About the Antalya Region of Turkey
Welcome to the Antalya region of Turkey! As Turkey’s top tourist destination, the area hosts 15 million visitors from all over the world every year. Antalya also earns success as the most popular place to buy beachside holiday homes, and many expats of various nationalities live here all year round. The popularity soars because Antalya accommodates everyone and anyone, young or old, by offering diversity and variety, whether this is yachting, archaeological sites, ancient cities, daytime activities, a beautiful seacoast, food, culture, and resorts. For the ideal holiday destination, or a place to buy property in Turkey, Antalya should be on your list. So, lets’ look at what to know and where to go.
About the Antalya Region of Turkey
1: Where is the Antalya Region?
The region fronts the Mediterranean Sea on Turkey’s southern coastline. Stretching from Alanya in the east to Kas and Kalkan in the west and backed by the Taurus Mountains, the region is one of 81 official provinces. Antalya’s primary hub, the prominent city centre, promotes a cosmopolitan ambience and large, 5-star hotels. Otherwise, this Mediterranean region also includes many seaside resorts.
2: What is Antalya Known for?
Antalya has many claims to fame, including Turkey’s citrus capital, thanks to ideal soil and weather conditions in which oranges, lemons, and lime grow in abundance. The Aspendos Ballet and Opera Festival puts Antalya on the international map for arts and culture. In contrast, international championships in Belek make the region a golfing haven to easily match the likes of Portugal or Spain. Some 5-star hotels host millionaire weddings for influential Indians that often last for days and costs thousands of pounds, and Antalya is Turkey’s top destination for adventure sports. The province constantly ranks as a top destination for foreigners buying holiday homes in Turkey.
3: When is the Best Time to Visit?
The touristic season runs all year round, but for beach holidays, visit from May to October. Anyone who likes to explore should visit between April and June or October to December for cooler temperatures. People flock to the large all-inclusive hotels in Antalya for their themed events at Christmas and New Year.
4: How to Get Here
Two airports service the region; Gazipasa and the main Antalya international airport. The latter is the most widely used and has received many awards for its professionalism. Flights from many other countries arrive here daily during summer. To arrive by sea, head for the marina at Finike, Kas, Antalya, Kemer or Alanya official ports of entry. The city centre central bus station also receives buses from all over Turkey, and passengers catch connecting minibuses to outskirt destinations. Otherwise, Antalya sits on the D400 highway running from the east to west of Turkey, which makes arriving by car incredibly quick and easy.
5: Nightlife and Eating Out
Across the region, a variety of restaurants serving up international menus cater for everybody’s tastebuds. However, we recommend exploring Turkish culinary delights. Turkish restaurants called lokantas serve up traditional dishes like Pide, kebab, lahmacun, soups, and desserts. Travellers on a budget love them! But considering Antalya is a major seaside destination, a popular theme is eating seafood and fish, seaside or on rooftop terraces for alfresco style. For partying, head to places like Kemer or the city centre for the best nightclubs that stay open till dawn. Otherwise, lowkey places like Belek and Side offer many sit-down family bars.
6: Best Beaches in Turkey
During the summer months, Antalya becomes Turkey’s top beach holiday destination. Covering a large section of the Mediterranean coast, a bountiful range of sandy beaches present ideal opportunities for sunshine, sunbathing and relaxation. Said by many to be Turkey’s best stretches of sand, prominent and beautiful beaches include Cleopatras, Konyaalti, Kaputas, and Lara Beach, backed by all-inclusive hotels. A long promenade with bars and restaurants serving food and drink backs most of them, so all you do is rent your sunbed and umbrella, then lie back and enjoy the picturesque views.
7: Trekking the Lycian Way
Covering the coastline from Antalya to Fethiye, the 516-kilometre Lycian way is Turkey’s most famous trekking route. Named after the Lycian civilization, that in the ancient world once ruled these lands, the theme is historical sites and ancient ruins that belonged to them. Some people trek the winding paths in sections, while others do it in one go, stopping the night at various camping sites and hostels. One must be fit to complete this trek and avoid from July to September when hot summer temperatures hit their peak.
8: Sailing the Turquoise Coast
Ah, to the sea we go! Also known as the Turkish Riviera, Antalya’s status as a central sailing hub of the turquoise coast earns admiration worldwide. Themed blue cruises bring a different theme to sightseeing by visiting numerous bays, coves, and coastal destinations. A popular route is from Olympos to Fethiye and vice versa, lasting a 3-night, 4-day blue cruise. To keep in line with Turkish culture, board a traditional gulet boat, otherwise choose a modern yacht with all cons. An advantage of a private yacht charter is passengers set itineraries to sail where they want. Additionally, if you do not wish to stay overnight, every morning during summer, a daily boat trip sets sail from most harbours throughout the region. Taking in the coastline, the crew serve lunch on board.
9: Golfing and Spa Hotels in Belek
Turkish Airlines sponsor official international golf championships in Belek. Prominent players who swung their club include Barack Obama and Tiger Woods. Such is the roaring success and professionalism of the clubs in Belek, many people buy golfing villas here. Aside from golf, Belek does large, all-inclusive spa hotels selling wellness packages with style. This means while the husband swings his club on the courses, the wife can indulge in a little TLC.
10: Kaleici – The Old City Part
Kaleici, the most popular tourist attraction, sits in the Antalya city centre, and this is where the province started and grew from. Walk the cobbled streets lined with old Ottoman houses to find souvenir shops, boutique hotels, and quaint restaurants for romantic dining. The famous entrance, Hadrian’s gate, also leads the way to old Ottoman mosques. After exploring, head down to the harbour and enjoy a seaside lunch.
11: More Things to Do
One thing is sure, and that is everyone finds something to do in Antalya. As well as the above, popular daytime attractions include the Duden and Manavgat waterfalls, Aspendos ancient ruins, Mount Tahtali cable car, the old fortress of Alanya, Side historical ruins, Phaselis and the burning flames of Chimera. Within the city centre, Antalya Museum and the Aquarium ensure kids learn in an educational, fun way.
For water sports, head to most major beaches, selling jet ski sessions, scuba diving, and the likes of parasailing. Land of Legends, Turkey’s biggest theme park, easily matches Disney World when keeping the kids entertained. Throughout the region, excursion shops also sell tickets to places like Pamukkale, but we love to hire a car and go where the open road takes us. You never know what exciting places and stunning views await.
12: Popular Holiday Destinations
The region consists of the main city centre and smaller coastal resorts. Stop in the city to be in the heart of the action. Otherwise, other prominent places include cosmopolitan Alanya, which grows in popularity every year, small Side and the famous Apollo Temple, golfing Belek, Kemer and its all-inclusive hotels. Also consider Cirali for a quiet retreat, quaint Kas for the typical Mediterranean vibe, or upmarket Kalkan for exclusive holidays in large, luxury villas with private infinity pools.
13: Holiday Homes in Antalya
If you are in the market for an overseas holiday home, Antalya is an excellent place in Turkey to base yourself. To understand what the market is like, browse our portfolio of apartments and villas for sale. Each listing contains everything to know, including price, location, home features and contact details to find out more via email or arrange a viewing. Alternatively, call us and speak with a local agent to answer your questions about Antalya.
About Us
We are Turkey Homes, property, and real estate investment specialist with offices in the Antalya region of Turkey. We have collected all our local knowledge and experience to form our blog about Antalya and other destinations in Turkey that will be of use to all holidaymakers and house hunters. Browse through to find more helpful information about food, culture, traditions, places, society, and expats in Turkey.
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