Antalya
Antalya

Cruises in the area

Antalya / Turkey

Antalya is one of the most visited cities in Turkey, attracting tourists with its unique combination of turquoise sea, long beaches, rich monuments, and pleasant weather. This city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea is an ideal choice for a holiday where everyone can find something for themselves – from relaxing on the beach to exploring history.

  

What to taste in Antalya?

The local gastronomy in Antalya offers a mix of Mediterranean flavors, oriental spices, and traditional Turkish recipes. If you want to experience the true atmosphere of the city, be sure to try:

  • Pide – the Turkish version of pizza with various fillings, often with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
  • Köfte – spiced meatballs made from minced beef or lamb, served with bread or salad.
  • Baklava – a sweet dessert made from thin layers of pastry, nuts, and honey syrup.
  • Döner kebab – a classic of Turkish cuisine, meat grilled on a vertical rotisserie, served in bread or on a plate.
  • Meze – a varied selection of small appetizers.
  • Lokum (Turkish delight) – gelatinous sweets flavored with rose, pistachio, or lemon.

 

Why will you love Antalya?

  • Seas and beaches like a postcard – the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, sandy and pebbly beaches, and a wide range of water sports make Antalya an ideal holiday destination.
  • History and culture at your fingertips – from the old town Kaleiçi with Hadrian's Gate to ancient treasures in Perge and the monumental amphitheater in Aspendos, Antalya offers a unique journey through time.
  • The charm of nature and modern atmosphere – while just a few minutes from the center, the Düden waterfalls fall into the sea, and the Taurus Mountains rise behind the city, Antalya also offers luxury hotels, a modern marina, shopping centers, and a bustling nightlife.

   

Practical tips:

  • Official language: Turkish, but in tourist areas, you can easily communicate in English, often also in German or Russian.
  • Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY).
  • Opening hours: shops are usually open from around 9:00 to 22:00, bazaars and markets often operate until late evening. Monuments and museums are generally open between 9:00–18:00.
  • Public transport: Antalya has a network of trams and buses, and dolmuşes – small shared minibuses – are also popular, offering cheap and quick transportation.
  • Weather: Antalya enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from May to October, when temperatures are often above 30°C and the sea is pleasantly warm.

  

The most interesting from the history of Antalya:

Antalya was founded in the 2nd century BC by King Attalus II, who chose this place for its strategic location by the Mediterranean Sea. In ancient times, the city quickly became an important port and prosperous trading center, where ships from all over the Mediterranean arrived. Under Roman and later Byzantine rule, its importance grew, and fortresses, churches, and city walls were built here. During the Ottoman Empire, Antalya served as an important point of maritime routes and a regional center where different cultures and traditions met. The rich history of the city is still reflected today in its atmosphere, narrow streets, and architectural traces of past civilizations.

  

Useful information

 

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Cruise ships dock at the modern Port Akdeniz – Antalya, located just a few kilometers from the city center. The port offers a fully equipped terminal with shops, cafes, and services for passengers. You can take a taxi to the historic district of Kaleiçi, and there is also usually a shuttle bus connecting the terminal with the center. If you decide to walk, the journey along the coast takes about 30 minutes.