Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Turkey / Antalya - Mediterranean Coast
 |  | Destination Guide : Antalya - Mediterranean Coast |
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| | | Jewel of the Turkish Riviera |  | Why go on holiday to Antalya
The main city on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Antalya is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus mountains and is the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. Stretching the length of a sweeping sandy bay - also a working harbour - it's home to the picturesque old quarter of Kaleici and a third-century grooved minaret, the Yivli. Surrounded by soaring cliffs, ancient cities and sparkling seas, Antalya is also a great base to explore the wealth of surrounding architectural riches.
How much will it cost?
Britannia, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, BMI British Midland and Air Berlin all fly from the UK (though not all direct) with Britannia offering the cheapest return flights from £56. Seven nights in a standard twin room at a four-star hotel in peak season starts from about £290. A similar room at a five-star hotel with a sea view starts from £461 for a week.
When should I go?
The summers are hot and dry while the other months are still warm but often rainy. The average annual temperature is 18.7C. On average there is no rain for 310 days a year and temperatures rarely drop below zero. The average humidity rate is 64%, while the sea temperatures are about 17C in January, 18C in April, 28C in August and 24C in September.
Who's it for?
Families, children and historians.
What are the must-sees?
The nearby ruins of Olympos and the Fires of Chimaera date back to Hellenic times. Located on a beautiful sandy bay, the ruins are spread out on either side of the Ulupinar river and include a Byzantine bathhouse with mosaic floors, a marble temple entrance, a theatre and some excavated tombs. The shoreline is also a major protected nesting site for sea turtles.
A 30-minute drive east of Antalya is Aspendos which boasts the finest example of a Roman theatre in the world. Built in the second-century AD, it is still remarkably intact.
What will I spend?
Prices vary greatly, but as a very rough guide a bottle of beer in a bar is £1.50, a moderate restaurant meal £20 for two people, a bottle of wine in a restaurant £8-9, a bottle of wine from a supermarket £4-£5, 24-exposure camera film £2.50, four-mile taxi ride £8-£15, and a litre of petrol 75p.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Turkey.
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| | Available rental properties in Antalya - Mediterranean Coast |
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| |  | | Villa Kismet
A very special villa accommodating up to 10 people in exquisite comfort. Private swimming pool, near beach and town. 5 bedroom, 4 bath, gamesroom.
|  | | VILLA TESHIR
Charismatic, quality new villa with pool. Wonderful mix of traditional elegance, modern luxury, stunning peaceful location. Close to village.
|  | | Luxury 4 bed duplex
4 bedroom luxury duplex, 1 of only 4 in the complex, in stunning Side, Turkish riviera communal pool, 3 bathrooms, 45 mins from Antalya airport.
|  | | Cactus 220 Patara Prince
As our guests, enjoy the three restaurants, four pools, diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, snorkelling and scuba-diving at the Patara Prince Resort
|  | | Cactus 223 Patara Prince
Cactus 223 - Situated in a 60 acre secluded sea front estate along Kalkan Bay, with a private 200 metre seafront
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