Seeking Out Winter Sun in Antalya
Longing for some winter sun? Antalya in Turkey is a beautiful city on the southwestern coast boasting stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. The historic old town, bustling bazaars and stunning Duden Waterfalls draw tourists to the destination all year round.
Where to stay in Antalya
Antalya offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets including luxury resorts, boutique hotels and budget-friendly hostels. Lara Beach is a popular area, famous for its sandy beaches and swanky resorts including the Titanic Beach Lara Resort and the Delphin Imperial Hotel Lara. We stayed at the Swandor Topkapi Palace Hotel, a stylish beachfront resort designed in an Ottoman palace style, adding a touch of elegance. There are multiple pools and water parks as well as a private beach, spa, and many restaurants. There are also plenty of entertainment options in the evening such as live shows and performances.
For an authentic experience, at stay in Antalya’s Old Town Kaleici is recommended. This charming neighbourhood is filled with historic buildings, narrow streets, and cosy boutique hotels. Notable hotels in this area include the Mediterra Art Hotel and the Puding Marina Residence.
If you prefer a more modern atmosphere, the city centre has a plethora of choices to suit all tastes.
Getting around in Antalya
Taxis are a convenient way to get around Antalya, but as in most places, the most economical way to travel around the city is by public transport. Antalya has a well-developed bus service – AntRay – which covers the city centre, suburbs, and popular tourist destinations.
The regular city buses have designated stops along their routes, and you can check the bus schedules and routes at the bus stops or online. Simply board the bus and buy a ticket directly from the driver. A top tip is to put in the details of where you want to go to and from on Google Map and it will tell you the exact bus stop you need to go to.
Shopping in Antalya
The city is known for its vibrant bazaars where you can find unique treasures and souvenirs. Antalya Bazaar is in the heart of the city and sells traditional Turkish carpets, textiles, spices, jewellery, and leather goods. Kaleici Bazaar is in the Old Town and boasts winding streets and shops selling handicrafts, ceramics and antiques.
Duden Waterfalls
A must-see is this natural wonder located just outside of Antalya. It’s divided into two sections: the Upper Duden Waterfall and the Lower Duden Waterfall. The Upper Duden Waterfall is located about 10 kilometres northeast of the city centre and is surrounded by lush greenery. You can walk along the park’s pathways and enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall cascading down from a height of about 20 meters into a natural pool. The Lower Duden Waterfall is located closer to the city, where the Duden River meets the Mediterranean Sea. Here, the waterfall drops from a height of about 40 meters into the sea, creating a truly spectacular sight. You can take a boat tour to get a closer look at the waterfall from the sea or simply enjoy the view from the nearby park.
Light show: You have probably seen the famous the Land of Legend’s light show all over Tiktok. It’s a captivating display of lights and music at the Land of Legends Theme Park in Antalya. The show combines state-of-the-art technology with stunning choreography to create a truly immersive experience.
Kaleici Old Town
To experience the rich history and culture of Antalya, head to the Old Town, also known as Kaleici. This is a charming and historic neighbourhood famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and vibrant bazaars. You can explore the well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, visit the ancient Hadrian’s Gate, and wander through the bustling bazaars filled with local crafts. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars where you can soak up the unique ambiance.
