Antalya is one of the popular cities of Turkey, which has something to show travelers: a contrasting city with an old quarter, surrounded by forests and mountains with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, waterfalls and pedestrian routes.
It is located next to the majestic Taurus mountains and washed by the azure Mediterranean Sea. The beach season in Antalya lasts from May to September – during this period, a real avalanche of tourists collapses into the resort. The rest of the time is freer here: cold time does not attract guests, but the temperature does not fall below +14 ° C in the afternoon. If you are not interested in a beach vacation, it is better to visit the resort capital of Turkey in the offseason. After the excursion, you can always relax and bask in spa centers with Hammas.
Entrance rules
Russians to enter the country need only a passport. Without a residence permit in Turkey, you can be up to 60 days for six months. The local currency is the Turkish lyre, 1 try is approximately four rubles.
How to get
There are direct flights between Moscow and Antalya. Russian airlines “Victory”, S7, Iraero and Aeroflot fly 5.5 hours, Turkish Airlines – 4.5 hours. Tickets back and forth cost from 20,000 rubles*.
Where to stop
Trend Suits – Spacious apartments on the first line with a kitchen and a pool, a number for one night costs from 4,800 rubles*.
Palmenhaus – A cozy hotel in the center of the old city, the rooms are made in different style: from modern classics to a loft with graffiti painted with walls. The night in a standard room will cost at least 5,000 rubles*.
Afflon Hotels Loft City – small Loft -style hotel. The night in Lux with breakfast and his own jacuzzi costs from 7,900 rubles*.
Akra – A five-star hotel with a pool, spa, fitness center and sea view. Prices for the number-dodge start at 7,900 rubles*.
Doubletree by Hilton Antalya City Center – A five -star hotel with a covered pool and a panoramic view of the city. The night in a standard room costs from 10,700 rubles*.
Arc Hadrian’s Gate
The city gates of Adrian are located on Ataturka Boulevard in the center of Antalya. They were built in 130 of our era in honor of the visit of Emperor Adrian. This triumphal arch should be seen at least in order to see how she managed to survive for so many centuries.
The gate, once former part of the external walls of the city, prove that history is not just words in the book. Now they connect two towers, which were built independently from each other in different eras with a difference of almost 700 years.
Kaleici
This is a real pearl of Antalya – the old quarter of the city, where there are some of the best restaurants and nightlines. The prayer streets form a labyrinth and loop past the restored Ottoman mansions and other old buildings, where cafes, souvenir shops, Turkish carpets, concert venues and cozy boutiques are now located. In the old city, you can’t drive cars, so the walk will be calm and comfortable. It’s good even in the heat – umbrellas are stretched between the houses between the houses.
Glass elevator
In Kaleichi there are stairs that connect the old city with the new Antalya and lead to the square of the republic, where there is an observation platform with a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains. You can go up on a glass elevator with a panoramic review on a harbor. This is free, but in the summer season there are queues. The elevator is easy to find if you look from the pier – you will see a glass box going up along the stone wall. And if you get lost, ask passers -by about the “panoramic elevator” – this is what the locals call it.
Pier Kaleici
The harbor of the old city should be seen not only from the observation deck, but also to go down to it to take a walk past the moored boats that sway smoothly in anticipation of sailing. There are many restaurants with an amazing gavan view, where everyone can relax and enjoy fresh seafood.
The boats are standing here for a reason. Both private luxurious yachts and public boats offer sea walks and sightseeing excursions from the water. And to see in Antalya from the sea there is something – for example, on the Duden waterfalls.
Duden waterfall
This cascade of waterfalls is a real miracle of nature. Its height is 45 m, and this is the highest freshwater waterfall, which flows into the sea. It is not difficult to get to this amazing location. Visit a natural park on the top of the cliff where the river flows. The observation deck is located on the side of the waterfall, so you can only admire the view from above.
And to see all the beauty of the Düdensky cascade, take an excursion on a boat in any port of Antalya. There is such a trip of about 350 TYR (about 1,400 rubles*) and lasts two to three hours. Most of the time is occupied by the road, but this does not interfere with impressions. The boats swim so close to the cascade that splashes of water reach all passengers.
KARAALIOğLU PARK
Another attraction of Antalya near Kaleichi is the Primorsky Park. They say that this is one of the best places in the city center, from where impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea open. The lush crowns of trees and numerous fountains perfectly save from the heat, so in the park you can sit on a bench in the shade in any season. Toward evening, we recommend climbing to the Khdyrlyk tower. And many people come to the park to admire the sunset.
Archaeological Museum
Two km to the west of the old quarter is one of the largest archaeological museums in Turkey. It stores the oldest artifacts related to civilizations of Lycia, Perc, Rome and Byzantium. The most famous collection of the museum is the “Hall of Gods”, where statues and busts of Zeus, Athena and Aphrodite are represented.
The museum will appeal to visitors of any age: for children there is an interactive children’s area, and for adults inside the windows the most important exhibits are marked with a red circle. Thanks to this, you can listen to express audio guide only through key exhibits.
The entrance to the museum costs 90 TYR (about 360 rubles*), there is a free audio guide in English. The museum works from 8:30 to 20:00, on Mondays a day off.
The ruins of the city of Perge
The ruins of the Roman city of Perga are an open -air museum. Here, long columns with a mosaic on the sides, a pool, two nymphs, a stadium, ancient gates to the city, huge baths with marble trim, Agora with a fountain, a large Byzantine basilica with a mosaic floor and acropolis were preserved. It is difficult to study the city in the heat for a long time, so we are advised to plan a visit to the spring or autumn.
The cost of the input ticket is 100 TYR (about 400 rubles*). At the entrance to the park, you can download a free audio guide, and there are indicators and signs with explanations throughout the territory. All amenities are available in the museum: cafes, stalls with water and ice cream and souvenir shops.
You can get from Antalya by tram, which goes to Expo, go out at AKSU stop. From there on foot to ruins for about 20 minutes.
Kurşunlu waterfall
Curses are located near the city in the Big Park. The waterfall forms a natural pool in which various freshwater animals live. For lovers of outdoor activities, there are paths for studying flora and fauna, and for the rest – a place for a picnic. Remote from the city makes this place quiet and less crowded than Duden waterfalls.
The entrance to the park costs 12 TYR (about 50 rubles*), but only cash is accepted at the box office. Nearby there are no ATMs, shops and exchangers, so take minor money in advance. Locals recommend visiting the waterfall in non -season – in the midst of summer it can dry out.
National Park Güllük
Located about an hour from the city. In the center of the National Park Gylluk, the ruins of the ancient city of Termmesos are located. At an altitude of 1,000 m above sea level are numerous stone structures and impressive walls. The ancient theater is especially well preserved.
Since the city did not live to this day, it is poorly equipped – there are no shops, cafes and amenities on the spot. Take a sufficient amount of water with you and put on strong shoes for hiking. At the entrance, they give a card and detailed instructions in English, how and where you can go.
The cost of entering the park is 15 TYR (about 60 rubles*). You can get from Antalya by 506 bus, the road takes about an hour. From the stop to the entrance to go two km, and to the top with ruins – nine more.
Aspendos amphitheater
35 km from Antalya there is another Roman ancient city, which has been preserved much better than the perge. Its main attraction is the amphitheater of the same name, in which there are still performances. In the days of the Romans, the battles of the Persian fleets were held here, and now there is an annual international festival of opera and ballet, in which groups from around the world take part.
The territory of the city is well equipped – at the entrance there is a cafe with ice cream and soft drinks, and on the scene of Aspendos you can see the performance.
The entrance to Aspendos costs 60 TYR (about 240 rubles*). In order to get from Antalya, you need to sit at the Central bus station on the bus to the city of Serik, and from there – to the bus to the Aspendos.
Beach çıralı
Chiraly or, as the locals call it, Olympos is one of the most beautiful beaches in the district. Powerful trees framed it, and the coastline is quite long, so there is always a free space. Chiraly differs from the usual Turkish beaches by natural beauty and the absence of a bustle of large resorts.
The secret of this place is that it is considered a reserve – large sea turtles are laid here. Therefore, metal baskets are placed on the sand to protect the clutches. In August, early morning you can find a miracle – see how small turtles run to the sea.
*Prices are relevant at the time of publication.
