Antalya Hotels

Walk amongst the ruins of history at Perge and Termessos and then bargain up a storm at the Akdeniz Bazaar and Sultan S Bazaar. Keen for the beaches? We don’t blame you – after all, Antalya is Turkey’s biggest sea resort. Head to Mermerli Beach and Konyaalti Beach for a killer tan and the clearest water in the universe, plus a backdrop of mountains that create an almost mythical setting.

Antalya's Top 10

Antalya History

• Alanya Museum of Archaeology – Richly crammed with ancient Greek and Roman artifacts, the variety of wonders here are breathtaking to behold.
• Kaleiçi – Stride the streets of old Antalya and be dazzled by the history and architecture dating back to many centuries ago.
• Aspendos – One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, Aspendos is still used for concerts and performances today.
• Ancient City of Termessos – Perched high above the city of Antalya, these ruins are a great and informative way to spend an afternoon.
• Hadrian’s Gate – The fabled entrance to the city of Antalya.

Antalya Art & Culture

• Yivli Minaret Mosque – This mosque, with its beautiful, fluted minaret, is a popular local landmark and tourist attraction.
• Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque – Built in the 18th century, this Kalekapisi mosque is one of the most important religious structures in Turkey.
• Antalya Museum – Check out this truly amazing collection of fascinating artefacts from ancient times, mostly recovered from the local area.
• Antalya Cultural Centre – Visit the symphony orchestra and catch an opera, a concert or the ballet.
• Kesik Minaret Camii – Take in the historic broken minaret in Antalya’s old city and don’t forget to bring your camera.

Antalya Shopping

• Antalya Bazaar – This covered market is the place to bargain for jewellery, handcrafted items, clothing and great food.
• Migros Shopping Mall – All you need in one place: designer clothes, scores of specialty stores and food.
• Laura Street Market – Saturday morning markets, belly-dancing costumes, street stalls and local souvenirs.
• Kaleiçi Halicilik – The place to go for textiles, kilims and carpets for which Turkey is famous.
• Hitit Souvenir Shop – Haggle for handmade jewellery, crafts and fresh Turkish delight.

Gay & Lesbian Antalya

• Aspendos Sinemasi – This cinema is becoming known for its gay clientele.
• Carsi (Cumhuriyet) Hamami – Turkish baths where it is easy to relax and mingle with others.
• Konyaalti Beach – The closest beach to the city centre and definitely worth a visit.
• Antalya Work Club – A great place to party if you’re a part of the gay scene.
• Marjinal Bar – Drink and meet others at this bar located near the Yacht Harbour.

Antalya Outdoor

• Hip-Notics Cable Park – A great place to cable water ski, wakeboard and have outdoor fun.
• Rafting in Koprulu Kanyon National Park – Get into some white-water rafting to get your adrenalin pumping.
• Paragliding – See this city from the best seat in the house, high above the Mediterranean coast.
• Troy Aqua Park – The biggest in the region, fun and a huge hit with the kids.
• Alanya Diving – Take a buddy, hire some scuba gear and check out what’s under the surface.

Antalya Sport

• Challenge yourself at one of the many great golf courses in the area.
• Head up to the mountains with Saklikent Skiing.
• Cycle in the Taurus Mountains.
• Catch the Antalyaspor football team at a home game at Ataturk Stadium.
• Fish on the Antalyan coast and then fire up the barbecue.

Antalya Events

Mediterranean Art Days (March to April) is an art and culture festival presented by the Akdeniz University. Whether you’re up for a serious discussion about dying cultural values or just want to look at pretty pictures, there’ll be something to suit you.

May welcomes partygoers with SunSplash, a week of sun, sea and top tunes. Slap on your sexiest threads and groove to some soul by day and club beats by night.

If you prefer higher-brow entertainment, try the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival in June and July? Ticket prices are reasonable and everyone loves Swan Lake.

The Golden Orange Film & Art Festival (October) is Turkey’s oldest film festival and reels (get it?) in massive crowds.

Local and international classical music superstars come together for the Antalya Piano Festival in November and December. Wear your fanciest threads for this one.

When To Go

Summers are super-hot and temps can soar over 40°C (104°F). Make sure to keep hydrated and slap on some good ol’ deodorant – no one likes a stinky tourist!

Ditch the rainy months by avoiding a visit during December to mid February.

If you want to be surrounded by throngs of like-minded tourists and plenty of parties, visit from July to September.

Getting Around

Buses are the best way to move around Antalya. They’re cheap, reliable and have air-con!

The cabs are reliable but more expensive after midnight.

A dolmus (kinda like a big cab/mini-bus) is ideal if you’re travelling with a bunch of friends.

General Information

Attractions & Activities

Restaurants & Nightlife

Climate

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