Although ringed by ranks of apartment blocks, the historic core of Antalya, Kaleiçi, is a picturesque jumble of half-timbered Ottoman houses peering down over cobbled lanes running down to a pretty harbour. There are long beaches at both ends of the city, plus a plethora of eating places, bars and shopping opportunities. Turkey’s premier film festival, the Golden Orange, takes place in October.

The highlight for us when visiting Antalya, is always the vibrancy of Kaleiçi and the many boutique hotels which are abundant with character.  Slow Travel Guide – Must See Kaleiçi Guide

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HISTORICAL RICHES

The Ottomans, the Romans and the Byzantines have all passed through Antalya over the centuries, leaving their mark on its culture as well as its architecture.

Head to the historic centre of Kaleici (Old Antalya) and stroll the cobbled streets to see ancient minarets, towers and castles.

Check out the Roman ruins in the old town section of Side. The most famous of these include the amphitheatre and the Temple of Apollo, one of the most romantic sites on the Mediterranean coast.

SPOTLESS BEACHES

The beaches here are among the finest in Turkey. Some come backed by promenades and stylish bars, others roll seamlessly on into olive groves, avocado plantations and pine forests. Lara Beach boasts the longest stretch of sand, closely followed by pine-fringed Belek Beach. Side comes with a brace of beaches; the windswept east beach is a top spot for water sports.

GOLFING HEAVEN

Love spending the day on pristine greens and manicured fairways? Belek is home to an array of championship-level golf courses dotted between rich pine forests and boasting stunning views of the Mediterranean.

A DIFFERENT WORLD

Open all year round, get ready to enter a world of pure imagination at The Land of Legends, a fairytale-inspired wonderland.

Experience unique shows, breathtaking performances, a theme park featuring huge roller-coasters, a 5D cinema and even a shopping mall for a spot of retail therapy.

SENSATIONAL SPAS

Those seeking peace and solitude, plus a beauty treatment or a massage, will be spoilt rotten with the choice of spa hotels in the Antalya region. Many include a traditional hammam and baths adorned with marble and mosaic.

EATING AND DRINKING

You’ll be spoilt for choice in upmarket Belek. Expect exclusive restaurants, plenty of cafés and shops as well as a Saturday bazaar. While in Kaleici, the restored Roman harbour is full of restaurants serving fresh seafood.

Side is a stylish place for a night out, with its harbour-front cocktail bars and nightclubs. In Lara Beach, the high-end hotels are where it’s at. There are numerous hotels that have as many as eight alternative restaurants for you to enjoy!

Thanks to 400 miles of white-sand beaches and secluded coves, Antalya is often referred to as the Turkish Riviera. It’s a treasure trove for visitors, with everything from colourful bazaars and breathtaking scenery, to stunning historical riches and sparkling blue seas. Quiet, lovely and warm, Antalya is the ideal pick for a winter getaway. Let us tell you why….

Beaches galore

Turkey is the ideal place for beach lovers.

Whether you’re staying in Bodrum, Dalaman, Izmir or Antalya, you’ll find the perfect beach for you. From wide expanses of white, powdery sands with crystal-clear water to secluded coves and scenic bays.

Many have Blue Flag status and have outstanding facilities including water sports and refreshments.

Areas of outstanding beauty

Turkey has over 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites to explore, so it is full of archaeological gems and is an absolute delight for history fans. Walk around the ruins of Ephesus in Izmir or the Ancient Roman port of Perge in Antalya where there’s a temple, a 14,000-seat amphitheatre as well as shops and baths.

You’ll feel as though you are walking through the history books.

Mouth watering food

Turkish food is packed full of favour and spice. Expect to taste a fabulous fusion of Mediterranean, Balkan and Middle Eastern influences. There’s everything from lamb, beef, fresh seafood, meze, rice, nuts, aubergine, peppers and olive oil dishes, infused with a wonderful concoction of herbs and spices, if you wish. Simply delicious!

Shops and markets

Browse the colourful bazaars and open-air markets for your holiday souvenirs.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle, mingle with the locals and give bartering a try. From clothes and jewellery to pottery and fresh food, you really can shop till you drop in Turkey. This is the place to bag a bargain.

Full of activities

Waterparks and water sports, outdoor adventures, day trips to the cities, national parks and mountain ranges, Turkey is an adventure playground for the whole family.

It’s also a golfing paradise with many international standard courses to play.