Day Trips from Antalya
Written by Viator, August 2010
RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Off-the-Beaten Path,
Tip - General Travel,
Tip - What to See & Do
And once you get out of the city, more wonders await. As well as nearby winter sport resorts, there are historic centers within easy reach of the city which make great day trips.
One route will take you north-east into the hinterland. First port-of-call is Perge, a major settlement for the ancient Greeks (who knew it as Perga). They left extensive ruins behind, and it was still an important center when the apostle Paul visited. The next destination, Aspendos, was also an outpost of the ancient Greek domains but is best known for a later monument – one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the whole Mediterranean region.
After some refreshing time out admiring some impressive waterfalls, it’s back to the coast and back to the ancient world within the modern setting of Side. This peninsular city is home to more Roman treasures, including an impressive bath complex.
Another rewarding itinerary will take you south-west out of Antalya towards Demre, with its stunning tombs carved into hillsides. There’s also another fine Greek amphitheater here as well as a church dedicated to the 4th century bishop Nicholas. That’s Saint Nicholas, and yes that is St. Nick, or Santa Claus as he became known over time.
Your next stop presents a compelling contrast to sun-bleached marble monuments against blue Mediterranean skies and azure seas. Because many of the antiquities on the island of Kekova are actually in those azure seas; surreal stone outcrops in limpid waters. Which, by the way, you won’t be able to resist for long, so remember your swimming gear!
Latest Replies
Reply by Viator, July 2011
Doing what: Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu Waterfalls
The guide was very friendly and very informative, this was the highlight of our tour. I noticed some of the previous reviews mentioned stopping at shopping sites, this was not the case for us. All the places we visited was historical and beautiful.
Reply by Viator, July 2011
Doing what: Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu Waterfalls
Guide was excellent, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the places we visited and spoke very good English. Also good value for £50
Reply by Viator, June 2011
Doing what: Perge, Aspendos and Kursunlu Waterfalls
Our tour gudie was great. He share a lot of history and interesting facts of the area without making it sound like a history class. I like how he gave the group time to look around on our own.
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Written by Viator
Day Trips from Antalya
Written by Viator
