A corner of Antalya.
Rare beauty
The oldest documents mentioning the name Antalya date back to the reign of King Attalos II Philadelphus (220 - 138 BC) in Pergamon. Antalya is located on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded on three sides by the Taurus Mountains, so it is somewhat more isolated than other ancient cities and states in Türkiye. However, the rare beauty of this city always has an indescribable attraction for visitors from afar. Many historical figures have visited Antalya, such as the Apostle Paul and the famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta.
Antalya is best in April - May and October - November. Other times of the year are usually hot, humid or rainy, typical Mediterranean weather. When coming to Antalya, don't forget to buy an Antalyakart card - a ticket for buses and trains. The card costs 35 lira (1 lira is currently equivalent to about 812 VND), and each trip costs 15 lira. You can top up the card at the card counters or vending machines.
Beautiful beaches near Antalya include Konyaaltı, Lara and Evrenseki. All three offer stunning mountain scenery and calm seas most of the year. However, visitors should avoid the peak tourist season to avoid the crowds.
The limestone mountains of the Taurus range provide the perfect conditions for the formation of magnificent waterfalls. The most famous is the Manavgat waterfall, 40m wide and 5m high, one of the national symbols of Türkiye. There is also the Duden waterfall, with 2 levels, 20m wide, 15m high and especially beautiful at sunset. Around the Kurşunlu waterfall, people built a park of the same name so that visitors have the opportunity to visit and learn about the Mediterranean forest environment.
Tünek Tepe Hill in the west of the city is also a great vantage point. This 618m high hill is the best place to get a panoramic view of Antalya. You can walk or drive up the hill, but the best way to get the best photos is to take the cable car.
Historic City
Handicrafts for sale in Antalya's old town.
A journey through the old town of Kaleiçi in Antalya always begins at Hadrian's Gate. This triple gate was built by the Roman emperor Hadrian (76 - 138) in 130 AD when he visited the city. The gate was surrounded by walls on all four sides, and people gradually forgot about its existence. It was not until the 1950s, when a wall collapsed, that the people of Antalya remembered the gate's existence. The restoration of Hadrian's Gate was completed in 1959. Since then, the structure has become a famous destination in Antalya. Tourists come here to learn about the aesthetic level and ingenious construction techniques of the Romans.
The old town of Kaleiçi has been renovated many times. The most impressive structure here is the Kesik Minare Mosque. The building was originally a Roman temple built in the 2nd century, then converted into a Catholic church in the 7th century. The following centuries saw the temple alternate between a mosque and a church, depending on who was in power in Antalya. The Kesik Minare is famous for its unique architectural tower. Standing on the balcony at the top of this tower, tourists will be overwhelmed by the beautiful landscape of Antalya.
Near the Kesik Minare mosque is the Mevlevi Museum. Mevlevi is a branch of Sufi Islam founded by the disciples of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, a monk, theologian, and saint, to spread his teachings. Mevlana believed that followers could get closer to God through music and dance, especially the sama dance. Visitors to the museum can not only learn about the lives and beliefs of the Mevlevi, but also watch them perform the sama dance.
Talking about museums in Antalya, we cannot fail to mention the Ethnographic Museum with its huge collection of local residents' lives, the City Museum which displays artifacts from the lands around the Mediterranean Sea, and the Toy Museum - where children can enjoy looking at toys based on famous characters.
Tourists should not miss the opportunity to stroll along the Antalya pier. Antalya used to be an important gateway for the whole of Southern Europe on the Silk Road. Although trade is not as busy as it used to be, ships, especially yachts, still often stop at Antalya port to enjoy and have fun. Antalya port is most beautiful at sunset, so visitors should pay attention to the time and choose a good spot in advance to enjoy the most complete view.
Near the port of Antalya is the Hidirlik ruins. This structure was originally a watchtower during the Roman Empire, then became a lighthouse and warehouse during successive dynasties. Today, only the first two floors of the tower remain intact. After visiting Hidirlik, try walking to the Sandland sculpture park located right on the nearby beach. What makes Sandland special is that the statues here are made entirely of sand and change every year.
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