Heading to Turkey’s southern coast for the vacations? Check out our guide to the best places to stay in Antalya!
The tourist capital of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is nicknamed the « Turkish Riviera ». It is one of the world’s most popular seaside resorts, with over 9 million visitors a year, and a dazzling demographic growth. From a population of just 603,190 in 2000, the city now boasts over 2.3 million inhabitants. With 300 days of sunshine a year, the city enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, which also explains its appeal. Despite the very high number of visitors, accommodation in Antalya is easy to find and well-priced.
The city has been inhabited since its foundation in ancient times, and boasts a number of historic monuments not to be missed. Find a place to stay during your stay, with our selection of areas to stay in Antalya.
Kaleiçi, the old town
Photo credit: Flickr – Orçun Edipoğlu
An ancient village perched on a hill and steep cliff, with its port below, Kaleiçi is undoubtedly Antalya’s most visited district. Take a stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets of the old town, where you can also take photos of the many historic monuments. For example, the Kesic Minare – a former Roman temple, then a Byzantine church, then a mosque with a truncated minaret – the fluted minaret of the Yivli mosque, Hadrian’s Gate and the Clock Tower. To the south of the district, the botanical garden – Karaalioglu Park – offers a breathtaking view of the cliffs and mountains surrounding Antalya in the distance. You’ll also see the Hidirlik Tower.
In the alleyways of the old town, the Atatürk Caddesi and Kazim Ozalp Caddesi shopping streets will be your haunt if you want to pick up a variety of souvenirs. But you’re sure to be mobbed by shopkeepers, who will be begging you for souvenirs. In the evening, let yourself be tempted by the famous Turkish baths: the Sefa Hammam, built in the 13th century, takes you back to a typical Turkish tradition. It’s a central, historic area to stay in Antalya, so you can explore the city on foot.
The old port
Photo credit: Flickr – Chris 861
Renovated in 1988, the old port is now one of Antalya’s leading tourist centers. Numerous hotels, restaurants, boutiques and a bazaar are located here. In addition, you can stroll through one of the five parks along Cumhuriyet Caddesi. An ideal location for accommodation in Antalya. However, the area can be saturated in high season.
Konyaalti
Photo credit: Flickr – Jean
In spite of Antalya’s massive and galloping urbanization, the city still boasts a number of new districts. These include Konyaalti. With its splendid beaches to the west of Antalya, the district and coastline boast a lush open-air orchard (citrus fruits, peach trees, olives, apricots, figs, bananas). This is where millions of tourists come all year round to bathe, opposite the Taurus mountains: the ideal postcard of Turkey. The beach is accessible by streetcar from downtown Antalya. It’s a huge strip of sand and pebbles at the foot of the mountains: the ideal place to stay in Antalya for a relaxing vacation.
Main photo credit: Flickr – michael.berlin
Map of hotels and accommodation – Antalya,tr