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About Antalya
About Antalya
THE TURQUOISE RIVIERA
Antalya is a holiday paradise in a lovely natural setting. The pine-clad Toros Mountains sweep down to the crystal clear sea forming an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves.
The region is bathed sunshine for 300 days of the year and is thus perfect for a lazy holiday of sun-bathing and swimming, or for sporting activities such as windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing, hunting and spelunking. Those who vacation in March and April can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm water of the Mediterranean.
ANTALYA
The principal holiday resort of the Mediterranean is the lovely region of Antalya with a majestic coastline of beaches and rocky coves where the towering Toros (Taurus) Mountains provide a magnificent backdrop. Antalya is an attractive city, at an altitude of only about 50 meters, with shady, palm-lined boulevards, a prize winning marina and a picturesque old quarter called Kaleiçi which has narrow, winding streets and quaint, old, wooden houses next to the city walls.
Since its founding in the 2nd century B.C. by Attalus II, a king of Pergamon who named the city Attaleia after himself, it has had a continuous history. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule.
THE WEST COAST OF ANTALYA
This is a land of exciting possibilities and quiet nature that has some of the top holiday resorts. Whether a quite corner or lively entertainment, the choice is yours. Each bay and cove has its own special features. Discover archaeological sites, dive into blue waters and thoroughly relax on this Coast of Light.
KEMER
The 42 kilometers of road from Antalya to Kemer go through spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has been designed to blend in with the scenery and offers the perfect environment for a wonderful holiday. There is fully equipped marina and the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town are a yachtsman's dream. Shoppers will delight at the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs that can be brought here. There is a beach promenade on the northern part of the marina which has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the beach. Kemer Beach is rated Blue Flag (meaning "clean beach") by the European Union. In the Yörük (Nomad) Theme Park, overlooking a lovely bay, you can watch traditional craftsmen at work. Along the adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with sports and entertainment facilities discreetly hidden in pine groves.
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PHASELIS
Situated at the foot of Mt.Tahtalı (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbors of Phaselis were the reason for its historical role as a commercial centre. The view of Mt. Tahtalı from the south harbor is particularly spectacular. The sheltered, pebbled and sandy beaches
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around the bays are delightful and the waters here are calm and safe for children and young swimmers. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a theatre, Hadrian's Gate, and an acropolis underline the city's historical importance.
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OLYMPOS
This ancient city situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtalı. Whether coming by sea or land do not miss the Olympos Valley shaded with oleander and laurel shrubs and the refreshing quiet pools of flowing water. The design of the mosaics in the Olympos bath is enhanced by the play of light while a temple gate and a
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theatre are of interest along with the other walls and towers around the bay which date from the Middle Ages.North of Olympos, up from Çıralı Beach, is Yanartaş (at a height of 300 m.) where, according to mythology the fire breathing monster, Chimaera, was slain by the Lycian hero Bellerophon who was mounted on his winged horse, Pegasus. Nearby you can see the remains from the Byzantines who attached religious importance to the area. Tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Çavuş, situated south of Olympos. This enchanting bay is yours for an unforgettable experience of water-skiing on glassy water, for discovering the colorful marine life in waters clear enough to see to the bottom, or exploring the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.
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FINIKE
This town surrounded by citrus trees and gardens is a port of entry into Turkey lying to the west of Olympos. A sandy beach stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and coves. Lymra, an ancient city of Lycia, is 10 km from Finike via Turunçova. On the south side of the acropolis is the Pericles Mausoleum Monument.
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Decorated with caryatids of the 4th Century B.C., it is not to be missed. City walls and a theatre are also of interest.
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ARIKANDA
Along a mountain road of unsurpassed beauty, about 32 km from Finike, is the turn off for the Lycian city of Arikanda. Set high on the mountain side with plenty of fresh air and cool water, it is no wonder such a place was chosen. In the extensive ruins, the agora, theatre, stadium, bouleuterion and water system are of interest. Memorial
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graves are set in the hillside while an ancient bath and gymnasium overlook one of the most beautiful valleys.
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DEMRE (KALE)
This site is the ancient Myra (25 km. to the west of Finike) and it is best known for St. Nicolas, the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the 4th century, who died here in 342 A.D. Every year in December the St. Nicholas Commemoration Ceremony is held,
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attracting many tourists who spend their Christmas holiday on the sunny coast of ancient Lycia. In ancient Myra, many rock tombs overlook the splendid theatre, Dalyanağzı, the ancient harbor of Andriace, 6 km west of Demre, is perfect for swimming as well as relaxing on the sandy beaches.
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KEKOVA
An hour from Dalyanağzı by sea, especially enjoyable for yachtsmen, is the island of Kekova, "home of the sun". Kekova is also the name for these entire picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbours in all seasons and here, too, nature is joined by history to create a harmony rarely seen.
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Geological shifting along the northern shore of Kekova island (Apollonia) over the years has caused some of the ancient structures to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. A bird's eye view of the whole scene of bays, inlets, islands, and yachts sailing peacefully on the smooth water can be seen from the Kaleköy Castle (Simena).
The colors of a Van Gogh painting and orange sunsets, together with starry, starry nights, peace and tranquility, playful dolphins, mythological mysteries, and the sparkling sea - Kekova provides all this and more.
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KAS
West out of Kekova is a lovely spot surrounded by mountains. When you feel like exploring further, the choice of coves, bays and beaches is almost endless. The local fishermen are very friendly and are happy to run a water-taxi service to take you to a favorite bay along the coast. The area around Kaş has remained completely
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unspoiled, and for people who enjoy swimming it is ideal. Kaş is perfect for the diver who wants to explore the underwater world. Visiting the theatre and Lycian tombs, the largest of which is in the center of town, will help you relive the days when it is called Antiphellos. And wandering through the streets, you can stop to examine the souvenir shops specializing in Turkish handicrafts, various leather goods, copper and silver items, cotton clothing and the inevitable handmade carpets. After your shopping is done, stroll along the flower-lined Mediterranean Promenade, relaxing under the shade of palm trees and enjoying the scenery. Kaş also offers just the kind of night life you may want - bars and restaurants are plentiful, and whatever pleases you most, you will find it here.
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KALKAN
Kalkan is 7 km west of Kaputaş. It is a lovely, small town with an abundance of charm, perched on a hilltop overlooking a tiny bay. It has quaint, traditional, white-washed houses with shuttered windows, and balconies with garlands of flowers hanging to the streets below. Kalkan is the ultimate for a peaceful holiday. Narrow, winding streets, lined with souvenir shops lead down to the charming marina. Every morning boats are busy taking tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun sets, Kalkan style is to go up to the rooftop terraces for a relaxing drink before dinner taking in the comings and goings of the yachts in the bay, the business of the marina and the panoramic view.
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PATARA
A principal harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara can be reached by traveling west out of Kalkan along a winding mountain road, entering the Eşen Valley and then after 8 km, you come to the ancient harbour. According to mythology, Apollo was born here. Historically, it is known to be the birthplace of St. Nicholas. The ruins are numerous and
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interesting. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches of Mediterranean, it is ideal for a holiday away from the crowds.
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KINIK (Xanthos)
The ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos is 18 km north of Patara near Eşen River. The theatre, Harpy tomb, Nereid Monument, agora, and an inscribed monument are of interest, as are a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times. At the Lycian cultic center of Letoon, 6 km farther, there are three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of Anatolian mythology.
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THE EAST COAST OF ANTALYA
Wide fertile plains stretch parallel to the endless sandy beaches rimmed by the shining sea. Modern tourist facilities dot this coast and the historical sites are well preserved, giving you the option of several activities in a day.
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PERGE
The Hittites had settlements in this area around 1500 B.C. and St. Paul stopped here on one of his journey during the time when Perge (18 km from Antalya) was an important city of ancient Pamphylia.
The stage of the theatre has very nice marble relief work. On the outer wall is a three-sectioned memorial fountain. Some of the reliefs from the city are displayed in the stadium for easy viewing. Other ruins worth mentioning arethe handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded street that was once lined with shops and mosaic pavements, a large agora, and buildings that used to house the baths and gymnasium.
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BELEK
Golfers, swimmers, and sun-worshippers will not want to miss this modern holiday center and golf paradise, 40 km from Antalya - the perfect blend of esthetics and nature on the sea with sandy beaches and shady pine forests.
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ASPENDOS
A photogenic Seljuk bridge crosses the Köprü River from the road to Aspendos, 49 km east of Antalya. The road continues past the Aspendos jewelry Center to the ancient city of Aspendos, a site which is dominated by the best-preserved theatre of antiquity with seating for 15,000. The galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all reflect the ability of the architect Zenon. Close to the theatre, basilica and agora lie the remains of an aqueduct, one of the largest in Anatolia. Be sure to visit the Aspendos Jewelry Center, where jewelry making can be observed at every stage in the large workshop.
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MANAVGAT
The Manavgat Waterfalls (80 km to the east of Antalya) are not high but the current is very powerful and the water rushes milky-white over the rocks. Near the waterfalls are shady tea gardens, restaurants and souvenir shops, making it pleasant, cool, rest stop, especially welcome after a day of sightseeing. It is possible to take a delightful boat trip on the Manavgat River and explore this lovely area.
SİDE
Side is one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey. This was an ancient harbour whose name meant "pomegranate". Today, it is a pretty resort town, very popular because of its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, a variety of shops and plentiful tourist accommodation. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a view of the sea, and the narrow streets are lined with shops selling typical Turkish handicrafts including handmade leather and magnificent gold jewelry.
The magnificent theatre of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. Next to the theatre, is an agora. The creamy-white columns of the Apollo Temple make a striking contrast against the blue sea. The extensive Roman bath, now a museum, houses one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections.
The west side of Side also has holiday resorts, including the inviting spots of Kumköy and Çolaklı. Here, too, you can enjoy the sun and sea while being close to antiquity. East side of Side, tucked in pine forests, are the three holiday resort areas of Sorgun, Titreyen Göl (Blue Flag) and Kızılağaç, all popular for their sandy beaches and shimmering sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, accommodation plentiful and the activities endless, promising an unforgettable holiday.
ALANYA
The large, popular resort center of Alanya is nestled at the food of a rocky promontory which juts out between two sandy beaches and is crowded by a 13th century Seljuk fortress which is one of the most magnificent sights on the Mediterranean. The well-preserved, double-walled fortress ha 150 towers and stands 220 meters above the sea. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; within the inner walls and toward the top are ruins of a cistern and a Byzantine church. In 1220, Sultan Aladdin Keykubat made Alanya his winter residence and naval base. Near the harbour are the unique, arched boat yards and the large, impressive, octagonal Kızıl Kule (Red Tower), both Seljuk structures.
Alanya is a beautiful holiday center of modern hotels and motels as well as numerous fish restaurants and cafes near the sea along the sandy beaches. These cafes fringing the harbour have become a popular gathering spot for tourists. From the lovely flower park, the road runs along the coast to the harbour lined with countless boutiques tempting the tourist with handicrafts and souvenirs such as leather wear, jewelry, handbags, and the amusingly painted gourds which are a symbol of the area. Whether taking a photo from the fortress at sunset or strolling along the streets, this is a great place for a holiday. The harbour, the long white beaches, the brilliant turquoise waters, and the foothills of the Toros Mountains sloping down to the sea make Alanya as picturesque as anywhere on the Mediterranean.
Damlataş Cave is extremely old, with wonderful multicolored stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, and Atatürk Park is a good place to rest and enjoy the scenic mountains, fortress and sea. Of special interest are three caves (grottoes): Fosforlu Mağara (Phosphorescent Cave) with its phosphorescent rocks; Kızlar Mağarası (Girls' Cave) where pirates kept their female captives, and Aşıklar Mağarası (Lovers' Cave). These can only reached by boat.
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