On their travels in Turkey, American tourists tend to stick with traditional sites and activities, such as visiting Istanbul or flying over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, both popular options for tourists from the United States. If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and the famous hot spot of Antalya, you’ve come to the right place! There are many reasons to stay a few days in this idyllic seaside town, including the extensive expanses of sand, fascinating history, stunning architecture, and many activities to see and do.
The coastline is picture-perfect.
Turkish beaches are some of the world’s most beautiful, and you can see them yourself by searching “Antalya beaches” on Google. You can swim on the city’s beaches like Mermerli and rnekköy if you stay close to town and avoid the more remote beaches. Take a day trip to places like Kas, where the sugar-white sand and bright blue waters have made it a beach-dream goer’s destination for years. The crystalline shallows of Kiris Bay are ideal for scuba diving, as are the spectacular limestone cliffs that frame the bay’s entrance. There are so many beaches in Antalya that you could spend a week there and still not see them all.
History’s next millennia are just around the corner.
As we have stated, Antalya has long been a favorite destination for Turks, and they’ve known it for as long as Turkey has existed as a country. Take a trip under Hadrian’s Gate and envision yourself as a visiting emperor on the 2nd century Hirilik Tower’s bastions. Almost everywhere you turn in Antalya, you’ll see Roman-era architecture, as this part of Turkey’s coast was one of the Empire’s most valued gems.
There will be waterfalls that will take your breath away.
In addition to its beautiful beaches, Antalya is a naturalist’s dream come true. Those who enjoy waterfalls can find several of them along Turkey’s southeastern coast. If you’re talking about the Düden Waterfalls, they fall into the sea. To get to the more remote forest waterfalls like Kursunlu and Duden’s other interior, you’ll have to hike, but the payoff is well worth the effort. Turkey has no better rafting site than Koprulu Canyon, where emerald-colored water flows between the imposing rock formations.
The service is exceptional, and the food is out of this world.
The friendliness of the Turkish people is well-known. Turkish coffee and pleasure can be found in any high-end institution, and both are robust. It’s no surprise that Antalya’s hotels are renowned for their friendliness, from modest boutique hotels in the city center to sprawling seaside resorts with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The premium but kid-friendly Akra Hotel is a great example of the latter, with views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Bey Mountains, or the cityscape. Other amenities include a comprehensive spa with a genuine Turkish bath and a wide range of recreational activities such as waterskiing, tennis, and horseback riding. Additionally, the on-site playground and Kids Club are sure to be popular with visiting families.
You’ll be blown away by the cuisine.
Antalya’s cuisine is also a major draw for tourists. You’ll be able to sample traditional Turkish delicacies like durum sandwiches and flavorful grilled kebab meat, but you’ll also be able to test fish taken straight off the coast. Regarding dining options, you can’t go wrong with Antalya’s wide range of cuisines, from simply grilled sea bass fillets to barbecued octopus tentacles served with tahini sauce.
Something for everyone is available here.
Although Antalya’s beaches, restaurants, and hotels are ideal for romantic getaways and solo explorations, the city also caters to families with young children. Visit Antalya Zoo for up-close encounters with fascinating animals, or take an inverted tour of the bizarre Turs Ev House. Toys from around Turkey may be found in the Antalya Toy Museum, a must-see for visitors of all ages.
The city of Antalya is only the beginning of your journey.
Depending on how much time you have in Turkey, your trip to Antalya may serve as the beginning rather than the finish of a coastal exploration journey. No matter how wonderful it is, the city of Antalya is best used as a starting point rather than an endpoint. Suppose you’re looking to get away from it all, head to Fethiye and Marmaris, where the beaches are even better than those in Antalya, while those looking for even more relaxation might head to Bodrum. In the meantime, if you’re looking for sea vistas and one of Turkey’s most diverse big towns, make your way along the coast to Izmir.