|
|
Last Updated: Aug 17th, 2009 - 19:02:51 |
For those seeking some guaranteed sunshine on their holidays, then the region of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey would be a good place to go to. Antalya is bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year.
Making up part of the Turkish Riviera, it is one of the hotspots of Turkish tourism. It has accommodation to cater for all tastes, from the basic to the luxury, and the locals are certain to make sure you feel welcome and that you enjoy your holiday.
Surrounded by amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya is an attractive city with pleasant boulevards and an attractive marina. In the quaint old quarter of Kaleici, the winding streets and old wooden houses are enclosed by the ancient city walls.
Antalya has been continuously inhabited since 159 BC. It was occupied by the Romans Byzantines and Seljuks. In fact, the minaret of the Yivli Minareli mosque in the city centre was built by a Seljuk sultan in the 13th century and is a symbol of Antalya.
The two most impressive Ottoman mosques in the city are the Murat Pasa mosque, with its amazing tile decoration, and the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa mosque. Another worth visiting is the Iskele mosque, built on four pillars over a natural spring.
The Ataturk and Karaalioglu parks are both wonderful examples of the beauty that Antalya has to offer, with an array of colourful flowers set against the backdrop of mountains.
In terms of activities, the Aqua Park is a popular destination, offering visitors all sorts of watersports. There is also the Kaleici Marina and Leisure Centre, often described as one of Turkey's best marinas with its shops, cafes and restaurants, where you can gaze at all the splendid yachts. At night, the old city walls are lit up to create a special atmosphere.
Another attraction worth checking out is the Archeological Museum, which houses artefacts, demonstrating the amazing history of the area. There are ceramics dating as far back as 5400-8500 BC. There is also the Ataturk Museum which showcases objects related to the founder of the Turkish Republic himself.
During the autumn, there is the Golden Orange Film and Art Festival, which is a great crowd-puller. Many plays and concerts are staged in the ancient theatre in the impressive setting of Aspendos.
A short journey to the north-east of Antalya are the Upper Duden Waterfalls, an unmissable experience where you can walk behind the stunning waterfalls.
Slightly further afield is the resort of Belek, which caters for golf fans in a grand fashion. There you will find the National Golf Club, a championship 18-hole golf course and 9-hole academy course. A wide variety of watersports are also on offer, and you can let your hair down in the evenings at the open air discos.
For great views of the mountain ranges and the diverse environment of the region, you can visit Lara Beach, pebbled Konyaalti Beach, the Bey Daglari Olympos National Park or Topcam Beach.
You can also make a trip to Sican, a nature island that offers camping facilities to the north of the park. For a panoramic view of the area, go to the revolving restaurant on top of Tunektepe Hill.
Another unique experience that can be enjoyed in the Antalya region, during the months of March and April, is to visit the winter resort of Saklikent, on the northern slopes of Bakirli Mountain. Due to the climate, it is possible to go skiing in the morning, and then head to the coast and swim and sunbathe in the afternoon.
Book a cheap flight to Antalya
Search for a holiday to Antalya
Visit the Antalya Toursit Foundation web site
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
|
Book online 24 hours a day or contact our telephone helpline on:
0845 299 4450
Mon - Fri 08.30 - 22.00
Saturday 09.00 - 22.00
Sunday 10.00 - 22.00
|
|
