Antalya is one of the main tourist resorts in Turkey. It offers many options for an exciting and unforgettable vacation. Modern hotel complexes, magnificent beaches and entertainment centers allow vacationers to fully enjoy their stay on the Mediterranean Riviera.
The city, popular with tourists, is famous not only for its developed and convenient infrastructure, but also for its luxurious subtropical nature, wonderful mild Mediterranean climate and interesting archaeological sites. The first settlements on the site of a modern resort appeared over 2 thousand years. Therefore, there is something to surprise the guests here.
The sights of Antalya are a combination of artifacts of ancient civilizations and the wealth of cultures of the peoples of Asia Minor. Connoisseurs of natural beauty await breathtaking canyons, waterfalls and the amazing beauty of the surrounding natural landscapes with lush vegetation.
Antalya Archaeological Museum
One of the popular sites of the famous Turkish Riviera is the Archaeological Museum. On an area of 7,000 m2, there are about 5,000 exhibits of unique historical value. The prerequisite for the creation of the museum complex was the occupation of the city by the Italian troops in 1919.
As part of the military, archaeologists arrived who discovered unique artifacts of antiquity. The first found exhibits formed the basis of the future museum fund. In the coolness of the air-conditioned rooms, it is pleasant to spend time getting to know the culture and life of ancient people. Thirty exhibition halls are never empty.
The stands of the archaeological museum display statuettes and pottery, weapons and cups, vases and coins, fossilized mineral specimens and fragments of mosaics, precious jewelry and ceramics. Of greatest interest are marble sculptures of mythological characters, busts and monuments of Roman emperors, as well as sarcophagi with bas-reliefs. A separate room is dedicated to the collection of ancient Orthodox icons.
The ethnographic hall deserves attention, where national Turkish costumes, carpets, household items and interiors are exhibited.
Hadrian's gate
The Great Hadrian's Gate is a triumphal arch built in 130 BC. Many tourists tend to see the famous ancient structure, which has survived to this day in an amazingly beautiful condition. The construction of the building was timed to coincide with the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was in honor of the name of the ruler of a powerful empire that the gates got their name.
The monumental architectural monument, 8 meters high, consists of a triple arched portal, decorated on both sides with bas-reliefs and marble columns with capitals. The girder cover of the span includes a frieze and cornice, the surfaces of which are covered with exquisite stucco elements and stone patterns. On the sides of the gate there are massive crenellated fortress towers.
The inner surface of the arches is decorated with a coffered ceiling, skillfully executed in the traditional Roman style. An antique sidewalk made of hewn stone has been preserved under the gates. On them you can see the deep grooves that were left by numerous carts, chariots and carts that passed here during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian.
Karaalioglu park
Karaalioglu Park stretches along the picturesque rocky coast. It is located high above the sea, which allows vacationers to enjoy the magnificent view of the majestic mountains, the beauty of the turquoise bay and the panorama of the city. A variety of exotic flowers and trees with lush crowns pleases the eye of even a sophisticated traveler.
Ideal conditions have been created here for a pleasant, cozy and relaxing pastime. The territory of Karaalioglu is decorated with tangerine, orange, pine and palm groves, beautiful flower beds, manicured green lawns, fountains and sculptural compositions.
In the park, it is pleasant to take a walk along the wide alleys bordered by various plants or ride a bike along specially designated paths. Playgrounds with swings are provided for children. There are benches in the shade of lush trees. Restaurants and cafes offer a variety of delicious dishes with refreshing drinks. In the eastern part of Karaalioglu Park, there is a city theater, a municipality building, and the ancient Hidirlik tower.
Kaleici old town
In its southern part, on the seashore, is the Kaleici district - the historical center of Antalya. The atmospheric place is famous for its ancient architectural ensemble, preserved in its original appearance. Small stone mansions with courtyards entwined with greenery are huddled in the labyrinths of narrow winding streets paved with cobblestones. The facades of cozy houses with tiled roofs delight the eye with their uniqueness. Most of the buildings are built of white stone with wooden beams.
The Kaleici quarter is surrounded by an unapproachable city wall in the past. Many tastefully restored apartment buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops. Ancient buildings, mosques, hammams, towers and millennial ruins create the atmosphere of a historic village. Walking through the intricate alleys of the area, travelers repeatedly come across monuments of architecture from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras.
Old port
Visiting the sights of Kaleici, tourists will definitely get to the Old Port. It was founded over 2,000 years ago. From here, merchant ships sailed, laden with olive oil and forced labor. The medieval battlement wall gives the port an original historical setting. Fortifications with cannons standing on the shore create an atmosphere for tourists in those ancient times.
The snow-white yachts and boats moored at the pier are ideally combined with the azure sea bay. In addition to the appearance of a small port in the bay of the old town, there are old houses with tiled roofs, surrounded by orchards. In the old harbor, vacationers will have the opportunity to stroll along the embankment and sit in a coastal cafe. Nearby there is a lighthouse and an observation deck with beautiful views of the harbor and marinas. Lovers of sea recreation are advised to take a boat excursion.
Hidirlik tower
One of the most mysterious local attractions, the Hidirlik Tower, rises next to Karaalioglu Park. Its construction dates back to the Roman period - II century BC. The architectural monument is striking in its grandeur. The structure rises on a square stone base. The walls are built of massive bricks and stone blocks of a reddish-brown hue. The total height of the tower is 13.5 meters.
Until now, historians and archaeologists argue about the true purpose of the impressive structure. Some argue that the building served as a lighthouse, thanks to its favorable location on the edge of the coast. Other scholars are of the opinion that the tower played the role of a defensive fortification and may even be the tomb of a Roman official. Fragments of frescoes were found on the inner walls of Khidirlyk, which testifies to the religious purpose of the tower in the Byzantine period.
Duden waterfalls
Among the natural treasures of the world famous resort, a special place is occupied by the Duden waterfalls, which are divided into an upper and lower water slope.The mountain river Duden comes from two karst springs. Their waters, merging into one stream, flow underground as much as 14 kilometers, then come to the surface and again disappear into a karst funnel.
The Lower Waterfall is popular, which can be admired from the observation deck on the cliff or from the sea. A powerful stream of water, shimmering and sparkling in the sun, falls directly into the azure bay from the rocky coast. Its height reaches 50 meters. Rainbows often appear over the falls, creating an unforgettable sight.
Upper Duden waterfall is located in the national park. It is surrounded by lush green deciduous and coniferous plants. Water streams falling from the cliff hide the cave. The rock behind the waterfall is overgrown with a thick layer of moss.
The park has walking paths, gazebos, bridges and viewing platforms. It is pleasant to walk here in the shade of spreading trees to the sound of babbling streams. It is worth paying attention to the huge plane tree, which is more than 700 years old.
Kursunlu waterfall
Guests of Antalya are recommended to go to the Kursunlu park reserve, where the breathtaking waterfall of the same name is located. This place attracts people with its pristine scenic landscapes. Surrounded by a subtropical forest, a noisy stream of water rushes off the side of the cliff, then falling into a small sea lagoon of emerald-blue color. The area is literally buried in the greenery of trees and bushes.
The area around the waterfall is equipped with hiking trails, bridges and areas for recreation and picnic. The crowns of trees cover the shores with dense shade. Pines, oaks, boulders, rocks covered with moss, vines and a variety of plants - all this creates a unique unity with nature. The reserve has a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere filled with the murmur of streams of water and the singing of birds.
It is home to wild boars, hares, foxes and turtles. A considerable number of people want to go through the shroud of falling water to enjoy the touch of diamond splashes scattering in all directions. The winding paths lead to beautiful grottoes, where you can see the spray of water from the falling jets. It shimmers in the sun and creates a rainbow effect.
Yivli Minaret
The Yivli minaret, which is one of the main symbols of the city, rises majestically over the southern Turkish city. The building, 38 meters high, was built at the beginning of the 13th century. It symbolized the successful military campaign of the Ottomans to conquer the Mediterranean.
The masterpiece of Islamic architecture has an unusual and unique shape. The original structure of the building is as if cut into eight vertical half-cylinders, decorated with brick mosaics. For such a peculiar appearance, the architectural monument received an unofficial name - Corrugated. The minaret is installed on a massive foundation, which is two-meter stone blocks.
The structure is crowned with a conical roof covered with lead. Fragments of a unique mosaic made of cobalt glass have been preserved in small niches of the tower. Inside Yivli there are 90 steps of a spiral staircase leading to a balcony with a stone balustrade.
Minaret Kesik
One of the symbols of the historic district of Kaleici is the Kesik minaret. People often call it the Truncated Minaret because of its cut off top. Historians do not give an unambiguous answer to the question of why the structure has such a strange appearance. One of the versions says that lightning hit the tower, as a result of which the upper part of the structure collapsed.
Near the landmark, you can see the ruins of the ancient Church of St. Peter, which is of historical value. Its external appearance shows elements of Byzantine and Arabian architectural styles. The building is decorated with marble columns and bas-reliefs. The vaulted gates lead to the minaret, against which the guests of the city like to take pictures.
Ataturk House Museum
A house-museum dedicated to the first President of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, welcomes inquisitive tourists. This is one of the most famous world political figures of the 20th century. He made a huge contribution to the formation of a modern, economically developed and enlightened state.
The museum exposition is located in a two-story mansion where Ataturk stayed during his official visits. The pink stone building with a tiled roof and a balcony has been preserved in its original form.
The collection of the museum has about 3 thousand exhibits. The interior of the house is furnished with antique wooden furniture from the 30s of the last century. Visitors will see old telephones and music players. The floors of the rooms are covered with Turkish carpets. The premises display the president's personal belongings, printed documents, numerous newspaper clippings, photographs and other documents.
The collection of coins, banknotes and postage stamps with the image of the great Turk is of great interest. On the second floor there are two offices of the politician, where the working environment of the century before last is recreated.
Sandland Sand Figures Museum
One of the resort's finest coastlines hosts the annual Sandland International Sand Figures Festival. An extraordinary open-air exhibition attracts the attention of tourists with unique exhibits. Professional artists and skilled craftsmen create amazing masterpieces from sand and water. The huge sculptures will not leave anyone indifferent.
On an area of 7,000 sq. meters exposed sand compositions. In the figures presented, you can recognize the characters of famous films and cartoons, heroes of legends and warriors, rulers and mythical creatures, world-famous buildings and attractions. At dusk, the sand sculptures are illuminated with colorful lights, which gives them a unique and mysterious look. Workshops on the art of creating sand figures are organized for museum visitors.
Toy Museum
Walking along the narrow streets of the old quarter of Kaleici, adults and young tourists can visit the Toy Museum. The historic building, which looks like a gingerbread house, houses an impressive collection of toys from different eras. In ten exhibition halls, about 8,000 amusing antiques and modern items are collected. The museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn how toys have changed over the centuries.
The exhibits are neatly displayed behind glass on shelves. The collection of the museum is grouped by country, subject and year of issue. Of particular interest are Turkish, American, Japanese and German toys from different eras. Here you can see wooden, clay and porcelain dolls, miniature houses with a huge amount of details and accessories.
It is impossible to pass by teddy bears, Russian nesting dolls, car models, airplanes and spaceships, the railway and many other masterpieces. A separate room is dedicated to the Barbie doll family of all races, nationalities and professions.
Mini-City Miniature Park
Provides tourists with the opportunity to get acquainted with miniature copies of architectural monuments of Turkey. A walk through the well-groomed green area will bring a lot of unforgettable impressions.
Models of palaces, mausoleums, crypts, theaters, mosques, towers, monasteries and various structures on a scale of 1:25 are exhibited in the open air among the sprawling green spaces. The miniatures are made by skilled craftsmen who, down to the smallest detail, carefully and scrupulously recreated the architectural masterpieces of Asia Minor.
The disappeared civilizations will open their mysterious sights to the visitors.It will be interesting to see the buildings of cities such as Troy, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Aspendos and many other places.
Scenic paths and various bridges passing through an artificial river are laid between the models. There are benches for relaxation throughout the cognitive park. Here you can have fun watching miniature car and motorboat races.
Zoo
Located a few kilometers from the center of the resort. Here you can take a break from beach activities and admire various representatives of wild fauna. For exotic animals, ideal living conditions have been created. This is facilitated by well-groomed spacious open-air cages with green spaces, sandy areas, boulders and spreading trees. All corrals are protected by fences, which allows guests to feel completely safe.
The zoo is located in a shady pine forest at the very foot of the mountain range. The area of 330 hectares has become home to ungulates, artiodactyls, a vast family of cats, birds, amphibians and primates.
Bears, tigers, hyenas, zebras, deer, monkeys, lions, crocodiles, parrots, lions, camels, wild boars - this is not a complete list of amazing guests who comfortably live on an area of 330 hectares. There are paths along the enclosures, walking along which visitors can enjoy the natural splendor. Lakes with refreshing fountains and waterfalls create a pleasant and cozy environment.
Amusement Park "Aktur Park"
The park entertainment complex "Aktur Park" is very popular among vacationers. The abundance of all kinds of dizzying and funny attractions will appeal to both adults and children. The entrance to the park is designed in the form of a fairytale castle with towers. At the gates, tourists are greeted by figures of pirates and Vikings.
You can start the entertainment program from the Ferris wheel and carousels made in the style of Disney cartoons. Fans of extreme sports will find roller coasters, giant swinging panels with chairs, an impressive centrifuge and a majestic pendulum in the form of a pirate schooner.
In the park you can feel the effect of free fall and high speed, get an adrenaline rush from rolling on planes rotating around its axis. For connoisseurs of a fun pastime, in addition to traditional attractions, there are go-karts, dance floors, shooting galleries, a game salon and laugh rooms.
Oceanarium
Noteworthy is the oceanarium located in the central area of the resort. This is a huge educational, cultural and entertainment complex. Numerous themed aquariums present a mesmerizing underwater world set against a backdrop of luxurious decorations. Visitors to the institution will get acquainted with the diverse inhabitants of the oceans, seas and rivers.
The pride of the aquarium is a panoramic glass tunnel, the length of which is 131 meters. It makes it possible to see the underwater kingdom from below and from all sides. It is curious to watch sharks, seahorses, turtles, octopuses, stingrays, crustaceans, jellyfish, moray eels and mollusks swimming imposingly. Multicolored schools of fish are striking in color, shape and size.
Each aquarium has its own entourage, which sets the audience up for an adventurous mood. Ancient statues, sunken ships, ruins of palaces, pyramids, treasure chests and even cars rest under the water column. Of interest is the decoration of coral reefs.
Dinopark
It occupies an impressive area (30,000 square meters) in a pine forest. A walk through the territory of the complex will bring a lot of pleasant impressions. Life-sized figures of dinosaurs are installed in the shade of the majestic coniferous trees. They are equipped with motion sensors that are triggered when a person approaches. Prehistoric animals can move their head and tail, click their jaws, emit a terrible loud roar, which can slightly frighten visitors.
The park is not limited to dinosaur figures. There are activities for the whole family for every taste and age. The guests of the entertainment complex have a cinema, swimming pools, planetarium, climbing wall, trampolines and playgrounds at their disposal. Fans of extreme rides will find a fear room with zombies.
Aqualand
One of the famous and popular places of entertainment for tourists is the Aqualand water park. It has been receiving visitors since 1996. At the service of tourists are provided water slides of varying complexity for every taste and age. The complex covers an area of 40 thousand square meters.
Among the most interesting attractions are a pool with artificial waves, a downhill spiral, rapid glory along a stormy river and swimming in a spiral whirlwind of water. Green spaces, exotic flowers, artificial reservoirs, islands and bridges create a wonderful atmosphere of peace and good mood.
There are cafes and restaurants, as well as storage rooms, changing rooms and showers. The dolphinarium is a pleasant addition to the huge number of attractions. Connoisseurs of extreme sports will appreciate the slide with a large angle of inclination, which creates the effect of free fall from the height of a seven-story building. A lot of positive emotions and thrills will be brought by riding on inflatable rafts on open and closed pipes 100 meters long.
Ancient city of Perge
Located 18 kilometers from the suburbs of Antalya. This is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Turkey. Lovers of scenic ruins and history can visit the remains of this ancient settlement, founded in the 12th century BC.
Perge was part of various ancient kingdoms, then was captured by Alexander the Great. The city reached its peak during the period of Roman rule. At the beginning of our era, the city became an important center for the spread of Christianity. From here began the missionary journey of the Apostle Paul across Asia Minor.
A real open-air museum awaits tourists. The architecture of the city combined the influence of the Roman and Hellenistic cultures. Here, the remains of towers, basilicas, city gates, agora, bath complexes, a stadium and a theater have been preserved in fairly good condition. The main street with orderly rows of columns and a cascading water channel in the middle is of interest.
Ruins of the ancient city of Termessos
Surrounded by the Taurus Mountains at an altitude of 1050 meters above sea level, there are the ruins of the ancient city of Termessos. The first historical mention of this place dates back to 334 BC, when Alexander the Great attempted to capture this village. Attempts to conquer the city were unsuccessful.
Protected by inaccessible mountain ranges, dense forest and powerful fortress walls, Termessos was able to withstand a long siege. It stood for many centuries, but after a series of earthquakes it was practically wiped off the face of the Earth. Today, tourists are given a unique opportunity to see the ruins of structures in their original intact form.
Archaeological excavations and reconstruction have not been carried out here, so all the stones and remains of buildings have been preserved in absolute integrity since the day of the last earthquake. Temples and a theater, a street with columns and the building of the city council, gymnasiums and baths, a necropolis and a bazaar - all these partially preserved ancient buildings are of historical value of world importance.
Ancient city of Aspendos
A trip to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos will allow you to feel the atmosphere of ancient civilization. This settlement reached its peak when it became part of the Roman Empire.Aspendos was a thriving city known for its vineyards, olive orchards, and a market for the best horses in the empire. Their own coins were minted here, which testifies to the former power and greatness of the ancient city.
The main attraction of Aspendos, for which tourists come here, is the amphitheater. The structure, erected in the II century AD, has been perfectly preserved to this day and is still functioning. Amazing in its perfection acoustics allows you to hear whispers coming from the stage even in all remote corners of the building. The theater can accommodate up to 17,000 spectators. A beautiful arched gallery runs above the stands.
Noteworthy are the ruins of an aqueduct, a stadium and a basilica, as well as fragments of the walls of the city council building. Travelers can walk through the central square where trade and political events took place.
Köprülü canyon
Köprülü Canyon is a picturesque river valley that runs along vertical rocky walls. This magnificent natural heritage of the Antalya province belongs to a national reserve with a total area of 500,000 m2. Its territory is famous for its rich flora and fauna.
More than half a thousand species of woody plants grow in the park. Köprülü is home to cypresses, eucalyptus, juniper and fir trees. This wonderful land is inhabited by deer, bears, foxes, wolves, rabbits and various birds.
The reserve offers travelers an exciting recreation program. Rafting can be done along the turbulent mountain river. Turquoise water pleasantly refreshes on a hot day. A walk through the forest will allow you to enjoy the beauty of this amazing corner of nature.
Lovers of horseback riding will find it interesting to parade on thoroughbred horses. A visit to the karst cave will not leave anyone indifferent. A mysterious and mysterious dungeon consists of a labyrinth of tunnels and an underground lake.
Goynuk canyon
Visitors to the popular Turkish province are advised to visit one of its picturesque places, the Goynuk Canyon. Formed over millions of years, this miraculous miracle of nature is a gorge 6 meters wide and 350 meters high. Breathtaking landscapes await travelers.
Sheer cliffs of bizarre shape amaze with their multi-colored color range from white to red. In some places the majestic mountain ranges are covered with dense emerald vegetation. Huge stone boulders are polished with water to a mirror shine.
Visitors to the Goynuk canyon can walk along the mountain trails of the national reserve, go boating, swim in the river, fly on a zipline. For tourists, there are special walking routes that run along the bottom of the canyon along the river bed.
The expedition participants will have to put on special equipment: rubber boots, a wetsuit, helmets and vests. On the way, the group will meet stormy water streams, pine forest, waterfalls, caves, creeks with crystal-clear turquoise water.
Tunektepe cable car
Those who wish to admire the panorama of the city and the unusually beautiful natural landscapes should take a trip on the Tunektepe cable car. Modern and safe cabins are designed for four people. The funicular lifts tourists to a height of 605 meters.
The length of the overhead tracks is 1,706 meters. During the ascent, a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape opens up. Azure bay, majestic mountains, rocky slopes, dense coniferous forests - all this makes the trip unforgettable.
On the top of the mountain, where the cable car leads, there are observation platforms. Installed binoculars allow you to see landscapes in detail. Here everyone will find a secluded corner to enjoy the surrounding views. Cafes and restaurants with open terraces are at the disposal of the guests.
