Antalya City Guide: Turkey's Holiday Destination

Guide in Türkiye

01.07.2024

Antalya is considered the tourism capital of Turkey, offering visitors a unique holiday experience. With its sea, pine forests, historical sites, and sunny climate, Antalya is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations. This city, which can be visited year-round, offers different beauties in every season and hosts millions of local and foreign tourists.

Antalya is a city rich in history. It has hosted many civilizations such as Lycia, Byzantium, Seljuk, and Ottoman, and this historical wealth can be felt in every corner of the city. You can explore numerous historical and cultural heritage sites, from ancient cities to castles, historical baths, and museums. The most well-known districts of Antalya include Kemer, Alanya, Kumluca, Manavgat, and Kaş. Each stands out with its unique natural beauty, historical sites, and entertainment options. The magnificent beaches and entertainment venues of Kemer, the historical castles and nightlife of Alanya, the natural habitats and agricultural products of Kumluca, the waterfalls and natural parks of Manavgat, and the ancient harbor and underwater riches of Kaş offer unforgettable experiences for those wishing to explore Antalya's treasures.

What to Eat in Antalya?

Antalya is renowned for its rich cuisine, hosting many distinguished restaurants from Turkish and international cuisines. Many famous restaurants in the city center have sea or city views, allowing you to satisfy both your stomach and your eyes as you dine.

Antalya's local cuisine is also quite rich. The city, especially famous for its citrus fruits, offers jams or marmalades of nearly every fruit and vegetable, including citrus. During your visit, I recommend trying local dishes such as köfte-piyaz, şakşuka, and hibeş. Desserts like tahini-covered pumpkin dessert and Finike-style banana dessert are also among the indispensable flavors of Antalya cuisine. Exploring the food and drink scene in Antalya is a great opportunity to taste local delicacies and try various dishes from world cuisine. You can find a restaurant to suit every palate and have an unforgettable holiday experience.

Historical Sites in Antalya

Antalya's museums and activities offer a perfect opportunity for those wishing to explore the city's rich cultural and historical heritage. Both getting to know the historical depths of the Antalya Museum and seeing the enchanting sand sculptures of Sandland will be a unique experience.

Kaleiçi

Kaleiçi is the old city area located right in the center of Antalya and is a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Antalya. Within the city walls, Kaleiçi is an area filled with historical Antalya houses. As you walk through this area, it is almost impossible not to reach the sea. Connecting to Antalya Marina, Kaleiçi draws attention with its colorful historical houses and provides a pleasant atmosphere for a walk.

Kaleiçi is also one of the liveliest spots for nightlife. During the day, you can sit in its restaurants and cafes and shop at the various shops. Walking through the narrow streets of Kaleiçi offers a great opportunity to discover its historical texture and taste local delicacies. Additionally, at night, you can have fun at the bars and nightclubs in this area. Kaleiçi is a lively and colorful place where you can feel the history and culture of Antalya. This area, which appeals to visitors of all ages, offers an unforgettable Antalya experience.

Aspendos Ancient City

Aspendos Ancient City is one of the most important historical sites in Turkey and, according to legends, was founded by Argive colonies that came to the region after the Trojan War. The most striking feature of the ancient city is its amphitheater, renowned for its magnificent acoustics. This ancient theater is still used today for opera and ballet festivals, concerts, and various performances. Since Aspendos Ancient City is located away from the city center, it can be easily visited by private car, daily tour, or taxi. Visiting the ancient city offers an unforgettable experience for history and culture enthusiasts. This area, filled with ancient theaters, temples, and other historical structures, gives visitors the opportunity to trace the remnants of ancient times. Additionally, it is an ideal option for those wishing to explore the surrounding natural beauty and experience a holiday intertwined with history.

Antalya Museum

Antalya Museum sheds light on the city's rich history and is one of the most visited museums each year. The museum, which exhibits artifacts from the regions of Lycia, Pamphylia, and Pisidia, also features displays of the local lifestyle in recent history. With peacocks wandering in its garden, exhibition halls that span from prehistoric times to the present, and a stunning view of the Mediterranean, the Antalya Museum tops the list of must-see places.

Sandland

Sandland, initially organized as temporary exhibitions, has now turned into a year-round event. As one of the largest sand sculpture events in the world, Sandland mesmerizes visitors with hundreds of massive sand sculptures. Located on the famous Lara Beach, the event area can be easily accessed by free shuttles and municipal buses.

Places to Visit in Antalya

Antalya is one of Turkey's most popular tourist destinations and draws attention with its magnificent natural beauty along with its rich historical heritage. Adorned with a historical background that stretches from Lycia to Byzantium, Seljuk to Ottoman, Antalya hosts impressive ancient cities, grand castles, stunning beaches, and waterfalls. Taking a stroll through the narrow streets of Kaleiçi, watching a performance at the Aspendos Ancient Theater, relaxing under the cool waters of Düden Waterfall, and enjoying the sun at Konyaaltı Beaches are just a few of the unique experiences the city offers.

Kurşunlu Waterfall

Kurşunlu Waterfall, also known as the "Hidden Paradise," is a natural wonder. You can walk and picnic in the forested area at the entrance of the waterfall. When you move towards the waterfall, you will reach a forested area covered with ivy and every shade of green. This area consists of 7 small ponds and is a preference for those looking for a peaceful day. Following the paths and bridges along the walking route, you will encounter various plant and animal species. Kurşunlu Waterfall will enchant you with its natural beauty and offer a peaceful escape. Visiting this natural wonder is an ideal choice for those wishing to escape the city's hustle and enjoy nature.

Konyaaltı Beaches

Konyaaltı Beaches are known as one of Antalya's symbols. As one of the longest beaches in Turkey, Konyaaltı Beaches offers a safe environment to swim 24/7. There are both private and public beaches where you can enjoy the beach by either renting a sunbed and umbrella or simply with your towel. You can also have a pleasant time at the cafes and restaurants located on the road side of the beach.

Düden Waterfall

Düden Waterfall, located in the Kepez district, is a natural wonder and a picnic area. Falling from a height of approximately 40 meters, the waterfall reaches the Mediterranean. It is a frequently preferred spot by those wishing to cool off, especially on hot summer days. Here, you can find local breakfast, meat and fish restaurants, and tea gardens. Although it is not possible to enter Düden Waterfall, which can be easily reached from the city center, it is an ideal place to take a walk in the green area, enjoy the fresh air, and take great photos.

Investment Value of Antalya

Antalya is one of the most attractive regions of Turkey in terms of tourism and makes the real estate market very active with the FOA Invest brand. It is possible to invest in various types of real estate such as housing, workplace, land, tourist facilities. The city's housing market attracts the attention of local and foreign investors. There are FOA Invest apartments, villas and detached houses with different features in the center and surrounding districts. Especially in touristic areas such as Konyaaltı, Lara, Kemer, Kaş, Alanya, the demand for holiday homes is high. FOA Invest provides you with professional support on documents required for residence permit and citizenship in Turkey.

The market for workplaces and land is also growing in parallel with Antalya's economic and touristic development. Investments in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues aimed at the tourism sector are quite popular. Additionally, the lands in and around the city offer potential investment opportunities for residential and commercial projects.

Tourist facilities have an important place in Antalya's real estate market. In the city's beaches and holiday resorts, there are different facilities suitable for every budget, such as hotels, holiday villages, and apart-hotels. In Antalya, where the tourism season is long, the demand for tourist facilities is consistently high.

When investing in real estate in Antalya, factors such as the region's touristic and economic potential, infrastructure and transportation facilities, climate, and quality of life should be considered.

 

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