Antalya

Antalya is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards. The modern shops, restaurants and nightlife mix old with new, helping to make this resort popular.  

The picturesque old quarter, Kaleici, has ancient city walls and a maze of narrow winding streets leading to marina which is considered to be one of the loveliest in Turkey. The marina and leisure centre has many souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as yacht moorings and services.   Traditional wooden gulets leave from here to explore the beautiful coast and its hidden caves.  Kaleici has its own small but attractive ‘Mermerli’ beach, set to one side of Antalya harbour.  Steep steps leading down the cliff reach the sunbathing terraces and sandy beach area. The old city walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness. The Archaeological Museum, with remains from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the area's rich history.

Colourful exotic flowers can be found in the Ataturk and Karaalioglu Parks.  These with the backdrop of shimmering sea water front of you and the mountains behind, will go some way to explain why Antalya has become such a popular resort.

The Antalya Altin Portakal (Golden Orange) Film and Art Festival, is held in the autumn, attracting both participants and visitors. The ancient theatre in Aspendos makes an impressive setting for some of the festival's plays and concerts. Antalya also hosts annual jewellery fairs.

For the active there are plenty of water sports available from the larger sandy beach of Lara just 16 km from Antalya town centre. Lara is a peaceful resort ideal for a relaxing, restful getaway.

White-water rafting is also available locally.