Antalya

Antalya is a major Mediterranean city on Turkey's southwestern coast, often called the gateway to the Turkish Riviera. Backed by the Taurus Mountains and fronted by a long stretch of the Mediterranean, it combines sandy beaches, a well-preserved old town and a fast-growing modern resort economy. It is the capital of Antalya Province and one of Turkey's most visited destinations, welcoming millions of travellers each year.

The city's history reaches back to around 150 BC, when Attalus II of Pergamon founded it as Attaleia. Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman influences remain visible today, particularly in the old town of Kaleiçi. Landmarks such as Hadrian's Gate, the Yivli Minare, Hıdırlık Tower and the Kesik Minare sit among narrow streets lined with restored Ottoman houses, while the Antalya Museum holds one of the country's richest archaeological collections.

Neighbourhoods and resort areas give Antalya a varied character. Kaleiçi offers a historic harbour and boutique hotels; Konyaaltı is known for its pebble beach, promenade and modern dining; Lara features long sandy beaches and large family-oriented resorts; and Belek, just east of the city, is an international golf hub with luxury hotels. Nearby ancient sites such as Perge, Aspendos and Termessos make the region a base for archaeology and culture as well as beach holidays.

Beyond tourism, Antalya is a regional centre for business, agriculture and events, hosting international conferences, trade fairs and the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival. Its economy is supported by citrus and greenhouse farming, a busy port and a broad hospitality industry. The city's restaurants, marina cafés and open-air venues add a lively social scene after sunset.

For both leisure and business travellers, Antalya offers a practical mix of year-round flights, beach resorts, historic sights and modern infrastructure, making it one of the Mediterranean's most complete urban destinations.