The gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya welcomes millions of tourists every year and the first thing that comes to mind when its name is mentioned is of course the magnificent Mediterranean beaches. However, this fascinating city has a history of more than two thousand years. And with architectural monuments from different periods and cultures such as Greek, Roman and Byzantine, natural privileges, accommodation options that meet different needs and countless activities, Antalya offers opportunities to meet the ideal holiday expectation of almost every tourist.
These are known facts… But what are the unknown details about Antalya?
Turkey’s largest coastal city
Antalya is the eighth most populous city in Turkey and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast.
City within city
Kaleici, the Old City of Antalya, is like another city in the city with its Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman structures, surviving walls and the historical main gate Hadrian.
The world’s largest tunnel aquarium
Antalya Aquarium is the world’s largest tunnel aquarium. It has four thematic areas, namely the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, and is home to 250 different sea creatures.
5 National Parks
Standing out with its natural beauties, Antalya has more national parks than any other province in Turkey: Üzümdere National Park, Güllük Mountain National Park, Altınbeşik Cave National Park, Beydağları Beach National Park and Köprülü Canyon National Park.
Museum rich
The fact that it offers many alternatives such as the Archeology Museum, Antalya Toy Museum, Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum makes Antalya extremely attractive for museum enthusiasts.
Winter tourism
Antalya also appeals to tourists who enjoy winter sports and especially skiing. Saklıkent Ski Center, which is 1 hour away from the city center, must be seen during the season.
Homeland of the snowdrop flower
Akseki, a district of Antalya, is the homeland of the snowdrop flower. In winter, local and foreign tourists who are fond of botany visit the area to see the flower.
Olympos, city of the gods
One of the most important port cities of Ancient Lycia and the subject of mythology throughout history, Olympos maintains rightful popularity with its magnificent coast and endemic plant species.
Mysterious flames burning 24 hours a day
Speaking of Olympos, the gift of mysterious nature Yanartas must be mentioned. Although the rocks, which were believed to burn for centuries and never go out, confused scientists for a long time, a logical reason was finally presented. However, its mythological story is much more interesting, and the flame of “Olympic Torch” today is a symbolic expression of the Chimera’s unquenchable fire.
The house of the caretta carettas
Antalya has nine out of 21 protected areas as nesting ones for caretta carettas in Turkey. And it is the most important habitat for caretta carettas in the entire Mediterranean with its 640 kilometer coastline.
One of the most beautiful walking routes in the world
The Lycian road, with its fascinating coastline, mountainous interiors and ancient ruins, starts from Fethiye and stretches all the way to Antalya. As one of the longest walking routes in the world with a distance of approximately 550 km, it invites you to a journey of transforming yourself.
On the UNESCO World Heritage List
Xanthos, the capital of Lycia in ancient times, dating back to 3000 BC, and Letoon, one of the most important religious centers of the same period, were included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1988. However, 9 more places have been waiting on temporary list for almost 30 years for the title, which has a great importance in terms of world cultural tourism: Karain Cave, Alanya Castle, St. Nicholas Church, Lycian Civilization Ancient Cities, Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Ancient City Theater and Aqueducts, Yivli Minare Mosque, Güllük Mountain-Termessos National Park, Kekova Sunken City.
