The resort of Antalya is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and visitors in Turkey. Its stunning turquoise coast and area steeped in history combined with its abundance of services for visitors to enjoy make it an ideal place to spend some time travelling. From the Old Harbour to the interesting museums and vibrant nightlife, it is a must-visit for anyone who loves not just sun, sea and sand, but also plenty of culture and history. It also offers a very affordable place to visit, with accommodation and food options to suit a range of budgets. If you’re not sure whether Antalya is the right place for you or you’re busy planning a trip right now, read this guide to find out more and get some tips to make your visit memorable.
Getting Around in Antalya
Getting around in Antalya doesn’t need to be difficult. While some people choose to hire a car, there are a number of other options that mean you don’t need to have a car if you don’t want one. When you arrive, you can book with an Antalya airport transfer company to get you smoothly to your hotel or other accommodation. You might choose to use taxis to get around during your stay, but there are some great public transport options if you would prefer to use those. Buses will take you around the city, and you can also use the dolmus minibus, which follows a set route and can take you to some great places. There is also a tram that leaves from Western Konyaalti Beach and Antalya Museum and goes to the historic city centre. Walking and cycling are also great ways to get around.
Where to Stay
Antalya is a popular tourist destination, offering you a huge choice of places to stay. If you’re planning your visit, you can first think about what type of accommodation you want. Consider how independent you would like to be during your trip. You can also consider how central you want to be to the city. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, as well as larger resorts. The Aska Lara Resort and Spa is a popular 5-star choice. If you would prefer self-catering accommodation, there are apartments or villas you can rent during your stay so that you can have more privacy. You can even choose a villa with a private pool.
Eating Out
If you enjoy spending your travels trying the local cuisine, there are lots of fantastic places to eat in Antalya. Some people prefer to stay within their resort and enjoy the dining options on offer there, but there’s much more to explore in and around the city too. Some of Antalya’s best restaurants serve Turkish and Mediterranean food, while others offer options such as steak or sushi. If you want to find the most affordable places to eat, the best thing to do is to embrace Turkish food and eat where the locals eat. Fine dining restaurants such as 7 Mehmet rank highly on review sites, but it’s places like Maydanoz Kofte where you will find the best prices.
Antalya Nightlife
Anyone who enjoys exploring the nightlife when they’re away can find pubs, bars and clubs to experience while they’re in Antalya. As the area is popular with British tourists, there are several places to cater to them, such as The Jolly Joker Pub and the Sheffield Pub. There are plenty of fun places to go clubbing, such as the Soho Club. However, it’s just as easy to spend your evening enjoying a meal and a few drinks. If clubbing or staying out late isn’t for you, there are other options to keep you entertained while you’re in Antalya.
Things to Do
During the day, there’s a lot to do in Antalya too. No matter how you prefer to spend your time away, you can find some activities that will entertain you. If you like history and culture, walking around the historic part of the city and the Old Harbour will delight you. There’s also the Antalya Museum, the Ataturk House and Museum, the Antalya Toy Museum and some other great museums and historic points of interest. If you prefer to get active, there are beaches and natural areas to visit and plenty of activities to try. You can even spend your time shopping, or just lounging on the beach.
Antalya is a stunning area with something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your trip before you visit so you know the best way to make everything go smoothly.