAM KART” first from a designated machine for only 5 TL. These machines only work with Turkish Lira.
In addition to the modern tramways, Antalya also has nostalgic, old trams. This nostalgic tram line runs about 5 kilometers and has 10 stations in total. The tram line is full of many landmarks that you might want to see, therefore it may be a good idea to follow the stops and explore the area if you have time.
ANTBIS is a smart bicycle system that allows you to travel around the city by bike. Along with the bike, you are given a map and a lock so that you know where to go and where the bike stops are. You can rent a bike by using your credit card.
If you are planning to visit Kemer, you can get on a sea bus and reach it in about an hour. The sea bus departs at certain hours during the day, therefore make sure to check them out if you want to use it.
Even though slower than other options, buses are the best public transportation option in Antalya because they provide access to most of the areas that you might want to visit. The only way for you to pay the bus fee is by using an Antlyakart.
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AKRA HOTELAkra Hotel is quite a big hotel only 12 kilometers away from the airport. All the rooms in the hotel have balconies along with free wireless internet connection. Smoking in the rooms is not allowed. The Akra Hotel has four outdoor pools along with outdoor and indoor heated pools. The hotel has many different restaurants you can choose from depending on your diet such as a vegan restaurant. The hotel also has airport transfer services, diving schools, tennis schools, hairdressers, car renting services, kids club and many other services to make you comfortable and keep you entertained.
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TUVANA HOTELTuvana Hotel is a four-star hotel that is right beside the beach. Tuvana Hotel offers free breakfast, an outdoor pool, free wireless internet connection as well as airport transfer. The hotel has three restaurants and three bars for you to choose from. It is also close to a shopping mall if you happened to need anything during your stay. The name “hotel” should not deceive you as Tuvana Hotel is made up of two-story old Ottoman buildings that have been renovated. You can enjoy your stay while also live in a historical atmosphere.
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OLYMPOS LODGEOlympos Lodge is a unique place to stay. It located right beside the Mediterranean Sea and on the foothill of Mount Olympos. You will feel one with nature and refreshed surrounded by green and blue. Olympos Lodge also offers airport transportation for its visitors if you do not want to get on the public transportation services. You will have an authentic time in these luxurious bungalows.
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MEHTAP PENSIONMehtap Pension is made up of rustic houses that have a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea. These houses are surrounded by many trees and plants but mostly fruit trees that smell amazing and also filling. The hotel does have a restaurant and a bar for the guests to enjoy. They offer a traditional Turkish breakfast in the morning.
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OLEA NOVA HOTELOlea Nova Hotel is a boutique one with very sharp and clean rooms. Olea Nova Hotel provides an outdoor pool, laundry service, room service, free wireless internet connection. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful in the hotel while most of them speak excellent English. The hotel’s closeness to the sea and location in the middle of nature attracts couples for a romantic trip as well as the newlyweds for some alone time.
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VILLA PERLA HOTELVilla Perla Hotel is not your typical hotel as it is an old Ottoman mansion with a beautiful and enchanting antique look. The hotel has a restaurant, bar, an outdoor pool, laundry and room service as well as wireless internet connection.
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HOTEL PATARA VIEWPOINTHotel Patara Viewpoint is another rustic hotel for those who want to have a secluded getaway. It is surrounded by fruit trees and has an amazing view of the Patara beach. It is designed with a simple yet elegant taste. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, beach, laundry service, as well as a wireless internet connection. The Turkish breakfast here tastes completely different as most of the products are produced in the garden and the greenhouse of the hotel itself.
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KALEİÇİ
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OLD ROMAN HARBOR
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ANTALYA ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
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YİVLİ MİNARE MOSQUE
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HADRIAN’S GATE
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HIDIRLIK TOWER
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ASPENDOS
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TERMESSOS
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PERGE
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KONYAALTI BEACH
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DUDEN WATERFALLS
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KARAIN CAVE
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PHASELIS
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KÖPRÜLÜ CANYON NATIONAL PARK
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HİBEŞHibeş is one of the traditional appetizers in Antalya. Hibeş is prepared with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, red pepper and chili pepper, water and olive oil. Hibeş can be eaten as an appetizer as well as during breakfast. You can also enjoy Hibeş by spreading it on toasted bread.
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TAHİNLİ PİYAZTahinli Piyaz is a famous food in Antalya. Even though there are many different versions of “piyaz”, piyaz with tahini is unique to Antalya. Tahinli piyaz is made from dried beans, tahini, garlic, rock salt, lemon juice, vinegar, tomato, onion, eggs, parsley and olive oil. Even though it is a strange combination, we would highly recommend you try it.
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GÖKÇESU PİLAVIGökçesu pilavı is a rice recipe that is unique to Antalya. It has rice, chickpeas, broth, lemon juice, dill, carrots, sesame in the recipe along with some spices and other additions. It is quite different from the traditional rice recipes in Turkey which is why you should give it a try.
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KABAK ÇİÇEĞİ DOLMASIKabak çiçeği dolması is actually stuffed squash blossoms. It is a meal cooked in the Mediterranean region of Turkey and much loved by the locals. It is such an interesting yet tasty meal that you probably should give a chance to.
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ORANGEAntalya is most famous for its oranges. There are 57 different kinds of oranges produced in Antalya including sweet orange.
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JAMSAntalya has some of the most strange jams. Although they are made from strange vegetables and fruits, they taste amazingly beautiful. Locals of Antalya make jams from eggplants, bergamot, melon peel and tomatoes. Each of them has a completely different aroma yet they are all beautiful in case you are not sure about trying them. We promise you would not even be able to tell what the ingredients are if they did not tell you.
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THE OLD TOWNOn your first day, it is a good idea to explore the area known as the Old Town or Kaleiçi. Visit historical landmarks and learn about history. If you wish you can also visit a museum.
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ANCIENT CITIESOn the second day, you can visit one of the ancient cities. Exploring ancient cities takes time, therefore, you may only be able to visit one in a day depending on which one you prefer to visit.
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EXPLORE THE NATIONAL PARKThe Köprülü Canyon National Park is an amazing place to visit if you have time. Get lost in nature, explore the ancient ruins and landmarks in the area. If you are into extreme sports, you can always enjoy rafting on the river alongside the canyon.
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RELAX AT THE BEACHAfter all that time traveling and sightseeing, you may be exhausted. On your last day or days, you can enjoy the long and hot beaches of Antalya. The warm and blue Mediterranean Sea is a perfect place to wind down and relax before you leave Antalya. After all, many people visit Antalya for holidays during the summer. You might as well enjoy it while you are there.