10 Reasons Why Antalya is the 2nd Most Visited Destination in Turkey

If you are considering visiting Antalya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, this is the year to do it. Trailing behind the bustling city of Istanbul, Antalya city centre bags the crown of Turkey's most popular coastal area. The Antalya region covers a wide area of the turquoise-blue Mediterranean coast. Stretching for roughly 657 kilometres, it ranges from Gazipasa to the small but upmarket town of Kalkan. The chance of areas on the Turkish Aegean coast stealing second place from Antalya is unlikely, and there are plenty of reasons why. The beautiful city of Antalya is good for tourists for many reasons.

Antalya


Why Visit Antalya - Turkey


1: Diversity of Places in Antalya

Antalya splits into small coastal resorts along with the city centre, each with distinctive vibes and characters. Belek is renowned for 5-star luxury hotels and pristine golf courses, while Kemer caters for tourists seeking all-inclusive hotels. Further up the coast, quaint Side coastal town boasts ancient city ruins, while Alanya's lively night-time scene twins perfectly with gorgeous daytime beaches. The main city centre is, of course, all-encompassing, therefore providing every need, facility and amenities. Anyone seeking a quiet, off-the-beaten-track place will enjoy places like Cirali and Olympos.


2: Antalya Airport and Public Transportation

Running alongside the coastline is the D400 highway that stretches for 2,057 kilometres. Excellent road conditions and cheap and frequent public transport schedules make getting about easy. These benefits attract self-drive holiday enthusiasts and ensure short transfer times from Antalya airport. The main bus terminal, 4 kilometres outside Antalya city centre, is a central transport hub between the east and west of Turkey.

Meanwhile, the flawless schedule of the well-designed airport accommodates 20 million international visitors annually. There is only one domestic terminal, but two international terminals accommodate arrivals from other countries. Served by Turkish and international airlines, Antalya airport is Turkey's Third busiest, a testament to millions of people who use it every year.


3: Multi Nationalities

The Aegean coast of Turkey attracts mainly European visitors, particularly the Brits, but Antalya attracts many nationalities of repeat visitors, including Germans, Russians, Georgians, British and Bulgarians. Beyond this, it is hard to establish precisely why it appeals to multi-nationalities, but short flight times could be another reason.

Antalya Harbour


4: Sailing the Turkish Riviera and Turquoise coast

Before tourism, most coastal villages relied on fishing, boat construction and sponge diving for income. In the 1970s, the Turkish Riviera was born, and Antalya fully embraced the concept. Citizens became experts in building and sailing the famous Turkish gulet boats. Massive investment into marinas around the area paid off because yearly luxury yachts dock in from around the world. As well as the luxury visitors, many backpackers arrive after completing the budget 4-day gulet cruise from neighbouring Fethiye.


5: Ideal Year-Round Climate

Antalya offers an appealing all-year-round climate. Average temperatures in summer of 30 degrees Celsius give way to 11 hours of sunshine a day. Evening times are excellent, while winter conditions and rainfall amounts are not as cold or plentiful as in other places in Turkey, including Istanbul and the Aegean coast. The climate is one reason many foreigners move to Antalya to live here all year round.


6: Natural Landmarks of Beauty

Despite being one of Turkey's most visited places, Antalya protects the places of natural beauty. These include Mount Tahtali, where visitors ascend in cable cars for a fantastic panoramic coastline and backing Taurus Mountains views. Manavgat waterfalls wow everyone and plenty of small rural villages live peacefully away from the main resorts.

The gushing waters of Koprulu canyon attract adrenaline addicts with white water rafting opportunities. At the same time, protected Olympos park is home to beaches, forests and the notorious Burning flames of Chimaera that stay alight 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For a quick visit, also visit Karaalioglu park. More about must-see attractions.

Antalya Waterfalls


7: Historical Sites of Interest

Visitors love the historical sites scattered throughout the region and places like Antalya Museum. The most famous is Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman city prominent during the Pamphylia era. Its theatre is marvellously intact, and annually the Antalya Ballet and Opera society holds a series of shows that attracts thousands of fans.

Further up the coastline, Phaselis, gently nestled between two beaches, was a prominent trading post during the Pamphylia era, but the constant invasions drove out citizens by pirates. Add Termossos and Perge, along with the historical ruins in the heart of Side coastal resort. Also, put the Antalya Museum and Antalya ethnographic museum on your list of places to visit.

Antalya


8: Konyaalti Beach Park and Lara Beach

Ah, these two amazing beaches hold the crown as being Turkey's best, with front-row seats to the Mediterranean Sea. Lara beach, known for large, all-inclusive themed hotels, attracts thousands of visitors yearly with ideal swimming and sunbathing opportunities. Lara beach is also where the annual Lara Beach sand festival takes place. Konyaalti beach park, further west, also draws in crowds. As if that isn't enough, other beaches within a bus ride earn admiration and fame, including Cleopatra in Alanya and Kaputas on the outskirts. For beautiful beaches, Antalya delivers.

Konyaalti beach


9: Kaleici Old Town District and Hadrian's Gate

Many places in Turkey have ancient city ruins to boast of, but in Antalya city, they have the perfectly preserved Kaleici old town district and cobbled streets to visit. City life here seems a world away as visitors explore the old town's Ottoman mansions, many of which have been converted into hotels and restaurants lining the winding streets to the old Roman harbour district and ancient city walls. The old city part is marked by Hadrian's gate, an entrance, and alongside the old clock tower, and Tekeli Mehmet Pasa mosque is a famous spot to take your photograph while on a walking tour.


10: Everything Turkish

Antalya does an excellent job of luxury and modern living, yet look even more closely and see traditional Turkish culture on every corner. May we suggest a Turkish bath of which the tradition dates from the old roman baths. Also, try Turkish coffee and tea, but not the apple version given by touristy shops. Men should indulge in a Turkish shave that will be the smoothest and closest they will ever get. But the best way to learn more about Turkish culture is by tasting the food sold in many traditional restaurants lining the city streets.


Summary - Is Antalya Good for Tourists?

So, there are plenty of reasons why Antalya is a popular tourist destination. Enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, the surrounding region, the old town, Antalya beach park, Antalya Aquarium, and much more. Tourists in Antalya also get good value for money thanks to the Turkish lira. They also enjoy art galleries, panoramic vistas, and boutique hotels and often indulge in a boat trip or two. Turkey is also a safe country to visit, and you will enjoy all the sights Antalya offers.

Antalya in Turkey


More Reasons to Visit Antalya - Turkey

The Best Time to Visit Antalya: Knowing the best time to visit Antalya in Turkey depends on leisure and pleasure preferences. The main factor is weather and temperatures, but here is one thing to know about Antalya. Overall, Turkey's several different geographical zones vary in temperature and climate, but the eastern Mediterranean to which Antalya belongs is the hottest.

Districts of Antalya: Altogether, 19 districts of Antalya form one province that storms ahead of others for tourism and foreign house sales. Now on par to compete with Istanbul for the number one spot, Antalya is the second most popular area in Turkey for visitor numbers and foreign house sales. A rich historical timeline, ideal weather climate, fabulous beaches and Mediterranean shopping and nightlife scenes easily explains why people visit Antalya, Turkey.

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