In Antalya, the pine-clad Toros (Taurus) Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea resulting in an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves.

Holiday in Antalya

The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and sports activities like wind surfing, water skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and spelunking. If you caome to Antalya in March or April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Awaiting your discovery are important historical sites set in a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.

The Turkish Riviera is the the tourism capital of Turkey. Its full range of accommodation, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, and the hospitable people of Antalya will make your holiday comfortable and enjoyable.

Alanya Castle and Red Tower, Antalya

History of Antalya

Surrounded by amazing scenery of sharp contrast, 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 of Kaleiçi, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.

Hadrian's Gate, Antalya

Antalya has been continuously inhabited since its founding in 159 BC by Attalos II, aking of Pergamum, who named the city Attaleia after himself. 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 Alaedding Keykubat in 13th century, has become Antalya’s symbol. The Karatay Medrese (theological college) in the Kaleiçi districti frın the same oeriod, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. The two most important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th-century Murat Paşa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, and the 18th-century Tekeli Mehmet Paşa Mosque. Neighboring the marina, the attractive late 19th-century İskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. The Hıdırlık Kulesi (Tower) was probably constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. The Kesik Minaret Mosque, which was previously a church, attests to the city’s long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman renovations.

When Emperor Hadrian visited Phaselis in Antalya province in 130 AD a beautifully decorated three-arched gate with Corinthian columns was built into the city walls in his honor. It was the only entrance through the city walls. The two towers flanking the fate as well as other sections of the walls are still standing near the marina. The clock tower in Kalekapısı Square was also part of the old city’s fortifications.

In the Atatürk and Karaalioğlu Parks, the colorful exotic flowers and the shimmering water in the bay with the mountains behind demonstrate why Antalya has become such a popular resort. At Aqua Park, on the eastern coast, every king of water sport is available, including exciting water slides.

Yivli Minareli Mosque

The award-winning Antalya Kaleiçi Marina and Leisure Center is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey with its many souvenir shops, in 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 up at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness.

The Archeological Museum, with artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the area’s rich history. Two-colored ceramics dated at 5400 – 8500 BC are worth seeing. 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 many participants and visitors. The ancient theater in Aspendos makes an impressive setting for some of the festival’s plays and concerts. Antalya also hosts annual jewelry fails.

A Culture, Exhibition and Congress Center was opened in 1996 in the Konyaaltı Quarter. The Congress hall itself is in a glass pyramid.

Antalya Video Clip