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    Tourist Attractions in Antalya

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Antalya. Photos and a brief description.

    Antalya Province
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    About Antalya

    Antalya has modern hotels, magnificent beaches and fascinating sea voyages, nightlife of bars and discos. But a beach-relaxed type of rest is not all that the main resort of Turkey is rich in. The age of Antalya is more than 2 thousand years. She saw Hellenes, Romans, Byzantines, Alexander the Great, Seljuks and Ottomans. She has something to surprise.

    The unique look of the city is given by the historical district of Kaleichi, the romantic sea harbor, the majestic Hadrian’s Gate and the Khydyrlyk Tower, remembering Roman emperors, minarets and mosques of Ottoman times. Getting acquainted with the past of Antalya, it is worth visiting the city’s archaeological museum. Many of his artifacts were found during the excavations of ancient settlements – Perge, Aspendos, Termessos. Their ruins are located in the vicinity of Antalya.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Antalya

    Kaleichi district

    The very heart of the city, its centuries-old history. At every step there are old houses, temples, buildings inherited from different eras and empires. The district consists of 4 blocks. Compact, covers an area of 35 hectares, but it has hundreds of winding streets, among which it is easy to get lost. The pride of Kaleichi is an ancient sea harbor, from which the history of Antalya began 2 thousand years ago. Today it is filled with tourist boats and yachts.

    Hadrian 's Gate

    Hadrian 's Gate

    The only well-preserved gates of the city walls from the time of Roman rule, resembling a triumphal arch. They were built in 130 AD in honor of the Emperor Hadrian. Decorated with marble columns. Because of the three arches, the Turks call the gate Uch Kapilar, i.e. "Three Gates". On the sides rise jagged observation towers made of stone. Today, the ancient Hadrian's Gate separates modern Antalya from the historical Kaleici district.

    Clock Tower

    It was built at the beginning of the last century. It has retained its original appearance almost unchanged. It is called Saat Kulesi. Decorated with a watch presented to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire by the German Emperor. It is located on the central square, near the entrance to the Old Town. It consists of two different tiers. The lower one is pentagonal, made of rough stones. The upper one is rectangular, made of smooth stone, with teeth on the top. The total height of the building is 14 meters.

    Clock Tower
    Khydyrlyk Tower

    Khydyrlyk Tower

    A grandiose structure of the Roman period. It was built in the II century AD. It is located on the embankment of the Kaleichi district, next to the Karaalioglu park area. Whether the tower served as a lighthouse, a defensive fortress or a tomb – there is still no consensus about its true purpose. It is composed of large stone blocks. The height is 14 meters. The cylindrical part of the building stands on a square base. At the top there is an observation deck, to which a steep staircase leads.

    Yivli Minaret

    It was erected at the beginning of the XIII century on the instructions of the Seljuk sultan in honor of his victories in the conquest of coastal lands. For 8 centuries, it has not changed much. It has a height of 38 meters, visible from anywhere in Antalya. Inside there is a staircase of 90 steps leading to the balcony. The structure has an unusual, fluted shape – it consists of 8 semi-cylinders standing on a square pedestal. It is crowned by a conical lead roof. There is a mosque nearby.

    Yivli Minaret
    The ancient city of Aspendos

    The ancient city of Aspendos

    The ruins are located 35 km from Antalya. Presumably, the city was founded in the V century BC. The highest heyday reached in the II-III centuries AD — in the Roman period. After the conquest by the Seljuks, by the XIV century, it ceased to exist. Tourists are shown the Acropolis, the Agora, the stadium, the remains of the gate, the Roman aqueduct, the basilica. The best preserved theater of the II century A.D. It is famous for its magnificent acoustics. Nowadays, concerts and festivals are held on its stage, in particular, "Lights of Anatolia".

    The ancient city of Termessos

    It is located 34 km from Antalya, on a mountain plateau with a height of 1 km. It was formed in the VI century BC. It was inaccessible to enemies due to natural barriers and its defensive structures. Since then, many interesting objects have been preserved: a theater carved into the rocks, the ruins of a gymnasium, an Odeon, 6 temples, a market square, an underground reservoir, an ancient Necropolis. The city ceased to exist after several earthquakes in the IX century AD .

    The ancient city of Termessos
    Ruins of Perge

    Ruins of Perge

    An ancient settlement, the capital of the coastal region of Pamphylia. Combines elements of Roman and Hellenistic culture and architecture. The approximate date of foundation is the XII-X century BC. It is located 18 km from Antalya. Fragments of towers and gates, a Roman bath, a main street with columns, an Agora, an amphitheater, a stadium, several temples and residential buildings have been preserved. During the time of Byzantium, and then the capture of the Seljuks, the city began to decline and gradually ceased to exist.

    Antalya Archaeological Museum

    Among the largest repositories of artifacts in the world. It traces its history back to 1919. The museum building occupies an area of 7 thousand m2, consists of 13 halls. Located in Konyaalti. 5 thousand exhibits are presented to the attention of visitors. But most of them, about 25-30 thousand units, are stored in storerooms, because there is not enough free space to place them. Among the most interesting halls are the Prehistoric, Children's, Halls of Gods, Emperors, Mosaics, the Burial Culture Hall.

    Antalya Archaeological Museum
    Kaleichi Suna and Inan Kyrach Museum

    Kaleichi Suna and Inan Kyrach Museum

    The expositions are located in two mansions of the historical district of Kaleichi. In the 90s, Suna and Inan Kyrach bought and restored these buildings. The exhibitions in the first of them give an idea of the daily life and everyday life of citizens during the Ottoman Empire, as well as ancient Turkish ceremonies and rituals. In the second building – the former Orthodox church – there is a collection of art objects from the collection of Inan and Suna Kyrach.

    Ataturk House Museum

    A two-storey mansion near the sea was presented by local authorities to the first president of Turkey, who deserved the honorary title of "Father of Turks". Kemal Ataturk appeared here only a couple of times, and in 1986 his museum was opened in the building. It was possible to preserve the interior of the 30s - furniture, carpets, household items. Personal belongings, photographs, manuscripts of the great Turk are presented. Of considerable interest is the collection of coins, banknotes and postage stamps with the image of the first president.

    Ataturk House Museum
    Toy Museum

    Toy Museum

    The museum's funny expositions will be interesting to visitors of any age, but first of all, children. Toys of different countries, peoples, cultures and epochs are collected here, starting from the XIX century. Lots of Turkish toys. Separate halls are dedicated to the legendary Barbie doll, heroes of popular cartoons. There are workshops for drawing, making dolls, origami, coloring wooden toys. The museum has been open since 2011 in the historical part of the city of Kaleichi, in the port area.

    Sand Sculpture Museum

    This is an unusual festival that is held in Antalya on Lara Beach. It's called "Sandland". One of the largest among similar festivals in the world. Every year, dozens of real sand masterpieces are created on an area of 7000 m2, in the open air. The themes of the exhibitions are constantly changing – Hollywood films, Empires of different times, Heroes of myths and legends. Figures are constructed only from river sand and water. Their life span is several months. In the evening they are beautifully illuminated.

    Sand Sculpture Museum
    Antalya Zoo

    Antalya Zoo

    The date of foundation is 1989. The area is about 330 hectares . Located in a protected area, 13 km from the center of Antalya, at the foot of the mountain. It is home to about 90 species of animals from different parts of the world. All of them are kept in spacious aviaries with excellent conditions, as close as possible to the natural environment. There is a children's mini-zoo. The whole area resembles a gentrified forest, in addition to aviaries, there are many places for recreation and picnics, sports and playgrounds.

    Amusement park "Aktur Park"

    A great place to have fun. There are more than 40 attractions located here. For the most part, they are designed for a children's audience, but there are also extreme entertainment for adults. The entrance to the lunapark is decorated in the form of a stone castle with towers. Throughout the territory there are figures of pirates, Vikings and other characters. The park has a 5D cinema, shooting gallery, restaurant, cafe. Pleasant music sounds. The "Aktur Park" is located in Konyaalti district.

    Amusement park
    Aqualand Aquapark and Dolphinarium

    Aqualand Aquapark and Dolphinarium

    The opening of the country's second largest water park took place in 1996. It is located in the Konyaalti district. The area is 36 thousand m2. It is designed for 1,500 visitors. It contains more than 10 slides, a children's pool, a pool with artificial waves, a cafe, recreation and sunbathing areas. The dolphinarium hosts fascinating performances with the participation of marine animals every day. After the show, you can take pictures, swim with them in the pool, buy a painting painted by a dolphin.

    Antalya Aquarium

    One of the attractions of Konyaalti district. The opening date is 2012. It occupies an area of 12 thousand m2. There are 40 thematic zones – according to the different ecosystems of the planet. About 10 thousand species of marine life are represented. The underwater panoramic tunnel is the longest in Europe – 131 meters. The decorations for it were made by an Italian sculptor. There are other areas in the aquarium: a cinema, a terrarium, a paintball, a snow room, an outdoor swimming pool.

    Cable car

    Cable car

    It leads to the mountain Tunektepe on the outskirts of Antalya. Here is one of the best viewing platforms in the city. The cable car opened in 2017. It consists of 36 panoramic cabins of cheerful orange color. The maximum capacity is 8 people. The total length of the road is a little more than 1,700 meters, the height of the mountain is 605 meters. The journey time is about 10 minutes. In addition to the observation decks, there are several cafes with very affordable prices.

    Antalya Panoramic Elevator

    A convenient modern lift connects the central square of the Republic with the Old Town, in particular, with the seaport. It was built in 2014. The elevator cabin can accommodate up to 15 people. The walls are glass, allowing you to admire the surrounding landscapes. The floor is made of frosted glass. The lifting height is 30 meters. There are ramps for strollers. The elevator is free. Nearby there is an observation deck with excellent panoramic views.

    Antalya Panoramic Elevator
    Mermerli Beach

    Mermerli Beach

    Not particularly popular among visitors to the city. Although it is located in the very center, in the historical part of Kaleichi. One of the oldest beaches in Antalya. Small, narrow, equipped with antique breakwaters. The whole coast is filled with umbrellas, sun beds, showers. All inventory is in excellent condition. There is a shop and a small cafe. The descent into the water is gentle. On the border of the beach there is a rock, from which an icy spring with drinking water gushes. Entrance is paid, through the restaurant.

    Lara Beach

    It is located in the eponymous district of the city, in its eastern part, 12 km from the center. It is a 10-kilometer coastline, equipped for recreation. The beach surface is sandy, the descent into the water is comfortable, gentle. It has a Blue flag of quality for cleanliness and developed infrastructure. Plots with free accommodation are interspersed with paid ones. The venue of the annual sand sculpture competition. Nearby is Lara Kent Park with equipped picnic areas.

    Konyaalti Beach

    Konyaalti Beach

    One of the best beaches in the city. It is located in the western part, in the district of the same name. The length is 8 km, the width is about 50 meters. The coating is sand and pebbles. It is divided into "civilized" and "wild" parts. He was awarded the Blue Flag badge for cleanliness and well-being. The water is clear, colder than in other areas, due to underground sources. The descent is gentle, but the depth begins immediately. Along the beach stretches a cozy embankment, framed by low palm trees.

    Karaalioglu Park

    It is located in the center of the city, in the picturesque area of Kilicharsan, along a rocky cliff. It was opened in 1943. A popular recreation area with citrus trees, exotic palm trees, bright flowers, sculptures, fountains and ancient monuments. The main attractions are the Khydyrlyk Tower, the Ataturk Museum, the municipality and the city theater. There are many cafes, restaurants, tea establishments. A staircase leads down to the seashore.

    Karaalioglu Park
    Kurshunlu Waterfall

    Kurshunlu Waterfall

    It is located 18 km from Antalya, on the territory of the national Park. It is formed by a tributary of the Aksu River. It is especially full-flowing after rains. The height is about 18 meters. It is better to admire the views from the bottom of the gorge. There is a waterfall bowl with turquoise water. There are a lot of fish in it, ducks swim. Swimming is prohibited. But you can go behind the falling stream of water and make a wish – this is a local tradition. There is fabulous nature in the surroundings, there are places for picnics, a restaurant, souvenir shops.

    Duden Waterfalls

    The most famous waterfalls in Antalya. Located on the Duden River. There are more than two dozen of them in total, but the largest are Upper and Lower, they are separated by 14 km within the city. The lower Duden falls directly into the sea from a height of 40 meters, it is best to admire its views from a boat or yacht. There is a national park nearby. The upper waterfall is also located on the territory of the park of the same name. In two streams it falls into the bowl of the lake. Right behind him, in the rock, there is a cave.

    Duden Waterfalls