Antalya

Antalya is one of the Mediterranean's most vibrant "all-in-one" destinations: in a single day, you can enjoy the atmosphere of an old town harbour, Roman-era relics, Seljuk heritage, world-class museum collections, as well as waterfalls and beaches. The city and its immediate surroundings concentrate the outstanding sites of classical antiquity (the Pamphylia/Pisidia region), while also serving as a comfortable and well-organised base as a modern resort city. Antalya's predecessor, Attaleia/Attalia, was founded during the Hellenistic period: in the 2nd century, King Attalos (Attalus) II of Pergamon established it as a port city; later, it became a regional centre within the Roman Empire. In the historic core of the city (Kaleiçi), it is particularly evident how successive eras – Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, Ottoman – did not "replace" but layered themselves onto the city's fabric. The Seljuk period's iconic heritage is centred around the Yivli Minaret: the complex was constructed in its early 13th-century form following the conquest (1226). The main attractions in Antalya: The Kaleiçi Old Town and the Historic Harbour Kaleiçi is Antalya's "living" historical backdrop: narrow streets, courtyard houses, small squares, and the panoramic view of the natural harbour. It's worth strolling here at a leisurely pace, without a specific goal, as the city's character comes together in the details: gateways, inner courtyards, viewpoints, and terraces overlooking the harbour. One of the Old Town's iconic landmarks is Hadrian's Gate (Üçkapılar), linked to the emperor's visit in AD 130, and still serves as a striking "time gate" into the Old Town. Yivli Minaret and the Seljuk Cityscape The Yivli (fluted) Minaret is the symbol of Antalya: one of the most significant architectural imprints of the 13th-century Seljuk presence. The site is on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List, with descriptions emphasising how the 13th-century construction also reflects earlier sacred layers. Düden Waterfalls and the Cliffs Meeting the Sea One of Antalya's most memorable "natural urban" experiences is the Düden Waterfalls, particularly the lower section, where the water plunges directly from the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. It's a rare and striking sight, impressive in photos and even more dramatic in person. Coastal City Experience: Konyaaltı and Lara Antalya is not just "close to the sea" but truly a coastal city: the Konyaaltı coastline, for instance, is part of the city's daily rhythm (walking, running, relaxing), with the mountain-sea panorama adding a visual richness that makes classic beach activities easily combined with sightseeing. The Outstanding Ancient Sites Around the City Perge – Ancient Urban Layout on a Grand Scale Perge (near Antalya) is one of the most significant ancient cities in the Pamphylia region and is recognised as a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. The site's scale and "city-like" nature make it a particularly powerful experience: the main streets, public buildings, and overall archaeological setting vividly convey how a major ancient city functioned in the region. Aspendos – The Pinnacle of Roman Theatre Experience The Roman theatre of Aspendos is among the best-preserved theatres in the world, and international descriptions highlight its exceptional state of preservation; it is also a UNESCO Tentative World Heritage Site. If someone wants to see "one" ancient theatre in the region, Aspendos is typically the top choice. Termessos – Mountainous Ruins in a Protected Natural Setting Termessos has a completely different character: an ancient city preserved in a higher-altitude, forested mountain environment, officially linked to a national park's protected area. The experience here is part hiking, part archaeology: the ruins and the landscape combine to create a unique spectacle. - editorial content -