Antalya travel guide: Top sights and surprising facts you'll love
What facts tourists usually don’t know about Antalya (photo: Pexels)
Antalya has long become synonymous with carefree beach vacations, but there's much more than meets the eye behind its glamorous facade. It's not just a tourist center full of all-inclusive resorts—it's a true cultural and natural treasure. Here are the unique discoveries you can make in Antalya just by stepping outside your hotel.
A city founded as 'paradise on Earth'
Legend has it that Antalya was founded by King Attalus II, who commanded his men to find a heavenly place on Earth—and they obeyed. The city's name, “Attalia,” derives directly from this king's name.
Founded in the 2nd century BC, Antalya is an open-air museum. Its ancient history is preserved in the narrow streets of the old town, Kaleiçi. Even today, locals honor this legend and consider the city special and blessed.
Natural wonders hidden in the region
There are over 20 waterfalls around Antalya, each impressive in its own way. The most famous is Düden Waterfall, which thunders directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
Nearby is the Köprülü Canyon with incredibly clear water and an ancient Roman bridge.
Also close is Mount Tahtalı, standing 2,365 meters high, accessible by cable car, and offering a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Antalya. All this makes the region a true paradise for nature lovers.
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Düden Waterfall (photo: Wikipedia)
Kaleiçi – the heart of ancient Antalya
Kaleiçi is the old town where time seems to stand still. Narrow cobbled streets, wooden Ottoman houses, and remnants of Roman walls create a unique atmosphere. Here, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architectural layers coexist peacefully in one place.
At its center stands Hadrian's Gate—Turkey's only Roman triumphal arch. Kaleiçi is the perfect place to get lost and rediscover the Antalya that history remembers.
More than beaches – archaeology too
On the city's outskirts lie the ruins of the ancient Perge, where colonnaded streets, theaters, and Roman baths are still preserved. The Apostle Paul once preached here, and the structures impress with their scale.
The Antalya Archaeological Museum has gathered priceless artifacts from across the region, including statues, mosaics, and ancient jewelry. It's one of the best museums in Turkey, though many tourists don't even know it exists.
Antalya Archaeological Museum (photo: Wikipedia)
Climate and sunshine all year round
Antalya boasts over 300 sunny days yearly, more than many southern countries. Thanks to this climate, the resort remains attractive in any season.
Summer brings heat and beach bliss, while winter is perfect for exploring historical sites without crowds. The off-season is also ideal for finding better travel deals. The city doesn't just come alive in summer—it's warm and interesting all year round.
Culture, festivals, and life beyond the resort
Antalya hosts the Golden Orange Film Festival, Turkey's oldest and most prestigious film festival, each year. This celebration of cinema draws stars worldwide and proves that Antalya is not just about the sea and hotels.
The city has a thriving street art scene, with exhibitions, concerts, and culinary festivals. Residents lead a rich cultural life that's open and welcoming to tourists.
Previously, we shared little-known facts about the Dniester River that will change how you see it
Sources: Rarest, Trip Advisor, Wikipedia.
