Antalya: The City that warms your Heart

Have a look at a world map . . .

Focus on the northern hemisphere . . .

Find the area that lies between 36ºN and 42ºN and between 26ºE and 45ºE, namely Turkey.

Move your fingers on the map . . .

Then magnify the map a bit more . . .and look for Antalya, a city on the Mediterranean coast.

Let’s make the dream more real . . . Imagine three vibrant colours - blue, green and orange - add them to your dreams . . . Now you are in Antalya! You’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Let the heart warming climate of the Mediterranean and the rich history that has been home to civilisations for thousands of years welcome you.

Meet ancient cities, sun, sea, mountains, forests, national parks, canyons, caves, underwater worlds and waterfalls. Antalya has been referred to as an “earthly paradise” . . .

In the city centre the colourful Kaleiçi district provides a welcome relief from the hustle of the city where monuments like the Hadrian’s Gate, Hıdırlık Tower and Yivli Minaret still stand to this day. To the north is Döşemealtı, famous for its naturally dyed hand-woven carpets. To the west are the eternal flames of Olympos, and in Ulupınar you can cool your feet in the river while you have lunch.

The Church of St. Nicholas; the ancient city of Myra; the longest beach in Turkey, Patara, more than 18 kilometres long, and the ancient city right beside it; the innocence of Kaş; and, the magic of Kalkan, welcomes you.

Now continue to the east. Be amazed by the magnificent two thousand year old Aspendos Theatre still hosting cultural events today. Make sure that your arrival coincides with the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival and that you attend one of its performances. Play golf in Belek, go white-water rafting in the Köprülü Canyon. Swim at Cleopatra Beach, İncekum Beach and Ulaş Beach. Stroll around Alanya Castle. Take lots of pictures at the Düden, Manavgat and Kurşunlu waterfalls. Take a boat tour. Discover the mysterious world of the caves. If you are a diving enthusiast continue towards Adrasan, Kaş and Kalkan. Get lost in the amazing and terrifying splendour of the canyons...

Dance and have fun. Fall in love. Eat fish in one of the beachside restaurants. Spice up the meal with skewered meatballs, tzatziki, eggplant salad, delicious olive oil-based salads, hummus and yoghurt. Taste delicious jams made from bitter orange, orange or eggplant. And don’t forget the ice cream…

Play with sea sparkles in the night sea. Stare at the night sky and count the stars or wish upon a shooting star. . .

Hopefully one of your wishes will be to return to Antalya once again!