With sun, sea, celebrities and a romantic history, there's lots to explore in your hire car in this beautiful town.
"With our beautiful mix of boulevards and beaches we're the number one Mediterranean holiday resort in Turkey. After all, we've been attracting discerning holidaymakers for centuries."
The boulevard / beach combo is indeed attractive, but Antalya is so much more than that. It's a destination that caters for all tastes, from beach babes to those who like some history with their holiday. Throw in great food and even greater weather and you're on to a winner.
Cosmopolitan - Antalya is part of the ancient region of Pamphylia, meaning 'land of all tribes' and this cultural diversity can still be seen in its architecture, music and food.
Increasingly European as wealthy foreigners set up holiday homes and retirement getaways in the area. Germans and Russians are particularly prevalent here.
Antalya enjoys 300 days of sun a year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15°C to a scorching summer high of 40°C. Winter brings the rainy season.
Try kulakli soup of chickpeas and small diced meat, tahinli piyaz - a dried-bean salad with sesame seeds or kabak tatlisi, pumpkin dessert with grape syrup and bergamot jam.
Richard Gere, Mariah Carey and Monica Bellucci attended a recent hotel opening and the annual Golden Orange Film Festival lures many A-listers.
The region's population is said to have bloomed when Greek refugees settled here after the Trojan War, around 1184 BC.
"Antalya is now known as a [film] festival city. Its name is mentioned as a brand of the cinema world." - Culture Minister Ertugrul Günay
We compare prices from leading suppliers
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
1. Hidirlik Tower
An ancient fortified tower, perfect for playing soldiers. Also offers stunning, panoramic views of the Gulf of Antalya.
There's no car access but you can park in nearby Hesapci Sk.
2. Iskele Mosque
Folklore says the architect Sinan built this mosque to show his love for the daughter of Suleyman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Empire's longest-reigning sultan. Unfortunately she was already married to someone else.
Street parking is available on Tuzkapisi Sk.
3. Yivli Minare
Boasting an impressive 38-metre tower, this mosque is one of the oldest Islamic buildings in Antalya. Its blue-tiled minaret is a city landmark.
There's no car access, so park on the nearby Pasa Cami Sk.
4. Hadrian's Gate
The triumphal arches were built to celebrate the arrival of the bearded emperor in the city in 130 AD.
Park at Ataturk Cd or Clvelek Sk and then walk to the gate.
5. Antalya Museum
Few museums have a story as exciting as their artefacts. This one was created to save Antalyan treasures from Italian archaeologists who claimed to be removing them in the name of civilisation.
There is ample on-site parking.
1. Manavgat Waterfall
These compact falls are a soothing place to relax and escape from the chaos of the big city.
Take the D400 east from Antalya to Manavgat, which is about 60 miles from Antalya.
2. Kemer Beach
Just 40 minutes' drive from Antalya are the rolling waves of the Mediterranean. Most of the beach here is shingle but you can find sand near the marina and at Yörük Park.
Take the D400 south from Antalya to Kemer, which is only about 20 miles away.
3. Taurus Mountains
Get some fresh air with some wholesome mountain activities. Hike, ski or climb in this impressive roaming range.
This range is about 100 miles north-east of Antalya. You'll need a map though, because the mazy route takes in the D400, D695, D340, D350 and D715.
4. Tekirova Beach
Bliss out on the glorious sandy beach or, if you're feeling a bit more active, stretch your legs and go exploring in the nearby forest.
Take the D400 south from Antalya to Tekirova, which is about 27 miles.
" You're going to need a car here so that you can properly explore the area. Car parks are rare though, but there's plenty of street parking. If there are other local cars parked then you'll be safe to do so too. The centre of town, the Kalechi, is lovely and extends to the old harbour. But don't spend all your time in the city or you will miss out. You can drive to the Manavgat Waterfall and the Taurus Mountains. If you get time, you should also check out the Kemer Beach. The drive there is spectacular. "
holiday autos is part of the lastminute.com group.
© holiday autos 2010
lastminute.com |
travelocity.co.uk
|
allhotels.com
|
holidayautos.com
|
carhire4less.co.uk