🌴 24 hours in Antalya: the perfect route to explore the city 🇹🇷

If Antalya is associated exclusively with snow-white hotels and all-inclusive holidays, then it’s time to do something about it. Warm people, ornate streets, the relish of traditional cuisine, the smells of blossoming oranges, cats, the sound of the Mediterranean Sea and so much more – this is all Antalya too. I invite you to spend 24 hours with me in this enchanting city.

Nostalgic tram and AntalyaKart

It is impossible not to notice these red beauties supervising around the city. They say that such trams were donated by Nuremberg in the 1970s, but inside you can already feel a completely Turkish vibe. Depending on the tram number, the routes run along the coast from the Archaeological Museum, Konyaalti Beach, City Park to the Old Town – an ideal tourist route, and even by public transport! By the way, you can take trams (but no longer nostalgic ones) both to the airport (line T1A) and to the ancient city of Perge.

To travel by public transport you will need AntalyaKart. The card can be purchased at special machines and kiosks, as well as at the airport. You can find an application of the same name on Google Play and the Apple Store, but judging by the reviews, this option is more suitable for locals with the ability to top up their balance through a Turkish bank. By the way, you can also pay for travel using a contactless card by tapping it to the validator in transport.

Konyaalti promenade and beach 

Lovers of long walks along the sea are here! Konyaalti is not only a city beach, but also a 10-kilometer-long promenade, where jogging and cycling paths, recreation areas, cafes and bars are perfectly combined. You can hide from the bright sun in a green area – the Mediterranean City Park (Akdeniz Kent Parkı). By the way, a few words about the beach: be prepared for large pebbles and crystal clear water. For a sandy beach, head to Lara Plajı. 

Archaeological Museum

After World War I, Antalya came under Italian military occupation. At this time, Italian archaeologists began to remove archaeological finds discovered in the central areas of the city. The attempt to steal the history failed, and thanks to the then adviser to the Sultan, the treasures remained in their native lands. It was these events that served as the basis for the creation of the museum. 

With 13 exhibition halls and 25 – 30 thousand exhibits in the collection, you will definitely have something to look at. Most of all I was inspired by Byzantine mosaics and iconography, coin samples and ethnographic halls. After the cultural program, I suggest staying in the museum courtyard for coffee in the excellent company of the cutest cats and important peacocks.

Kaleiçi

The Old Town in Turkish is Kaleici, which means “inside the fortress.” About 2000 years ago, Attalus II, king of the ancient city of Pergamum, chose these lands for the construction of a new polis. Antalya was named in his honor (and earlier, even more obviously, Attalya).

Wandering through the labyrinths of Kaleici is a special pleasure! The original Ottoman interiors are home to cozy coffee shops and boutique hotels, and the walls of the “fortress” are decorated with impressive murals. The official top places of Kaleici are headed by: Hadrian's Gate, Khidirlyk Tower, Yivli Minaret and Clock Tower – more about them.

Hadrian's Gate

The monumental Hadrian Gate (Hadrian Kapısı) is a kind of triumphal arch from 130 BC. The gate, erected in honor of the visit of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, became one of the main entrances to Kaleici. Three marble arches, columns, sculptures, bas-reliefs, a noble coat of arms – such pomp undoubtedly delights. It is also interesting that to this day, thousand-year-old potholes from the carts of that time have been preserved on the road under the gate.

Khydirlyk Tower

The Hydyrlık Tower (Hıdırlık Kulesi) was built by the ancient Romans in the second century AD. But its exact purpose is difficult to establish. According to one version, this is a defensive bastion. Based on the second version, it could be a lighthouse. And thanks to recent archaeological discoveries, it is possible that this was a mausoleum.

Yivli Minaret

The 38-meter high Yivli Minaret (Yivliminare Cami) as a landmark for guests of Kaleici. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is one of the earliest examples of Islamic architecture in the city, dating back to 1230. “Yivli” is translated from Turkish as “corrugated” and this quality is given to the minaret by the red brick mosaic covering. Before the reconstruction, the mosaic was made of dark blue and turquoise tiles. You can enter the mosque like a museum and get acquainted with the religious collection.

Saat Kulesi

The clock tower, also known as Saat Kulesi, was built in 1901. Its unique square shape and elegant watches have become one of the city’s “business cards.” The reason for construction was the 25th year of the reign of Abdul Hamid II. The tower was built from rough stone, and its foundation includes the old part of the city walls. Interestingly, there are dials on each side of the tower. Above them are arches and battlements made in authentic Arabic style. At night, Saat Kulesi is beautifully illuminated.

Pasha Cami

Well, what is Turkey without bazaars? In Kaleici you will find bazaars with carpets, lamps, spices, tea sets and ceramics. Pasha Cami is one of these shopping streets. On the way, I also came across an artist’s workshop and I didn’t leave there without the author’s postcards. The masters will appreciate your support.

Old Port (Antalya Kaleiçi Yat Limanı)

While in Kaleici, don’t forget to go down to the Old Port (also known as the Roman Port); another city beach, Mermerli, is nearby. The port has been active since the 2nd century BC. and up to the 20th century AD. e., until a new complex was built.

There are many yachts of different sizes scattered along the harbor. They will take you to nearby attractions such as Duden waterfalls, caves, and turtle island. The boat trip can be taken for an hour. Or you can go on an adventure for the whole day. With food and drinks – everything is as it should be.

Duden Waterfalls

To see the Duden waterfalls, it is not at all necessary to buy a boat trip on a yacht. You can also get to the place by public transport, which will take a good 40 minutes from the Old Town. An excellent alternative in this case would be an electric scooter (for example, from Beam, Bin Bin or Marti).

Observation platforms

You can also go down to the Old Port from the beautiful observation deck on Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı) by panoramic elevator. The vantage point offers a wonderful view of the city! In Karaalioglu Park you will have a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea and mountains.

Another cool observation deck with an elevator is located in Konyaalti (Konyaaltı Varyant Büyük Seyir Terası). By the way, prices for the elevator on Republic Square, and in Kaleici in general, were waived for Guy Ritchie’s film “Operation Fortune: The Art of Victory.”

Bonus: in 10 minutes the Tunektepe Teleferik funicular will show breathtaking views of the sea and the Taurus Mountains. The price of a standard ticket is $15, and children under 6 years old enjoy the ride for free. Pets are also welcome on board.

Seals

In Turkey, there is a special attitude towards cats and cats. Rumor has it that according to Islamic traditions, these animals are believed to protect against evil spirits. Others claim that for Turks, cats are about luck and happiness.

Whether this is true or not is difficult for me to answer, but I can assure you with certainty that the conditions of stray cats here are radically different from those in Northern Europe. There are cat houses and food stations for them , and they are provided with medical care. You shouldn’t be disdainful, you can safely make new furry friends.

Traditional cuisine

I strongly advise you not to bypass the local cuisine. A Turkish breakfast will help you start your day right. This is not just a meal, but a whole gastronomic experience at the level of an intangible UNESCO heritage (currently on the shortlist for the prestigious title).

Variations vary from region to region, but you should expect something like this: jams and fresh rolls, cheeses and olives, smoked meats, eggs, vegetables and, of course, Turkish tea. 

In addition to breakfast, I recommend trying kebab (believe me, after this you will not raise your hand to buy “kebab” in other European countries), Turkish “pizza” pide (Pideci) and/or lahmacun and mize. The Turks’ “cookbook” is really huge. Don't be afraid to experiment and enjoy every bite.

Booking a holiday in Turkey does not have to be limited to the walls of a five-star hotel. I hope this guide inspires you to take more from Antalya.