Witness Fantastic Sites with Cheap Holidays to Antalya

by Amanda Sutcliffe Travel Deals

Antalya is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coastline and has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, attracting plenty of tourists from different corners of the world annually. It was founded by the Attalid dynasty in the 2nd century BC but soon came under the rule of the Roman Empire. The following centuries saw the city being captured by many powerful rulers at different times, such as the Seljuks, and the Ottomans. It eventually came under the rule of Turkey after the country gained its independence in the early 20th century. During your time spent in this Turkish coastal city, you’ll get to witness some fabulous attractions.

One of the places you'll get to explore during your cheap holidays to Antalya is Kaleici, which has some red-roofed and whitewashed mansions from the Ottoman era. Taking a stroll in this old neighbourhood would be a pleasure with its cobblestone streets that are lined with boutique hotels, restaurants, art galleries and souvenir shops. You'll also get to explore some historical structures while getting around in Kaleici, such as the Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque and Kesik Minare. Don't miss the stone-clad clock tower and a fortress gate while you're at the main square of this neighbourhood.

The old harbour of Antalya is also worth visiting for its excellent view of the Mediterranean Sea. During your visit to this place, you'll come across some fabulous boutiques, bazaars, and cafes. It would be a great place for you to watch the setting sun while enjoying a cup of coffee. A visit to the Antalya museum allows you to know more about the history of Turkey. The exhibits showcased in this museum have been brought from the excavation sites located across the coasts of the country. The manner in which these exhibits have been displayed makes it easier to understand the rich and complicated history of the country.

Yivli Minare is the city's most distinctive landmark, built in the 13th century during the rule of the Seljuk Sultan, Alaeddin Keykubad. This minaret has been built in a typical architecture of the Seljuks and is attached to the mosque still in use. Located opposite this minaret is a clock tower that dates back to the times of the Ottoman rule. Another important attraction worth exploring is Hadrian's Gate, which is one of the main gates of entrance into the old neighbourhood of Kaleici. It was erected in the honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit in AD 130.

Upon embarking on a day trip from Antalya to the neighbouring regions, you'll get the chance to visit a famous archaeological site called Aspendos. This site is home to a Roman theatre, which is considered to be the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world. It enjoyed its period of glory during the 2nd and 3rd centuries when the Romans ruled this region. The ancient theatre can accommodate 15,000 spectators and is the venue for the annual Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival. It has been organised since 1994 by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet.