Located on the Mediterranean coast of southwest Turkey, Antalya is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevard, a superb marina, and nearby beaches that have earned the region the nickname of the "Turkish Riviera".
In the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici, narrow winding streets and old wooden houses are flanked by ancient city walls, making for excellent walking tours. All this takes place in the shadows of the Taurus Mountains – famed for their pine forests – which serve as a delightful backdrop to the city.
The closest international airport is Antalya Airport, which is just 10km east of the city centre. Havas airport shuttle buses connect the airport's domestic terminal and the city centre, or if you prefer you can book a taxi through Antalya Taxi Transfers.
Antalya is bathed in sunshine for 300 days a year, and is ideal for sun-bathing, swimming and water sports virtually all year round.
For a holiday of real variety, come to Antalya in March or April, when in the mornings you can go skiing at the Saklikent Canyon 50km west of Antalya, and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
Befitting its reputation as the Turkish Riviera, in and around Antalya are many excellent beaches. Antalya's prime beach is Konyaalti Plaji, a long swath of rough sand and pebbles running west for several kilometres. Other good beaches further afield can be found at Side and Alanya to the east, or Kemer, Phaselis and Olimpos to the south.
Taking a stroll around Antalya’s picturesque old quarter of Kaleici makes for an excellent relaxing afternoon. Many buildings in this area date from Ottoman and Roman times, and some have been restored as houses, boutique hotels and inns, pensions or restaurants. The old town’s Roman harbour is also worth a visit.
Another popular historical attraction in Antalya is Hadrian’s Gate, a three-portal marble gate that was one of the many building projects of the great Roman Emperor Hadrian.
If the old town hasn’t satisfied your penchant for history, Antalya is also home to an excellent archeological museum. Artifacts from the many formerly prosperous cities in the region, including Roman marble statuary and sarcophagi, are preserved here.
The best shopping in Antalya can be found just inland from Kalekapisi, including Antalya's historic bazaar and an array of jewellery shops.
Families with children will enjoy the proximity of two excellent waterparks: In the city itself is Aqualand, which allows visitors to swim with dolphins and sample numerous thrilling water rides, while six kilometres south of Antalya is Dedeman Aquapark, said to be the largest water park in the Middle East.
For eating out, there’s a wide variety of restaurants in Antalya, with many of the best to be found around the marina area, particularly for seafood lovers. Antalya also has some excellent entertainment venues, and you can choose from a quiet drink in a traditional bar to huge open air dance clubs.