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Surrounded by a gigantic mountain range, Antalya, the capital of the province, is situated on a 40-metre-high plateau that to the west towards Konyaalti and to the
east towards Lara flattens slowly. Yet, not only do the wonderful beaches and the mediterranean climate make this resort attractive, but this region also offers a variety of historical sights. The picturesque old town of Antalya (Kaleiçi), with its meandering, shadowy lanes is situated on a plateau and is surrounded by the city walls.
At this point there is a wonderful view on the internationally rewarded marina, the Antalya bay and Taurus mountain range. In the recent years more and more houses of the Ottoman style have been restorated and turned into hotels, restaurants and shops. Overshadowing the marina the Hidirlik tower offers a wonderful view over the bay and the impressive mountains.
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| The 14-metre-high tower was built around 200 AD. Its original function remains unclear yet.
Historians believe that it acted as a light-house. It is also unclear why the upper concentric part of the two-storey tower was situated on a square foundation. To the south of the Hidirlik tower you can see the broad Karaalioglu city park. |
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The symbol of the town, namely the 38-metre-high Yivli minaret, is situated in the old town as well. The Seldchuk sultan Alaaddin Keykubat I. had it built at the beginning of the 13th century. Just next to it you can find a Byzantine church which was turned into a mosque by the Seldchuks. On the Atatürk Caddesi, the eastern outskirts of the town, there is the well preserved Hadrian gate that was built on the occasion of the visit of the Roman Emperor in 130 AD. On the left wing of gate there is a tower of Roman origin whereas the tower on the right wing dates back to Seldchuk times but was erected on Roman foundations. The arches of the 14-metre-high gate are decorated with flower and fruitreliefs.
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Museums
The Aerchological and Ethnographic Museum:
Numerous objects from the Stone Age to Modern Times show an account of the historical development of the region around Antalya.
Address: Konyaalti Caddesi, Antalya
The Atatürk-Museum:
Some photos and personal belongings offer a documentation of the life of the great founder of the modern republic. Free entry.
Address: Hasim Iscan Mahallesi, Atatürk caddesi
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Beaches
Konyaalti-Beach (Blue flag)
In the west part of the town the beaches stretch along the coast as far as 8 km (3 km of this section belong to the so-called Beachpark). Along the beach promenade to the west of the Beachpark you can find little cafés and snackbars. Deck-chairs and umbrellas must be paid.
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Beachpark Antalya (Blue flag)
Beachpark which was opened in 2001 stretches along the west coast of Antalya over a distances of 3 km. At day tourists can benefit from 16 different sections of the pebbly beach (there is a certain charge for deck-chairs and umbrellas). At those sections there are little restaurants and cafés. While you can do various watersports there are certain facilities such as tennis courts, volleyball, basketball and football pitches and huge trampolines. In the evenings you can go to beach parties and numerous restaurants, bars and outdoor theatres to have fun.
The Mermerli-Beach
The little pebbly beach belongs to the Mermerli restaurant and is situated east to the marina. Deck-chairs and umbrellas must be paid.
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Restaurants
Antalya Balik Evi
Fish restaurant with indoor and outdoor tables in a big garden. Live music in the evenings.
Adr.: Eski Lara Yolu 2057 sokak No:1
Tel.:(0242) 3232 18 23
China Garden
At the top of the rocky coast, terrace with a view on the bay.
Adr.: Konyaalti Caddesi
Hasanaga Restaurant
Historical building with garden in the old town.
Adr.: Mescit Sokak No 15/Kaleiçi
Tel.: (0242) 242 81 05
Shopping
Migros Shopping Mall
Opened in June 2001. This modern shopping mall of Antalya is situated in the western part of the town above the Konyaalti Beach. In the three- storey mall 100 shops offer a variety of goods ranging from international brands such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's to leather ware and the local store Boyner. There are also cafés and restaurants for refreshment.
Tel.: (0242) 230 11 11
Fax: (0242) 230 11 22
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00 Uhr
Konyaalti Caddesi
Beginning from the Antalya Museum the Konyaalti Caddesi goes along the upper part of the rocky coast up to the old town. Since the opening of the Migros Mall some shops have moved into the mall; nevertheless the palm-lined street is worth a stroll.
Atatürk Caddesi
If you follow the tramway towards the eastern part of town, you will reach Atatürk Caddesi situated above the old town. Here you can find a colourful mixture of little clothes shops, souvenir shops and döner stalls. The streets goes along the historical city walls and the Hadrian Gate.
Means of Transport
Taxis
For longer rides you should generally bargain over the fee but for rides within the limits of the town the taximeter is used. Between 12.00 p.m. and 6.00 a.m. there is a night rate of 50% extra.
Carriages
If you are not in a hurry you can take a carriage for a ride in the city centre of Antalya. The centre for carriages is on the Cumhuriyet Caddesi by the clock tower.
Trams
The tram rides from The Archaeological Museum on Konyaalti Caddesi in the west part to Isiklar caddesi in the East. The rides are between 7:00 a.m. and 8.30 p.m. every half an hour. From Konyaalti Cad: from 7.30 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. every half an hour.
Fee: around 1 YTL (approx. € 0.65 per person).
Minibusses (dolmus)
In Antalya generally one fare is about 1.15 YTL. Fares for rides between Antalya and surrounding areas vary. At the bus station of Antalya you can take minibuses to Kemer, Finike, Kas ,Belek and Side. For rides to Kemer and Kas you can also get on those minibuses at the bus stops on 100. Yil Bulvari (opposite the Falez Hotel)
Coaches
You can take modern coaches to big cities such as Istanbul or Ankara at the bus station of Antalya.
Tourist Information Offices in Antalya
Adr.: Selçuk Mahallesi Mermerli Sokak - Kaleiçi
Tel.: (0242) 247 05 41 oder (0242) 247 62 98
Adr.: Cumhuriyet Cad. Özel Idare Ishani Karsisi
Tel.: (0242) 241 17 47
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Sights in the area
The ruins of Perge
The antique town of Perge is situated around 18 km east to Antalya. Perge was first mentioned in historical records in the 4th century BC. The stadium was built during the Roman siege and is still in good condition. It is around 234 m long and offered seats for around 12 000 spectators.
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| As the audience part was separated from the orchestra it is believed that gladiator fights were held here too. Not far from the stadium you can see the ruins of the amphitheatre that was rebuilt under Roman rule. You can also admire excavation finds from Perge in the Archaeological Museum in Antalya. |
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The ruins of Aspendos
One of the most famous Roman excavation sites in Southern Turkey is situated 50 km east to Antalya. Like the neighbouring town Perge Aspendos is said to be built by the Greeks around 1000 BC. In the year 190 BC the city was under Pergamonian rule, before it was lost to the Romans in 129 BC. The amphitheatre of the once wealthy town was built in the 2nd century AD and is one of the best preserved Roman theatre buildings.
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| At the stage side the building is around 25 metres high. The 39 seat rows offered seats for around 15 000 spectators. The acoustics of the theatre are so good that even today concerts and festivals are held such as an international opera and ballet festival in summer. |
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The Waterfall of Kursunlu
The Waterfall of Kursunlu is situated on the road leading to the Antalya airport in a 394- hectare -large national park. Special point of attraction is the pool collecting the waters of the main fall surrounded by a green and rocky landscape. At the shores of the river there are some paths leading through the shadowy park.
Go back
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