Antalya: Where Mountain and Sea Meet
On our fast-paced tour of the western Mediterranean coast of Turkey, we spent half of a day exploring Antalya.
During my preparation for this trip I did a little online research. I found it interesting that a frequently asked question was, “Is Antalya worth visiting?” That was a surprising question to me. I guess people may assume that Antalya is too touristy because many visitors to Turkish beaches fly into Antalya. Antalya is home to many resorts and hotels and does appeal to tourists with a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants offering eclectic, ethnic menus for every palate. It is known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters.
However, Antalya with a current population of 2.4 million people, has a rich history. It offers a mixture of both beaches and mountains. Can’t decide if you are a beach or mountain person? In Antalya, you don’t have to choose.
Having a limited amount of time to visit, my companions and I wanted to experience the best of Antalya. We decided to explore Old Town, or, as it is known in Turkish, Kaleiçi, which means "inside the castle." Old Town was established between 159 and 139 B.C. There are still traces of Hellenistic, Roman, and Ottoman architecture. We entered Old Town through Hadrian’s Gate. Hadrian’s Gate was built in AD 130 to celebrate the visit of the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, and is quite impressive.
After passing through Hadrian’s Gate, we emerged through a maze of cobbled streets lined with boutique hotels, quaint restaurants, gift shops, and beautiful architecture. Old Town borders the crescent-shaped yacht harbor. You will find all the m’s: monuments, museums, and mosques. You will also discover many picturesque town squares with benches and street musicians.
I was impressed with several shops that offered unique souvenir options of higher quality than traditional touristy gift shops. I was particularly captured by the craftsmanship of local artisans offering leather goods, pottery, handmade rugs, and art.
I fell in love with this travel bag!
The quoted price for the bag was $150. I could have negotiated for a lower price, but I am too big of a sissy for haggling! The bag was made of antique carpet and hand-stitched leather. I would have splurged because it was such an unusual find, but it wouldn’t have fit into my travel backpack. I did, however, leave with several Turkish towels.
We concluded our stroll through the streets by descending to the harbor marina down very steep stone stairs. If you navigate these stairs, be careful; they are very slippery, even in dry weather.
In the marina, local fishermen were selling their catches of the day. This is also the place of embarkation if you book sea excursions. Be sure to check out the many variety of boats.
At the base of the cliff wall, there is a panoramic elevator that took us back to street level.
You will likely wait in line to use the elevator but there is not a charge. Be prepared to be packed in. You will stand very close to many people if you choose to take this short ride. This was our experience. It was an excellent option for our tired legs, and we were rewarded with an amazing view of Old Town and the harbor when we reached the top.
So, is Antalya worth visiting? I think a resounding, yes! I particularly left wishing for more time to wander the streets, knowing there is so much more to discover! Old Town represents a rich history in the heart of a modern city. The best of both worlds!
TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE WEST, KEEP LOOKING EAST!
Kristina Whiteaker
Kristina grew up in Middle Tennessee and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a business administration degree in accounting. She loves to travel, both domestically and internationally, exploring new destinations and experiencing different cultures. Kristina has visited various regions of North America and countries throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia. Her favorite thing about traveling is adventure and enjoying local cuisine. Kristina lives in Huntsville, AL with her husband CJ, and four children.