Antalya

Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most captivating "all-in-one" destinations: in a single day, you can enjoy the atmosphere of an old town harbour, Roman-era relics, Seljuk heritage, world-class museum collections, waterfalls, and beaches. The city and its immediate surroundings bring together the outstanding sites of classical antiquity (the Pamphylia/Pisidia region), while also serving as a comfortable and well-organised base as a modern resort city. Antalya's predecessor, Attaleia/Attalia, was founded during the Hellenistic period: in the 2nd century, King Attalos (Attalus) II of Pergamon established it as a harbour city; later, it became a regional centre within the Roman Empire. In the historic core of the city (Kaleiçi), it is especially evident how successive eras – Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman – did not replace but layered themselves upon the urban fabric. The iconic legacy of the Seljuk period is the area around the Yivli Minaret: the complex was built in its early 13th-century form following the conquest (1226). The main attractions in Antalya: Kaleiçi Old Town and the Historic Harbour Kaleiçi is Antalya's "living" historical stage set: narrow streets, courtyard houses, small squares, and panoramic views of the natural harbour. It's worth strolling here at a leisurely pace, without a specific goal, as the city's character emerges in the details: gateways, inner courtyards, viewpoints, and terraces overlooking the harbour. One of the old town's iconic landmarks is Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar), linked to the emperor's visit in AD 130, which today serves as a spectacular "time gate" into the old town. Yivli Minaret and the Seljuk Cityscape The Yivli (Fluted) Minaret is the symbol of Antalya: one of the most important architectural imprints of the 13th-century Seljuk presence. The site is on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, with descriptions highlighting how the 13th-century construction also reflects earlier sacred layers. Düden Waterfalls and the Cliffs Meeting the Sea One of Antalya's most memorable "natural urban" experiences is the Düden Waterfalls, particularly the lower section, where the water plunges directly from the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. This is a rare and striking sight, impressive in photographs and even more dramatic in person. Coastal City Experience: Konyaaltı and Lara Antalya is not just "close to the sea" but truly a coastal city: the Konyaaltı beach, for example, is part of the city's daily rhythm (walking, jogging, relaxing), with the mountain-sea panorama providing a visual bonus that makes classic beach activities easily combined with sightseeing. Outstanding Ancient Sites Around the City Perge – A Grand-Scale Ancient Urban Layout Perge (near Antalya) is one of the most significant ancient cities in the Pamphylia region and is listed as a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. The size and "city-like" nature of the site make it particularly impactful: the main streets, public buildings, and overall archaeological impression vividly convey how a major ancient city functioned in the region. Aspendos – The Pinnacle of Roman Theatre Experiences The Roman theatre of Aspendos is among the best-preserved theatres in the world, and international descriptions highlight its exceptional state of preservation; it is also a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. If someone wants to see "one" ancient theatre in the region, Aspendos is typically the top choice. Termessos – A Mountain Ruin City in a Protected Natural Setting Termessos has a completely different character: a higher-altitude ancient city preserved in a forested mountain environment, officially linked to a national park's protected area. The experience here is part hiking, part archaeology: the ruins and the landscape together create the spectacle.