Over the past nearly two years, we have been staying home in various states of lockdown and travel restrictions. As the world starts to open up, people are starting to plan their vacations and travel the world once again. Whether you’re looking to stay local or visit another country, there are many options available.
Photo by Hazal Ozturk
One destination at the top of many people’s lists is Turkey, in particular the seaside resort town of Antalya. Located on Anatolia’s southwest coast, Antalya is the gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast. There is no doubt that Antalya is worth its popularity of summer destination and nickname of Turquoise Coast, thanks to its crystal clear blue waters.
Whether you are travelling alone, with a group of friends, as a family, or simply heading on a couple’s getaway, Antalya has got plenty to offer. You can spend the day at Kaputas beach or river rafting in the Köprülü Canyon; sample delicious Turkish cuisine at a traditional “lokantası” or go on a day trip to ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side. Finally, you may wish to visit Turkey’s capital during your holiday, which is just one hour by plane from Antalya. Here’s my guide for 48 hours in Istanbul.
Top Tips for a Trip to Antalya
In Antalya you will have the chance to immerse yourself traditional Turkish culture! So let’s take a look at how to fully enjoy a trip to Antalya.
Photo by Ahmet Mutlu
Travel Well
The best thing you can do when heading to Antalya is fly direct to the international airport there. If you are flying from the US, most flights will connect through London (or another closer European airport like Amsterdam or Frankfurt). Since it’s such a long flight, the best thing to try is to book early and get an upgrade to premium economy or business class. It may be expensive, but it will be worth it. Once you land in Antalya, the airport is a mere 11 km from the town center, so taxi is the best option – remember to pre-book it in advance to avoid paying extra fees.
Stay in a Top Hotel
Once you’re in Antalya, you’ll have the pick of the hotels. There is something to suit every budget and every style of traveler. Top hotels such as Limak International Hotel & Resorts will have everything that you need for a comfortable and delightful stay. Alongside this, they’re experts in the local area, so will be able to advise you on all sorts of activities and places to visit. If you want the best experience, always ask hotel staff for tips.
Get the Weather Right
Due to its location on the Mediterranean sea and close to Asia, Antalya has a very nice climate for a large portion of the year. From June to October, you’ll rarely have a temperature lower than 30 Celsius, with averages ranging from 29 in June to 35 in August. That August temperature is extremely hot, so if you are looking for a trip with lots of exploring and walking, it may be better to visit in May or June and stick in the 20s.
Photo by Engin Akyurt
Visit the Old Town
The biggest draw of Antalya is the old town. Having stood for over 2000 years, the ancient city has a huge amount of charm. It was first settled in 200 BC and has changed hands to various rulers and settlers over time, including being taken over by the Roman Empire. Each group has brought its own architecture and style, making it a beautiful place to visit. You can wander for hours around the cobbled airy streets to find local food, wine, and Turkish coffee in abundance.
Photo by Alisa Golovinska
See the Waterfalls
Another huge attraction in Antalya is the Kursunlu Waterfall. This waterfall is around 20 km away from Antalya, but the trip is always worth it. The waterfall is on one of the tributaries of the Aksu River, where the tributary drops from Antalya’s plateau to the coastal plains below. Not only that but it is surrounded by forests of lush green trees. It’s a natural beauty that you simply cannot miss if you head to the region.
Beachside Chills
Of course, any great coastal town has an abundance of sandy beaches to relax all afternoon, should you wish to. Lara Beach is recognised as one of the nicest in the region, with thousands of people spending their days catching the sun and relaxing in the clear water of the ocean. If you’re a beach dweller by nature, this is simply not a beach to miss. It even has BBQ facilities if you wish to bring some food and coals and cook yourself a waterside feast!
Photo by Alperen Gümüssoy
Hit the Museum
The Antalya Museum, as you’d expect, is full of rich history. Since the town and region are so old, there are thousands of artifacts there, from prehistoric to modern. If you want to learn a little more about the region or just amaze yourself with some awesome historical information, you simply cannot afford to miss this museum.
This short and sweet guide to Antalya will help you have the best time possible while you’re there. Find yourself staying in a top hotel in a perfect Mediterranean climate, and you’ll quickly forget the previous stay-at-home orders and lockdowns!
Travellers who are not familiar with Turkey, its culture, language and customs, may have a lot of questions about how to prepare for a holiday there. Here’s what to know before travelling to Turkey. Turkey has plenty to offer, with Antalya being one of the most beautiful places you could possibly visit. Plan your trip today, you won’t regret it.
