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Antalya, known as the Turkish Riviera, is a stunning destination offering a mix of ancient history, picturesque beaches, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, it promises an unforgettable journey filled with sun-soaked adventures, exquisite cuisine, and breath taking landscapes. We recently completed our trip to Antalya in Turkey from Dec 4 to 8 this year, 2024. Here’s a detailed account of our adventure, packed with tips for fellow travellers.
Day 1: Arrival and a Captivating First Glimpse
Our journey began with a smooth EasyJet flight from London Luton to Antalya International Airport. Landing at 8 PM, we were greeted by our pre-booked cab, ensuring a hassle-free transfer to Falcon Hotel, our home for the next few days. The sea-facing room on the 3rd floor exceeded our expectations. Even under the cover of night, the Mediterranean’s allure was undeniable, shimmering under the moonlight. Exhausted yet excited, we ordered room service and enjoyed a hearty meal as we prepared for the adventures ahead. Below are some glimpse of our stay at the hotel and some random snaps of the Turkish delicacies offered during the breakfast and evening snacks.
Day 2: A Dive into History – Side, Aspendos, and Perge
Our first full day was dedicated to exploring historical gems. We started our local sightseeing. We booked a whole day trip to historical sites of City of Side, Aspendos and Purge. We booked both our day trip packages at reasonable cost (35-40 GBP per person ) from trip.com. We got ready and were waiting for our cab right outside the hotel sharp at 8 am. The cab arrived in time and picked us up along with some co passengers from other hotels. Our guide was amazing. He was soft-spoken, very fluent in English and had immense ideas and historical knowledge on all those sites we visited that day.
Side: Our first stop was Side, a resort town steeped in history. Known for its Greco-Roman ruins and long beaches, Side thrived as a trade hub in ancient times. We marvelled at the Temple of Apollo, perched on the peninsula’s tip. Its serene location near the beach made it a photographer’s delight.
Side : The Mediterranean coast and the ruins of Greek Temples
Aspendos: Next, we visited the Roman theatre of Aspendos, an architectural masterpiece from the 2nd century AD. Its impeccable preservation left us awestruck, imagining the grandeur of performances held there centuries ago.
Aspendos: A remarkably preserved Roman theatre showcasing ancient architectural brilliance.
Manavgat Waterfall: Following Aspendos we started our journey towards the final destination for the day to the City of Perge. In between we took a quick stop at Manavgat Waterfall and clicked some random selfies and photos. The white, foaming water of the Manavgat Waterfalls flows powerfully over the rocks and it’s ana amazing beauty to be honest. It was a mini version of Niagara.
Manavgat: A tranquil escape
Perge: Our final destination for the day was Perge, an ancient city with a rich tapestry of Greek, Persian, and Roman influences. The ruins, including the temple dedicated to Artemis, were a testament to the city’s former grandeur. It was one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the ancient world, most famous for its temple dedicated to Artemis, the beautiful goddess of wilderness. For approximately 450 years, Perge was under the control of the Greeks until the Persians conquered it in 546 BC. 200 years later the armies of Alexander the Great entered Perge, ending the Persian reign. From that time, until the fall of the Roman Empire, Perge was under the patronage of the Romans. With its long history and its combination of 3 different cultures, the ruins are a delight to explore. Wandering through its streets felt like stepping back in time, marvelling at the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
After a packed day, we returned to the hotel, reliving the wonders we had witnessed over a sumptuous dinner.
Day 3: Natural Wonders – Pamukkale and Hierapolis
The following day began early, with a 5 AM pickup for our trip to Pamukkale and Hierapolis. After a 3-hour journey, broken by a delightful breakfast stop, we arrived at this UNESCO World Heritage site. The guide was very professional, soft humble and well spoken. He helped us by sharing the entire plan of the tour. One key point here: you need to pay the entry fee for Pamukkale site. We carried cash. You can pay in USD, EUR or GBP.
Cleopatra Pool: Our first stop was the Cleopatra Pool. While some co-passengers took a dip in its warm, mineral-rich waters, we chose to savour the unique experience with a sip of the water. Its taste was unlike anything we had tried before.
Hierapolis Museum: The museum showcased restored statues and artifacts, offering a deep dive into the region’s illustrious past.
Pamukkale: The next three hours were completely left to us. Pamukkale’s stunning limestone landscapes or Travertines were the highlight of the day. We took a wonderful stroll around the Hierapolis museum. Came across some of the magnificent and restored Greek-Roman statues and art work there. Next, we went to the site of Pamukalle. In one word the stunning limestone landscapes was breath-taking. Upon discussing with the guide, we got to know that Pamukkale was formed when a spring with a high content of dissolved calcium bicarbonate cascaded over the edge of the cliff, which cooled and hardened leaving calcium deposits. This formed into natural pools, shelves and ridges, which tourists could plunge and splash in the warm water. The Turkish name Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle”, is derived from this striking landscape. Currently Pamukkale is a UNESCO World heritage site. For anyone visiting Turkey, especially the Antalya region it is a must visit.
We also visited the Roman theatre in Pamukkale and in one word it was just amazing.
Roman Theater, Hierapolis Pamukkale
We returned to our hotel in the evening, just in time for a traditional Turkish belly dance performance. This vibrant show added a lively touch to an already memorable day.
Day 4: Leisure and Local Exploration
Our final day was reserved for unstructured exploration. After a hearty breakfast, we boarded a local bus to Lara Beach. Navigating the public transport system was straightforward with our internationally activated debit card. The golden sands and tranquil waves of Lara Beach provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation.
Next, we ventured to Antalya’s Old Bazaar. The bustling market offered a treasure trove of authentic Turkish goods, from spices to handicrafts. A visit to Hadrian’s Gate, a Roman-era monument, added a historical touch to our wanderings. The nearby mosque’s afternoon call to prayer was a melodic reminder of the city’s cultural vibrancy.
As evening approached, we bid farewell to Antalya. A reasonably priced local cab took us to the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. While the airport facilities left much to be desired, we managed to make do with a water refill from Starbucks.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Antalya Trip
- Plan Your Flights Wisely: Look for end-of-season deals; we booked our EasyJet tickets for just £20 (hand luggage only).
- Pre-Book Tours: Booking in advance ensures the best rates and a well-organized itinerary.
- Carry Cash: Entrance fees at some sites require cash. ATMs are plentiful if you need to withdraw.
- Public Transport: Affordable and efficient, buses accept tap-and-pay cards. A ride costs only 25 Lira (~£0.6).
- Weather Preparedness: The Mediterranean weather can be unpredictable, so pack umbrellas, waterproof shoes, and foldable raincoats.
- Engage with Locals: Turkish people are warm and helpful. Language barriers can be overcome with apps like Google Translate.
- Hotel Stays: All-inclusive deals, like ours at Falcon Hotel, can save money and enhance convenience.
- Cultural Evenings: Many hotels host traditional performances, adding a cultural dimension to your stay.
Antalya is a destination that effortlessly blends history, nature, and modernity. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or someone seeking relaxation, this Mediterranean paradise has something for everyone. For us, as the Voyage Couple, Antalya wasn’t just a trip; it was a journey through time and beauty. We left with hearts full of memories and a promise to return someday.
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