Antalya City Guide

There are important districts in Antalya like Kepez and Muratpaşa in terms of population. These two districts are the biggest districts of Antalya with about more than 1 million population. Alanya, Manavgat and Konyaaltı are also have an important feature for Antalya. These districts are among the most popular districts of Antalya. For tourism, beaches, bays, waterfalls, canyons, and historical sites attract the interest of tourist in the city. Kaş, Kemer, Demre, Serik and Finike are important tourism centers of the city. Numerous holiday resorts of Antalya is within the boundaries of these districts. Kumluca and Döşemealtı has important industrial zones of the city. Alanya, Kemer, Belek and Kepez are the most profitable districts for real estate investments in Antalya.

The districts of Antalya are Akseki, Aksu, Alanya, Demre, Döşemealtı, Elmalı, Finike, Gazipaşa, Gündoğmuş, İbradı, Kaş, Kemer, Kepez, Konyaaltı, Korkuteli, Kumluca, Manavgat, Muratpaşa and Serik. You will find detailed information for all districts of Antalya in this guide.

Short History of Antalya

The city of Antalya and its surroundings was called Pamphylia, which means “very productive” in ancient times. The western part was called Lykia. In the past, cities such as Aspendos and Side were established in these lands. Later, Antalya, which means “Attalos Dormitory”, was founded by Bergama King Attalos II. The city, which remained independent for a while after the end of the Pergamon Kingdom (133 BC), was later conquered by pirates. It was included in the Roman territory in 77 BC. Hadrian’s visit to Attaleia in 130 AD caused the development of the city. The city, which was the episcopal center during the Byzantine rule, showed a great development after it was conquered by the Turks.

The region was under the administration of city states such as Hittite, Pamphylia, Lycia, Cilicia, and the continuation of Persia, Alexander the Great and Antigonos, Ptolemais, Selevkos, and the Kingdom of Pergamum from 2000 BC. Later, The Byzantine Empire reigned. The city was added to the Turkish territory by the Seljuks in 1207. Later, the city came under the sovereignty of Hamitoğulları Principality. Antalya became the center of Teke Sanjak, connected to Konya during the Ottoman Empire Period. With the loss of World War I, Antalya was under Italian occupation on March 28, 1919. Due to the determination of the Turkish National Struggle, the Italians left Antalya on July 5, 1921. Antalya has shown great changes and developments in the Republic of Turkey period. The city has gained its modern appearance with its industrial and tourism moves.

Cultural Mosaic of Antalya

There is a common heritage of two life styles in Antalya and its environs for centuries. When the Turks first came here, they established villages, towns and cities and settled down. However, some of them continued their nomadic lifestyle. According to this lifestyle, families lived in bristle tents, climbed up the mountains in the summer and descended on the hot plains in the winter. Even today, this lifestyle is maintained by Yoruk people. Turkish rugs, which adorn the most important museums of Europe today, are the handicraft of these people. A large part of today’s Turkish folk music culture is inherited from nomads. The biggest minstrel of Turkish folk poetry and music such as Karacaoğlan and Dadaloğlu are the representatives of this culture.

Since the modern city is built on the ancient settlement, ancient ruins are very rare in Antalya. Nevertheless, the ruins of Kaleiçi District, Temple of Apollo, Side Museum, Aspendos Ancient Theater, Perge and Simena Ancient City are remarkable. In addition to hosting millions of tourists, Antalya attracts the attention of art lovers in the field of culture and arts with dozens of festivals, concerts and shows organized throughout the year.

Accommodation in Antalya is an important issue for people who visit city for different purposes like tourism or business. In Antalya, close to the city center, it is possible to find world-famous luxury hotels in all-inclusive concept and accommodation options that serve in bed and breakfast, half board and room concepts only. You can stay in Antalya hotels with pools as well as city hotels suitable for the needs of visitors coming to Antalya for business and conference purposes. If you want to get away from the city center to holiday resorts of Antalya and visiting the beaches and historical places you can choose the hotels in Alanya, Kemer, Belek, Kaş, Manavgat, Side, Kekova, Olympos, Kalkan and Adrasan. You can find a lot of accommodation alternatives in almost all holiday resorts of Antalya. There are world-famous hotel chains like Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Ramada and Crystal Hotels.

Mediterranean climate is seen in Antalya. Summers are hot and dry, winters are generally warm and rainy. These features of the climate are more pronounced in places on the Mediterranean Sea coast. Annual average temperature varies between 18-20 ºC in these coastal areas. The best time to visit Antalya are spring and summer months. Find the best hotels in Antalya in our guide easily.

If you are looking for real estate for sale in Antalya or real estate for rent in Antalya, you are on the right page. The real estate sector is growing very fast in Antalya. The fact that the city is located in a most famous tourism region in the Mediterranean increases the value of the residences. Also, Antalya is the fifth biggest city of Turkey. The population of Antalya is growing every year with migration to work in the city. So, the city much more attractive and preferred for branded housing manufacturers. It is possible to see housing projects of various construction brands in most parts of the city. In Antalya, where branded housing projects increase, housing prices are valued and rising accordingly.

Antalya has the fifth highest population in Turkey. Thanks to its being a most popular tourism city, many of districts of Antalya are valuable for residential investment. In recent years, housing sales have increased in the developing districts of Antalya such as Konyaaltı, Alanya and Kepez. In addition, touristic districts such as Kaş, Manavgat, Finike and Kemer provide opportunities for real estate investment. Since affordable and luxurious sites are built in these regions, it is preferred by those who want to invest. You can make the most correct investment by examining our ads for apartment options for sale from Antalya real estate agent. You can also add your listings easily if you are selling or renting a house in different districts of Antalya.

Do you want to get detailed information about hospitals in Antalya? If you’re, our special health guide will be helpful for you. In Antalya, there are 15 state hospitals, 2 university hospitals, 1 training and research hospitals and 31 private hospitals. Almost all districts have hospitals in different regions of the city. You can get high-quality health services in many health instutitions in İzmir. Especially, Akdeniz University Hospital and Antalya Atatürk State Hospital are the most well-known hospitals of the city with their high capacities. On the other hand, construction works of the city hospital in Antalya are ongoing.

If we look at the general perspective to Antalya, the city is located in Mediterranean Region of Turkey. There are many transportation alternatives for the city. You can reach Antalya by air, seaway and road transportation. Antalya Airport, located on the middle of the city, is located 13 kilometers from the city center. You can come to the city center by using Antobüs and other airport shuttle services from the airports to different regions of the city. If you want to come to Antalya by bus, there are bus services from many cities to Antalya. It is also possible to reach Antalya by yacht from the cities of Mediterranean and Aegean.

Road Transportation

For the road transportation concept, Antalya has the alternative connections. You can visit Antalya by D-650, D-685, D-400 and E-87 and some other important roads from Muğla, Burdur, Isparta, Konya, Karaman and Mersin. AŞOT is the main bus station of Antalya and it’s located in Kepez district. You can find direct lines from many cities of Turkey to Antalya.

Air Transportation

Antalya Airport is the main airport in Antalya and this is located in Muratpaşa districts. It takes about 13 km. from Antalya Airport to the city center, so you can use Antobüs and other airport shuttle services to reach city center from the airport. You can find direct international fligthts from Antalya to the many countries of the world like Germany, England, Switzerland, Iraq, Russia, Jordan, Lebanon and Algeria. Also, you can fly to many domestic cities of Turkey from Antalya Airport.

Seaway Transportation

Antalya is a coastal city. Therefore, it is possible to reach Antalya by yacht from the cities of Mediterranean and Aegean. Antalya has also an important marinas for yachtes in Kaş and Muratpaşa districts. On the other hand, there is ferry transpotation to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus from Alanya district in Antalya.

Inner-city Transportation

There are tramway, ferry and bus transportation alternatives in Antalya. You can use all of the districts of the city by public transportation. There are 4 tramway lines on the Antray. The Antray lines of the city :

T1A – Fatih – Antalya Airport

T1B – Fatih – Expo

T2 – Zerdalilik – Museum

T3 – Varsak – Atatürk

You will find the answers of the “Best places to visit in Antalya” or “Top 10 things to do and see in Antalya” questions in this guide. Choose your destination, click on the guide and start discovering Antalya deeply now. Antalya has a lot of places to visit. First of all, we should start with Kaleiçi Old Town, is the main attraction point of Antalya. Kaleiçi is a popular travel destination especially for foreign visitors in Antalya. The streets and buildings of Kaleiçi bring traces of Antalya’s history to the present day. Muratpaşa district is among the most visited district of the Antalya. Many of the tourist attractions are located in this district. Historical Hadrian Gate, Antalya Clock Tower, Elevator, Kaleiçi Marina, Kaleiçi Museum, Hıdırlık Tower, Mermerli Beach are places to visit and see in Kaleiçi. Muratpaşa is the busiest point of Antalya and it’s a must-see destination. One of the most important centers of daily life in Antalya, it hosts many shopping centers and restaurants. Antalya city center, which is close to the beautiful Konyaaltı and Lara beaches and the always-active in terms of day or nightlife. On the other hand, Santa Claus Church and Myra Ancient City in Demre, Termessos Ancient City in Döşemealtı, Olympos Ancient City in Kumluca, Temple of Apollo in Side, Perge Ancient City in Aksu, Aspendos Ancient Theater in Serik are the main historical places you can visit in Antalya. Those who want to enjoy the swimming should go to the holiday regions of Antalya. Olympos is among the most beautiful holiday destinations of Antalya. The beaches of Kemer district are full of touristic resorts. Finike is a perfect place for those looking for an affordable holiday. Kaş is one of Turkey’s best diving centers, is preferred by those looking for peace and quiet. You can do outdoor sports such as trekking and rafting in Manavgat. Side, Kekova, Kalkan, Belek and Adrasan and Patara are among other holiday destinations in Antalya. Finally, Manavgat, Kurşunlu and Düden waterfalls and Köprülü Canyon are also the center of attention for nature lovers. For more, check out our guide now!

There are 2 state and 3 foundation universites in different districts of Antalya. For educational perspective, we can say the universities in Antalya provide world-class education quality in different languages. Especially, Akdeniz University are so popular for international academic staff and educational quality worldwide. Find the best university in our guide below..