WORLD TRAVEL: ANTALYA, TURKEY

1. KALEICI (OLD TOWN):

Until the establishment of modern city of Antalya after World War II, Kaleici was Antalya, with its narrow streets and old houses surrounded by the ancient city walls. (Don’t forget to visit Suna-Inan Kirac Museum located in the Kaleici.)

2. YIVLI MINARE (FLUTED MINARET):

The Fluted Minaret built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century has become the Antalya's symbol. Yivli Minaret is located adjacent to the Kulliye, which was made of several buildings: Yivli Minare Mosque (Ulu Camii), Atabey Medrese, Mevlevihane (a chamber of dervishes), Turbes (Tombs), Baths. Yivli Minare Mosque is elegantly decorated by blue and dark blue mosaic-tiles.

3. ASPENDOS:

The ancient city of Aspendos, situated near Eurymedon River, is founded by Aka civilization in 10 BC and is one of the richest cities of the antique age. The amphitheatre is built by Roman in 2 AC.

4. SIDE:

Side dates back to the Hittite Period. It was a Hellenistic and Roman Town. The remains of gates, aqueducts and baths have been restored. One of its most important buildings is the 15,000 spectator theatre.

5. ANTALYA ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM:

Museum of Antalya with its many exhibitions and artifacts ranging from pre-historical times through the ages is a great place to spend a day inside. Here are just a few of the many halls: Natural History and Prehistory Hall, Hall of Gods, Hall of Emperors, Hall of Tomb Cultures, Hall of coins, Hall of Turkish - Islamic Period Works, Classic Period Hall.

6. ANTALYA and ALANYA CASTLES:

Antalya Castle lies in the centre of Antalya overlooking the harbor is a charming castle with its traditional architecture. Alanya Castle is a medieval castle built on the remnants of earlier Byzantine era and Roman era fortifications in 13th century until the city’s conquest by Seljuk Sultanate Alaeddin Keykubat in 1220.

7. WATERFALLS - DUDEN, KURSUNLU and MANAVGAT:

Manavgat River is one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Its water is clean and rich with minerals. You may swim or explore the surroundings in a canoe.

Duden Waterfalls, formed by the Duden River, are a group of waterfalls. The Lower Duden Falls drop off a rocky cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the raw ingredients in the water, large amount of volcanic materials have formed the river bed and a cave below the waterfall.
Kursunlu waterfall, surrounded by tall trees and birds, provides a peaceful atmosphere. The way to the waterfall well kept the amazing view onto the river bed and natural walk ways.

8. BEACHES at LARA and KONYAALTI:

Lara Beach is one of the longest beaches in Turkey with its gentle waves and dark sand. Konyaalti Beach lies west of Antalya, where a breathtaking view of the mountains can clearly be seen. Lara and Konyaalti beaches are matchless slices of paradise with translucent turquoise waters, crowded beach bars and clubs. Mini-City, located on the Konyaatli beach, is open air miniature park displays miniature buildings and models.

9. DEMRE and CALIS BEACH:

Demre (Ancient Myra) is best known for St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the 4th century, who died here in 342 A.D. Every year in December the St. Nicholas Commemoration Ceremony is held, attracting many tourists. In ancient Myra, many rock tombs overlook the splendid theater Dalyanagzi, the ancient harbor of Andriace, is perfect for swimming and relaxing on the sandy beaches.

Çalis beach is especially known for its unique sunsets. Calis beach is also one of the nesting areas of the endangered species of sea turtles Caretta Caretta.

10. SAKLIKENT CANYON:

Saklikent is an 18 kilometer long spectacular canyon cut into the Akdaglar Mountains. This deep and steep canyon does not allow the sun to penetrate into its icy cold water. You can walk along the wooden board suspended above the water. After crossing the river, it is fairly straightforward to walk through the canyon for 6 kilometers.

11. DAMLATAS and KARAIN CAVES:

Damlatas Cave is located at the western Alanya peninsula. Its 50 meters long entrance ends with a cylindrical cavity, which leads to the basement of the cave. The stalactite and stalagmites inside the cave were formed in 15 thousand years. Besides its fascinating beauty the cave is famous with its air which is beneficial to asthmatic patients.

Karain Cave, formed by limestone, is a complex of caves which consists of many chambers. These chambers are separated by calcite walls and narrow and curve passageways. Stalactites and stalagmites enrich the marvelous appearance of the cave. On the outer surface of the cave there are numerous niches and Greek inscriptions. Geological and geo-morphological researches revealed a lake in the middle of the plain in Pleistocene; and many open air settlements in Paleolithic period. There are fine water springs where the plain meets the mountains.

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