As the summer season draws to a close, Turkey has emerged as one of the hottest destinations of 2023.
However, while most beach destinations in the country prepare for their off-season, there’s one particular hotspot whose popularity among tourists shows no signs of waning even as the temperatures decline.
To better understand how this gorgeous Mediterranean resort city has managed to beat all expectations, let’s explore some of the main reasons why tourists are still flocking to it in record numbers.
Natural Allure
Antalya is undoubtedly one of the most naturally stunning cities in Turkey.
The diverse scenery comprising idyllic beaches, majestic mountains, and breathtaking waterfalls delivers everything a tourist could wish for and more.
So, even when the temperatures get too low for visitors to enjoy a day on the beach, there’s still plenty to do and see.
Fall travel in the city usually consists of taking a long hike, enjoying the autumnal landscape, going for a sunset picnic, or indulging in the city’s rich cultural scene.
Rich History
Unlike most modern Mediterranean resort cities, Antalya boasts a vivid history that’ll leave even the biggest history buff stunned.
The city dates back to 150 BCE and is, therefore, home to some (surprisingly well-preserved) ruins and ancient sites that stay open to visitors all year long.
Some of the historical attractions you won’t want to miss out on include Hıdırlık Tower, Hadrian’s Gate (Hadrianus Kapısı), Antalya Museum, Aspendos Ancient Theatre, Yivli Minaret (Fluted Minaret), and Kaleiçi.
Plenty Of Cultural Activities
Those in search of more fast-paced pastimes will also find plenty to do in Antalya.
The city is famous for its nightlife, musical and sports events, exhibitions, and, more importantly, for its delectable cuisine that rivals even some of Turkey’s more famous foodie hubs like Instambul or Gaziantep.
While in the city, don’t miss trying dishes like Tahini Piyaz salad, meatball skewers, Kulaklı soup, Bağaças, and Arap Kadayıf. Better yet, go to a local tavern and order whatever’s on the menu that day.
Accessible To All Types Of Travelers
One of the most unique traits about Antalya is the fact that it caters to almost all types of travelers, which further explains its massive popularity.
In a time when destinations can easily be divided into either luxurious (e.g., Switzerland, Bermuda) or budget-friendly (e.g., Vietnam, Poland), it’s not easy to find a place where both millionaires and budget-conscious travelers can find exactly what they’re looking for.
In Antalya, you’ll find affordable, homely hotels, luxurious villas, and everything in between.
Lodging and entertainment options don’t only vary in price point but character as well, so no matter your preferences, you can manage to have a great time in the city.
Great Infrastructure
As far as infrastructure is concerned, Antalya is one of the most advanced cities in Turkey.
The region boasts a modern and reliable tramway system, several ports that serve both private yachts and commercial tourist ships, as well as its very own airport that receives many domestic and international flights.
In short, getting in and out of Antalya is a breeze, making tourists that much more inclined to visit the city all year round.
As tourist numbers skyrocket, new, state-of-the-art infrastructure projects are being brought to the city in an effort to accommodate the increased demand for travel in the area.
Safe And Welcoming Atmosphere
There’s no shortage of gorgeous, culturally rich destinations in the world. What keeps visitors coming back to Antalya time and time again is the feeling of inclusiveness and safety they experience during their travels here.
Turks are known for being friendly and happy to lend a helping hand to anyone in distress, and Antalya locals are no exception.
You’ll find that the people here are extra attentive and kind to tourists, aiming to make their stay as enjoyable as possible.
Moreover, Antalya, as well as other tourist destinations in Turkey, are known for being some of the safest destinations in the country, so tourists can usually afford to let their guard down and focus on enjoying themselves instead.
Highly frequented areas tend to boast increased police presence as well as numerous other safety measures to maintain a low crime rate.
Of course, exercising a basic level of caution is always encouraged, as petty crimes like pickpocketing can still occur in busy areas.
So, if you’re ever somewhere really crowded, make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you at all times.
Lastly, while some areas of Turkey can be pretty conservative, Antalya, like all other international hotspots, is one of the most progressive cities in the country, so maintaining a more conservative profile shouldn’t be an issue here.
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