ntalya in Turkey is a magnificent city located on the southwest Mediterranean shore. It is regarded as Turkey’s most significant foreign tourism capital and one of the best places to visit on your cheap holidays to Antalya. In terms of people density, it is a populous city as well. It is recognized as the fifth-most populous city and one of Turkey’s most well-known provinces. Millions of visitors from around the globe are enchanted by the city. By bringing together the sun, the azure water, and the mountains ringed by pine trees, King Attalos II, who lived in the first century BC, named Antalya the paradise of the world. Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage, which includes mosques, cathedrals, madrasahs, and baths, has survived despite the savagery of the period. Continue reading to know about the best places to visit on your cheap holidays to Antalya.
Here is a list of the best places to visit in Antalya:
1. Kaleici
A great tourism destination, Kaleici is situated in Turkey’s Antalya province of Muratpasa. It is a very important neighborhood because it contains remnants of the city’s past. Heritage homes are among the most tangible structures that link the past to the present. It is because they depict the mannerisms, conduct, habits, and traditions of the populace at that time.
2. Side Ancient City
One of the most significant ancient towns in Antalya is Side. Side Ancient City, one of Pamphylia’s ancient port towns, goes back to the Hittites in the eighth century BC. The city, deserted since the 12th century, has left behind several historical remains. The Side Ancient Settlement also has the Side Museum. The museum showcases the finest Byzantine, Roman, and Hellenistic-era architectural elements. You should head to the museum to observe the statues, columns, and pictures of ancient cultures. It is one of the best places to visit on your cheap holidays to Antalya.
3. Konyaalti Beach
One of Antalya’s two beaches, Konyaalti Beach is situated about 3 km west of Kalekaps. It is a lengthy stretch of stones and uneven sand with a park at the back that stretches over 7 km from the Beydalar Mountains to the cliffs. There are numerous hotels and residential streets close to the beach. To get to this beach, take the Nostalji tram west from Kalekaps in the city’s heart to the terminus by the Antalya Museum. It takes about 15 minutes to stroll there from the old town.
4. Antalya Archaeological Museum
Antalya has a distinguished archaeological heritage because it is located in the ancient Pamphylia area, which stretched from the Mediterranean coast into the Taurus mountains. It should come as no surprise that the Antalya Archaeological Museum is among the finest in the nation and a must-visit location for tourists. 13 halls with more than 5,000 objects on display at any given moment span antiquity to the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, as well as early 20th-century life in the Antalya countryside. This is the best cheap holiday to Antalya.
5. Hadrian’s Gate
In the second century BCE, this spectacular triumphal arch was constructed to commemorate Emperor Hadrian’s journey to Antalya. The entrance has three arches with four columns on either side of each arch. If you are familiar with traditional architecture, you will note that the column capitals are compound, combining Corinthian acanthus leaves with Ionic volutes. Strong defensive towers that have been here in one form or another since Roman times surround the gate to the north and south.
6. Old Marina
The Old Marina is tucked away among craggy cliffs in a charming little scenic cove and is one of the best places to visit on your cheap holidays to Antalya. Boats abound in the harbor’s clear waterways. Many quaint cafes and eateries line the shore, making it a charming location to visit. Small, winding streets lead away from the marina. Once the center of Antalya’s economy, it is the ideal location for enjoying dinner or coffee while taking in breathtaking surroundings. You can also take a boat excursion from here to explore the close-by Turkish coastline.
7. Termessos
The magnificent ancient settlement of Termessos is located at an elevation of more than 1000 meters on the hillside of Solymos Mountain. Exploring the well-preserved old buildings and ruins of Termessos is a surreal experience, making it one of the top places to visit on your cheap holidays to Antalya. The colonnaded street and agora are just a couple of its many landmarks. There are stunning views of the surrounding region and the distant Taurus Mountains. The locals were Pisidian, fierce and prone to conflict, neither Greek nor Lycian. The site is in such good condition because of its remote location, which enabled it to maintain its independence in the face of advancing armies.
8. Old Harbor
Antalya’s ancient harbor, located in the northwest corner of the old town, is a picturesque cluster of cafés and eateries with views of gently bobbing yachts getting ready to sail off into the Mediterranean. It is hard to imagine that this area was once Antalya’s primary economic center due to its calm, pleasure-boat ambiance. Although, from the second century until the middle of the 20th century, this served as the city’s main port, delivering trade and prosperity to the area. It is one of the best places to visit for cheap holidays to Antalya.
The Bottom Line
Everyone can find something to do on your cheap holidays to Antalya. Aspendos and Antalya’s maze-like central old town are among the top destinations if you want to get your sightseeing fix. The city is ideally situated to serve as your base for day trips around the historic tourist sites spread across the nearby hills. But for many visitors, the past is barely mentioned. In contrast, Antalya is all about the beaches that line the shoreline and having boat tours to see the views of the Mediterranean coastline. For more information, visit TUI and the official website.
