One of the most popular holiday destinations in Turkey is undoubtedly Antalya. This large city of Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea is popular for its beautiful Konyaalti beach, the beautiful boulevard with swaying palms and the historic cozy city center. Of course you can also enjoy excellent food in this wonderful seaside resort on the Turkish Riviera or enjoy a drink on one of the many terraces. Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman history has left quite a bit of history in Antalya. You can therefore enjoy all kinds of valuable historical sights from ancient times. Think of ancient city walls, towers, mosques and ruins. You can also go to Antalya for a fun party.
Top 10 sights of Antalya
#1. Kaleiçi
According to Harvard Shoes, the historic center of the city of Antalya is referred to as Kaleiçi. Previously, this part of the city was completely surrounded by a city wall. Together with the adjacent marina, this area is ideal for a lovely walk through the old winding narrow streets. You will automatically pass nice boutiques, picturesque spots and the famous Yivli Minare Mosque.
#2. Waterfalls of Düden
Just outside Antalya in the Lara area you can admire the beautiful Düden waterfalls. The water thunders down meters here and provides the most beautiful holiday snapshots. But the best part is a walk that leads you along the back of the waterfall. Behind the waterfall is a cave. Other beautiful waterfalls near Antalya are the Kursunlu Waterfalls. These are located about ten kilometers north of the city.
#3. Yivli Minare Mosque
The most famous mosque of Antalya is also the symbol of the city. The thirty-eight meter high Yivli Minare Mosque / Yivliminare Mosque is also called Ulu Cami by the inhabitants. This means not much more than Grand Mosque. Of course, this mosque is located in the old part of Kaleiçi. A prayer house was built on this site as early as the thirteenth century. However, the current form was obtained a century later. Nowadays the mosque can be visited by everyone and you can admire various objects from Turkish history and everyday life.
#4. Konyaalti Beach
According to many, the most beautiful beach in Antalya is Konyaalti Beach. The fine pebble beach, the clear water and the good facilities guarantee a relaxing day at the sea. All kinds of boat trips and rides are offered, so you never have to get bored. And if you want to break the day for a tasty lunch, you don’t have to look far. The range of restaurants and bars seems endless.
#5. Hıdırlık Kulesi
In the middle of the division between the harbor and the Karaalioğlu Park is the Hıdırlık Tower. It is believed that the foundations of the watchtower were built in the second century. One can only guess at what functions the small tower had afterwards. Because several frescoes can be admired on the inside, it is suspected that it may have been a tomb. For now, this oldest monument in Antalya is a beautiful piece of historic architecture in a beautiful location. And the view as the sun goes down is phenomenal.
#6. Hadrian’s Gate
As a tribute to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city around AD 130, an entrance gate was named after him in the second century. The three triumphal arches with Corinthian columns were created from white marble. Originally, the gate had an extra floor. The neighboring towers were built later.
#7. Port of Antalya
One of the most beautiful ancient monuments of Antalya is located in the beautiful Roman port. The old city walls and Hadrian’s Gate are pieces of the eventful history of the city and country. But the marina itself is worth a visit. Nowadays you can make various trips from the port of Antalya. All kinds of pleasure yachts offer various excursions, with or without the setting sun.
#8. Atatürk Museum
This national museum of Antalya, which was founded in 1922, is entirely dedicated to the Turkish army officer Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Given his part in the Turkish War of Independence, he is regarded as the founder of the Republic of Turkey. The museum is a replica of the house in which the army officer stayed during his visit to Antalya. Since its opening in 1972, you can take a look at various documentation, photographs, coin collections and various personal belongings of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
#9. Karaalioğlu Park
The green heart of the Turkish city of Antalya is located right next to the harbor in the Karaalioğlu Park. Young and old like to stay in this park by the sea, where you can cool off on very hot days. The park is frequently visited by families, especially on weekends and in the evening. Some to relax, others to exercise, but mostly to enjoy each other and the beautiful views.
#10. Ruins
The most impressive ruins are located just outside Antalya. About fifteen kilometers east of Antalya at Perge you can visit an archaeological site with a theater, a temple of Artemis and a Palaestra (a kind of public gymnasium). Another special place with ruins can be found at Side. The Roman findings here include the temple of Apollo and Dionysus, Vespasian’s gate and parts of an ancient amphitheatre.
