Let’s visit the most beautiful province of Turkey , Antalya. While Antalya lays down on the south shore of Turkey , it is common to visit all parts of Antalya starting from most western or most eastern.
When To Go :
Antalya is preferred for summer holidays but while it is super hot on July and August , it can be better to travel to Antalya on June and September.
How To Go :
There are 2 different airports in Antalya. One is in the city center and second one is located in Alanya. Inside any municipality , transportation is easy by public transportation. But if you would like to visit each part of Antalya , it will be better to drive around 10 hours and reach by car.
Where To Stay :
Most of the visitors prefer all inclusive hotels in Antalya. But i wouldn’t prefer to stuck in a hotel and would like to see everywhere. While visiting every part of Antalya , we can find cheap hotels , aparts and guest houses easily.
TO DO LIST :
Let’s drive to the most western part of Antalya from Istanbul and after 10 hour drive , we can start our tour.
Note : You can buy a museum pass include all cities in Turkey for 800 TL valid for 15 days. Museum pass doesn’t include canyons , valleys and waterfalls.
1-) Kaş :
Kaş is the most western munipality in Antalya.
a-) Patara :
Our first stop is Patara Ancient City which comes from the time of Lycians. Then you can also swim and lay down on Patara Beach which is the longest beach Antalya and you can even watch Caretta Carettas while it is also a home for spawning ground.
b-) Kaputaş Beach :
After a 20-25 mins drive from Patara , we arrive at Kaputaş Beach. It is located on the chimney and has a great view. On the other hand it gets deepen in 2-3- steps and a bit cold.
c-) Kaş :
After another 20-25 mins drive by a wonderful view , we arrive in Kaş centre. Here you can stay at a boutique hotel after such a long tiring way. You can enjoy the silence in Kaş , visit some ancient ruins in the centre , have a look at ancient theatre and rock graves. You can have a great walk in the narrow streets which are famous with bougainvilleas. You can also do paragliding in Kaş but my first option for Paragliding is Oludeniz in Fethiye.
2-) Demre :
Second municipality after Kaş is Demre.
a-) Kaleüçağız :
After a 35 mins drive , we arrive at Kalaüçağız in early morning. One of the best 2 boat trip of Turkey is in Kaleüçağız. Other one is in Fethiye. Tour starts around 10:30 and you can swim in one of the best coves and islands. You can see Kekova Sunken City and visit Kaleköy.
b-) Myra Ancient City :
After half an hour drive , you can reach at Myra where you can visit Myra Ancient City , especially Lycian Rock Tombs are interesting.
c-) St. Nicholas Church :
Also known as Santa Claus , built in 520 , located in a very close area to Myra Ancient City.
3-) Kumluca :
a-) Olympos :
We are arriving in Olympos after one and a half our drive. Here you can stay at wooden houses and have a good rest. Pasing through Olympos Ancient City , you can reach at Olympos Beach.
4-) Kemer :
a-) Tahtalı Mountain :
You can reach at Tahtalı(Olympus) Mountain in around 50 mins from Olympos. You can enjoy the view on the top arriving by cable car or can visit ski center. This mountain is not one of the top things to do and can be prefferable.
b-) Phaselis Ancient City :
You can arrive at Phaselis after a 30 mins drive both from Olympos or Olymps Mountain. It is located on a peninsula and you can enjoy the view and swim.
c-) Kemer :
In the center of Kemer , you can stay at all inclusive hotels or you can visit some night clubs. The best one seems Inferno.
d-) Goynuk Canyon :
After a 20 mins drive you can arrive at Goynuk Canyon. It is one of many beutiful canyons in Antalya. You can rest or enjoy canyoning.
5-) Antalya :
Our next stop is Antalya center. It is my favourite place. While there are many things to do , it is also much cheaper compare to other parts. I find it most livable area in Turkey. You can stay at a hotel in Kaleici districts or just next to it.
a-) Kaleici :
Kaleici is the old city part of center Antalya. You can walk in old narrow streets full of with old turkish style houses and visit Yivli Minare(Alaaddin) Mosque. You can have some drink on cliffed coast and enjoy the wonderful view. You can enjoy walking in marina and in bars street. You can see many historical building in the old city part , one of them is Hadrian’s Gate. You can also reach at Antalya Airport in around 45 mins by tram.
b-) Konyaalti Beach :
It is located on a walking distance from Kaleici , you can also reach by tram. A very long beach but not sandy. Most of recidences of Antalya swim here and also they spend their time in the green area along the beach. Before entering the beach , you can visit Jolly Eat&Drink Cafe , enjoy your drink and wonderful view.
c-) Antalya Archeological Museum :
It is one of the must see if you are interested in archeology. It is located close to the beginning of Konyaalti Beach. Mostly you will see the antiquities from Perga Ancient City.
d-) Lower Duden Fall :
It can be one of the best waterfalls of the world. I think you should visit it both in the evening and day time. You can reach to it in around 30 mins by public bus from Kaleici. Also you should be aware of the difference between Upper Duden Fall which can confuse you. You should especially see the Lower one which pours down to mediterranean. The are next to the waterfall known Lara , is a good neighbourhood.
e-) Kursunlu Waterfalls :
Kursunlu Waterfalls are something like secret heaven. You will have a great atmosphere for photos with the colour combination and area is so cool to rest. You can reach at Kursunlu Waterfalls after half an hour drive from Antalya center.
f-) Perga Ancient City :
After a 15 mins drive from Kursunlu Waterfalls , you will reach at Perga. It is one of the biggest 2 ancient cities in Antalya.
6-) Serik :
a-) The Land Of The Legends :
The Land Of The Legends is a big complex includes shopping center , amusement park , concert hall and ring. You can reach here after 20-25 mins drive from Perga Ancient City.
b-) Aspendos :
After half an hour drive , you will reach at Aspendos. Here you can visit Aspendos Ancient City or another name is Aspendos Ruins. While it has a very difficult path , it is not so popular to walk and also you can visit aqueduct by car. But you should especially visit Aspendos Ancient Theater. It is the only one which is totally remained and still active. You can experience concerts if you can fix timing.
7-) Manavgat :
a-) Side :
It will take around 40 mins to get Side Ancient City from Aspendos. You will need to have a long walk inside ancient city while it is huge one. The most important place is Temple Of Apollo.
b-) Manavgat Waterfall :
After a 20 mins drive from Side , you will reach at Manavgat Waterfall. I think Duden and Kursunlu Waterfalls are much better but still it deserves a visit.
8-) Alanya :
Our last stop in Antalya is Alanya , takes around an hour from Manavgat Waterfall. It is a bit similar to Antalya Center with its castle , cliffs and local life. Unfortunately i spent only a day and visited beach. So i will write places to see just in a sentence.
a-) Kleopatra Beach :
One of the best beaches of Antalya. Especially you shouldn’t miss sunset.
b-) Cable Car :
You can enjoy one of the best view in Alanya by Cable Car and reach at the top of the mountain. You can watch the sunset in one of the cafes next to the castle. You will pay 100 TL for 2 ways.
c-) Alanya Castle :
Castle side by museum entrance is a small area. You can finish it in 15 mins. Even if you don't visit it , you will be already next to it by cable car.
d-) Red Tower and Shipyard :
You can visit Red Tower and Shipyard for 25 TL totally. Especially Red Tower is a beautiful place to visit.
e-) Damlatas Cave :
Damlatas is a quiet small cave which can be visited because of its location. It is located next to Cleopatra Beach and Cable Car.
Dim River and Dim Cave are the other places to be seen in Alanya.
Note: To go to Gazipasa Airport , you can use Havas buses which heads from Couch Station and passing the main street.
Bonus :
Lycian Way :
Starting from Fethiye , Lycian Way ends in Antalya center , can be preferred by nature and trekking lovers. Besides it is a very long way , there also camping areas on the way.
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