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In
Antalya, the pine-clad Toros (Taurus) Mountains sweep down
to the sparkling clear sea forming an irregular coastline of
rocky headlands and secluded coves. The region, bathed in
sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise of
sunbathing, swimming, and sporting activities like
windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and
caving. If you come to Antalya in March and April, you can
ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm
waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical
sites and beautiful mosques await your
discovery, amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and
citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.
 The
Turkish Riviera is Turkey's tourism capital. Its full range
of accommodations, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, and
the hospitable people of Antalya will make your holiday
comfortable and enjoyable. Set amid amazing scenery of sharp
contrasts, Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort, is an
attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a
prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old
quarter, Kaleici, narrow, winding streets and
old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.
Since
its founding in the second century B.C. by Attalos II, a
king of Pergamon, who named the city Attaleia
after himself, Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The Romans,
Byzantines and Seljuks
successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman
rule. The elegant, fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli
Mosque in the center of the city, built by the Seljuk sultan
Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has become Antalya's
symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological college) in the Kaleici
district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of
Seljuk stone carving. The two most important Ottoman mosques
in the city are the 16th century Murat Pasa Mosque,
remarkable for its tile decoration, and the 18th century Tekeli
Mehmet Paşa Mosque. Neighbouring the marina, the
attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is
built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural
spring. The Hidirlik Kulesi (tower) probably
was originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second
century. The Kesik Minaret Mosque attests to
the city's long history in its succession of Roman,
Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman
renovations.
When
Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 A.D. a beautifully
decorated three-arched gate was built into the city walls in
his honour. Near the marina the two towers flanking the gate
and other sections of the walls still stand. The clock tower
in Kalekapısı Square was also part of the
old city's fortifications.
In
the Atatürk and Karaalioglu Parks, with their
colorful exotic flowers and the bay's shimmering water in
front of you and the mountains behind, you will have no
doubt why Antalya has become such a popular resort. And Aqua
Park, on the eastern coast, has every kind of water
sports, including many interesting water-slides.
Antalya
The award-winning Antalya Kaleiçi Marina and Leisure Center
is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey. This
center can well meet every tourist's need worth its many
souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as
yacht moorings and services. Sail in the morning and enjoy
the restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old
city walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and
timelessness.
The
Archaeological Museum, with remains from the
Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the
area's rich history. The Atatürk Museum displays objects
used by the founder of the Turkish Republic. (Both open
weekdays except Monday)
The
Antalya Altın Portakal (Golden Orange) Film
and Art Festival, held in the autumn, attracts both
participants and visitors. The ancient theatre in Aspendos
makes an impressive setting for some of the festival's plays
and concerts.
Antalya
also hosts annual jewellery fairs.
That
could be more appealing than dreamlike landscapes, grandiose
mountains and the magnificent colours of the sea and plants?
Then contrast the lively holiday life with the quiet of
ancient ruins and you have a perfect vacation. Near Antalya
are many things to see and do; below are some suggestions
for day-trips. You can walk behind the cascade, a thrilling
experience; at the Upper Duden Waterfalls, l4
km northeast of Antalya. On the way to Lara Beach,
the Lower Duden Waterfalls plunge straight
into the sea. The nearby rest area offers an excellent view
of the falls; the view is even more spectacular from the
sea. Kursunlu Waterfalls and Nilufer
Lake, both 18 km from Antalya, are two more places
of superb natural beauty.
The
sandy Lara Beach lies about 12 km to the east.
Closer to Antalya, but to the west, the long, pebbled Konyaalti
Beach offers a view of the breathtaking mountain
range. A little further, the Bey Daglari (Olympos)
National Park and Topcam Beach provide
more splendid vistas. Sıçan is a lovely
nature island. There are camping grounds at the north end of
the park should you decide to linger amid the natural
beauty. For a panoramic view of the area drive to the
holiday complex and revolving restaurant on top of Tunektepe
Hill.
Saklikent,
50 km from Antalya, is an ideal winter sports resort on the
northern slopes of Bakırlı Mountain at an altitude of
1,750 to 1,900 meters. In March and April you can ski in the
morning, eat a delicious lunch of fresh fish at Antalya's
marina and sunbathe, swim or windsurf in the afternoon. The
wildlife - deer and mountain goat in Düzlerçamı Park,
north of Antalya are under a conservation program. On the
way, you can stop at the astonishing 115 meter -deep Güver
Canyon.
On
the eastern side of Can Mountain, 30 km from Antalya, the Karain
Cave, which dates from the Paleolithic Age (50,000
B.C.), is the site of the oldest settlement in Turkey. A
single entrance, lit by the morning sun, opens onto three
large interconnecting chambers. Although the little museum
at the entrance displays some of the finds, most of the
artifacts are housed in various museums throughout Turkey.
The
ruins of the city of Termessos, set inside Güllük
Mourn, a national park northwest of Antalya, is perched on a
1,050 meter high plateau on the west face of Güllük
Mountain (Solymos). A wild and splendid landscape surrounds
the monumental traces of this city. (A nature and wildlife
museum is to be found at the park entrance.)
 Renowned
for its unspoilt landscape and flora and fauna, the Goller
Bolgesi (Lake District) lies in a mountainous area
150 km north of Antalya. Burdur is known
throughout Turkey for its beautiful lakes, as well as for
its carpets and kilims. The city preserves excellent
examples of Ottoman regional architecture, in particular the
Tasoda, Kocaoda (also known as Çelikbaş),
and Mısırlılar Konaks, or mansions. Dating
back to the 17th century, both the interior and exterior
decorations reveal much of the Ottoman aesthetic, (Open
weekdays except Monday). The Burdur Archaeological
Museum houses some very important artifacts from
around the region. (Open weekdays except Monday)
Burdur
Lake, with
nice beaches for swimming, is a superb location for water
sports. A climb to the top of Susamlık Hill gives you a
panoramic view over the city and lake. The Insuyu Cave,
10 km south on the road to Antalya, is 597 meters long, with
nine distinct pools, and chambers filled with stalactites
and stalagmites. A hundred kilometres southwest of Burdur,
in Golhisar (Cibyra), are ruins,
mostly from Roman times, of an important ancient northern
Lycian city with a stadium, lower and upper agora, theatre,
necropolis and large aqueducts. Also in the region, trapped
in the mountains 1,050 meters above sea level, is beautiful Lake
Salda, an ideal location for relaxation and cooling
off on the sandy beaches or in the lakeside cafes, hotels
and restaurants.
Between
Burdur and Isparta, near the
town of Aglasun, is the ancient site of
Sagalassos, a Pisidian city with ruins from Roman times
including a monumental entrance gate, colonnaded street,
agora, temple and magnificent theatre.
ISPARTA
 Isparta,
high in the Taurus Mountains, is a city of lakes with lovely
coastal areas overgrown in the spring and summer with an
exuberance of wild flowers. In the city you should stop at
the Ulu Mosque built in 1417 by the Seljuks. The Bedesten,
or covered bazaar, dates from 1561. Firdevs Paşa Mosque was
built in the 16th century by the great Ottoman architect
Sinan. Be sure to see the 14th century Isparta Castle. Rose
gardens that produce rose oil for the cosmetic industry
surround the city and fill it with their sweet scent. Other
souvenirs include a thickly piled Isparta carpet. In the
nearby hills, the districts of Kirazlıdere and Sidre are
popular with visitors who want to relax and enjoy the view.
South of Isparta, Gölcük Lake, encircled by aromatic pine
forests; rests at an impressive 1,405 meters above sea
level.
EGIRDIR
LAKE
 Egirdir,
at the southern end of Lake Egirdir, is set in
idyllic natural surroundings. Among the man-made monuments,
Eğirdir Castle built by the Lydian King Croesus shows the
additions and renovations of the Romans, Byzantines and
Seljuks. The Seljuk Kemerli Minare has felt the changes of
the modem world - today it stands in the middle of a road.
At lakeside restaurants you can sample white bass, the local
speciality. A boardwalk connects the shore to Eğirdir
Island where weavers erect their looms and work outside
their houses. On the western side of the lake, up in the
hills, Barla's guest-houses provide a wonderful opportunity
for relaxation. Kovada National Park, 30 km south of Lake Eğirdir,
surrounds Kovada Lake, a pristine and cool mountain getaway.
 Northeast
of Isparta, Yalvac stands near the ancient
city of Pisidian Antioch. This area was
visited by St. Paul and St. Barnabas in 46 A.D. Among the
ruins be sure to see St. Paul's Basilica, the aqueducts,
Augustus' Temple, the theatre and public baths as you walk
along the city's marble streets. The Archaeological Museum
in Yalvaç itself displays several important regional
artifacts. Tourists will find not only leather clothing but
many interesting traditional souvenirs made of animal hide.
East of Yalvaç, atop Karakuyu Hill, is the sanctuary of the
Moon God, Men, and the view from it some is breathtaking.
Giant cedar trees grow in Kızıldag National Park, south of
Yalvaç, amid one of Turkey's most splendid landscapes.
The
mountains of the Toros (Taurus) Range is up immediately
behind the coast, the whole length - from Konyaaltı Beach
to the Kırlangıç Peninsula - is a national preserve, the Bey
Daglari (Olympos) National Park. The history of this
area, the ancient Lycian Peninsula, can be traced back to
the Neolithic Age to the settlements at Beldibi.
 The
42 km of road from Antalya to Kemer pass
through spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has
been carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding
scenery and offers an ideal environment for a wonderful
holiday. A fully equipped Kemer marina has
facilities for all activities so that yachtsmen can enjoy
the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town. Shoppers
will delight in the wonderful range of high quality
souvenirs for sale. A beach promenade north of the marina
has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to
the beach. Kemer Beach is a Blue Flag beach.
The term "Blue Flag" coined by the
European Union means clean beach. In the Yörük (Nomad)
Theme Park you can watch traditional craftspeople at work.
The adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with
many sports and daily entertainment facilities discreetly
hidden among the pines. April is the month for the colorful Kemer
Carnival. Also in the spring are the yacht races
between Kemer and Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus.
Kiziltepe,
Goynuk (Blue Flag) and Beldibi
(Blue Flag) north of Kemer and Çamyuva and
Tekirova (Blue Flag) to the south, are tourist centres full
of various activities. The holiday villages are all designed
to blend into the forest that encircles them. At the foot of
Mt.Tahtalı (Olympos),15 km south of Kemer, the three
harbours of Phaselis were once a major
commercial center. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a
theatre, Hadrian's Gate and an acropolis reveal the city's
historical importance. From the south harbour, look up at Mt.
Tahtali for a spectacular view. The sheltered sandy
beaches make a superb playground, and the waters are calm
and safe for swimmers.
The
ancient city of Olympos is situated on the
southern side of Mt. Tahtalı. Oleander and laurel bushes
shade the Olympos Valley, which you can approach by land and
sea. The play of light on the quiet pools of water enhance
the mosaics in the bath. A temple gate and theatre also
remain from antiquity. The outer walls and towers around the
bay date from the Middle Ages.
North
of Olympos up from Cırali Beach, is Yanartas
(at a height of 300 meters) where according to mythology the
Lycian hero Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus
slew the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera. Gas which seeps
from the earth burns brightly at night at this site, which
the Byzantines also considered a religious area.
South
of Olympos, tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay
of Cavus. Here you can waterski on calm waters,
discover the colorful marine life or explore the incredible
sea caves on the northern shore.
An
entry port west of Olympos, Finike is
surrounded by citrus trees and gardens. A sandy beach
stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and
coves.
Limyra,
an ancient Lycian city, is 10 km inland from Finike, via
Turunçova. The fourth century B.C. Pericles mausoleum,
decorated with caryatids, is a magnificent example of
ancient art. The city walls and Roman theatre are also of
interest.
Farther
on this road is the Lycian city of Arikanda. Set high on the
mountain overlooking one of Turkey's most beautiful valleys,
the extensive ruins include the agora, theatre, stadium,
bouleuterion, water system, gymnasium, baths and scattered
sarcophagi.
 At
Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km west of
Finike), many splendidly carved rock tombs overlook the
magnificent Roman theatre. St. Nicholas was
the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the fourth
century, and died here in 342. Every year in December the Santa
Claus Commemoration Ceremony attracts . many
tourists who spend their Christmas holidays on the sunny
coast of ancient Lycia.
Dalyanagzi,
the ancient harbour of Andriace, west of Demre, has a good
beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Kekova
is an island an hour from Dalyanagzı by sea as well as the
name of a whole ensemble of picturesque islands, numerous
bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbours
in all seasons, and yachtsmen particularly enjoy exploring
the unspoilt landscape. Along the northern shore of Kekova
Island at Apollonia, earthquakes have
disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to
sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. Kalekoy
Castle (Simena) offers a bird's-eye
view of the bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts
sailing peacefully on the glassy water.
Continuing
west out of Kekova, you come to Kas,
a lovely spot surrounded on three sides by mountains. The
friendly local fishermen are happy to run a water taxi
service to take you to a favourite bay, cove or beach along
the coast. The swimming and diving are excellent in the
clear cool water around Kaş.
Of
ancient Antiphellos, as Kas was
once known, only the Lycian rock cut tombs and sarcophagi
are left. But the charm of the town remains, and it is a
pleasure to wander through the streets, stopping to examine
souvenir shops that offer Turkish handicrafts, leather
goods, copper and silver items, cotton clothing and the
inevitable handmade carpet.
After
shopping stroll along the flower-lined Akdeniz Promenade or
relax under the shade of a palm tree. Kaş's bars and
restaurants offer plenty of nightlife. The mountains that
surround the town provide their share of activities and
sights. You can walk through forested hills to visit remote
villages and ancient ruins. The energetic may want to
attempt the highest peak in the area, Mt. Kizlar
Sivrisi (3,086 meters), or the second highest, Mt.
Akdag (3,030 meters).
Along
the scenic Kalkan road, Kapitas
has a beautiful beach, at one end of which is the Turquoise
Grotto.
A
little distance to the west is Kalkan, a
lovely small hilltop town that overlooks a tiny bay. Its
quaint, traditional, white-washed houses, shuttered windows
and balconies garlanded with brilliant flowers that cascade
to the streets below, make it the ultimate in a peaceful
holiday town. Narrow winding streets lined with souvenir
shops lead down to the charming marina. Every morning boats
busily take tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small
bays. As the sun sets it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof
terraces for a drink before dinner and enjoy the comings and
goings of the yachts, the business of the marina and the
panoramic view.
A
principal harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara is
reached by following a winding mountain road before
descending to the site. Here, according to mythology, Apollo
was born. More concrete history reveals that this town was
the birthplace of St. Nicholas. The ruins are, of course,
numerous and interesting. But Patara is also a place for
beach lovers. Its 22 km of pure white sand stretches as far
as the eye can see, making it a natural choice for all types
of beach sports. The remoteness of this undiscovered corner
makes it feel like your own private getaway.
The
ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, today in
the Turkish village Kınık, lies 18 km north
of Patara. The theatre, Tomb of the Harpies, Nereid
Monument, agora, and Inscribed Pillar,
among a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman
and Byzantine times, create the special
atmosphere of this site. At the holy Lycian center of
Letoon, six km farther, three temples dedicated to Leto,
Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of mythology, await the
exploring tourist.
Wide,
fertile plains parallel the endless sandy beaches east of
Antalya until you come to Alanya. Abundant modern tourist
facilities and well- preserved historical sites give you
several options for a day's activities.
An
important city of ancient Pamphylian, Perge
(18 km from Antalya) was originally settled by the Hittites
around 1500 B.C. St. Paul preached some of his first sermons
here.
The
theatre's stage has finely carved marble reliefs; other
carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium.
Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city
gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded road
once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora,
the public baths and a gymnasium.
Swimmers
and sunbathers alike enjoy Belek, a modern
luxurious holiday center and golfer's paradise, 40 km from
Antalya. The National Golf Club located in
Belek features a wide variety of water sports as well as a
championship 18-hole golf course and 9 hole academy course.
Visitors may sample some of Turkey's finest cuisine and
enjoy open air discos for evening entertainment.
A
photogenic Seljuk bridge crosses the Köprü
river from the road to Aspendos. The road continues
past the Aspendos Jewellery Center to the Aspendos
Theatre -the best-preserved theatre of antiquity,
with seating for 15,000. Still used today, the theatre's
galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to
the architects success. Nearby stand the remains of a
basilica, agora and one of the largest aqueducts in
Anatolia.
And
if you have ever wondered how gold dust becomes a fine piece
of art or how precious stones are engraved, be sure to visit
the Aspendos Jewellery Center, where jewellery making can be
observed at every stage in the large workshop.
Northeast
of Antalya, at the turn off for Taşağıl and Beskonak, is
the scenic route that leads to the Koprulu Canyon
National Park. The twisting road crisscrosses over
mountain streams and passes through virgin forests. It is
often a slow drive as the view at every turn is more
beautiful than the last. The park, 92 km from Antalya, is a
valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon
stretches for 14 km along the Köprü River and is 400
meters deep in some places. Fish restaurants dot the rest
areas. The Roman Oluk Bridge, which spans the canyon, and
the Bugrum Bridge over the Kocadere
stream, are engineering feats of antiquity. From
this park you can make two possible excursions - to the
ancient city of Selge and to the Dedegol Mountains.
Dedegöl, the highest peak in this mountain range rises to
2,992 meters. An important city of ancient Pisidia,
Altinkaya (Selge), northwest of
the Koprulu Canyon National Park, is reached
by a winding mountain road. The city walls, towers,
cisterns, temple to Zeus, agora, stadium, theatre, gymnasium
and necropolis remain from this commercial city that stood
at an elevation of 950 meters. Historians verify that Selge
had direct trade with Antalya, which brought it prosperity.
Although
the Manavgat Waterfalls are not high, milky
white, foaming water rushes powerfully over the rocks. Next
to the waterfalls shady tea gardens and restaurants make the
falls a pleasant, cool resting spot, especially welcome
after a day of sightseeing. You can take a delightful boat
trip up the Manavgat river to explore this
lovely area further.
Side,
one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, was an
ancient harbour whose name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty
resort town, its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, many
shops and extensive tourist accommodation attract throngs of
visitors. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a
view of the sea, and the shops that line the narrow streets
sell typical Turkish handicrafts including leather goods and
Turkey's famous beautiful gold jewellery. The magnificent
theatre of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is
the largest in the whole area. (Closed for restoration)
Other monuments include the agora, the Apollo Temple, which
is situated near the sea, a fountain and necropolis. The
extensive Roman baths, now a museum, houses one of Turkey's
finest archaeological collections.
East
of Side, tucked in pine forests the holiday resorts of Sorgun,
Titreyen Göl (Blue Flag) and Kızılağaç
are both popular for their sandy beaches and sparkling sea.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the accommodation plentiful and
the activities endless.
 West
of Side, the holiday centres of Kumköy, Çolaklı and
Kamelya also offer sun and sea, in close proximity to
ancient sites. In the Pamphlyian Seleucia
(Bucaksıhlar),15 km northeast of Side, are
the remains (in good condition) of Roman baths, temples,
churches, a mausoleum, theatre and agora. One of the most
interesting and well known caves in Turkey is located in Altınbesik
Cave National Park situated 12 kilometres southeast
of Aydınkent (İbradi) and 55
kilometres north of Manavgat. Lakes and interesting rock
formations within the cave area as well as travertines and
streams make this area especially fascinating. Altınbesik
Cave is situated on the western slopes of the Manavgat
River Valley and can be reached via the village of
Ürünlü which is an authentic village that is a must-see
when travelling through this area.
The
13th century caravanserai, Alarahan, was built
by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat on the banks of the
Alara River. On the top of a nearby hill the Alara Fortress
commands a view of the whole area.
The
large popular resort center of Alanya lies at
one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the
Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. A 13th century
Seljuk fortress - one of the most magnificent sights on the
coast - crowns the headland. About 150 towers punctuate the
walls of the well-preserved, double-walled citadel. Within
the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a
covered bazaar; in the inner walls are a ruined cistern and
a Byzantine church. Although Alanya's history
dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the
Seljuks, when in 1220, Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter
residence and naval base. The surviving buildings reflect
the importance of the city in Seljuk times. Besides the
impressive citadel tourists should explore the unique
dockyards and the octagonal Kizil Kule (Red
Tower).
Alanya
is a beautiful holiday center of modern hotels and motels,
numerous fish restaurants and cafes and bars. The cafes that
ring the harbour have become popular gathering places for
tourists. From the town's lovely park, the road runs along
the coast to the harbour, lined with countless boutiques
that tempt tourists with handicrafts, leather, clothes,
jewellery, handbags and the amusing painted gourds, a symbol
of the area. In August, when Alanya hosts a colorful International
Folklore Festival the atmosphere is charged with
vitality and gaiety.
If
you enjoy exploring you should visit the Damlatas Cave
to see the eerie misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archaeology
and Ethnography Museum, (Open weekdays except
Monday). A boat can take you to the three sea grottoes:
Fosforlu Mağara with its phosphorescent rocks, the Kizlar
Magarasi, where pirates imprisoned their female
captives, and the Aşıklar Magarasi.
When
the intense sun overpowers you, take a day trip to the Dim
Cayi Valley, 15 km east of Alanya, where you can
relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to the
stream rushing by.
Avsallar
(İncekum), about 25 km from Alanya to the
west, is a holiday resort center with fine sandy beaches. If
you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipasa
you will discover and no doubt linger on the exceptional
beaches.
30
km east of Alanya, Aytap, the historical harbour city
lotape, is a great excursion site, with Roman ruins,
secluded beaches and bays.
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