Located at the Turkish Riviera, the southern coast of Turkey, Antalya is well known for its sandy coast and turquoise water. Its picturesque beaches invite you to build sandcastles or take a leisurely swim. Of course, scuba diving, parasailing, water ski or boat parties are also on the menu, should you prefer that. Certainly, you are spoilt for choice. Konyaaltı, Kaputaş, Kleopatra, Lara, Mermerli are just some of the beaches you can discover and maybe the hardest decision you will face is whether you prefer the fine sand at Side or the pebble beach at Kemer. Regardless of which one becomes your favourite, the beach of Patara, just to mention one, is well worth a visit. While it doesn’t offer a lot of water sport, the beach is the nesting ground for Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Between May and October visitors have the chance to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. Witnessing these vulnerable turtles in the sand is sure to tug at your heart strings and while you are there do not miss out on visiting the Lycian tombs and the ancient ruins of Patara which are said to be the birthplace of Santa Claus, or rather St. Nicolas.
There is a pattern that emerges. Next to most of these stunning beaches lie some ancient archaeological sites, as if its ancient inhabitants had a similar fable for sunny beach resorts. Thus, Antalya has more to offer than its, admittedly, beautiful beaches. Founded as a seaport in the 2nd century CE, the city and its region have an ancient history. In the city of Antalya itself, in Kaleiçi, the historic city centre, time seems to have stopped. Through the remains of the Graeco-Roman wall one enters the heart of old Antalya; passing through the ancient city gate of Roman emperor Hadrian, down windy alleys, passing old wooden Ottoman houses, hidden court yards and many small shops. All invite you to take your time and enjoy a stroll through this part of town. A green repose offers Karaalioğlu Park with a spectacular view of the coast and the Taurus mountains.
Indeed, Antalya is rich in natural wonders. Located 27 kilometres away from Antalya, Karain cave is one of the largest caves in Turkey where traces of prehistoric human inhabitants have been discovered. Remains of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens which stem from the caves are now exhibited in the Archaeological Museum in Antalya and visiting the museum after a trip to Karain Cave gives the exhibits some needed context. Another cave, Damlatas cave, is located right next to Alanya Castle, itself not too far from Antalya city. It was the first cave opened to tourism in Turkey and it is renowned for its climate which is said to help people with respiratory illnesses. Those who come for a course of treatment stay around three weeks, but for anybody else the beautiful stalactite formations are certainly worth a visit.
Another place for a trip from Antalya is Kaş. Considered to be one of the top 50 dive sites in the world, with 21 different diving spots, Kaş also features a huge underwater museum with a number of genuine archaeological remains and shipwrecks from Lycian and later, Ottoman times. Adding to the thrill of feeling like an underwater explorer you may also encounter sharks or stingrays on your dive – if you’re lucky. Regardless, don’t leave before eating some burnt ice cream. It’s an unforgettable taste (in a good sense).
Far remote from any settlement and thus prime for some exploration on dry land is Nationalpark Olimpos Beydağları. The ancient ruins of Olimpos are located in a protected pine forest, giving you the perfect idyllic backdrop for some photos that are sure to make somebody jealous. If that hasn’t sated your hunger for exploration, then drive on to Çıralı to reach Chimaira after a short climb. For millennia natural gas fields have continuously burnt in these hills and the blazing flames lighting the evening sky is a spectacular conclusion to an exhausting day.
Toothbrush head size. The best size of toothbrush head is one that permits easy access to the surfaces of all your teeth. A toothbrush head that’s one-inch tall and a half-inch wide is easy to use for most adults and can reach all of your teeth efficiently. The toothbrush should have a long enough handle to hold it comfortably in your hand.
Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three months or when it begins to show wear, whichever comes first. It is also vital to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold because the bristles can accumulate bacteria and result in reinfection.
After a hot day at the beach, the night-life beckons. Back in Antalya, in the small alleys of Kaleiçi, the old city centre, at Konyaaltı Beach and the harbour there is much to discover at this time of the day. Bars, restaurants and clubs are bustling and many of the all-inclusive hotels (most of them east of the old city centre) open the doors to their own clubs and night-activities. If you do not like to make plans but would like to drink and/or dance just stroll down to the harbour and further east to pick one of the many places along the way.
There are many in Turkey who think that Antalya is one of the most liveable cities of Turkey. Its sunny climate at the Turkish Riviera, its many places for shopping and entertainment are certainly reasons why many would like to move there. But whether you are already packing your bags and calling the removal company or whether you are just planning a short trip, rest assured, Antalya is sure to leave a lasting impression with its natural wonders and charm.
