ANTALYA GUIDE

POPULATION

2.364.396

CURRENCY

TURKISH LIRA (₺)

TIMEZONE

GMT +3:00

LANGUAGE

TURKISH

WEATHER

JULY 38ºC /

JANUARY 12ºC

AIRPORTS

Antalya International Airport.

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF ANTALYA

Antalya was founded by Attalos II and means "Home of Attalos". With the end of the Pergamon Kingdom (133 BC), the city, which remained independent for a while, fell into the hands of pirates. It was annexed to Roman territory by Commander Servilius Isauricus in 77 BC and the visit of Hadrianus in 130 AD ensured the development of the city. Antalya and its surroundings belonged to Pamphylia, which means "very fertile" in ancient times, and the western part belonged to Lycia. Archaeological excavations have proven that people lived in the region 40 thousand years ago. Since 2000 BC, the region has been under the rule of city states such as Hittite, Pamphylia, Lycia, Cilicia and Persia, Alexander the Great and his successors Antigonos, Ptolemais, Seleucus, Pergamon Kingdom. Later, the Roman Empire dominated the city. During the Ottoman period, it was the centre of the Teke sanjak of the Anatolian province, and was known by the name given to the Teke sanjak. In the second half of the 17th century, the famous Ottoman traveller Evliya Çelebi stated that Antalya had four neighbourhoods and three thousand houses inside the castle and 24 neighbourhoods outside the castle. The bazaar is located outside the castle. According to Evliya Çelebi, the harbour was big enough to accommodate 200 ships. Antalya, which was administratively the centre of Teke Sanjak under Konya, was turned into an independent sanjak in the last years of the Ottoman Empire.

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PERFECT SUMMER AND SEA ANTALYA

Antalya is one of the indispensable destinations for holidaymakers, especially in summer. Surrounded by the clear and beautiful waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Antalya is a holiday destination preferred by many visitors, especially Turks. If you want to spend the summer season by the sea and in a place with historical richness, Antalya is definitely one of the best places to consider.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ANTALYA

Antalya is an ideal destination to visit during the summer months. Summer is the most suitable period to fully witness the beautiful sea and natural beauties of the region. During these months, Antalya attracts the attention of local and foreign tourists with its warm climate, clean beaches and historical sites. Summer is the preferred time to enjoy the Mediterranean, enjoy the sun to the fullest and embrace the sea. In addition, the summer months are ideal for those who want to discover the romantic atmosphere of Antalya and quiet areas away from the city. The secluded beaches, scenic coastline and historical ruins offer the perfect setting for a romantic holiday or honeymoon. The atmosphere in Antalya during this period is vibrant and energetic, buzzing with tourist events, festivals and outdoor activities.

TRANSPORTATION TO ANTALYA

There are many different public transport options in Antalya. Using the tram to reach the city centre is the most common and fastest option. However, in general, buses can take you almost everywhere in Antalya, unlike other transport options. You can also reach the city center with individual options such as taxi or car rental. However, if you choose a taxi, it is important to be careful about scammers. Be careful to use safe applications to call a taxi and ensure your safety by choosing registered taxis.

ANCIENT RUINS

Antalya is one of the most prominent and unique cities in Turkey with its archaeological monuments and historical ruins. Ancient cities, theatres and natural beauties in the city have features worth exploring.

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT

<h3>KALEİÇİ </h3>Kaleiçi is called Old Antalya because it dates back to the periods before modern Antalya. The city later expanded and became today's Antalya. Kaleiçi started its history as a town of the Roman Empire. Later, it became a settlement under the Byzantine Empire, then the Seljuk Turks and finally the Ottoman Empire. Kaleiçi is a port with a rich historical heritage that has witnessed the rise and fall of many empires throughout its history. Kaleiçi has a unique character that draws attention with its giant stone walls surrounding it, old houses and narrow streets. Many of these old houses, as well as living quarters, have been converted into boutique hotels, so visitors can experience accommodation in a historical atmosphere.

<h3>ASPENDOS </h3>Aspendos is an ancient city probably founded by Greeks from Argos. B.C. It is believed that Aspendos was the most important city in the 5th century. During this period, Aspendos was known for gaining its wealth through oil, salt and wool trade. Following the Greeks, B.C. In 411, Aspendos was captured by the Persians. Even Alexander the Great B.C. He visited Aspendos in 333. Ultimately, B.C. In 190, Aspendos was conquered by the Romans. However, it is known that Aspendos lost its former shine during the Byzantine Empire. Aspendos is famous for having the best preserved ancient theater in the world. B.C. This theater, built in 155, has a capacity of 12,000 people. The theater of Aspendos is so well preserved that the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival is held here every year for those who want to appreciate the beauty of antiquity and enjoy the arts. This event offers an important platform to revive historical riches and cultural heritage.

<h3>KONYAALTI BEACH </h3>Konyaaltı Beach is known as the closest beach to Antalya's city center and the longest beach with a coastline of 6 kilometers. This beach is a public beach, meaning visitors can enjoy the beach without paying any entrance fee. Although it is a public beach, it is a frequently preferred destination due to its cleanliness and easy accessibility.

<h3>KÖPRÜLÜ CANYON NATİONAL PARK</h3>Köprülü Canyon National Park is a magnificent destination that offers a variety of activities in one place, from water sports to hiking, from exploring ancient cities to enjoying nature. The canyon is 14 kilometers long and 400 meters high and is known as one of the longest canyons in Turkey. The national park is located in the high parts of the mountains. In Köprülü Canyon National Park, you can see the Oluk Bridge, which dates back to the 2nd century AD and is a beautiful example of Roman architecture. Located within the national park, Köprülü Canyon is also home to the largest cypress forest in Asia Minor. In addition, the ancient city of Selge, one of the ancient cities located within the national park, is also an interesting place for exploration. You have the opportunity to go rafting in the river at the edge of Köprülü Canyon, which offers an exciting adventure in this region full of natural beauties.

WHAT TO EAT IN ANTALYA

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HİBEŞ

Hibeş is one of the traditional appetizers of Antalya. This delicious affair is prepared with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, red pepper and chili peppers, water and olive oil. Hibeş can be consumed for breakfast or as an appetizer. Hibeş, especially consumed as a spread on toast, is an enjoyable option as a delicious snack or starter.

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ORANGE

Antalya is one of the important agricultural regions of Turkey and is especially famous for its orange production. Oranges grown in Antalya include 57 different varieties, including sweet orange. This is because the region offers a suitable environment for growing oranges, thanks to its climate and soil conditions. Antalya's oranges are an important agricultural product for both local consumption and export. Orange also plays an important role in Antalya's economic and cultural identity.

TAHİNİ PİYAZ

Tahini piyaz is an original and delicious dish of Antalya. Although there are many different versions of piyaz, piyaz with tahini is known as a recipe specific to Antalya. Tahini blarney is prepared with ingredients such as white beans, tahini, garlic, rock salt, lemon juice, vinegar, tomato, onion, egg, parsley and olive oil. This seemingly strange yet delicious combination reflects the richness of the local culinary culture. Trying tahini blarney can be a good opportunity to discover the unique flavors of Antalya.

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GÖKÇESU RİCE

Gökçesu rice is a unique Antalya rice recipe. This recipe usually uses ingredients such as rice, chickpeas, broth, lemon juice, dill, carrots, sesame seeds, as well as various spices and other additions. It is significantly different from traditional rice recipes in other regions of Turkey, so you are recommended to try this delicious and original rice.

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JAMS

These strange and original jams made in Antalya can really be completely different and delicious. These jams, made from strange vegetables and fruits such as eggplant, bergamot, melon peel and tomato, offer a unique variety of flavors in the local cuisine. It is interesting to note that each jam has its own unique flavor profile. Trying these jams can be a good opportunity to discover extraordinary flavors and experience the local tastes of Antalya. If you go to Antalya, it can be a great experience to discover the rich gastronomic heritage of the region by tasting these original jams.

HOW MANY DAYS SHOULD YOU SPEND IN ANTALYA?

The time spent in Antalya may vary depending on personal preferences, interests and places to visit. However, as a general recommendation, if you are making a short visit and plan to see the main attractions, 3 days may be enough. If you want to make a more detailed exploration and experience the beaches and natural beauties more, you can consider 4 to 5 days. During this time, you can take time to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Antalya, relax on beautiful beaches, taste local delicacies and see the natural beauties around. Since every visitor's preferences and expectations are different, it is important to determine a duration that suits your personal interests and plans.

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Contact information

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