Antalya

Antalya, the Turkish Riviera is the most stunning part of Turkey's Mediterranean coast. It is typical of Turkey,a thriving modern city, with a historic heart in the centre of Kaleiçi within the old city walls. This area has seensomething of a renaissance in recent years, with many of the wooden Ottoman mansions being restored andturned into boutique hotels. No cars are allowed in the narrow streets of the old town so it is a good place to soak upthe atmosphere around the charming harbour. The symbol of Antalya is the fluted minaret or Yivli Minare built by theSeljuks in the 13th century. There are plenty of interesting pieces in the Archaeological Museum, from the PalaeolithicAge right through to Ottoman times. more

Antalya has a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery, and the city is set high on cliffs, with many of its grandesthotels overlooking the sea on the outskirts of the town. The beach area of Lara, approximately 12 km to the east is hometo the best beach in the area, known for its golden sand, which is rapidly becoming a resort in its own right. To the west,the long pebble beach of Konyaaltı is also popular. Heading up into the mountains, you can make the most of the beautiful scenery by visiting the spectacular Düden or Kurşunlu waterfalls. At Saklıkent, just 50 km away from the city centre, you can even ski, where they usually have snow on the slopes until early April.

The most popular Historic Sites of Antalya Region: Aspendos: Just 50 km east of Antalya, Aspendos was an important centre of trade during Roman times. Today, themost impressive aspect of Aspendos is her stunning theatre, which was built in approx. 162 AD. It seats 15,000 andhas been beautifully preserved. Each year it hosts the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival which takes place in June andJuly and gives you the opportunity to see performances of classics in a magnificent setting. The aqueduct, which suppliedwater to the city is also still relatively intact and is an impressive sight.

Phaselis: The three harbours of this Lycian port city were once a major commercial centre. In the shelter of Mount Tahtalı,it is a popular stopping off point for yachts, and its clear waters and sandy beaches are popular with sun-seekers. Theremains are mostly Roman and include a theatre, baths, aqueducts, Hadrian's Gate, an agora and an acropolis.

Perge: Just 18 kms from Antalya, Perge was an important city in Pamphylia and was visited by St.Paul during hismissionary journeys. Today, the city gate flanked by lofty towers, theatre and baths are of interest.

Demre: Also known as Kale, the ancient city of Myra, is mostly famous for its connection with St. Nicholas,who was bishop here in the 4th century. His church is the focus of the annual ceremony which takes place to commemorate him on or around his feast day of 6th December. It is well worth seeing the Roman theatre whichremains here, overlooked by spectacular rock tombs, dating from the 4th century BC.