Antalya: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Fabulous Antalya - the center of resort life in Turkey

Antalya is the main resort city on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It's here that hundreds and thousands of planes from all over the world fly in annually with tourists on board, eager to soak up the hot Turkish sun, swim in the warm sea, and enjoy the local cuisine. Unfortunately, most travelers only get to see the city through the window of a bus that takes them to their chosen hotel. However, Antalya has plenty to see, places to go, and things to marvel at.

The city was founded in the first century BC, which means there are plenty of historical monuments in Antalya. During your visit to the capital of the Turkish Riviera, don't forget to check out such attractions in Antalya as Hadrian's Gate, the Hıdırlık Tower, the Yivli Minaret, and the ruins of the ancient city of Perge. For those who enjoy modern entertainment, there are dozens of nightclubs, dolphinariums, water parks, amusement parks, and much more.

As for Antalya's most precious asset – its beaches – they are well-maintained and washed by the crystal-clear sea. The sandy Lara Beach, with its gentle entry into the sea and awarded the "Blue Flag," is considered the best place for family vacations.

When to go?

The beach season in Antalya lasts from May through November. Thanks to its advantageous geographical location at the base of the Taurus Mountains, the resort rarely experiences winter-like cold, and the water temperature never drops below +15°C (59°F). The hottest months are July and August. During this period, the air temperature can rise to record highs of up to +40°C (104°F).

If you are planning a trip with small children or if you yourself do not tolerate extreme heat well, consider scheduling your vacation in Antalya for the end of May – early June or for September. During these times, the weather in and around Antalya is most comfortable for a beach holiday.

What to buy?

Shopping in Turkey, especially in Antalya, is a real pleasure. The local bazaars offer a vibrant kaleidoscope of shops with spices, sweets, fabrics, antiques, and other traditional goods. The best market in the city is located in the Döşemealtı area. It will be hard to leave there without making a purchase. The bazaar sells hookahs, Turkish carpets, lace, and a plethora of souvenirs. The charismatic merchants deserve a special mention, as interactions with them will be memorable.

If you're looking for more modern shopping centers and Antalya stores, head to the Kepez district. In the city's shopping malls, you can find clothing, shoes, and accessories at attractive prices. As a souvenir for relatives or friends, choose Turkish sweets. The variety of tastes and shapes will amaze even the most avid sweet tooths. If you're looking for a more lasting gift, consider handmade ceramics, leather goods, and traditional clothing items.

What to try?

Despite the fact that almost every resort operates on an "All Inclusive" basis, it's worth venturing out into the city at least once to explore the restaurants in Antalya to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and try traditional delicacies.

The cuisine of Antalya is very diverse. Thanks to its status as a tourist destination, cafes and restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world constantly pop up throughout the city. Finding pizzerias, sushi bars, Asian and Russian cafes, and other dining establishments in Antalya is effortless.

Seafood and vegetable dishes, generously seasoned with spices, are considered traditional for Turkey's Mediterranean region. River trout baked with Turkish herbs is especially esteemed among the locals. The sesame paste salad "Tahini" and dishes with eggplants also deserve a mention. For an appetizer, try tiramisu - a dish made from boiled lupin bean seeds.

Where to stay?

Finding a hotel in Antalya is no trouble at all, even during the peak tourist season. The hotel infrastructure is so well developed that there is a suitable option for every guest. Naturally, the large hotel complexes along the coastline, operating on an "All Inclusive" basis, are in the highest demand. These resorts are intended for vacationers and offer guests a full range of services from 24-hour bars to spa centers and children's attractions.

If you're in Antalya on business or your visit falls in the winter period and there's no need to stay by the sea, then dozens of city hotels of various standards with decent service and comfortable living conditions are waiting for you.