Antalya

Antalya: Where History Meets the Turquoise Coast

Perched on Turkey’s southwest coast, Antalya is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, modern culture, and stunning Mediterranean landscapes. Known for its year-round sunshine, breathtaking beaches, and rich historical heritage, it has become one of Turkey’s most popular destinations.

The city’s well-preserved Roman-Ottoman quarter, Kaleici, offers breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains, while the historic Roman harbor adds a touch of maritime charm. But Antalya isn’t just about coastal beauty—it’s a gateway to ancient civilizations, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

A Journey Through Time: The History of Antalya

Antalya’s origins date back to antiquity, though the exact time of its first settlement remains unknown. Some of the earliest human artifacts, dating to the Paleolithic period, have been found in the Karain Cave.

• Founded in the 1st century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon, the city was originally called Attalia, serving as a naval base.
• Became a Roman city when King Attalos III bequeathed Pergamon to Rome.
• Christianity spread here in the 2nd century, and Emperor Hadrian’s Gate was built in honor of his visit.
• Under the Byzantine Empire, Antalya thrived until the Seljuk Turks took control.
• In 1391, the Ottomans reclaimed the city, holding it until World War I, when it briefly fell under Italian control.
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s forces reclaimed Antalya in 1923, integrating it into the newly founded Turkish Republic.

Today, Antalya remains a vibrant city that seamlessly blends its historical past with modern coastal allure.

Must-Visit Sites in the Antalya Province

Aspendos – The Best-Preserved Roman Theatre

📍 Distance: 47 km from Antalya
Aspendos boasts the most well-preserved Roman theatre in the world, built around 1000 BC by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans. Its impeccable acoustics and stunning architecture continue to host performances today.

Termessos – The City in the Mountains

📍 Distance: 30 km from Antalya
Nestled at 1,000 meters above sea level on Mount Solymos, Termessos is an ancient Pisidian city surrounded by rugged peaks, offering a unique blend of history and breathtaking natural views.

Perga – The Ancient Capital of Pamphylia

📍 Distance: 15 km from Antalya
Once Pamphylia’s capital, Perga was founded around 1000 BC. The city was strategically placed inland to avoid pirate attacks. Notably, it was home to Apollonius, the famous student of Archimedes.

Karain Cave – Tracing Human History

Believed to be continuously inhabited for 25,000 years, Karain Cave is one of Turkey’s oldest prehistoric sites. Inside, archaeologists have uncovered human and animal bones, tools, and stone hand axes. Visitors can explore the cave and its museum, which showcases remarkable artifacts.

Kemer – Coastal Charm & Natural Beauty

📍 Distance: 40 km west of Antalya
Once only accessible by boat, Kemer was developed in the 1960s, bringing new infrastructure and tourism. Its name comes from the stone walls built to protect against flooding.

Chimaera / Yanartas – The Eternal Flames of Mount Olympos

At 250 meters above sea level, flames spontaneously burn from crevices on Mount Olympos due to methane emissions. These “eternal flames” have been burning since the 4th century and were used as beacons by ancient sailors.

Cirali – A Nature-Lover’s Paradise

A small rural village with pristine beaches, Cirali is protected by the WWF due to its status as a Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead Turtle) nesting ground.

Olympos – A Mythical Valley

📍 Distance: 90 km from Antalya
Dating back to the Hellenistic period, Olympos was one of the six leading cities in the Lycian Federation. The city was invaded by Cilician pirates in the 1st century BC before being added to the Roman Empire in 78 BC.

Finike – The Ancient Trading Port

📍 Distance: 90 min from Antalya
Once called Phoenicus, Finike was a major Lycia trading port. It saw multiple invasions from Syria, Egypt, and Rhodes before falling under Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman rule.

Kekova – The Sunken City

Now uninhabited, Kekova encompasses an island and the ancient Lycian towns of Simena, Aperlae, Dolchiste, and Teimioussa. The region was abandoned in 1923, leaving behind mesmerizing partially sunken ruins.

Kalekoy / Simena – A Seaside Fortress

📍 Location: Between Kas and Demre
Accessible only by boat, Kalekoy (Simena) sits atop a Lycian necropolis, offering breathtaking sea views. A small Byzantine castle, built to combat piracy, still stands above the village.

Dolchiste – The Half-Sunken Ancient City

Once destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, Dolchiste was rebuilt by the Byzantines before being abandoned due to Arab incursions. Today, much of the ancient city remains submerged underwater.

Demre / Myra – The Home of Santa Claus

📍 Location: Mediterranean Coast, Antalya Province
Myra, now Demre, was the hometown of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the historical figure behind Santa Claus. Before its tourism boom in the 1980s, the town was known for its agriculture, producing pomegranates, citrus fruits, and vegetables.

Kas – A Charming Coastal Town

Once a small fishing village, Kas is surrounded by mountains that resemble human figures lying down. Known for its Mediterranean climate, the town thrives on sailing, agriculture, and honey production.

Kalkan – A Mediterranean Jewel

Located between Fethiye and Kas, Kalkan enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. As the only safe harbor in the area, it has evolved into a thriving tourism hotspot, famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow winding streets, and vibrant flower-covered balconies.

Experience Antalya with Us!

From ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes to pristine beaches and coastal adventures, Antalya offers something for every traveler.

✅ Explore Antalya day tours with Alaturka Travel
✅ Immerse yourself in history, culture, and nature
✅ Make your trip to Antalya unforgettable!

📍 Book your adventure today!