West of Antalya proper, at the end of the tramway line, stretch miles of shingle beach known as Koyaalti. The sand is grayish but quite fine with many restaurants and cafes. The backdrop of the Taurus mountains and the cliffs on either end form a breathtaking scene for a day of swimming and sunbathing
Antalya is the capital city of the Antalya Province, located on the Gulf of
Antalya on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The population of the city is
603,190 (2000 census) but reaches up to 2 million in summers at the height of
the tourist season. Situated on a steep cliff, Antalya is a picturesque city
surrounded by mountains, forests, mediterranean sea and many ancient ruins; with
one notable archaeological museum. With its airport it is a gateway for Turkey's
coastal resorts which took the name Turkish riviera because of the natural and
historical beauties of it.
Combining history and
culture it deserves the title of "the capital of Turkish tourism". Today the
city of Antalya is reliving a golden age. It has been transformed into a
cultural and touristic hub with thematic hotels with concepts like Venice,
Topkapý Palace, and cathedrals in Moscow. Kaleici, the rustic old town where
historic Turkish and Greek houses are under protection, is the most popular
center in Antalya. It is situated between the yacht harbour and the main city.
Old houses that are separated by narrow, cobble-stone roads are now hotels and
tourism-related shops. Traces of Byzantine, Roman and Seljuks architecture and
culture can still be seen. Also Antalya museums house the finds belonging to
historic ages of Anatolia.
Inside the city Yivli Minare
and Kulliye, Karaalioglu park are places where Ottoman architecture can be seen.
Konyaalti and Lara coasts are well known with their crystal clear waters. The
prominent sites accessible by daily tours are Side, Perga, Manavgat and Alanya.
Ancient cities like Phaselis, Olympos, Adrasan and Kekova can be reached from
the sea by Blue voyagers.
