Turkish Riviera

Antalya — with over 2.5 million inhabitants, the capital of the Turkish Riviera — surprises first-time visitors with its diversity. The city is much more than a seaside resort: a vibrant metropolis with an Ottoman old town, modern center, and spectacular location between the Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea.

Kaleiçi (Old Town)

The historic heart of Antalya is a labyrinth of Ottoman wooden houses, narrow alleys, boutique hotels, and rooftop restaurants. Behind the mighty city wall from Roman times lies one of the best-preserved Ottoman old towns in Turkey. Hadrian's Gate (130 AD) marks the entrance — a triumphal arch erected for Emperor Hadrian's visit.

At the center lies the old harbor (Yat Limanı), surrounded by restaurants and cafes overlooking fishing boats and yachts. From here, boat tours start along the cliffs to the Düden Waterfalls and hidden coves.

Beaches

• Konyaaltı Beach: 7 km of pebble beach west of the center, with views of the mountains. Well-developed, beach clubs, restaurants. The water is crystal clear.
• Lara Beach: 12 km east — fine sandy beach with large resort hotels. Good for families, but touristy.
• Mermerli Beach: Small sandy beach directly below the old town Kaleiçi — the most urban beach in Antalya (access via Mermerli Restaurant, entrance approx. 100 ₺).

Other Highlights

• Antalya Museum: One of the best archaeological museums in Turkey — finds from Perge, Aspendos, and Side. The sculpture gallery is world-class (300 ₺).
• Düden Waterfalls: The Lower Düden plunges 40 m directly into the sea — best seen from a boat. The Upper Düden in Düdenbaşı Park offers walking paths behind the waterfall.
• Yivli Minaret: The fluted minaret (13th century) is Antalya's landmark — visible from everywhere in the old town.

The Theater of Aspendos (155 AD) is the best-preserved Roman theater in the world — period. While other ancient theaters are mere ruins, Aspendos stands almost complete: 15,000 seats, the original stage wall (Skene) with its niches, columns, and reliefs, the arcades, and even parts of the wooden stage machinery.

The acoustics are legendary: A whisper on stage can be heard in the top row. A coin dropped on the stage floor sounds crystal clear to the last tier. Built by the architect Zenon under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, the theater is still used today for concerts and opera performances (Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival in June/July).

Next to the theater lie the ruins of the ancient city of Aspendos with an impressive Roman aqueduct (15 km long, parts preserved up to 30 m high), a basilica, an agora, and a Nymphaeum fountain complex.

Side (pronounced: "Si-de") is a unique blend of ancient heritage and seaside resort. The peninsula on which ancient Side once sprawled is now a lively tourist town — but the ancient ruins are omnipresent. You drink your coffee next to 2,000-year-old columns and swim against the backdrop of an Apollo temple.

Ancient Side

• Temple of Apollo: The five standing columns at the harbor's edge at sunset — THE photo motif of the Riviera. The temple (2nd century AD) is located right by the sea.
• Great Theater: 15,000–20,000 seats, one of the largest in Asia Minor. Unlike most ancient theaters, it was not built into a hillside but stands free on arches — an architectural masterpiece.
• Side Museum: Housed in the restored Roman baths — sarcophagi, reliefs, and sculptures in an atmospheric setting.
• Nymphaeum & Agora: Fountain complex and marketplace with well-recognizable structures.

Beaches

• West Beach: Long sandy beach west of the old town, good for families, many beach clubs and hotels.
• East Beach: Quieter, more natural — turtles nest here. Less infrastructure, more nature.

Alanya — 135 km east of Antalya — is one of Turkey's most popular seaside resorts and home to a large German and Scandinavian expat community. The city is dominated by a mighty Seljuk fortress (13th century) on a 250 m high rocky promontory jutting into the sea.

Highlights

• Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi): The massive fortress encompasses 6.5 km of walls, 140 towers, and a complete medieval city inside (İç Kale). The view from above over the coast is breathtaking. Ascend by bus or car, descent on foot recommended.
• Red Tower (Kızıl Kule): Alanya's landmark — a 33 m high octagonal defense tower at the harbor (1226), built by a Syrian architect.
• Damlataş Cave: Stalactite cave right at Cleopatra Beach — the warm, humid air (22°C, 95% humidity) is said to be good for asthma.
• Cleopatra Beach: 2 km of fine sandy beach west of the castle — according to legend, Mark Antony gave this beach to Cleopatra. Crystal clear, turquoise water.
• Boat Tour: The classic boat trip around the peninsula showcases the Phosphorus Cave, Pirate Cave, Lovers' Cave, and the shipyard (Tersane) from 1228. From 150 ₺ at the harbor.

The ancient city of Perge — just 18 km northeast of Antalya — was one of the most important cities of Pamphylia and home to the mathematician Apollonius. Less crowded than Ephesus, Perge offers some of the most impressive ruins on the southern coast.

• Stadium: One of the best-preserved ancient stadiums — 12,000 seats, 234 m long. Shops were located under the seating rows — an ancient shopping center.
• Hellenistic Gate: Two massive round towers mark the entrance to the city — one of the most distinctive gates of antiquity.
• Colonnaded Street: The 300 m long main street with a water channel in the middle, lined with columns and mosaics.
• Nymphaeum: Monumental fountain complex with a 12 m high facade.
• Acropolis: The hill above the city offers panoramic views and the oldest settlement traces (4,000 BC).

The Manavgat Waterfall may not be a dramatic cataract (only 3 m high), but the width of the river, the surrounding tea gardens, and the opportunity to cruise on riverboats make it a popular excursion destination. The real charm lies in the Green Canyon (Green Canyon / Oymapınar) — a reservoir with emerald green water, surrounded by the Taurus Mountains. Boat tours on the canyon are spectacular (from 200 ₺).

The Manavgat Bazaar (Monday and Thursday) is one of the largest and most authentic weekly markets on the Riviera — fruits, vegetables, spices, textiles, household goods. Locals shop here, and prices are significantly lower than in Side or Alanya.

West of Antalya, where the Taurus Mountains plunge directly into the sea, lie some of the wildest and most beautiful places on the Riviera.

Kemer

Touristically developed seaside resort with pebble beaches and a pretty marina. Starting point for boat tours to hidden coves and to Phaselis — an ancient Lycian port city between three bays with pine forests (one of the most romantic places on the coast).

Olympos & Çıralı

At the foot of Mount Olympos (Turkish Tahtalı, 2,366 m) lie the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, overgrown in a dense laurel forest by the beach — pure Indiana Jones atmosphere. Right next to it is the hippie village Olympos with treehouses as accommodations.

The neighboring bay Çıralı is the counter-program to resort tourism: a 3 km long natural beach (turtle nesting site), small guesthouses, organic restaurants, and the Chimera — eternal flames that have been flickering from the rock since antiquity (emission of natural gas). The ascent to the Chimera in the dark is mystical.