Antalya - Do & See
The Archaeological Museum
Here you will find a great deal to see as you stroll about among well-preserved Roman statues, enormous sarcophagi and remnants of the theatre in Perge. In a small showcase among the icons, you will find a jawbone that has belonged to the Santa Claus, who was born in Patara and buried in Demre. The Museum also contains a collection of folk costumes and very beautiful rugs.
Yivli Minareli
This ribbed minaret was built by Sultan Keykubat in the 13th century, and is the city’s symbol. A very expressive riding statue of Kemal Atatürk is located nearby.
Karatay Medrese
This Koran School is a fine example of extraordinarily stonemasonry of times gone by.
Hadrianus Triumphal Arch
Was erected prior to the Roman Emperor’s visit in 130 AD and is part of the medieval town wall—a dignified entrance to the old district of Antalya.
Perge
Perge, 11 miles east of Antalya, was the home of the Hittites about 1500 AD, before the Greeks colonized the region after the Trojan War. On a very large area of ruins, there is a Roman theatre, an enormous stadium and several streets with columns dating back to the days when the apostle Paul stopped here on one of his missions. Take a local bus or “dolmus”—a minibus—to get there.
Belek
The seaside resort Belek is located on the road to Alanya. Here, you will find a famous golf course if you feel like swinging your clubs for a while. In addition to this, Belek offers many fine hotels and restaurants. The bus to Alanya stops in Belek.
Aspendos
This famous theatre—the only theatre that dates back to ancient days and still has an intact scene construction—is located about 12 miles east of Antalya. Aspendos had a capacity of 20.000 spectators and survived because the “Seldjuks” used it as a residence.
In the 1920s, Kemal Atatürk, the “father” of the Turks, decided that the theatre should be renovated. Today, Aspendos is used for major musical arrangements. An excursion bus or dolmus is the best way to get there.
Side
Side, between Antalya and Alanya, is one of the innumerable places where Cleopatra and Markus Antonius had a rendezvous. At almost every street corner, you stumble over ruins.
The theatre, which has a capacity of 25.000 persons, is located on a plain piece of land and is supported by strong walls. The Roman bath next to the theatre is a very beautiful archaeological museum. Take the local bus.
Manavgat
The waterfalls outside Manavgat, just east of Side, are not very high or spectacular, but they are rather wide. In Manavgat itself, there are several nice restaurant and shops.
Beskonak
The National Park (between Antalya and Alanya) is very beautiful and has several interesting ruins and trout farms. Here, it is always colder than along the coastline. Why not try white water rafting?
