Antalya, Turkey:
My first visit to the enchanting city of Antalya was nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a rundown of my adventures:
Day 1 in Antalya: A Blend of History, Nature, and Local Charm
A Fresh Start
I woke up early, filled with excitement for the day ahead. After a traditional Turkish breakfast at my hotel, I set off on my journey. My first stop was Hadrian’s Gate, a structure built by the Romans in 150 AD. Wow! This ancient gateway is even more impressive in person. The intricate carvings and grandeur of the structure are a testament to the city’s rich history. I didn’t get there quite early enough, so the area was already teeming with tour groups of all languages. If you’re looking for that perfect picture, get there early!
Scenic Views and Strolls
From Hadrian’s Gate, I walked to Karaalioğlu Park. The views from this park are simply breathtaking, as you overlook the cliffs out to the Mediterranean Sea. So it’s a perfect spot to take in the beauty of Antalya. I made a note to come back for sunset.
Next, I wandered through the lovely narrow streets of the old town, leading me down to the historic old port. I strolled along the waterfront, where the ships moore, and made my way out to one of the lighthouses. The views looking back at the city walls were incredible. Off to the side of the port, you can see the beach and swimming with the most beautiful crystal-clear waters in shades of green and blue. I would definitely be coming back on another day ☀️
Relaxation and Meeting Some Locals
Feeling the heat, I continued my walk to Yavuz Ozcan Park. I took a break, drinking a liter of water in one go and admiring more stunning views. While in the park, I came across the most adorable kittens. Locals leave out food and water for them, but these little ones still craved attention. I spent quite a bit of time playing with them – they were so tiny and playful. One thing you can’t miss about Antalya is the number of cats! They are everywhere, adding to the city’s charm.
History and Artistry
After reluctantly saying goodbye to the kittens, I made my way to the Antalya Museum. This museum is a treasure trove of history. The vast collection of statues and incredible remnants from Roman times are amazing. The details on the sarcophagi were particularly impressive, showcasing the artistry of the era. I spent nearly two hours here, completely immersed in the past.
A Suspicious Encounter
I walked back to the port and found a table at a restaurant overlooking the harbor for a late lunch and a refreshing shandy. While I enjoyed the view, a man approached me and asked if I could take his photo, oddly facing away from the scenic views. He then tried to persuade me to join him on various tours, becoming increasingly insistent and suspicious. Sensing something was off, I firmly declined. His persistence and the odd circumstances made me wary, so I felt relieved when he eventually left. Traveling solo on this trip, I made sure to stay especially alert!
Regroup & Sunset Views
I returned to the hotel, showered, and headed down to the pool to catch up on emails, do some writing, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. As I relaxed by the pool, I also took the opportunity to browse GetYourGuide, where I found and booked my activity for the next day.
As sunset approached, I went back up to Karaalioğlu Park. Watching the sunset over the mountains was a spectacular end to the day. People lined the park’s edge overlooking the water, all there enjoying the sunset. There was even a man selling roses, adding to the special atmosphere.
Winding Down
After the sun had set, I returned to the hotel for a quick dinner before heading back to my room to pack for the next day’s adventure. I realized I hadn’t received confirmation of my pickup time and location for the morning tour, so I set my alarm for 6:30 am to ensure I had ample time to contact the tour company if needed. Then it was lights out and I was asleep by 10pm!
Day 2: Exploring Ancient Wonders and Hidden Treasures in Demre and Myra
Mad Dash & Sunken Cities
When the van arrived, I hopped in and we set off, picking up a few more passengers along the way. We joined a boat trip to the Kekova Sunken City, an ancient Lycian city partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD, with a larger tour group from Russia.
Although the commentary on the boat tour was entirely in Russian, it was still an incredible experience. Our tour guide had given us all the important details about the sunken city on the way to the port, so we didn’t miss any key information despite the language barrier. I even learned some popular Russian songs from the ‘90s, which was quite fun.
A Cool Dip
It was a beautiful day, with not a cloud in the sky! We slowly passed the amazing ruins and then headed to a calm area of water so we could hop in and take a dip (the area by the ruins is protected, so you can’t swim too close). The water was refreshingly cool, and the experience of swimming in such clear, beautiful water was truly unforgettable.
Visiting the Church of Saint Nicholas
After stopping for a delicious lunch in the town of Demre, our tour continued to the Church of Saint Nicholas. While the entrance to the church was extra, at the time of my visit it was 17 Euros, it was well worth the price for the history and significance of the site.
The Church of Saint Nicholas was built in the 6th century AD and was restored in the 11th century. You may have heard of Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop of Myra, as he became the inspiration for our modern-day Santa Claus! He is the patron saint of sailors, children, and travelers, and people know him for his generosity. Since he was born in the Antalya region, and also lived there, they buried him in this church. His legendary acts of kindness include secretly gifting dowries for impoverished girls and saving sailors from peril, earning him the nickname “Nicholas the Wonderworker.”
Architectural Beauty and Historical Significance
The church itself is a fascinating site, with well-preserved Byzantine architecture, beautiful frescoes, and ancient mosaics. There you can also see elaborately decorated sarcophagi, including the one that originally held the bones of Saint Nicholas.
The Journey of Saint Nicholas’ Relics
An intriguing and somewhat somber part of the church’s history involves the theft of Saint Nicholas’ relics. In 1087, Italian sailors from Bari stole most of his bones and took them back to Italy (they are now in the Basilica di San Nicola). However, some of his relics were taken to Venice, and fragments have also been dispersed to various churches around the world. This has led to a widespread veneration of Saint Nicholas across the globe.
The Legacy of Saint Nicholas
Walking through the church, you can feel the weight of history. It’s fascinating to learn about the man who would become the legend we know as Santa Claus. We often don’t consider the historical figure behind the myth, but he was a real man who lived and was loved.
Exploring the Rock-Cut Tombs of Myra
After visiting the church, we traveled a short distance to the ancient rock-cut tombs in the hillside of Myra. These tombs were truly spectacular to see. The intricate carvings and the sheer effort that went into creating these burial sites are awe-inspiring. Each tomb is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of the ancient Lycians, who carved these elaborate resting places directly into the cliffs.
The Roman Theater at Myra
Next to the cliffs is a theater that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It’s one of the most well-preserved in the region and can seat around 10,000 people. Built into the hillside, its design has typical Roman elements, with tiered, stone seating, stage, and decorative carvings.
Returning to Antalya
After taking our time to wander the Roman theater at Myra, we grabbed cheeky ice creams before making our way back to Antalya. I got back to my hotel quite late, but with just enough time grab a quick dinner downstairs in the restaurant, before packing for the next day’s adventure!
Day 3: Exploring the Ancient City of Termessos
My day began by meeting my tour guide and two other tourists at 7:45 am, just outside the walls of the old town. We hopped into the car and made our way towards Termessos. Upon arrival, we noticed there were no other cars in the parking lot. The only life in sight was the local resident dog, looked after by the park rangers.
Discovering Termessos
Termessos was an ancient city founded by the Solymians around the 4th century BC. It was positioned at an altitude of over 1,000 meters in the Taurus Mountains, and was strategically placed for visibility and protection. One unique fact about this city is that it was never conquered by Alexander the Great, who is colloquially referred to as Alexander the Poor as a result!
We started our exploration by visiting the necropolis, which once lined a significant road in the ancient town. The graveyard provided a fascinating glimpse into the past, with various sarcophagi scattered along the path. We walked along the remnants of the road, carefully clambering over broken stones to view some of the better-preserved resting places. One tomb, in particular, had been digitally scanned by archaeologists to better visualize its intricate carvings. Unfortunately, despite Termessos’s formidable fortifications, most tombs had been robbed by grave robbers over the centuries.
Ingenious Engineering
Next, we examined evidence of the ancient drainage system and the cisterns used to capture and store drinking water. The ingenuity of the people who lived here was evident in these well-preserved features, showcasing their advanced understanding of engineering and resource management.
As we continued, we walked up to the remains of the ancient school. The resident dog accompanied us, seemingly guiding us through the site. The school was originally a two-story structure, demonstrating the importance placed on education in ancient Termessos.
The Grand Theatre
Our final stop was the theatre. Initially a gathering place before the Romans transformed it into a full-fledged theatre, it offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As we had a perfectly clear day, we could even see Antalya in the distance. While enjoying the peace and views, a group of young school children arrived, breaking the silence! Taking this as our cue, we headed back down to the car.
What I loved most about Termessos is that it’s largely untouched by tourists. There were no cafes or souvenir shops in sight. We had the place almost completely to ourselves, which is unheard of at a site of such historical significance and so well preserved. The tour guide was fantastic – super knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about the area. This tour was definitely a highlight on my trip to Antalya.
Exploring Antalya
After being dropped off in town, I set out to explore a bit more of the old down. I headed to the bazaar to browse the shops and wandered down the famous Umbrella Street, where colorful umbrellas create a whimsical canopy overhead. The bazaar was bustling with activity, offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to handcrafted items, and the vibrant atmosphere was infectious.
Relaxing at the Hotel
Finally, I returned to the hotel for a well-deserved lunch and a fruity, blended cocktail. As I sat by the pool, I took the opportunity to write this blog post, reflecting on the incredible history and serene beauty of Termessos and the lively charm of Antalya. While it was a short trip to Turkey, I made lasting memories and appreciated every moment of the adventure.
Looks like that little adventure took you to some amazing hidden gems. Nice way to travel!