History and cool vibes make Antalya a perfect break, says Tamlyn Jones
Ancient wonders and glorious landscapes set an alluring scene around the luxury resorts of Antalya.
On Turkey’s south-west Mediterranean coast, there’s an irresistible far-away appeal with its collection of well-preserved old towns and stirring historic sites.
While pristine beaches and soaring mountains provide an impressive backdrop, five-star hotels, sociable dining and a glamorous yachting scene send the hip holiday vibes soaring.
Now even more accessible with Turkish Airlines’ new route from Manchester, this great value holiday hotspot has dreamy getaway written all over it.
Some tourists simply fly into the seaside city of Antalya before heading off along the coast to one of the beach resorts, but it’s actually a thriving holiday destination in its own right.
To get a feel for the place, take a stroll around the pretty Roman harbour full of boats framed by hazy blue mountain silhouettes and you’ll fall into step with its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
For an instant hit of history head for Kaleiçi old town, meaning “within the castle”, entering from the east via the monumental Hadrian’s Gate, erected for the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 AD.
In this maze of shaded streets packed with Ottoman-era architecture, there’s a jumble of traditional coffee houses, boutique hotels and souvenir shops.
As you make your way through, it’s almost impossible to resist the sizzling aromas drifting from the cafes and restaurants. Whether it’s fresh ingredients rolled, kneaded, shaped and cooked to perfection, marinated meats sizzled on the grill, olive-oil laden veggie dishes or traditional mezes, dining out in Turkey is a time-honoured ritual.
Just north of Kaleiçi is a covered bazaar dating from the 15th century, where you can shop for jewellery, ceramics, textiles, tiles and spices.
For a comprehensive journey through Antalya’s rich history, visit the museum where there are exhibits from the Stone Age to the Byzantines, statues of Olympian gods and sarcophagi, all with detailed English descriptions.
Then to mellow out at the end of a day of sightseeing, take an
evening stroll to the flower-filled Karaalioglu Park for sea views and the Hidirlik Kulesi watchtower. It’s a fabulous spot to watch the sunset.
Our base for the trip, about an hour’s drive east from Antalya, was the flamboyant Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa, a super-sized resort in a prime spot on Belek’s glamorous beachfront.
Backed by pine forests, its pristine 27-hole championship golf course, designed by top former pro Nick Faldo, is a huge draw. But you don’t have to know your way around a set of clubs to have a fabulous holiday here. There are more facilities, dining and entertainment options on offer than a lot of small towns back in Britain.
There are seven swimming pools, including a moat-like main pool wrapping around the gleaming white curves of the central hotel, which, when illuminated at nighttime, takes on a glitzy, almost sci-fi-like quality.
With eight restaurants, from Turkish to teppanyaki, and six bars including a pub and a bar on its own pier down at the beach, you can make every cocktail hour and mealtime memorable.
There are sports galore with
This holiday hotspot has dreamy getaway written all over it
expert coaching at the Cornelia Diamond’s own football centre with three pitches, golf academy and seven tennis courts. Have fun in the bowling alley, rock up at a dance class, get your game on with the PlayStations, watch a movie in one of the three cinemas or take out a canoe.
A buffet of boredombusters for the kids come in the form of a soft play centre, waterpark, playground and games arcade, plus there’s a baby room and babysitting.
When the sun goes down, catch one of the glitzy cruise-ship style theatre shows featuring dancers, acrobats and circus performers.
Alternatively, hang out with the hip crowd at the themed open-air parties, or bust some moves at Purple Rain nightclub.
A range of accommodation from swim-ups to multiroom villas with kitchens will suit everyone from couples to families.
The town of Belek, with its seafront parade of luxury hotels, is an easy little trip out from the hotel. Explore its boulevards full of shops and cafes, or go on Saturday for the lively bazaar.
Two of the most impressive ancient wonders of this area can be found in Aspendos, about 10 miles from Belek.
Here you’ll come face-to-face with its famous aqueduct, considered one of the best examples of an historic waterway, and find yourself dwarfed by the frankly staggering open-air Roman theatre.
Built in the second century, and dedicated to the gods and emperors of the time, the imposing 300ft-wide, semicircular structure is the most-preserved ancient theatre in the world, with many original features intact.
A truly spectacular setting to host the area’s annual opera and ballet festivals, thousands take to the stands – just as they did 2,000 years ago. Take a self-guided or guided tour – it’s all accessible on foot.
Venture further east and you’ll reach the ancient harbour town of Side which dates back to the 7th century BC. With more than its fair share of historic treasures, you can take a snap of the 2,000-year-old Temple of Apollo – the remaining columns are stunning at sunset – and marvel at its spectacular second century amphitheatre up on the hill which is still used for performances at its September festival.
Meanwhile, Side’s archaeological museum has an amazing variety of exhibits and is inside restored Roman baths.
Pick from its sandy beaches sitting either side of the peninsular or shop for “genuine fake” football shirts or “designer” handbags.
The deck of a tour boat is the best way to take in the setting of turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Sensational natural scenery, worldbeating historic sights, cocktails, koftas and five-star luxury… this is holidaying at its height.
The deck of a tour boat is the best way to take in the turquoise waters