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Antalya is surrounded by natural beauty. It is also a historic city. In the second Century. BC the King of Pergamon (Attalos II) was searching for paradise on earth. On his travels, he found a unique spot on the Mediterranean coast. Wide beaches, bright sparkling waterfalls, green forests, exotic flowers, the purple Taurus Mountains in the background and beautiful weather. "Here it is" he thought, and founded the city which he named after himself: "Attaleia". Later, Romans, Byzantines and Seljuks left their marks on the city. During many ages Antalya was one of the busiest ports of the East Mediterranean.
Barbaros sailed from this port to conquer the East Mediterranean. The apostle Paul visited also the town with his companions Barnabas and Mark on his first mission to Asia Minor (45-49 A.D). Antalya's Kaleiçi, with the many Ottoman houses, is as a protected region.
ENVIRONS...
Antalya has many possibilities: relaxing, sporting activities, enjoyable natural and historical treasures. Water- and mountain-sports can be practiced in various ways. Antalya has a perfect climate, therefore worth visiting all year around. In March or April you can ski in the morning, in the neighboring winter sport center Saklikent, or swim in the afternoon in the Mediterranean, or enjoy yourself on a lovely sunny terrace by the harbors. In spring and autumn you can visit music, opera, dance and other cultural festivals in the neighborhood. In autumn there is also the International Film and Art Festival in Antalya. In the direct surroundings of Antalya you will find several National Parks, including the ancient cities of Thermessos, Olympos and Perge.
DÜDEN WATERFALLS
You can admire these waterfalls in two places. In Antalya near Lara, where the waterfall plunges straight to the sea from a 50 m height. Even more spectacular is the sea view. 15 km north of Antalya are the 'upper' Düden waterfalls with caves, natural tunnels and picnic places.
KURŞUNLU WATERFALLS
11 km from the airport is an area with the best picnic grounds. The park has a 15 m deep waterfall. It's also a nice walking route.
PERGE
From Antalya 19 km east, beyond the Aksu river, the ancient city of Perge is situated. Perge was famous during the time of Alexander the Great (334 BC). St. Paul also visited this city. Notable are ruins of the agora (market), the theater and the stadium. Antalya 's museum of Archaeology houses most of the treasures found in Perge.
THERMESSOS
On the way to Korkuteli, 34 km north west of Antalya are the ruins of a beautiful national park. From the theater (4200 seats) is a magnificent view of the gulf of Antalya. It's best to visit these sites in the morning and wear sturdy shoes.
ASPENDOS (BELKIS)
50 km to the east of Antalya is Aspendos, one of the most important cities in the old world. The architect Zenon built the theater. It is the best preserved and one of the largest Roman theaters in Asia Minor (15.000 seats). It is still used to this day for musical performances. Nearby the theater are numerous ruins of the ancient city.
SİDE
From Manavgat it is 6 km to Side. Before the Greeks founded the city, the pirates of Cilicia held their slave markets here. In Side you will find a beautiful Roman theater and many ruins. There is a small museum. Side also has beautiful beaches.
MANAVGAT WATERFALLS
After your trip to Perge, Aspendos, or Side you can relax by this waterfall. You can enjoy the beautiful view with a cold drink and fresh fish from the Manavgat River.
SILLYON
15 km beyond Perge you will find Silliyon situated. This ancient city was built on an 80-90 m hill for defense reasons. The remains consist of foundations and streets, and steps cut into the rock on the hill. History tells us that Alexander the Great passed through this city.
SELGE
15 km beyond Aspendos, on the route to Side, drive to Beskonak. The ancient city of Selge is 40 km further, built a 1000 m high in a National Park.
PHASELIS
To the west of Antalya, 15 km east of Kemer on the way to Finike, you exit at Phaselis. After a short drive down the coast you will find the museum and the ancient ruins. On the beautiful beach are remains of the harbors and the city Heredot which was founded by Dorian colonists from Rhodos.
OLYMPOS
Along the coast, 70 km from Antalya, we can find the rest of this ancient city. Olympos was discovered in 1811 by Beaufort. Zeus arranged for his sons the Olympic Competitions. The winner was his son Hercules, who carried the fire for the torch. In Yanartaş you can see the eternal flame.
YANARTAŞ Chimaera (ÇIRALI)
North of Olympos is the 300m high Yanartaş. Greek mythology tells us that the Lycian hero Bellerophon mounted his winged horse Pegasus here, and slew Chimaera, the fire-breathing monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and the tail of a snake. This place was regarded by the citizens of Olympos as a holy place. If you past the main road in the evening, a small shining flame is still visible in the mountains.
DEMRE & MYRA
From Finike till Kaş the route continues down to the sea with the rocky seashore. The ancient cities and rock caves await you. The ruins of Myra include an amazing collection of carved rock tombs on the cliffs above the city, with temple like facades. Myra 's other attraction is its Roman theater and the St. Nicolas Church. Saint Nicholas, the patron Saint of children and Bishop of Myra, died here in 4th. Century.
KEKOVA
The Island Kekova can only be reached by boat. A great attraction is the sunken part of the island. Due to the clarity of the water, sarcophagi, mosaics, stairs under water tombs and ancient artifacts are still clearly visible.
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