Antalya, Turkey

One of Turkeys most welcoming and beautiful resort cities, Antalya rests along the clean, warm coast touching the Mediterranean, where youll happen to find a wonderful blend of activities (both land and water in nature), views, and sites. Many unsuspecting visitors are delighted to find more than just sand, hotels and entertainment venues. Antalya brings history to the eyes and minds of all who come, with its buildings that have stood erect from as early as the 3^rd century AD. Hike the mountains to watch waves crash into the coves from afar, or simply to enjoy the serene sounds of nature surround you; Bask in culinary specialties just feet from the beaches and shop for some souvenirs, holding them as token of your unforgettable experience here. Visit Antalya for one of the best times in Turkey youll ever come across. Book your flight today!

When to go

Antalyas position along the Turkish coast allows it some of the best weather conditions in the country. For the most part, the city sees sunny skies and cool Mediterranean breezes. However, these ideal conditions do come at a price. In order to enjoy the bounties of pleasing days in Antalya, youll have to brave out the occasional (and sometimes unexpected) downpour, especially on extended stays lasting several weeks or months. Arrive in Antalya in the midst of summer, and youll get the hottest days of the year coupled with heavily crowded beaches. Alternately, spring and autumn are both wonderful compromises of temperature, sunlight and visitor-volume. Winter, apart from the month of Ramadan (for those not of Muslim faith), is also a nice time to see the city, although, for good reason, swimming beachgoers are few.

Getting there and around

Antalya lacks an international airport, so fliers from Europe, Asia, and elsewhere typically travel to Istanbul or Turkeys capital city of Ankara before taking a connecting plane, bus or train to Antalya. The citys airport doesnt see a multitude of daily incoming and/or outgoing flights, so much of the time the terminal seems a bit vacant, though the staple services are available: duty-free shopping, food vendors, and car rental agencies. Though the convenience of a car rental at the moment of your arrival may seem too good to pass up, you can save a bundle by finding rental services in town instead. Take a bus to the city center or to any major hotel, or hop into a taxi, or dolmus, which will take you wherever you wish to go, at a higher price of course.

Most vacationers travel the confines of the city via dolmus, while locals use budget-friendly buses. You can learn a lot from friendly locals while traveling around town in buses in comparison to a dolmus, but bus drivers most certainly will not offer an impromptu personal tour (you can strike a deal with a minibus (taxi/dolmus) driver for that).

Attractions

Antalyas shoreline boasts some of the most superb beaches of all the coast of Turkey, with secluded coves where evening bonfires are quite common. If youve tired of the views and the sounds of water hitting sand, you can visit the citys Roman ruins and walls, many of which date back to the 3^rd century AD. Museum aficionados will adore Antalyas Archaeological Museum, which is said by many to be among the best in the country. For those in the mood for an adventurous road trip, a quest for Olympos and the Fires of Chimaera will suit nicely. Here you can come in close contact with natural fires which are, amazingly, inextinguishable.