Antalya Attractions

Turkey has long been for Russian tourists a familiar place for recreation, a place where there is the sea, the sun and plenty of entertainment. But Turkey is also an ancient history, a history of which few people remember, a history of which little is known, a history which bears itself in the ancient monuments of architecture. What secrets they hold, we will probably never know. But to look at the remnants of the past still preserved today – the ancient sights of Antalya, we just have to.

Kaleici (old town)

A very "instagrammable" sight – the streets of the old city of Kaleici in Antalya

Kaleici is the oldest part of Antalya. Kaleichi is a mixture of architecture from different eras, each bearing its own "piece" of history. This is a place with its own energy, with its own secrets lost in the corners of labyrinths and streets.

Old City Harbour

There is a small harbor on the shores of Kaleici where even today boats and small yachts sit cozily. According to the official version of history, once it was the largest harbor of Europe, where the goods were brought from all over the world. Looking at the harbor today, it's hard to believe, but the place is really cozy, quiet, romantic.

Old City Harbor in Antalya

A cozy cafe and a cup of coffee with the cries of seagulls in the area of the old harbor is what a tourist needs to take a rest and gain strength.

Yivli Minaret

Yivli Minaret towering above the old city

The Yivli Minaret is in the center of the old city, and is visible from almost anywhere in Antalya. The minaret is unusually designed, the peculiar masonry and the wavy pillar attract attention. It is simply a very beautiful structure, the likes of which few travelers have seen in their lifetime.

 

 

Hadrian's Gate

Hadrian's Gate, installed in Antalya during a visit to the city by the Roman emperor in 130 A.D.э.

To be honest, Hadrian's Gate looks like an accidentally lost feminine ornament amidst the gloomy military garrison. But to agree or disagree with this version, it is worth seeing them with your own eyes.

Ruins of the Ancient City of Myra

150 km from Antalya, the ruins of the ancient city known as Mira. It is located not far from the city of Demre, and often these two names are combined together.

The tombs carved out in the rocks

Mira, a city which survived many times and conquests. It is amazing with its buildings carved out directly in the rocks, it is believed that these are ancient tombs.
A must see sight in Antalya.

Aspendos

The Roman amphitheater in Aspendos

Most people associate the amphitheaters with ancient Rome or Greece. But no. There are several amphitheaters from the ancient world in Turkey. Their ruins are carefully preserved and shown to tourists, even though there is not a single word about them in the history books.

Termessos

The ruins of the ancient city of Termessos

In Termessos National Park there is another amphitheater, preserved a little worse. Along with this, in a beautiful mountainous region, stand the ruins of another ancient city. According to historical information, the city which was located in these places, was able to survive many conquests, but could not cope with nature, being killed by a major earthquake.

Perge

People used to talk about the antiquity and the profound history of such countries as Greece and Rome, but the number of ancient ruins on the territory of Turkey, strikes and surprises.

Ruins of the ancient city of Perge near Antalya

Another ancient city on the Turkish coast is Perge.
Pantheons, an amphitheater, and the ruins of huge arched ceilings have survived.

The karst springs of Antalya

A natural attraction of Antalya – Düden waterfalls

Apart from the historical heritage Antalya is also rich in natural attractions. One of the monuments of natural elegance and grandeur are the karst springs of Antalya with their famous Düden waterfalls. There you can also admire the swallow's nests, which are abundant on the limestone coast.

The Cave of Karain

One of Turkey's largest caves

Another miracle of nature and skilful human hands is the Karain Cave. Why human hands? Because long time ago people lived there. The cave is big and very beautiful. It's really worth a visit.

There are lots of natural and architectural sights in Antalya, and visiting them is a must for the traveler.