Antalya, the capital city of Antalya Province, prides itself in Turquoise coasts, ancient ruins, long beaches and harbors ornamented with gorgeous yachts, tour boats and catamarans.
Old Town Antalya, known as Kaleici to locals, sits in the metropolitan area and stretches out to the coast facing the Taurus mountains. When in Antalya, you might already have the popular towns in your bucket list – Alanya, Serik, Side, Bellek, Kas, Kalkan, Kemer, to name a few. However, you might want to spend at least a day or two in Old Town as its got a unique beauty of her own to behold.
Caglayan Mahallesi
Caglayan is a clean, calm neighborhood facing the coast where you can enjoy the breeze, an incredible view of the Taurus mountains and the horizon. Rubberized paths around it are perfect for walking, jogging and riding bikes. Having this facility for the purpose is a healthy way to get that refreshing feeling after a long day at work (for locals), a feeling of warmth and awe for visitors from overseas.
Chains of restaurants, pubs, salons and parks in this part of the neighborhood embrace the full view of the horizon, the balmy breeze and stunning sunset. You may trade that glass of beer for an evening stroll around here…or you may have both?
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Built in 130 A.D. in honor to the Roman emperor, Hadrian’s Gate is a must-see attraction in the heart of the metropolitan. It served as the gateway to the Roman port a few hundreds of meters away. Upon entering the gate, you’ll be greeted by signature Ottoman houses on narrow pathways leading to Hidirlik Tower, The Broken Minaret and Old Town Antalya Harbor.
3. The Clock Tower
Among the remnants of the Roman Empire is The Clock Tower. It stands with great pride and graces the street of Uzun Carsi, only a walking distance to the harbor. For newcomers, if you ever lose your bearing in this part of the city, The Clock Tower may come in handy. Public transport (trams and buses) considers this area as the main transit point. There is also a taxi stop next to the tower just in case you decide against commuting. Right across from the tower (right on the other side of the street) is an old bazaar where you can find both old and modern arts and crafts, jewelry shops, restaurants and cafes. There are also coach rides for day and night street tours for less than $5.
2. Old Town Antalya Harbor (Kaleici Liman)
Being the gateway to Turkey’s Southern Mediterranean region, this major Roman port guarded by massive walls left a legacy to both locals and foreign tourists. A public beach, restaurants, cafes, arts and crafts souvenir shops and an elevator to take you up to gain an awesome view of the landscape are among the many reasons why you must have the harbor in your list. From the viewing platform on the topmost part of the hill, you can see the ruins of battlements and a fantastic view of boats and yachts gracing the water.
1. Duden Waterfalls
This attraction in the neighborhood of Caglayan, Muratpasa is a perfect spot for both locals and foreigners to sit back, relax, and enjoy the calming view of the horizon. There is a cafe atop Duden Waterfalls where you can enjoy a relaxing day over tea, coffee, pastries and ice cream. City tours are run in this area in the summer whilst in the cold winter months it is very less frequented but still well kept under maintenance. Benches, palm trees and flowering plants have been added to the landscape which make this part of the city a convenient diversion away from the hustle and bustle – one of the reasons why this is where most of luxurious resort hotels are, as well as the most expensive homes, dining and business offices. Scenery, indeed, is of great value.
When you visit Antalya, don’t forget to explore Old Town. There is more to it than meets the eye.
Carpe Diem Journals 