Antalya (Turkey)

Once prized by pirates for its superb location on Turkey's southern coast, the sheltered harbour of Antalya is naturally tucked into the cliff-face and protected by almost entire Byzantine castellated walls.

Cruise passengers usually need a taxi to get to Kaleici ("within the castle") quarter, a small but central old town of Antalya, which is a mostly modern city. The old harbour has been redeveloped but from here you can climb to Kalepapisi (castle gate) of the old town overlooked by Yivli Minare (Fluted Minaret) and where the Selcuk tower is built into the walls of the city. Other highlights include Kesik Minare (Broken Minaret), triple-arched Hadraian's Gate and Hidirlik Kulesi (round Roman tower) in the corner of Mermerli and Karaalioglu parks. The Archaeological Museum is also not to be missed - it houses one of the top five collections in Turkey.

Established by King Attalus II of Pergamon during the 2nd century BC, it was out of Antalya that St. Paul and Barnabus set sail on their 1st mission in the first century AD. Crusaders used the port city as a transit point to Holy Land. Antalya was occupied by the Turks during the 12th century, followed by Byzantines, Ottomans, Italians.

Antalya cruise terminal

Antalya tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

The city of Antalya also features a good shingle beach, a beautiful promenade lined with cafes and palm trees, a tram service circling the old city and running along the seafront. Further afield you can see sandy beaches and waterfalls at Kursunlu and Duden. From here you can visit the ancient Roman and Greek cities of Aspendos, Phaselis, and Perge.