Antalya
From Turkey Travel Guide
Antalya is a city in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Antalya is one of the most important tourism centers in Turkey. This city attracts nearly half of the tourists coming to Turkey every year. According to 2009 population statistics there are 955,596 people living in this city.
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[edit] History
The Antalya region has been a center of attraction to different civilizations in the history. The city has been famed as the "Paradise on Earth" because of its natural beauty and rich soil throughout the ages. Evidence of human habitation going back over 200,000 years ago has been found in the Carain caves 30 km to the north of Antalya city. Other findings go back to Neolithic times and more recent periods show that the area has been populated by various ancient civilizations in the history. The area has been referred as a part of the “Lukka Lands” (Lands of Anzarwa) by the records of Hittite. Lukkans were independent spirited people and neither the Hittites, nor the kingdom of Arzawa on the west coast, could keep them at peace for a long time. Historical records also show that cities developed independently but the area was called Pamphylia as providence. Akha Clan has migrated to the area after Trojan war. Antalya had entered the sovereignty of Lydian Kingdom in the 7th century BC which came to an end in 560 BC after Persians defeated it during the battle of Sardis. The Macedonian commander Alexander the Great conquered the cities of the area one by one from 334 BC until his death. The reign of the Kingdom of Pergamon had began with the defeat of the Seleucid army at Apamaea. In 150 BC Attalos II, King of Pergamon, founded the city of Attalaia which is today’s Antalya. When the last King of Pergamon, Attalos III died in 133 BC, he left his kingdom to the Romans. The Romans and Byzantine Empires ruled the area for the next 13 centuries. In 1207 A.D. Antalya was conquered by the Selchuk Turks which ended the reign of Roman/Byzantine. Ottoman Empire began to rule the area in 1391. After World War I, there had been a short period of occupation by Italians, but it came to an end with the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923.
[edit]
Antalya is located in South-west Anatolia, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Antalya Gulf covers an area of 20,815 square kilometres and the region is covered by Taurus Mountains. There are many rivers (Esen, Demre, Aksu, Köprü, Manavgat, Alara, Sedir) running down from the mountains into the sea. The coast is 590 km long and 290 km of it is natural beach. The city is surrounded by the cities Mersin, Konya and Karaman on the east side, Isparta and Burdur on the north and Muğla on the west side. It’s approximately 244 km far away from Ankara and 300 km from Istanbul. Over the centuries the geographical richness of Antalya has attracted many diverse civilizations.
[edit] Weather
Antalya province has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and moderately warm and rainy winters. The area has sunny weather for about 300 days a year. It doesn’t snow in Antalya center ( but except the Taurus Mountain surrounding the area) in winter time and in the summer time the average temperature is between 28-36 degrees. It is very rare for the temperature to drop below zero. The sea breeze makes it easy to deal with high temperatures.
(°F)
(59)
(60)
(64)
(71)
(79)
(88)
(94)
(94)
(88)
(80)
(69)
(61)
(°F)
(42)
(42)
(45)
(51)
(58)
(66)
(72)
(71)
(65)
(58)
(50)
(44)
(inches)
(8.6)
(5.2)
(4.1)
(2.5)
(1.2)
(0.3)
(0.1)
(0.1)
(0.4)
(3.3)
(7.1)
(10.3)
[edit] Getting there
Main transportation to Antalya is by air and land. Even though the city has a main port at the south of Konyaaltı, sea transportation is not recommended because the routes are still under development. Antalya airport has two international and one national terminals.
[edit] By plane
Antalya airports are managed by ICF Airports [1] since 2007. All terminals with modern facilities have latest technology. Antalya Interntaional Airport is the main gateway to the city and located a short distance from the city centre. The airport serves a large number of European destinations as well as regular connections with Ankara and Istanbul. There's a 24 hour taxi service available outside the terminal. Also there are buses that run from the Antalya Airport Domestic Terminal to the city.
[edit] By train
There are no trains to Antalya.
[edit] By car
There are several routes for car transportation to Antalya. Turkish General Directorate of Highways (KGM) [2] is offering road information with detailed maps online.
[edit] By bus
There are internation bus services from Europe and Middle East to Istanbul where passengers can find connecting bus to Antalya. There are bus services available every 30 minutes and it takes about 12 hours to get to Antalya.
[edit] By boat
Since the sea routes are still under development, most travellers arrive in Marmaris by boat and then transport to Antalya by land.
[edit] Getting around
[edit] By car
Since Antalya is big region with great beaches, driving might give you an oppurtunity to see it all. If you don't have your own car, there are several car rental places with a variety of car choice. Antalya First Rent A Car [3] Avıs Rent A Car Antalya Airport [4] Antalya Turtaş Rent A Car [5] Bonus Car Rental [6] Akdeniz Rent A Car [7] Or you can take a taxi which is a practical, convenient and yet a little bit pricy way of moving around.
[edit] By public transport
The public bus network covers all major destinations and many suburban areas in the city. Fares are cheap and most of the buses have air-conditions. The city also has a tram system which runs on a single line connecting west side to the eastern part of the city centre. It runs between 7 am until 9 pm and the transportation is cheap.
[edit] By foot
Walking is highly recommended inside the city centre to see the old town.
[edit] By bike
It's not a bicycle friendly city but Municipality of Antalya is working on a special project to make the town a bicycle city which is a part of EuroVelo [8] .
[edit] See
Antalya is certainly famous for its beaches; Konyaaltı, Lara and Karpuzkaldıran. Beydağları mountains and Saklikent are also must seen natural beauties of the city. There are historical sites and museums in the city center which attract tourists. Kaleiçi, the harbor is one these places and is the oldest part of the city. Openned in 2007 by the Mediterranean Civilizations Research Center , Kaleiçi Museum is offering historical information on the area. In the city there are historical houses with traditional Turkish and Greek style. Mosques (Iskele, Murat Paşa, Tekeli Mehmet Paşa, Balibey, Musellim, Seyh Sinan Efendi, and Osman Efendi Mosques), churches, madrasahs (old schools) and hamams are located all around the city. Ancient monuments, including the City Walls, Hıdırlık Tower, Hadrian Gate which is constructed in the 2nd century by the Romans, are inviting you to a journey in the history. A prize winning archaeology museum, Antalya Museum is an interesting place to be seen.
[edit] Do
If you are in Antalya and like swimming there are great options. Konyaalti Beach (Konyaalti Plaji)is one of them which has a long dark sand beach. Lara Beach (Lara Plaji)also offers soft sand. If you'd like to go on a day-cruise you should go to Roman (Yacht) Harbor (Eski Liman)which is the old harbor with restaurants. Antalya's largest and finest city park Karaalioglu Parki offers you another option for relaxation. For shopping Bazaar (Çarsi)is highly recommended. Antalya's old shopping center is full of jewelery stores. There are daily travel options to other places on the Pamphylian Plain and even into the mountains, dramatic places such as Termessos, Karain Cave, Perge, Side, Aspendos, Köprülü Kanyon National Park (for river rafting), Selge, Phaselis, Olimpos and Çirali.
[edit] Events and Festivals
There are several festivals happening in Antalya [9]:
- Antalya International Piano Festival is a great music event.
- Turkey’s largest film festival Antalya Golden Film Festival www.altinportakal.org.tr welcomes famous actors every year.
- Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival happens during summer time at the ancient Roman Theater of Aspendos.
- International Folk Music and Dance Festival Competition is a wonderful cultural celebration that attracts so many performers around the world.
- Antalya Festival and Antalya Honey Festival are also colorful events that take place every year.
[edit] Eat
Antalya is mostly famous with delicious sea food restaurants. ANTALYA BALIKEVI [10] is a first class seafood restaurant with a great view and a rich menu of all types of seafood. If you prefer an inexpensive place with tasty fish, you can try Kismet Balikcisi which is located at the old east bus station. It's only 10 mins walking distance from city centre and like a local market there are different fish restaurants located in the area. A rich variety of fishes, calamary or cooked shrimps are tasty options. If you prefer an upscale restaurant with disco you should try Antalya Club Arma [11] Of course there are other places in the city where you can taste Turkish Kebap or other delicious dishes.
[edit] Drink
Raki is the national alcoholic drink which goes great with seafood. If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink you should try ayran (plain yogurt whisked with water and a pinch of salt) which is very refreshing. Antalya's night life is very vivid with lots of bars and clubs where you can find any type of drinks.
[edit] Sleep
There is a great selection of hotels in Alanya, Kemer, Side, Kaleici, Kas and the other parts of the Antalya available with different price range.
[edit] Budget
If you are looking for a serene, comfortable and relaxing place to stay in the city centre with an affordable price range Oscar Hotel [12] might be your choice. It's located in the historical old city of Kaleici and offers a large swimming pool and children's pool, surrounded by a beautiful orange tree garden. Karyatit Hotel [13] is also located in Kaleici area of Antalya. It has 40 rooms, including two family rooms and luxury suite with air conditioning, satelite TV, telephone, safe bax an ensuite shower/WC with hot water.
[edit] Mid-Range
Renovated in 2006, Artemis Princess Hotel is located in Alanya and offers guests a fantastic terrace and garden, a spacious lobby with lifts, a currency exchange desk, a safe and a 24-hour reception. Another midrange option is Kaleici Lodge Hotel which is located in the heart of the old city, has an ideal reach to the city's main landmarks and touristic attractions.
[edit] Upscale
Mardan Palace [14] is a highend luxury hotel which is recently openned on the beautiful shore of the Mediterranean in the exquisite Lara region.
Overlooking a turquoise sea and the famous Konyaalti Beach, the Sheraton Voyager Antalya Hotel [15] offers a familiar comfort amidst splendid views.
If you prefer luxury in a romantic ambience you can also try Hillside Su Hotel [16] in Antalya which has a stylish decoration with quality.
Adam & Eve [17] is famous as a sexy and romantic hotel with ultra luxury.
Another 5 star hotel is the Rixos Premium [18] which is located near the glorious seaside of Belek. It offers high standards of accommodation with outstanding service.
[edit] Work
Tourism industry offers different job options if you have a work permit for Turkey.
[edit] Learn
There are several language schools in Antalya where you can study Turkish.
[edit] Keep connected
[edit] Internet
Most of the places have wireless internet if you have have your own computer access. If not, there are so many internet cafes located around the town.
[edit] Phone
Phone code for Antalya is +90 (242)
[edit] Post
Turkish State Postal Office (PTT) has branches in the city and the province of Antalya [19] Most of them are openned between 8.30 am until 5.00 pm.
[edit] Safety
Antalya is a safe city but if you need to hire a private service or bodyguards you can try Antalya VIP Guvenlik [20] . For other emergency calls you can dial 155 for Turkish Police Department.
[edit] Stay Healthy
Medical Park Hospital [21]
Antalya Atatürk Devlet Hastanesi [22]
Antalya Özel Anadolu Hastanesi [23]
Lara Hospital [24]
[edit] Books
[edit] External links
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