A view of Antalya.
Rare beauty
The oldest documents mentioning Antalya date back to the reign of King Attalos II Philodelphus (220-138 BC) in Pergamon. Located on the Mediterranean coast and surrounded on three sides by the Taurus Mountains, Antalya was somewhat more isolated than other ancient cities and states in Turkey. Nevertheless, the city's rare beauty held an irresistible allure for visitors from afar. Many historical figures visited Antalya, including the Apostle Paul and the famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta.
Antalya is at its most beautiful in April-May and October-November. Other times of the year are usually hot and humid or rainy, typical of Mediterranean weather. When visiting Antalya, don't forget to buy an Antalyakart – a ticket for buses and trams. The card costs 35 lira (1 lira is currently equivalent to about 812 VND), and each ride costs 15 lira. You can top up your card at card counters or vending machines.
Beautiful beaches near Antalya include Konyaaltı, Lara, and Evrenseki. All three boast stunning mountain scenery and calm seas almost year-round. However, visitors should avoid peak tourist season to avoid crowds.
The limestone mountains of the Taurus Range possess the perfect conditions for the formation of magnificent waterfalls. The most famous is Manavgat Falls, 40 meters wide and 5 meters high, one of Türkiye's national symbols. There is also Duden Falls, a two-tiered waterfall, 20 meters wide and 15 meters high, especially beautiful at sunset. Around Kurşunlu Falls, a park of the same name has been built, giving visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the Mediterranean forest environment.
Tünek Tepe Hill in the west of the city is also a great viewpoint. This 618-meter-high hill is the best place to get a panoramic view of Antalya. Visitors can walk or drive up the hill, but it's best to take the cable car for the most beautiful photos.
Historic city
Handicrafts are on display and for sale in the old town of Antalya.
Exploring the ancient Kaleiçi district in the heart of Antalya always begins at Hadrian's Gate. This triple gate was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian (76-138 AD) in 130 AD when he visited the city. Previously, the gate was surrounded by walls on all four sides, and its existence was gradually forgotten. It wasn't 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 been a famous destination in Antalya. Tourists come here to learn about the aesthetic and engineering prowess of the Romans.
The Kaleiçi Old Town has undergone numerous restorations. The most impressive structure here is the Kesik Minare Mosque. Originally a Roman Catholic temple built in the 2nd century, it was later converted into a Christian church in the 7th century. Subsequent centuries saw it serve as both a mosque and a Christian church, depending on who was in power in Antalya. The Kesik Minare Mosque is famous for its unique tower. Standing on the balcony at the top of the tower, tourists are overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery of Antalya.
Near the Kesik Minare shrine is the Mevlevi Museum. The Mevlevi are a branch of Sufi Islam founded by disciples of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, a monk, theologian, and saint, to spread their teachings. The Mevlana believed that practitioners could draw closer to God through music and dance, especially the sama dance. Visitors to the museum can learn about the life and beliefs of Mevlevi followers and also watch them perform the sama dance.
Speaking of museums in Antalya, one cannot fail to mention the Ethnographic Museum with its vast collection about the life of the local inhabitants, 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 shouldn't miss the opportunity to stroll along the Antalya harbor bridge. Antalya was once an important gateway for the entire Southern European region on the Silk Road. Although trade is no longer as bustling as it once was, ships, especially sailing yachts, still frequently visit Antalya harbor for sightseeing and recreation. Antalya harbor is most beautiful at sunset, so visitors should time their visit and choose a good spot in advance to enjoy the view to the fullest.
Near the port of Antalya lies the Hidirlik ruins. Originally a Roman Empire watchtower, it later served as a lighthouse and warehouse under successive dynasties. Today, only the two ground floors of the tower remain intact. After visiting Hidirlik, try walking to Sandland Sculpture Park, located right on the nearby beach. Sandland's unique feature is that all the sculptures are made of sand and are changed annually.
Source
Comment (0)