Antalya |
The Antalya Region, offering all the mysticism of past in our day, is now called the "Turkish Riviera" due to its archaeological and natural beauties. Antalya is the place where sea, sun, history and nature constitute a perfect harmony and which also includes the most beautiful and clearest coast along the Medditerranean. The city still preserves its importance as a centre throughout history in the south coast of the country, in addition to its wonderful natural beauties. The mythological city which housed the Gods and Goddesses now exhibits all its secrets and marvels to mankind.
Antalya is located in the west of the Medditerranean region. In ancient times it covered all Pamphylia which means "the land of all tribes". The land really deserves the name since it has witnessed many successive civilizations throughout history. In 1st century BC the Pergamum king Attalus ordered his men to find the most beautiful piece of land on earth; he wanted them to find "heaven on earth". After a long search all over the world, they discovered this land and said "This must be 'Heaven' " and King Attalus founded the city giving it the name "Attaleia". From then on many nations kept their eyes on the city. When the Romans took over the Pergamene Kingdom, Attaleia became an outstanding Roman city which the great Roman Emperor Hadrian visited in 130 AD; an arch was built in his honour which is now worth seeing. Then came the Byzantines, after which the Seljuk Turks took over the city in 1207 and gave it a different name, Adalya, and built the Yivli Minaret. The Ottomans followed the Seljuks and finally within the Turkish Republic it became a Turkish city and an important port. Antalya has been growing rapidly since 1960 and its population is 1,146,109 acccording to the 1990 census.
The climate of the province is typical Medditerranean: hot and dry in summers and temperate and rainy in winters. Sunshine is guaranteed from April to October and the winters are pleasantly mild. The humidity is a little bit high, about 64%, and the average water temperature is 21.5 °C. Antalya is really a heavenly place where the summer season is about 8-9 months long.
Transportation
You may reach Antalya from almost every city of the country, and even from little towns, coach companies going to Antalya are available.
Antalya has an international airport which may connect you to major cities. It has modern facilities including waiting rooms, restaurants, cafebar, and a shopping centre.
When traveling by sea, one can use the AntalyaVenice Ferryboat line.
Touristic Attractions
Antalya and its surrounding is an important and noteworthy touristic centre on the Mediterranean Coast with its perfect climate and splendid harmony of archaeological, historical and natural beauties, throughout the year. Daily tours to surrounding touristic areas like Side, Alanya and Termessos are available, in addition to longer tours to Pamukkale or Cappadocia or anywhere you would like to go. Proffessional tourist guides are also available.
Sightseeing
City Walls: The memorial Hadrian Arch and The Clock Tower are remarkable and date back to Hellenistic era.
Kaleici: This is the nucleus of a city which embraced many civilizations during time. It is now restored and has became a most attractive touristic centre with its hotels, restaurants, shopping and entertainment facilities. Kalei,ci retains all the original ancient Turkish archaeological characteristics. The port's marina has been completely restored and is wellworth visiting. The restoration activities in Kaleici won the Golden Apple Prize, the Oscar of tourism.
Antalya Museum: A prize winning museum and one of the most notable archaeology museums, of the world. It is also the only museum in Turkey with a children's department exhibiting ancient monuments appealing to children.
Hadrian's Gate: This ornamental marble arch was constructed in 2nd century BC by the Romans in honour of the Emperor Hadrian. It is the most amazing area in the whole ancient Pamphylia region.
Kesik Minaret (Broken Minaret): Once a Byzantine Panaglia church, later converted into a mosque.
Yivli Minaret: This fluted minaret of 13th century was built by the Seljuks. Decorated with dark blue and turquouise tiles, the minaret eventually became the symbol of the city.
Karatay Medresesi, Hidirilk Tower, Ahi Yusuf Mescidi, Iskele Mosque, Murat Pasa Mosque, Tekeli Mehmet Pasa Mosque, Balibey Mosque, Musellim Mosque, Seyh Sinan Efendi Mosque and Osman Efendi Mosque are other places to be visited.
"Han"s are Seljuk or Ottoman inns which have architectural significance. Some worth visiting are the Evdir Han, Klrkoz Han, Alara Han and Castle and Sarapsu (Serapsu) Han.
Ancient Cities
Termessos: It is a Pisidyan city with remnants of an agora, theatre and an odion. It has a reputation of being the most magnificent necropolis on the Mediterranean, 35 kms northwest of Antalya.
Perge: 18 kms northeast of Antalya. The ruins are spread on two hills, the theatre on one and the acropolis on the other. According to the legend the city was built by three heros from Troy.
Sillyon: 34 kms from Antalya on the Alanya direction. It is situated between Aspendos and Perge and dates back to 4th.century BC.
Aspendos: One of the most important Pamphilian cities. It is situated on the point where the Kopru River meets the sea. Once an important port and a commercal centre, it has a reputation for raising the best horses on earth. The odeon, basilica, galleria and fountains are worth seeing.alya
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KUSADASI CENTRUM |
Kusadasi Centrum properties tend to be apartments rather than villas. Many of the apartment complexes have swimming pool and spectacular sea views. The general rule is that the closer the dwelling is to the sea, the more expensive the apartment. Several new developments have been completed or are reaching completion near the top end of the Marina which is an ideal location for those who want a luxury apartment in a lock up and leave location, so you can make the most of those special holiday breaks.
Many people are also choosing to live in that area of the town on a permanent basis so it is developing in to a friendly community, and are close to the town centre and the shops for your convenience.
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LADIES BEACH |
Ladies Beach is a popular resort area of the town and is 10 minute dolmush ride away from the centre.
The beach itself is one of the most popular beaches in Kusadasi, and the sea front, with it’s collection of shops, hotels and restaurants along the boulevard, is on a small and friendly scale-perfect for those sunset strolls and for sunbathing. It has a charm and character all its own and properties here range from apartments to luxury villas with prices to suit every pocket.
Some areas of Ladies Beach are on the flat, but most of the area is hilly so it may not be suitable for those who find walking challenging, but its carefree atmosphere has established it is a firm favourite with the many home-owners who have already purchased here.
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DAVUTLAR –LONG BEACH |
Until quite recently, Davutlar, although popular with the Turkish buyers, wasn’t a well known area for those seeking a seaside retreat. The town is clean quite pretty, with several shops including a large supermarket, restaurants and a regular Sunday Bazaar which is very popular.
Properties here are a mixture of apartments or, on the coastal road around the town there are selections of villas from 2 bedroom holiday homes up to impressive 6 bedrooms homes. The area surrounded by peach and mandarin orchards and is very typical of traditional Turkey with warm friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere. On the coast among the holiday villas, you can find plenty of entertainment, nightlife and restaurants as well as 18 km of golden sandy beaches.
Because of the diversity of properties, there really is home here for any budget, and is just 20 km away from the bustle of Kusadasi.
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GÜZELÇAMLI-NATIONAL PARK |
Tiny Güzelçamlı is another area which is starting to reach its potential as a holiday and permanent living destination. Nestled at the base of the Samsun Mountains, the town is close to the sea and is the last place on the end of the peninsula, on the other side of which is Didim.
With its crystal clear waters and its proximity to the unspoiled beauty of the National Park high in the hills above, it already has a lot to offer and now there are plans to construct a Marina close to the existing harbour, which many buyers feel will fit the town to a different level as it will attract investors keen to provide more services and amenities wthin the area. It has long been a popular place due to the high quality of its air and the great location offers hikers and walkers or anyone interested in natural history or archaeology the chance to explore.
The famous ancient temple of Panionion is in its boundaries, and there are other historical sites close by.
Properties are a range of apartments and villas, and there are sometimes old village dwellings for sale
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CHERRY VILLAGE |
Cherry village is a wonderful little Aegean village is located 9 km inland. Most of the houses in this village date from the 19th century or earlie. The village lies in a lovely bowl of hills surrounded by cherry orchards, vineyards and olive groves. The surroundings are full of idyllic country walks. Some tourism has come to the village recent years, bringing with it some souvenir shops, a dozen restaurants and few boutique hotels. But farming remains the principal activity. Villagers make wine and olive oil and grow some of the best cherries and peaches in the country.
Village offers a piece and quite in a secluded and exotic nature land as well as being so close to the magnificent sandy beaches and the famous night life of Kusadasi.
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SOĞUCAK VILLAGE |
The Turkish village of Soğucak and the area surrounding it is up and coming with some very impressive villas already constructed and more very select developments on the way. Although it’s a rural area, it’s elevated position guarantees, that you will have a spectacular sea view and the village has restaurants and shops so you don’t have to slave over a stove if you do not want to.
Some of the best examples of luxury villas are located here and its green and wooded aspect gives you sense of privacy even though it’s a short drive from the town of Kusdasi, or the town of Davutlar.
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AGACLI |
Agacli has a magnificent sea and mountain views and only few minutes’ drive to famous Long Beach and 2km to Golf Course of which is being built, is a small quite village, populated only hundreds situated just outskirts of touristy town of Davutlar. Green village is covered in the contrasting greens of pines and olive trees around Mount Samsun that provides a good accommodation for rarely found trees aged 300 or 350 years and historical places. The village is famous for its fragrant fruits and vegetables grown on the fertile lands. Peach, tangerine and watermelon are the principle supporters of the town’s agricultural economy. .Click for photo album...
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