Antalya is a city embracing the sun, the lush green of the surrounding landscape and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. With its long summers and mild winters, its endless beaches, the vast orange groves which perfume the air, the abundant green of the Taurus Mountains stretching down to the sea and the breath-taking splendor of ancient Greek, Roman and Seljuk remains, Antalya is one of the world's most visited and attractive holiday resorts.
Antalya itself has a number of places of cultural and historical interest: Close to the attractive harbour, is the most famous of these, the fluted minaret known as the Yivli Minaret. The Archeological Museum is also particularly impressive containing treasures dating from as far back as the Bronze Age. Other historic sites in the area which should not be missed include the ancient Pamphylian cities of Perge, which contains the largest stadium in Asia Minor and Aspendos with its exceptionally well preserved theatre. To explore the natural splendours of the Taurus Mountains, a trip to the Düden Waterfalls or the Köprülü Kanyon National Park is recommended.
Antalya is a thriving seaside resort with every type of watersport available. Just outside the city is the long stretch of sand known as Lara Beach. Adjacent to Dedeman Antalya is the Aquapark Dedeman where waterslides and chutes which provide hours of fun for children and adults alike.
Also, Antalya is a busy center offering many opportunities for entertainment, eating out and shopping.
Eating Out in Antalya;
Food and Drink in Antalya
Turkish Cuisine ranks among the best in the world alongside French and Cantonese.
The vast Ottoman Empire which stretched from the gates of Vienna to the S.tip of the Arabian peninsula lent Turkish cuisine its richness and diversity. A few words here just to give you an idea...
Meze
Turkish people traditionally begin their dinner with meze (similar to antipasti or tapas) such as vegetables either stuffed or prepared in olive oil, spicy salsas, yoghurts and dips which are mopped up with crusty Turkish baguettes, deep fried seafood and the list goes on. Some people find that a selection of meze is plenty for their main meal.
Main Meals
The Turks are famous for their spicy kebabs of which there are a great many varieties. Fresh fish such as red mullet, sea bass or bream tends to be served simply either grilled or pan-fried. Earth-baked leg of lamb melts in the mouth and the various meat stews and casseroles will leave you asking for more.
Desserts & Partries
Wafer-thin pastry soaked in syrup and layered with ground pistachio nuts is the famous Turkish sweetmeat not to miss. Deep fried dough balls in syrup (lokma) and Turkish style rice pudding (sütlaç) are all samples of desserts available in most any Turkish restaurant. Many Turks however stick to a platter of sliced fresh fruits and berries after their meal. Fruit in Turkey really does taste better!
Drinks ...
Raki is the national alcoholic drink. Everyone drinks it. It has a strong taste of aniseed and when mixed with water takes on a milky hue. Turkish beers and lagers are excellent as are the wines on offer which come mainly from the vineyards around Ankara and Tekirdag by the sea of Marmara.
The big soft drinks companies (Pepsi Co. and Coca-Cola) all produce in Turkey. Fruit juice is widely available. Also try ayran which is made up of plain yoghurt whisked in with spring water and a pinch of salt. It is surprisingly refreshing on a hot summer's day. 
Wining & Dining in Antalya
Whether you are looking for a traditional Turkish restaurant, an Italian Bistro, a pub, bar or cafe Antalya can come up with something to fit the bill. The city is roughly divided into sections which have their own atmosphere and their own cafes, bars, bistros and restaurants.
Kaleiçi
(old town within the Roman city walls) has its own unique blend of bars which cater to the young crowd. Further down you will find the Yat Limaný (yacht habour) which lives up to its name with up-market fish restaurants, bars and clubs to dance the night away. The area of Isiklar is packed with stylish yet relaxed European-style cafes, bars and bistros frequented mostly by locals. For a taste of a typical Antalyan fish house where the food is simple but tasty even if the surroundings are somewhat primitive go no further than the Halk Pazari or Peoples Market. Amongst the clatter and noise and smells of the sea you will have a genuine Turkish experience.
And after meal, Turkish coffee.
Afiyet olsun
The best tastes of ANTALYA ...
| Döner Kebap |
: |
Lamb grilled on a revolving spit. |
| Žiž Köfte |
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Grilled meatballs. |
| Dolma |
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Stuffed vegetables. |
| Sarma |
: |
Dish made of rice and meat, wrapped in grapeleaves |
| Çerkez Tavušu |
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Ground chicken with bread crumbs, walnuts and red pepper sauce. |
| Imambayildi |
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Dish prepared with eggplant and olive oil. |
| Manti |
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Prepared with dough, ground meat and yogurt. |
| Içli Köfte |
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Made of ground meat and pounded wheat. |
| Börek |
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Flaky pastry with thin layers of cheese or other filling |
| Çig Köfte |
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Spicy raw meatballs. |
| Helva |
: |
A sweet prepared in many varieties with sesame oil, various cereals, sugar syrup or honey. |
| Ažure |
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Sweet dish made of sugar, cereals and raisins. |
| Baklava |
: |
Flaky pastry stuffed with nuts in syrup |
| Lokum (Turkish delight) |
: |
A soft, chewy and sweetish confection. |
| Ayran |
: |
Made of water and yogurt |
| Raki |
: |
The indispensable alcoholic drink of pleasant dinners. |
Shopping Out in Antalya;
There is a wealth of handicrafts available to the discerning shopper. Traditional items such as the world famous hand made kilims (rugs) in bold colours, beautifully hand-painted ceramics, copper and brassware and ornate Meerschaum pipes make charming souvenirs and gifts.
Excellent quality gold, silver and leather goods are to be had at prices considerably less than outside Turkey.
Busy street markets (the most central one takes place on Wednesdays between Isiklar street and the Talya Hotel) are packed full of stallholders jostling to sell you their best tasting fruit and freshest vegetables. Aromatic spices and herbs such as cinnammon, saffron, paprika and mint entice the senses.
For more stylish boutiques Antalya can offer excellent quality fashion clothes and accessories for a fraction of the price in Europe. Look no further than Ataturk Street, Konyaalti street, or the recently opened shopping mall called Migros 5M (situated on the Konyaalti Beach side of town).
Carpets and rugs are very much part of the Turkish tradition.
The Yörüks, who are semi nomadic, live throughout the winter on the plains.
They hand produce carpets using vegetable dyes and wool from their own sheep.
The design and patterns used in the carpets reflect their nomadic culture which is expressed in the harmonious use of blues, dark greens and reds. This traditional style of carpet making is concentrated in the villages around Antalya
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