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WELCOME TO ERKAN KIRAZ’ S ANTALYA CITY PAGES
Antalya City
In Antalya, the pine-clad Toros Daglari (Taurus Mountains) sweep down to the sparkling clear sea forming an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves. The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise of sunbathing, swimming, and sporting activities like windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and caving. If you come to Antalya in March and April, you can ski in the mornings and in the afternoons swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Important historical sites and beautiful mosques await your discovery, amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations.
The Turkish Riviera is Turkey's tourism capital. Its full range of accommodations, from tourist class to deluxe hotels, and the hospitable people of Antalya will make your holiday comfortable and enjoyable. Set amid amazing scenery of sharp contrasts, Antalya, Turkey's principal holiday resort, is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards and a prize-winning marina. In the picturesque old quarter, Kaleiçi, narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses abut the ancient city walls.
Since its founding in the second century B.C. by Attalos II, a king of Pergamon, who named the city Attaleia after himself, Antalya has been continuously inhabited. The Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks successively occupied the city before it came under Ottoman rule. The elegant, fluted minaret of the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the center of the city, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century, has become Antalya's symbol. The Karatay Medresesi (theological college) in the Kaleiçi district, from the same period, exemplifies the best of Seljuk stone carving. The two most important Ottoman mosques in the city are the 16th century Murat Pasa Mosque, remarkable for its tile decoration, and the 18th century Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque. Neighbouring the marina, the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque is built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring. The Hidirlik Kulesi (Tower of Hidirlik) probably was originally constructed as a lighthouse in the second century. The Kesik Minareli Cami (Kesik Minaret Mosque) attests to the city's long history in its succession of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman renovations.
When Emperor Hadrian visited Antalya in 130 A.D. a beautifully decorated three-arched gate was built into the city walls in his honour. Near the marina the two towers flanking the gate and other sections of the walls still stand. The clock tower in Kalekapisi Alani (Kalekapisi Square) was also part of the old city's fortifications. In the Atatürk and Karaalioglu Parks, with their colorful exotic flowers and the bay's shimmering water in front of you and the mountains behind, you will have no doubt why Antalya has become such a popular resort. And Aqua Park, on the eastern coast, has every kind of water sports, including many interesting water-slides. Antalya The award-winning Antalya Kaleiçi Marina and Leisure Center is considered one of the loveliest marinas in Turkey. This center can well meet every tourist's need worth its many souvenir shops, friendly cafes and restaurants as well as yacht moorings and services. Sail in the morning and enjoy the restful peace of the marina in the afternoon. The old city walls, lit at night, lend an atmosphere of serenity and timelessness. The Archaeological Museum, with remains from the Paleolithic Age to Ottoman times, offers a glimpse of the area's rich history. The Atatürk Museum displays objects used by the founder of the Turkish Republic. (Both open weekdays except Monday) The Antalya Altin Portakal (Golden Orange) Film and Art Festival, held in the autumn, attracts both participants and visitors. The ancient theatre in Aspendos makes an impressive setting for some of the festival's plays and concerts.
The Coasts of Light
Kemer
The mountains of the Toros (Taurus) Range is up immediately behind the coast, the whole length - from Konyaalti Plaji (Konyaalti Beach) to the Kirlangiç Yarimadasi (Kirlangiç Peninsula) - is a national preserve, the Bey Daglari (Mt. Olympos) National Park. The history of this area, the ancient Lycian Peninsula, can be traced back to the Neolithic Age to the settlements at Beldibi. The 42 km of road from Antalya to Kemer pass through spectacular mountain scenery. This resort town has been carefully designed to blend in with the surrounding scenery and offers an ideal environment for a wonderful holiday. A fully equipped Kemer marina has facilities for all activities so that yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoilt bays and beaches south of the town. Shoppers will delight in the wonderful range of high quality souvenirs for sale. A beach promenade north of the marina has steps leading down from its cafes and shops directly to the beach. Kemer Beach is a Blue Flag beach. The term "Blue Flag" coined by the European Union means clean beach. In the Yörük (Nomad) Theme Park you can watch traditional craftspeople at work. The adjoining bay is a charming and delightful spot with many sports and daily entertainment facilities discreetly hidden among the pines. April is the month for the colorful Kemer Carnival. Also in the spring are the yacht races between Kemer and Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Kiziltepe, Göynük (Blue Flag) and Beldibi (Blue Flag) north of Kemer and Çamyuva and Tekirova (Blue Flag) to the south, are tourist centres full of various activities. The holiday villages are all designed to blend into the forest that encircles them. At the foot of Mt.Tahtali (Olympos), 15 km south of Kemer, the three harbours of Phaselis were once a major commercial center. The ruins of aqueducts, agoras, baths, a theatre, Hadrian's Gate and an acropolis reveal the city's historical importance. From the south harbour, look up at Mt. Tahtali for a spectacular view. The sheltered sandy beaches make a superb playground, and the waters are calm and safe for swimmers. The ancient city of Olympos is situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympos Valley, which you can approach by land and sea. The play of light on the quiet pools of water enhance the mosaics in the bath. A temple gate and theatre also remain from antiquity. The outer walls and towers around the bay date from the Middle Ages. North of Olympos up from Çirali Beach, is Yanartas (at a height of 300 meters) where according to mythology the Lycian hero Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus slew the fire-breathing monster, Chimaera. Gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night at this site, which the Byzantines also considered a religious area. South of Olympos, tranquil waters and sandy beaches line the Bay of Çavus. Here you can waterski on calm waters, discover the colorful marine life or explore the incredible sea caves on the northern shore.
Demre / Kale (Myra) & Finike (Limyra)
An entry port west of Olympos, Finike is surrounded by citrus trees and gardens. A sandy beach stretches to the east, and to the west are rocky bays and coves. Limyra, an ancient Lycian city, is 10 km inland from Finike, via Turunçova. The fourth century B. C. Pericles mausoleum, decorated with caryatids, is a magnificent example of ancient art. The city walls and Roman theatre are also of interest. Farther on this road is the Lycian city of Arikanda. Set high on the mountain overlooking one of Turkey's most beautiful valleys, the extensive ruins include the agora, theatre, stadium, bouleuterion, water system, gymnasium, baths and scattered sarcophagi. At Demre (Kale), the ancient Myra, (25 km west of Finike), many splendidly carved rock tombs overlook the magnificent Roman theatre. St. Nicholas was the bishop of this Mediterranean city during the fourth century, and died here in 342. Every year in December the Santa Claus Commemoration Ceremony attracts . many tourists who spend their Christmas holidays on the sunny coast of ancient Lycia.
Dalyanagzi & Kekova
Dalyanagzi, the ancient harbour of Andriace, west of Demre, has a good beach for swimming and sunbathing. Kekova is an island an hour from Dalyanagzi by sea as well as the name of a whole ensemble of picturesque islands, numerous bays and ancient cities. These bays provide natural harbours in all seasons, and yachtsmen particularly enjoy exploring the unspoilt landscape. Along the northern shore of Kekova Adasi (Kekova Island) at Apollonia, earthquakes have disturbed the land causing some of the ancient houses to sink under the clear water, creating a sunken city. Kaleköy Castle (Simena) offers a bird's-eye view of the bays, inlets, islands and colorful yachts sailing peacefully on the glassy water. Continuing west out of Kekova, you come to Kas, a lovely spot surrounded on three sides by mountains. The friendly local fishermen are happy to run a water taxi service to take you to a favourite bay, cove or beach along the coast. The swimming and diving are excellent in the clear cool water around Kas.
Kas & Kalkan
Of ancient Antiphellos, as Kas was once known, only the Lycian rock cut tombs and sarcophagi are left. But the charm of the town remains, and it is a pleasure to wander through the streets, stopping to examine souvenir shops that offer Turkish handicrafts, leather goods, copper and silver items, cotton clothing and the inevitable handmade carpet. After shopping stroll along the flower-lined Akdeniz Promenade or relax under the shade of a palm tree. Kas ' s bars and restaurants offer plenty of nightlife. The mountains that surround the town provide their share of activities and sights. You can walk through forested hills to visit remote villages and ancient ruins. The energetic may want to attempt the highest peak in the area, Mt. Kizlar Sivrisi (3,086 meters), or the second highest, Mt. Akdag (3,030 meters). Along the scenic Kalkan road, Kapitas has a beautiful beach, at one end of which is the Turquoise Grotto. A little distance to the west is Kalkan, a lovely small hilltop town that overlooks a tiny bay. Its quaint, traditional, white-washed houses, shuttered windows and balconies garlanded with brilliant flowers that cascade to the streets below, make it the ultimate in a peaceful holiday town. Narrow winding streets lined with souvenir shops lead down to the charming marina. Every morning boats busily take tourists to one of the nearby beaches or small bays. As the sun sets it is Kalkan style to meet on the roof terraces for a drink before dinner and enjoy the comings and goings of the yachts, the business of the marina and the panoramic view.
Patara, Kinik (Xantox)
A principal harbour of ancient Lycia, Patara is reached by following a winding mountain road before descending to the site. Here, according to mythology, Apollo was born. More concrete history reveals that this town was the birthplace of St. Nicholas. The ruins are, of course, numerous and interesting. But Patara is also a place for beach lovers. Its 22 km of pure white sand stretches as far as the eye can see, making it a natural choice for all types of beach sports. The remoteness of this undiscovered corner makes it feel like your own private getaway. The ancient Lycian capital of Xanthos, today in the Turkish village Kinik, lies 18 km north of Patara. The theatre, Tomb of the Harpies, Nereid Monument, agora, and Inscribed Pillar, among a mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times, create the special atmosphere of this site. At the holy Lycian center of Letoon, six km farther, three temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, familiar gods of mythology, await the exploring tourist.
Perge
Wide, fertile plains parallel the endless sandy beaches east of Antalya until you come to Alanya. Abundant modern tourist facilities and well- preserved historical sites give you several options for a day's activities. An important city of ancient Pamphylian, Perge (18 km from Antalya) was originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 B. C. St. Paul preached some of his first sermons here. The theatre's stage has finely carved marble reliefs; other carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium. Amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, a large agora, the public baths and a gymnasium. Swimmers and sunbathers alike enjoy Belek, a modern luxurious holiday center and golfer's paradise, 40 km from Antalya. The National Golf Club located in Belek features a wide variety of water sports as well as a championship 18-hole golf course and 9 hole academy course. Visitors may sample some of Turkey's finest cuisine and enjoy open air discos for evening entertainment.
Aspendos
A photogenic Seljuk bridge crosses the Köprü river from the road to Aspendos. The road continues past the Aspendos Jewellery Center to the Aspendos Theatre -the best-preserved theatre of antiquity, with seating for 15,000. Still used today, the theatre's galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architects success. Nearby stand the remains of a basilica, agora and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia. And if you have ever wondered how gold dust becomes a fine piece of art or how precious stones are engraved, be sure to visit the Aspendos Kuyumcular Çarsisi (Aspendos Jewellery Center), where jewellery making can be observed at every stage in the large workshop. Northeast of Antalya, at the turn off for Tasagil and Beskonak, is the scenic route that leads to the Köprülü Vadisi Milli Parki (Köprülü Canyon National Park). The twisting road crisscrosses over mountain streams and passes through virgin forests. It is often a slow drive as the view at every turn is more beautiful than the last. The park, 92 km from Antalya, is a valley of wild beauty rich in flora and fauna. The canyon stretches for 14 km along the Köprü Nehri (Köprü River) and is 400 meters deep in some places. Fish restaurants dot the rest areas. The Roma Oluk Köprüsü (Roman Oluk Bridge), which spans the canyon, and the Bügrüm Köprüsü (Bügrüm Bridge) over the Kocadere Çayi (Kocadere stream), are engineering feats of antiquity. From this park you can make two possible excursions - to the ancient city of Selge and to the Dedegöl Daglari (Dedegöl Mountains). Dedegöl, the highest peak in this mountain range rises to 2,992 meters. An important city of ancient Pisidia, Altinkaya (Selge), northwest of the Köprülü Vadisi Milli Parki (Köprülü Canyon National Park), is reached by a winding mountain road. The city walls, towers, cisterns, temple to Zeus, agora, stadium, theatre, gymnasium and necropolis remain from this commercial city that stood at an elevation of 950 meters. Historians verify that Selge had direct trade with Antalya, which brought it prosperity.
Manavgat Waterfalls
Although the Manavgat Selaleleri (Manavgat Waterfalls) are not high, milky white, foaming water rushes powerfully over the rocks. Next to the waterfalls shady tea gardens and restaurants make the falls a pleasant, cool resting spot, especially welcome after a day of sightseeing. You can take a delightful boat trip up the Manavgat Nehri (Manavgat River) to explore this lovely area further.
Side
Side, one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, was an ancient harbour whose name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty resort town, its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, many shops and extensive tourist accommodation attract throngs of visitors. There are numerous cafes and restaurants with a view of the sea, and the shops that line the narrow streets sell typical Turkish handicrafts including leather goods and Turkey's famous beautiful gold jewellery. The magnificent theatre of the ancient city, built on colonnaded arches, is the largest in the whole area. (Closed for restoration) Other monuments include the agora, the Apollo Temple, which is situated near the sea, a fountain and necropolis. The extensive Roman baths, now a museum, houses one of Turkey's finest archaeological collections. East of Side, tucked in pine forests the holiday resorts of Sorgun, Titreyen Göl and Kizilagaç are both popular for their sandy beaches and sparkling sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, the accommodation plentiful and the activities endless. West of Side, the holiday centres of Kumköy, Çolakli and Kamelya also offer sun and sea, in close proximity to ancient sites. In the Bucaksihlar (Pamphlyian Seleucia), 15 km northeast of Side, are the remains (in good condition) of Roman baths, temples, churches, a mausoleum, theatre and agora. One of the most interesting and well known caves in Turkey is located in Altinbesik Magarasi Milli Parki (Altinbesik Cave National Park) situated 12 kilometres southeast of Aydinkent (Ibradi) and 55 kilometres north of Manavgat. Lakes and interesting rock formations within the cave area as well as travertines and streams make this area especially fascinating. Altinbesik Cave is situated on the western slopes of the Manavgat Nehri Vadisi (Manavgat River Valley) and can be reached via the village of Ürünlü which is an authentic village that is a must-see when travelling through this area.
Alanya
The 13th century caravanserai, Alarahan, was built by the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat on the banks of the Alara River. On the top of a nearby hill the Alara Kalesi (Alara Fortress) commands a view of the whole area. The large popular resort center of Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. A 13th century Seljuk fortress - one of the most magnificent sights on the coast - crowns the headland. About 150 towers punctuate the walls of the well-preserved, double-walled citadel. Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; in the inner walls are a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church. Although Alanya' s history dates back to Roman times, it rose to prominence under the Seljuks, when in 1220, Alaeddin Keykubat made it his winter residence and naval base. The surviving buildings reflect the importance of the city in Seljuk times. Besides the impressive citadel tourists should explore the unique dockyards and the octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower). Alanya is a beautiful holiday center of modern hotels and motels, numerous fish restaurants and cafes and bars. The cafes that ring the harbour have become popular gathering places for tourists. From the town's lovely park, the road runs along the coast to the harbour, lined with countless boutiques that tempt tourists with handicrafts, leather, clothes, jewellery, handbags and the amusing painted gourds, a symbol of the area. In August, when Alanya hosts a colorful Uluslararasi Folklör Festivali (International Folklore Festival) the atmosphere is charged with vitality and gaiety. If you enjoy exploring you should visit the Damlatas Magarasi (Damlatas Cave) to see the eerie misshapen rock formations. Nearby is the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, (Open weekdays except Monday). A boat can take you to the three sea grottoes: Fosforlu Magara (Phosphorious Cave) with its phosphorescent rocks, the Kizlar Magarasi (Maidens’ Ccave), where pirates imprisoned their female captives, and the Asiklar Magarasi (Lovers’ Cave). When the intense sun overpowers you, take a day trip to the Dim Çayi Vadisi (Dim Stream Valley), 15 km east of Alanya, where you can relax in the shade of this scenic valley and listen to the stream rushing by. Avsallar (Incekum), about 25 km from Alanya to the west, is a holiday resort center with fine sandy beaches. If you travel east from Alanya towards Gazipasa you will discover and no doubt linger on the exceptional beaches. 30 km east of Alanya, Aytap, the historical harbour city lotape, is a great excursion site, with Roman ruins, secluded beaches and bays.
Daily Excursions
That could be more appealing than dreamlike landscapes, grandiose mountains and the magnificent colours of the sea and plants? Then contrast the lively holiday life with the quiet of ancient ruins and you have a perfect vacation. Near Antalya are many things to see and do; below are some suggestions for day-trips. You can walk behind the cascade, a thrilling experience; at the Yukari Düden Selalesi (Upper Düden Waterfalls), l4 km northeast of Antalya. On the way to Lara Sahili (Lara Beach), the Asagi Düden Selalesi (Lower Düden Waterfalls) plunge straight into the sea. The nearby rest area offers an excellent view of the falls; the view is even more spectacular from the sea. Kursunlu Selalesi (Kursunlu Waterfalls) and Nilüfer Gölü (Nilüfer Lake), both 18 km from Antalya, are two more places of superb natural beauty.
The sandy Lara Sahili (Lara Beach) lies about 12 km to the east. Closer to Antalya, but to the west, the long, pebbled Konyaalti Plaji (Konyaalti Beach) offers a view of the breathtaking mountain range. A little further, the Bey Daglari (Mt. Olympos) Ulusal Park (National Park) and Topçam Beach (Topcam Beach) provide more splendid vistas. Siçan is a lovely nature island. There are camping grounds at the north end of the park should you decide to linger amid the natural beauty. For a panoramic view of the area drive to the holiday complex and revolving restaurant on top of Tünektepe Hill. Saklikent (Hidden City), 50 km from Antalya, is an ideal winter sports resort on the northern slopes of Bakýrlý Mountain at an altitude of 1,750 to 1,900 meters. In March and April you can ski in the morning, eat a delicious lunch of fresh fish at Antalya's marina and sunbathe, swim or windsurf in the afternoon. The wildlife - deer and mountain goat in Düzlerçami Park, north of Antalya are under a conservation program. On the way, you can stop at the astonishing 115 meter -deep Güver Canyon.
On the eastern side of Çan Dagi (Çan Mountain), 30 km from Antalya, the Karain Magarasi (Karain Cave), which dates from the Paleolithic Age (50,000 B. C.), is the site of the oldest settlement in Turkey. A single entrance, lit by the morning sun, opens onto three large interconnecting chambers. Although the little museum at the entrance displays some of the finds, most of the artifacts are housed in various museums throughout Turkey. The ruins of the city of Termessos, set inside Güllük Mourn, a national park northwest of Antalya, is perched on a 1,050 meter high plateau on the west face of Güllük Dagi (Güllük Mountain) (Solymos). A wild and splendid landscape surrounds the monumental traces of this city. (A nature and wildlife museum is to be found at the park entrance.)
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Olimpos
inside the Kaleiçi
boats in the harbour
After the sunset
