Exploring Turkey: Antalya

A month ago we had a week off for Fall Break and I used it to begin to explore this new land in which I live. I traveled south to Antalya in hopes of swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as to visit sites of historic and natural beauty. I accomplished all of that, and more!

For this trip I did something new-to-me in regards to transportation–I rode the Metro to the airport. This takes about one hour and costs just a little over a dollar. It’s true that one can take a taxi and be there in about half the time, but the cost is more than 10 times the cost of riding the Metro. As my flights were in the middle of the day, I decided to figure out the transfer necessary (Metro/subway to the Izban/light rail) to ride all the way to the airport. Thanks to advice from colleagues, it was no trouble at all. I had a small piece of luggage and a backpack, so transport was simple.

I arrived to Antalya in mid-afternoon and took a taxi to my hotel, Mediterra Art Hotel, located in Kaleiçi (Old Town), which put me just a few minutes walk from the old harbor. I checked in and immediately ventured out into the narrow stone streets to make my way to the waterfront. There were a good many tourists out and about and Kaleiçi offered a maze of streets adorned with boutique hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops of all sorts. Once in the harbor, I found a restaurant and enjoyed a brew and some shrimp, followed by künefe, a special dessert that is difficult to describe but I’ll give it a go. It has a melty cheese center with a shredded wheat-like type of covering, baked to a crispy texture and then soaked/covered in honey or a sweet syrup of some sort. It’s crunchy and soft, sweet and savory. It was the first time for me to try it–and I then proceeded to hunt it down every day thereafter. It was THAT good!

I had arrived on October 29th which is a national holiday–Republic Day. I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening watching Turks celebrate what I would equate to the Fourth of July in America. There was flag waving, music performances, families and friends gathered for meals, dancing, and general merriment all around. Most people were wearing white, gray, black, and red, or some combination thereof.

On Tuesday I walked over 30,000 steps! I spent a few hours in the Antalya Museum first, then journeyed on down the hill to walk in the park along Konyaaltı Beach before visiting the Aquarium. The Museum was good; but while I checked it OFF my To-See-List for Turkey, it caused me to add at least another 4-8 sites in the region which need to be visited. I am quickly learning that Turkey is littered–in the best possible way–with sites of historical and natural beauty. I could be busy here for quite some time and still only feel like I am scratching the surface.

I hadn’t been to an Aquarium in nearly 20 years and just figured…why not? I confess that I was also intrigued by an advertisement that claimed it had the longest Tunnel aquarium in the WORLD. I have to admit it was pretty cool. I walked back and forth while sharks, large fish, and stingrays swam past and over me. But the highlight of the visit was watching a member of the “Life Support Team” feed a pool filled with young stingrays. I wrapped up the day with a lovely fresh salad and fried calamari before hiking my way home.

Wednesday took me on my day tour to ancient sites–Perge, Aspendos (brief video below), and the seaside city of Side (pronounced See-day)–as well as a visit to the Manavgut waterfall. I, along with two young women from China and a Pakistani family of four from London, spent the day together along with our Turkish guide, Cengiz.

It’s hard to say what I liked best–the Aspendos theater (nearly ALL original!) was impressive and one could sense what it was like to be in a stadium where there were once gladiator fights, dramatic performances, and even public executions. The Manavgut waterfall, though not all that tall, was stunning in its color and the surrounding vegetation was beautiful. We spent just an hour wandering around the ancient city of Side exploring on our own. The Temple of Apollo was inspiring with the blue sea and sky to frame it. I made it back to the city (Antalya) in time to find a nice wine bar with live music where I could spend my Halloween night. I met a lovely Irishwoman named Margaret, and her cousin Joy, who were kind enough to have me join them for wine and conversation. 

Thursday, my last full day, was BEACH DAY! Yes, you are reading that right. I went swimming on November 1st in the Mediterranean Sea. After a post-breakfast künefe and chai, I hiked to the beach, rented an umbrella and lounge chair and proceeded to spend the next 6+ hours swimming, reading, sipping beer, watching people, and enjoying peace and relaxation. It was divine! 

One of my travel traditions is to get up and watch the sunrise on my last morning of a trip. This trip was no different. I set my alarm, threw on my jeans, and wandered down to the harbor to watch the dawn illuminate on that Friday morning. It was quiet and still–except for the neurotic cat which I’d met the first morning (he’d cry to be petted, purr like mad, and then after a few pets turn and swipe at you with his claws!) AND the ship disembarking while blaring “My Heart Will Go On” from its speakers. The water was still, the sunrise albeit not stupendous was lovely just the same.

After breakfast back at the hotel I hiked to the historical Hadrian’s Gate (feature picture on this post) and rumored to be where the Queen of Sheba passed through on her way to meet King Solomon.

After a final serving of my new favorite dessert, I caught a cab and journeyed to the airport to catch my 45 minute flight back to Izmir. It was a lovely five days and I’m already working on a return trip to the region. Specifically I want to visit Myra and St. Nicholas Church (he’s where we got St Nick!!) along the Lycian coast. 

Hope you enjoyed traveling with me on this little excursion. Until next time, be brave and embrace the now!