Hostels in ANTALYA, TURKEY

Antalya – Turkey’s Unlimited Natural Beauty All Around

Antalya, located along south-western Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is an important International resort with its scenic backgrounds, historic sites and happening nightlife.

History
The city’s history goes back to the 1st century B.C when it was ruled by Pergamum King Attalos II who considered Antalya to be Earth’s most beautiful place. Excavations have also indicated that the city was inhabited since the ancient Palaeolithic ages. During the course of history, the city has been ruled by the Hittites, Lycians, Persians, Macedonians, Pergamums, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. After World War I, the Italian Army occupied the city in 1919 until it finally gained liberation in 1921.

Popular Places and Attractions
Antalya’s biggest attraction is its natural beauty which is nicely complimented by the city’s abundant historic past. The city is placed on the coastal cliffs formed because of the interaction of Dunden River and Taurus Mountains. This has also resulted in the formation of several waterfalls and beaches. Konyaalti, Karpuzkaldiran and Lara are its most visited beaches. Kemer, loated on the city’s west coast is considered to be Mediterranean’s most scenic holiday centre including its historical port called Phaselis.

Most of the city’s historic sites are located around the Kaleici harbour having Greek and Roman architecture. The Hadrian Gate and City Walls nicely depict the richness of the Roman architecture. Some other popular attractions in the city are the Antalya Museum, Hidirilk Tower, Beldibi caves, Karaalioglu Park, Iskele Mosque, Kesik Minaret, Yivli Minaret, Duden Falls, Gulluk Mountain National Park, Saklikent, Kursunlu Falls, Balibey Mosque and Karatay Medresesi.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, car rentals, bicycles, dolmus (shared taxis) and tramways are the available means of transport for helping visitors guide their way around the city.

Places for Entertainment
 Restaurants, pubs, clubs, bars, discos, belly-dancing shows, live performances, tea gardens and cafes are the usual places for entertainment in the city. The city is at its best during the summer days when the Marina and its surrounding venues host a variety of music and dance performances during the night-time. Folksong bars and taverns can be enjoyed on the Kaleici Street. Its nightclubs host nightlong dance performances, revue shows and rock bars. The city’s nightlife reaches its peak during the time of International Golden Orange Film Festival. Open-air performances and exhibitions are often organized at Cumhuriyet Square. The city is also a paradise for sun-bathing, wind-surfing, sailing, water skiing, hunting, mountain climbing and swimming lovers.

Accommodation
Luxurious hotels, youth hostels, pensions, house rentals, budget hotels and B&B’s (bed and breakfast) are available for looking after tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). Traveller’s cheques and credit cards also have decent acceptability. But, it is suggested to be aware of the latest exchange rates by browsing the relevant internet and local news publications so that you get the best rates while exchanging currency.

Group accommodation in Antalya | Cheap Hotels