ANTALYA

Beaches If you’re like us and your holiday revolves around beaches, you’re in luck. Antalya hosts a massive 202 blue flag beaches, holding the record for the most Blue Flag beaches in the world! Some of our favourites include Konyaalti Beach, a spacious shore just west of Antalya city, with the beautiful Beydaglari Mountains as a backdrop. Lara Beach is a popular sandy beach with sun loungers and plenty of cafes and bars around, great for a day out by the sea. Over at Belek Beach, you’ll find a whopping 16km of wonderful, fine white sand and if you fancy an adventure, Patara Beach is on the outskirts of the Antalya region, a beautiful unspoilt beach that’s actually the longest beach in the country.

Food & Drink Traditional Ottoman cuisine fused with European and Middle-Eastern influences, Turkish food is delicious. Treat yourself to a real kebab when in Antalya, the traditional Turkish ‘kebap’ is the cornerstone of the country’s diet and after just one bite you’ll know why. Fried vegetables are also a large part of the local cuisine and seasoned yoghurt is the garnish of choice. From stuffed vine leaves to succulent kofta, you’re sure to find a taste to fall in love with. Not to forget dessert, our favourite treat baklava is sweet syrupy pastry bites that you won’t be able to get enough of. To wash it all down, the local alcohol is Raki, also known as Lion’s milk, and is made from twice-distilled grapes and aniseed.

Culture Although a popular tourist region, Antalya hasn’t lost its charm. The old town, Kaleici, is filled with rustic buildings on cobbled streets and features the beautifully-designed Hadrian’s Gate, built in 130 AD. There’s a choice of fascinating archaeological sites to discover around the region too, with the ruins of Perge and Termessos cities still having stunning ancient walls and theatres for people to explore. Plus, in Side, you can visit the Temple of Apollo where Anthony met Cleopatra.

Nightlife With plenty of towns to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect nightlife to suit you. Like most of Antalya’s resorts, Kemer has a great pick of bars as well as some super clubs like Club Inferno and Aura Club, great for those who like to dance the night away. Over by Antalya town’s marina, you’ll find a bunch of cool bars and pubs to enjoy laid-back drinks in, all of which are very welcoming. Side has a buzzing nightlife scene, with an array of bars and clubs to enjoy, or for a quieter place to enjoy evening drinks, head down to the harbour.

Visa and Entry Information Passport Requirements: All passports must have 6 months validity from the return date of travel, two clear pages inside, and a valid return ticket. British tourists are no longer required to obtain a visa to visit Turkey.