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Antalya, Turkey Is Great Summer Destination

Antalya, Turkey Is Great Summer Destination - Travelrnews

Antalya, Turkey Is Great Summer Destination - Travelrnews

After a pandemic that lasted for two years, you may be thinking what the ideal location for a summer vacation is, particularly given the fact that an increasing number of nations have now lifted their COVID-19 limitations. We are going to give you five reasons why the city of Antalya, which is located in the eastern Mediterranean, ought to be on the top of your list of potential vacation destinations, despite the fact that there are undoubtedly a plethora of other possibilities available.

And believe us when we say that this is something you’ll want to know about:

Where in Turkey might one find Antalya?

Antalya is one of those Mediterranean hotspots that Western visitors often neglect, despite the fact that it has some of the nicest beaches and even some of the most magnificent landmarks in the country. Despite this, Antalya is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.

It is said to be the country’s crown gem despite its location in southern Turkey, and it is not difficult to see why this is the case.

In comparison to other cities in Turkey, it has a far more relaxed atmosphere, despite the fact that it is a rapidly growing city that is already home to more than one million people. Is it possible for us to discuss how chaotic Istanbul really is?

It provides tourists with the enticing attraction of a seaside Mediterranean city
After providing you with some background information, what precisely are the five reasons this city is the summer getaway you’ve been dying for after spending two interminable years being trapped at home?

After all, the fact that it is located in a seaside hub couldn’t possibly be the sole factor that makes it such an appealing location, can it?

Let us use this opportunity to acquaint you with Antalya:

Beaches galore!

Antalya, which is located on the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey, is the most important access point to the world-famous Turkish Riviera. This is the area where miles of sandy beach meet some of the purest seas in the basin, and Antalya is the primary entrance. When landing straight in Antalya, travelers don’t even have to go very far to get their own private space on the beach because of this reason.

Within the boundaries of the city itself are a number of beaches, one of which is the Konyaalti length, which can be found around 8.7 kilometers from the old district. In the summer, this beach is frequented by a large number of people—both tourists and locals—who are all looking to spend some time basking in the sun. Despite the fact that it can become quite crowded during this time of year, it is significantly less noisy than the beaches on the French Riviera or in Spain.

Lara Beach is located 15.6 kilometers (9.5 miles) to the east of Hadrian’s Gate. Visitors that are staying in the city proper will have no trouble getting there since it is situated in the city’s main resort district. Other beaches that are reminiscent of paradise may be found at Olympos, which is located on the Turquoise Coast, as well as in Phaselis Bay, which is known for its proximity to the remnants of an ancient Greek and Roman city.

That is just fantastic, isn’t it?

A tranquil day excursion may be had at the more laid-back resort community of Side, which is located farther east along the coast. Side Beach is located on a tiny peninsula that is home to numerous historical sites in Greece, including the world-famous Temple of Apollo. Side Beach is flanked by other beaches that have golden sand. At the very least, you should spend a little bit of time at Side Beach during your time in Antalya.

If you choose to stay exclusively in the Old Town, you won’t have as many options, but you won’t be missing out on anything, either, since the modest Mermerli Beach, which is a part of the old port, gives convenient access to the sea and is within walking distance of many hotels.

Because there are only a certain number of lounges and there is a price to enter, you should be there as early as possible to ensure that you get a seat.

You get what we mean now: Antalya has an abundance of beaches, and there’s a good chance you’ll be swimming in clear seas while taking in a view of a historic Greco-Roman city, either in Antalya itself or in one of the smaller towns that are located near by. This brings us to the fourth reason why Antalya is the perfect destination for all of your summertime entertainment needs:

There Is Interesting History Everywhere You Look.

Antalya is ancient. In point of fact, it has 2,172 years under its belt!

Additionally, if you have an interest in history, you might be surprised to learn that the city that is now in Turkey was founded by the Greeks around the year 150 BC. Additionally, even though it is in Turkey, the city has maintained a significant amount of its Greek character for the majority of its history.

In spite of the fact that the Greeks were finally expelled from the region, a significant number of monuments from that time period have been preserved. Hadrian’s Gate is a stunning example of a Roman city gate, and you will come across it as you approach the ancient district of the city. It was erected in the year 130 as a tribute to the arrival of the Roman Emperor.

Inside the Old Town walls (the Kaleici), there are still remains of a more distant and mysterious past that may be seen. This is despite the fact that Antalya subsequently experienced rapid urbanization and became Turkey’s seventh-largest city and an exceptionally contemporary one. Some of them are very impossible to miss, such as the historic Yivliminare Mosque and the Ottoman Clock Tower, both of which are landmarks in the area.

Hidirlik Kulesi is a Roman tower that dates back to the 2nd century that overlooks the Mediterranean and provides breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains in the distance. It is located a short 8-minute walk from Hadrian’s Gate, which is where the city walls meet the clean waters below.

The Old Town, on the other hand, becomes an attraction in and of itself. It is the perfect place for an enjoyable walk on a warm summer day thanks to its intricate maze of small alleys packed with eateries, Ottoman buildings, and old monuments. Around every turn, you are sure to find a nice surprise or two.

Although geographically you will be in Turkey, you will get the impression that you are in Greece.

Are you interested in Greece but on a tighter budget? Antalya and the rest of Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast are the best spots to visit in the country. Does it sound odd? When you initially began reading this article, you may have observed that Greek influences are prevalent throughout Antalya and the villages that are located in the surrounding area.

When one considers the fact that the eastern coast of the Mediterranean belonged to a considerably bigger Ancient Greece, this should not come as much of a surprise.

The notion of national boundaries is a very modern one, and up until the 19th century, the territorial demarcations that exist today were not nearly as well defined as they are now.

Greece and Turkey have a lot more in common than many would believe they do due to the fact that both countries were formerly a part of the Ottoman Empire. From both Greeks and Turks have lived in the province of Antalya since the beginning of time, there are times when there is more interaction between the two groups than each would want to acknowledge.

In spite of historical grievances, it is possible to view many Greek islands from different locations along the coastline of Turkey, and Antalya itself had a sizable Greek population right up to the 20th century. It is possible for travelers to visit some of the most significant Greek cities from antiquity that are currently located within Turkey’s borders while yet being in close proximity to the metropolis.

The remains of Perge, which were once the capital of the powerful Greek kingdom of Phampylia Secunda, may be found to the north-northeast of Antalya. These ruins include well-preserved colonnaded streets, an agora, Roman-era city walls, and a vast amphitheater. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Antalya is an ancient city that dates back 3,231 years but is no longer inhabited.

The majestic Temple of Apollo can be found in Side, which is located in the province of Antalya and is 63 kilometers (39 miles) east of the nation’s capital. This temple is considered to be one of the most famous in all of Greece. When visitors take a leisurely walk around the peninsula’s centuries-old avenues, which are studded with Greek monuments on both sides, they will get the impression that they have been transported to Greece, which is a nearby country.

In a purely geographical sense, they are in fact walking on (what was once) Greek land.

Aspendos Amphitheater, which is known for being one of the best, if not the best preserved in the Ancient World, as well as numerous other extinct Greek, Lycian, and Anatolian hubs, such as Termessos, Myra, and the sunken city of Kekova, are all located in close proximity to Antalya and are additional locations that are worth visiting.

It has one of the lowest cost of living rates of any major Mediterranean city.

Antalya is without a doubt the best option for you if you are seeking for an international summer resort that will not put a significant dent in your financial resources. Antalya is no exception to the fact that Turkey as a whole is quite reasonably priced when compared to both European and Middle Eastern standards, and Antalya is no exception either.

Travelers on a tight budget will find that they have access to amenities here that they would not be able to buy in other Mediterranean countries, such as France or Spain. Yes, we are discussing hotels that provide everything included in the rate, the renowned lavish breakfast served in Turkey, three-course dinners at upscale restaurants, and even personalized guides.

Because of the decline of the Turkish lira versus the dollar, one dollar is now equivalent to around 15 lira.

Antalya is not only favorable to one’s wallet, but it is also ridiculously affordable. In this location, it is not difficult to dine out every night for less than twenty dollars, and the cost is often considerably lower than that. Even if you want to splurge on your meal, you will have to work very hard to rack up an exorbitant bill by the time the night is through.

On top of that, there are a variety of lodging options available, including luxury resorts (for people who are not necessary travelling to Turkey for the lower pricing), boutique hotels, and huge private homes. These accommodations are all available in Turkey. The previous two shouldn’t put you back more than $300 to $400 each week in total expenses.

You won’t find greater discounts anywhere else in the Mediterranean than these, so take advantage while you can.

In point of fact, another location along Turkey’s beautiful coast, the tiny resort town of Marmaris, was been given the title of being the most wallet-friendly summer vacation in all of Europe for the year 2022. Antalya is comparable to Marmaris in terms of the low cost of living, and visitors may spend as little as $33.69 per day in Marmaris to receive their much-needed dose of Mediterranean heat.

Antalya is regarded as one of the most liberal cities in all of Turkey.

Turkey might be a secular nation, a status it has enjoyed since the Ottoman Empire collapsed and the nation was born, but it has remained faithful to Islam, with over 99 percent of the population identifying as Muslim. This is despite the fact that Turkey has enjoyed being a secular state since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the birth of the republic. Because of this, the culture is often more traditional than that of other Mediterranean resorts.

Women are not permitted to visit mosques without covering their heads, even if they are foreigners. Other customs must also be noted, particularly in more traditional cities such as the country’s capital, Ankara, the overland city of Konya, or even Istanbul. This rule applies even if the woman is not from Turkey.

On the other side, Antalya has traditionally had a more open-minded attitude.

Owing to the fact that it is a beach destination, it draws tourists from all over the globe. However, due to the fact that it has a warm environment throughout the year, it has gained tremendous popularity among Europeans. Although traditional Turkish conservatism and even Islam may still be prevalent, tourists, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ, are not as troubled by it as they formerly were. This might be due to the fact that inhabitants here have adopted a more laid-back attitude in response to outside influences.

At night, the streets of the Old Town/Kaleici come to life with party scenes and live music. Although Antalya hasn’t had an open gay scene, nor does it promote reclusive nudist beaches like Croatia or Greece do, it is undeniably a region of Turkey where anyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, can have a fantastic time.

Bottom Line

The area around the Mediterranean Sea is without a doubt one of the most stunning and historically significant parts of the whole planet. A destination that has long been a favorite of many visitors is one that is located in a part of the world from which all of the ancient empires described in history books originated and in which there is an abundance of natural monuments.

When planning a visit to the Mediterranean, it is easy to think of cliff-top Italian towns, scenic Santorini, or romantic Dalmatian settlements. Despite this, we can’t help but believe that the easternmost frontier of the Mediterranean is underestimated.

Turkey’s Antalya is one of those destinations that is grossly undervalued, particularly among travelers from outside of Europe. It has the picturesque roads of Italy, the ancient ruins of Greece, the cobblestone alleys of the Old Towns in the Balkan countries, and the sandy beaches of Spain. But it is a lot less expensive, and some people may argue that it is even more authentic.

It’s not hard to see why this location checks off all the necessary boxes for the ideal summer vacation site in 2022, is it?

Turkey was forced to lock its borders to tourists in 2020 because of an outbreak of the COVID-19 virus; however, the country has since reopened its borders to tourists and now permits vaccinated travelers to enter without any restrictions.

To conclude, there is

No pre-departure testing
There are no on-arrival examinations.
There are no passenger locating forms available.
No post-arrival quarantine

Visitors who have not received the COVID vaccine are permitted to travel to Antalya this summer as long as they give evidence that they have recently recovered from the disease or a 72-hour negative PCR test. There are direct flights to Antalya from a number of places in Europe, and American travelers may also reach the city with a brief layover in Istanbul, which is the primary airport for Turkey.

Do not hesitate; get your plane tickets, and have a wonderful time on your holiday in the Mediterranean!

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