Some good advices
With the beautiful and preserved streets of its Antalya old town a swarm of history, the huge selection of peaceful beach hotels geared towards utter relaxation located along its coast, and the ancient ruins of Roman fortifications are only one step away, there are enough of things to do in Antalya.
1) IMAGINE WAGON RACES IN THE PRESERVED STADIUM OF PERGE
The land surrounding this city is a headquarter of wonderful and historically important markers, and exploring them should rank top of your list of best things to do in Antalya – and is enough to keep you busy for days.
The ruins of Perge, the former capital of the Asia Minor region of Pamphylia Secunda, is an incredible sample of the Roman architecture that still breathing in the area. Most come to see the incredible Great amphitheater and the set of two great gate-towers that once controlled access to the city.
But, it’s the massive stadium, one of the largest and best-preserved in all world, that is the most exciting part of any trip to Perge.
Built to take in up to 16,000 spectators to watch chariot racing, you have no choice but to sit in the stands and just imagine what it must have been like during one of these legend challenges.
2) VISIT THE ANCIENT RUINED CITY OF ASPENDOS AND ANCIENT SITE
Around 35km from Antalya itself, the remains of the ancient city of Aspendos are another worthy day trip. The biggest unimaginable sight is the theatre, which dates from between 160-180 A.D. and is the best-preserved theatre of its kind in the world.
What is great is that you can actually examine these pillars, climbing up the deep rows of seating to stand on the very top step and experience what it must have been like to watch a performance in historical Aspendos amphitheater, event researchers believe to have been attended by up to 8,500 people.
Not long-distance you can also peer up on awe at the looming aqueducts that once provided the city with water from the nearby mountains.
Turkey is a country that has an important rich history, and markers such as the ruins of Aspendos is an unmissable part of the Antalya sightseeing.
3) VISIT WATERFALLS OF ANTALYA
Drive around the coast of Antalya is one of the best ways of arriving at the region’s most popular natural attraction: the Duden Waterfalls, two impressive falls fed by a river that runs all the way from the Taurus Mountains to abolish in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Lower Duden crashes down the cliff face into the water and is best viewed from onboard a ship, while the Upper Duden, 14km outside of the city Antalya, can be reached by car.
The latter falls have engraved a deep chasm out of the rock as well as a cave that cuts behind the curtain of water. You can actually walk around through the cave for an unusual perspective on these colossal waterfalls.
4) EXPLORE KALEICI, OLD CITY OF ANTALYA
Turn back from the limestone cliffs that edge the main harbor, Kaleici, Old Town has been well-preserved by the Turkish authorities and makes for an excellent relaxed afternoon in the city.
Roman ruins rub shoulders with beautiful mosques, including the Half Minaret, Yivli Minaret Mosque, a beautiful building easily recognized by its huge, 13th-century minaret that towers over the surrounding area.
In and around Old City (Kaleici) there are also some small shops and market halls for buying some baklava, souvenirs, and even a Turkish carpet!
You will also have no choice but to stop at one of the many relaxed street-side cafes and the Antalya Archaeological Museum for a spot of culture.
From all places to visit in Antalya, Old Town is one you cannot afford to miss.
5) FEEL THE ADRENALINE WITH RAFTING TOUR
Approximately 80km away from Antalya is one of Turkey’s top white water rafting spots: Koprulu Canyon National Park.
Home to the longest canyon in the country, this park is also an amazing place for water rafting and one of the top adventurous things to do in Antalya.
It’s one of the most popular Antalya attractions among thrill seekers.
Crash through everything from Class 1 (beginner) through to 5 (expert) rapids as you power down the picturesque Koprulu Kanyon River, passing through forests of pine, cypress, and cedar trees that might even offer a glimpse of foxes, wolves or even bears.
You may also pitch up beside the river in campgrounds if you plan to spend more than an afternoon in the park.
6) TAKE YOUR HIKING BOOTS ON FOR THE LYCIAN WAY AND TERMESSOS
Despite part of the fun of visiting Turkey is gorging yourself on its delicious local cuisine or kicking back on a beach, there comes a time when you need to get up and burn off all those calories.
Luckily, the Lycian Way, a 550km path that reaches all the way to Fethiye, a city further west along the coast, starts right outside of Antalya.
Traversing stretches of Turkish countryside filled with ancient relics and offering panoramic views of both sea and mountains, the 29-day Lycian Way is the most adventurous method of exploring the Turkish shores and is often named one of the world’s top long-distance hikes.
If you’ve not got a month to spare, with the whole route clearly indicated with red and white painted stripes, you can easily hike a shorter stretch.
One amazing town to visit is Olympos, which makes a great launching off point for the Lycian Way.
The Lycian Way’s landscapes are one of the most incredible things to see in Antalya.
8) HAVE LUNCH IN THE OLD TOWN HARBOUR
Turkey is how much the locals like to eat and there’s no better way of getting introduced to Turkish food and Antalya’s most stunning sight, that dining overlooking its ancient harbor. You have to try this.
Enter upon above the cliffs and all around the harbor are a series of restaurants serving up fresh kebab and other typical Turkish dishes.
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