What to Do

Skiing

Within the province of Antalya, is a ski centre at Saklıkent, in the Bey Mountain range, at 1850 m There are two ski lifts, restaurants and hotels available. The skiing season runs between January and April and in the spring months it is possible to ski in the morning and then swim in the afternoon.

Mountaineering

The Bey Mountain has peaks ranging from 600 – 3086 m., with a variety of geological and typographical features and offers a wide range of climbing opportunities.The important peaks are Tekedoruğu, Bakırlı Dag, Tahtalıdağ and Kızlar Sivrisi. Climbers will pass through the cedar forests of Çamkuru Valley on their way to the top. The climbs can be completed in one day

Rafting

Within the Köprülü Canyon National Park, Köprücay is among the most breathtaking rafting centers in the country. Manavagat River rushes powerfully over the rocks, and offers excellent rafting opportunities. There are many agencies in the city that organize trips, including transport and equipment.

Diving

Various points of Antalya’s coastline provide opportunities for diving. Especially you can dive in Adrasan and Kekova.

Hunting

Foreigners can only hunt in parties organized by Turkish travel agencies which have been authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. These agencies provide all information concerning seasons, authorized zones, permits, weapons and ammunition. The list of agencies can be obtained from the Union of Travel Agencies (TURSAB).

Along the coasts and in the highlands there is an abundance of partridge, pheasant, pigeons quail and turtledove. In the rocky crags and down on the plane there are wild pigeons, woodcocks and blackbirds.The wild ducks and geese that live in the lakes and ponds come down to the coast in the winter. In the forests, along the coasts have deer, foxes, martins, roe deer, squirrels and mountain goats, while the mountains have bears and several species of wolves.

Fishing

Tourists may fish for leisure in non-prohibited areas without a license. Amateur equipment and non-commercial, multi-hooked lines should be used and nets should not weigh more than 5 kg. Commercial fishing by foreigners carries heavy penalties.

TThere are endless varieties of fish in the waters around Antalya, from sea Bream to swordfish. In the semi-salty waters, where the rivers run into the sea, there is sea bass and striped mullet, as well as pike, plaice, crayfish, crawfish and lobster. The area is a paradise for trout fishing, and in the creeks where trout are in abundance, there are also bass, carp and eel.

Camping

There are several forest camps around the resort of Kemer, around 20 km south of Antalya.

By Boat

Antalya’s marina is one of the most important ones in Turkey. The Kaleiçi (Old Town) marina lies at the foot of the old part of the city. Apart from private yachts coming from all over the world, there are passenger ferries to Cyprus and Rhodes.

Turkish Maritime Lines

Phone Number: (0242) 241 11 20.

Fax Number: (0242) 247 50 95

Kaleici (Old Town) Marina

Tel: (0242) 259 12 90

Fax: (0242) 259 10 10

Source: www.antalya.bel.tr

History of Antalya City

Antalya which means “the home of Attalos” was founded by Attalos II. Following the fall of Kingdom of Pergamon (133 BC), the city was independent for a while but then fell into the hands of pirates. It was later incorporated into the Roman Empire by Commander Servilius Isauricus in 77 BC. In 67 BC, the city then became a naval base for Pompeius. In 130 AD, the visit of Hadrianus provided progress for Attalia city. Attalia which was accepted as the centre of episcopacy during the Byzantine period made a great advancements after possessed by Turks. Since modern city is located on the ancient settlement, the ruins of antiquity can barely be traced. The first one of the ruins that can be seen is the part of harbour pier that indicates the old harbour and the walls surrounding the harbour. Hadrian’s Gate with ongoing restoration works on the other side of the walls is one of the unique ancient monuments of Antalya.

In antiquity, Antalya and its surroundings were known as “Pamphilia” meaning “very productive” and the west side of the city was known as “Lycia”. The people who migrate from the west coasts of Aegean Sea founded the cities like Aspendos, Side in VIII century BC. The King of Pergamon who reigns in II century besieged Side. The King, who could not capture Side, came to a place where now Antalya city centre is located, and founded the city. The city was named after him as Attaleia. In time, people called the city Atalia, Adalya. The name Antalya originated this way.

In the archaeological excavations, people were proved to have lived in Antalya and its environs 40.000 years ago. From the date 2000 BC, this region was ruled under the control of city states such as Hittite, Pamphylia, Lycia, Cilicia and Persia, Alexander the Great and its successors Antigonos, Ptolemais, Selevkos and the King of Pergamon. Roman Period later started to reign. The ancient name of Antalya was Pamphylia and the cities built in this area lived their golden age especially in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Towards the 5th century, they began to lose their glory.

What to Buy

The city has many shopping opportunities especially in the old city area of Kaleiçi and along the ancient city walls which line Atatürk Boulevard. This area is imbued with a uniquely Turkish atmosphere and is sure to impress visitors. Typical handmade Turkish souvenirs (ceramics, wooden sculptures among a few) can be bought as well as old Turkish kilims and carpets, pieces of Turkish art, original gold jewellery, leather products and clothing made from natural fabrics.

Another attraction worth visiting is the bountiful fruit and vegetable markets (Pazar) which are open every day of the week at different districts of the city.

How to Get

By Road

Antalya is easily accessed from most parts of the country and the main bus station is 4 km in north of the city centre. You can reach Antalya from Istanbul in 12 hours, from Fethiye in 8 hours, from İzmir in 9 hours, from Ankara in 8 hours and from Göreme in 10 hours. Most of the bus companies have free services from the terminal to the city centre.You can reach the districts such as Kaş, Alanya, Olympos and Side from the Terminal easily. All the busses are air-conditioned.