What is Antalya Known For?
When discovering what Antalya is known and famous for, you will soon realise this unique region of Turkey offers something to everyone. From the young to the old, the places, history, regional cuisine, and general outlook of society impresses all who visit her. Covering the eastern Mediterranean coast, the region breaks down into the city centre and smaller coastal resorts. Hence if you want to get to know Antalya, local exploration is the way to go. In the meantime, though, let us look at why holidaymakers and house hunters from around the globe look to Antalya.
What is Antalya Known For?
1: The Golfing Capital of Turkey
Although Antalya excels at everything, the rise to global fame really took off when investment into Belek paid off and made the region Turkey’s golfing capital. Hosting world-class championship tournaments on state-of-the-art ultramodern golf courses, many famous players have swung their club, including Tiger Woods.
2: Kaleici Old Town
Antalya is a modern destination that often leads the way in recent trends. Still, anyone who plans to visit will soon learn the top-recommended tourist attraction is Kaleici, the old part of Antalya and where history began. Pass through the historical entrance called Hadrian’s gate and stroll cobbled streets lined with old Ottoman houses and mosques. Lastly, finish with lunch in the old harbour district.
3: Aspendos Ballet and Opera Festival
If culture is your passion, buy a ticket to the annual Aspendos Ballet and Opera festival. Featuring prominent singers and ballet performers, the shows take place in an ancient theatre, further boosting the ambience and acoustics. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, organisations across the globe highly respect the event.
4: Famous Beaches in Antalya
Naturally, because Antalya fronts the Mediterranean coast, the region has many beaches, but some are ranked as Turkey’s best by Trip Advisor reviews. The masses of white sand make it Turkey’s best touristic performer for beach package holidays. Cleopatras, Lara beach, Konyaalti, and Kaputas are just a few recommended places to soak up the sun.
5: Citrus Capital of Turkey
On some vintage travel posters, an orange represented Antalya because the area is the top producer in the whole of Turkey. Growers export citrus fruits across the country and abroad. Known for their sweetness, citrus fruits thrive in the area thanks to the weather climate and unique topography.
6: Adventure Sports
Adrenaline junkies love the Antalya region because of the vast range of outdoor adventure sports. From white water rafting in the Alanya region to canyoning and paragliding in Kas, participants can be beginners because many tour agencies sell guided tickets to learn safety with fun.
7: The Lycian Way
Antalya is the starting point for the Lycian Way, a 516-kilometre trekking route that ends in Fethiye, further down the Mediterranean coast. Trekkers visit ancient ruins and cities dating from the Lycian empire that once ruled these lands along the route. The route, which trekkers can complete all in one go or sections, is one of the world’s best.
8: Sailing the Turkish Riviera
Naturally, given Turkey’s 7000 kilometres of coastline, sailing is big business, which is where Antalya excels. World-class marinas often host yachts from around the world, and as a centre of excellence, many blue cruise routes start and finish in Antalya. Its fame is set to spread even further, though, with the Konyaalti marina project.
9: Beautiful Waterfalls of Turkey
Ah, everyone loves a beautiful waterfall, don’t they? This is where Antalya delivers by offering up a bountiful selection that serves as tourist attractions and places of interest. Most people know about the lower Duden waterfalls falling over a cliff edge into the Mediterranean Sea, but also visit the upper falls, Manavgat and Kursunlu.
10: Lara Beach hotels
Sitting near the town centre, the Lara beach district is nicknamed Turkey’s Las Vegas version, thanks to the large, all-inclusive hotels. As well as hosting international travellers, many people from around Turkey often book a weekend getaway there. If food, drink, and entertainment is all you desire, head here.
11: Lara Beach Sand Land
Speaking of Lara beach, this stretch of sand also boasts about something else. Just as the tourism season kicks in, every year, artists head to Sand Land to make amazing life-size sculptures out of sand. Sponsored by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, themes differ each year, and artists can only use sand and water. Wow, they must have a lot of talent.
12: Millionaire Indian Weddings
Antalya is home to many five-stars plus hotels, some of which, like the Marden Palace, are the most expensive in Europe. These hotels also host affluent Indians who want the lavish wedding of a lifetime. The weddings often make the news because they go on for three to four days, and often hundreds of guests accompany the Indian wedding couple.
13: Foreign House Sales
Every year, between 40,000 to 50,000 foreigners buy houses in Turkey; and Antalya ranks as one of the top destinations they choose. It is not hard to understand why, given its cosmopolitan atmosphere, but Antalya suits all types of buyers, including those looking for a holiday home, a good investment or those who want to retire and live in Turkey all year round.
14: Find Out More About Antalya
So now you know what Antalya is known, you might consider visiting. In which case, our area guides to the Antalya region will be of use. As well as talking about the main city centre, they focus on individual coastal resorts and other themes like daytime excursions, eating out, shopping, transport, nightlife, reasons why foreigners from all over the world love it.
About Us: We are Turkey Homes, a property and investment specialist with offices all over the country, including the Antalya region. We have taken our local knowledge and expertise to form our blog about Antalya and other parts of Turkey that is full of helpful information for visitors and house buyers in the country. Read more articles about what makes Antalya famous and making the most of the destination.
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