How to Spend 2 Days in Antalya
Antalya is one of the most beautiful provinces in Turkiye. It's location along the Mediterranean sea and warm climate makes it a holiday destination for many Europeans. If you have come to Turkiye and wanted to come to Antalya for a short visit like I did, here is the best way to see it.
I got myself a hotel in Old Town so I could walk around to my areas of interest and explore more of the city. I stayed at the Aydin Hotel which was perfect as it was in the city and the ruins and shopping centres were nearby.
DAY 1 - Explore Old Town and Visit Waterfalls
Hadrian's Gate
I would suggest getting up early to see Hadrian's Gate if you want pictures without many people in it. It is located along a main street (Ataturk Blvd) and it very busy as it connects to many shops and restaurants around the area. It is also a popular spot to sit down and people watch during the day.
Hadiran's Gate is a memorial gate constructed in 130 AD in honour of Roman Emperor Hadrian's visit to Atteliea, the ancient name of Antalya. At the time, the Gate represented the entrance to the city.
Old Town Clock Tower aka Saat Kulesi
This Clock Tower was built in 1901 during the Ottoman rule and is also conveniently located at the tram stop, Castle Gate. It is a good way to start your walk into Old Town. It is unique in that it has a pentagonal base and four clock faces.
As you walk around Old Town, you will come across the Best Bazaar and Old Town Bazaar. both of these markets will be fun to walk around. If you are looking for a high end purse for a fraction of the cost, this is the place to be.
Once your have finished looking around Old Town, you can get yourself a taxi and make your way to see some amazing waterfalls in the area. The taxi driver I went with had a set list of prices to these areas which were reasonably priced. You won't be able to barter the price.
Kursunlu Falls
Kursunlu Falls is located no less than 20 km away from the city. The falls are nestled in a pine forest park. The entry fee is 28 Lira ($1.12 CDN) for adults. After a 5 min walk from the entrance, you will find yourself amazed by the turquoise colour of this lake. If you look closer, you will see little fish swimming about. It is a great way to spend your afternoon to relax away from the noise of the city. There are food trucks just after you enter the park. You can grab yourself an ice cream or a bottle of cold water before you head to the falls.
Upper Duden Falls
Upper Duden Falls is about 12 km away from Old Town but close by to Kursunlu Falls so it's best to do it together. The entry fee is currently at 70 Lira ($2.79 CDN). The falls are located in a park and surrounded by lush vegetation. Once you enter the park, you can take yourself along the pathway around to view the falls. There is a cave in the area as well. If you get hungry or thirsty, there is a small area near the entrance to get something to eat or drink. It's another place to cool down and relax and take in nature.
Lower Duden Falls
Head back to Old Town and grab something to eat in a restaurant and then walk back to your hotel for the night. I had purchased some yummy fruits from a vendor in the park earlier to bring back to the hotel for snacks. Make sure to get a good night's rest for tomorrow.
DAY 2 - Day Trip to Manavgat and Side
The taxi driver I had on day one asked if I had any plans the next day. I let him know that I was planning a day trip to Manavgat and Side. He said he would be happy to drive me. My other option would have been to take a bus tour. I don't like crowds so I opted to take him up on his offer. We settled on a price and a deal was made. He picked me up from my hotel early the next morning and we were off.
Manavgat Falls
Manavgat is a coastal city and located just over and hour's drive from Antalya. Tourists come here to see the magnificent Manavgat Falls. They open at 8am and the tourists arrive at 9am in their big buses. I was able to arrive at 8am when they opened and had the place all to myself. I took my pictures in peace and sat down to watch the beauty of the falls. I left right before the tour buses showed up. There are places to get something to eat and drink as well as a souvenir shop on your way out.
Manavgat Central Mosque
This incredible Mosque is also on the tour bus route and for good reason. It was a short drive from the falls to this mosque and the tour buses had beaten me there at 9am and had surrounded the mosque. The only good thing about tours is that they tend to stick with their guides to understand what they are looking at. This gave me some time to wander upstairs where they weren't to take some pictures without crowds.
This Mosque was opened in September 2004. It's stunning example of modern Islamic architecture. The inside is intricately patterned and has enormous chandeliers. The stairways are also made of a lattice pattern. There are 4 minarets and the dome is 30 feet high. Non-Muslims are allowed in as long as their hair and shoulders and ankles are covered for women and the shoes are taken off before entering. Men must wear long pants and take off their shoes. It really is a a magnificent building. Do not miss it.
Ancient City of Side
Side is a resort town in the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. It was once a Roman-Greco city. It's known for its wonderful beaches and ruins. There is a large 2nd century Aspendos Amphitheatre in the middle and ruins scattered throughout. The Apollon Temple is one of the most sought out as pictured above. There is a museum you can enter to see excavated artifacts from the area. The Acropolis and ruins are free but you will have to pay to see the museum or to enter the Amphitheatre. The fee for the museum is 620 Lira ($24.77 CDN). The museum fee includes the Amphitheatre cost.
Remember to bring some water or purchase it from one of the many stores around once you get there. The heat can get very intense in the middle of the day with very little shade nearby.
Once you done in Side, you can head back to Antalya in your air conditioned taxi cab.
I found having a taxi to drive me around was quite convenient for the price 2000 Lira ($80 CDN). He waited patiently for me at each place until I was done and took me to where ever I wanted to go. Not having to be on a bus with many other people was amazing as I didn't have an issue of too many people in my pictures either. This choice may not be for everyone but certainly one to consider, especially if you get along with your driver. Shout out to my driver, Mohammed! He was great.
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