In our "About Antalya" series, we have prepared articles providing general information about Antalya. Antalya is known as the 5th most populous city in Türkiye. According to the latest TÜİK (Turkish Statistical Institute) data for 2023, Antalya has a population of 2,696,249.

While being one of the first cities that comes to mind when tourism is mentioned in Türkiye, it is also a city directly equivalent to the country's "smokeless industry." Its population increases most significantly during the summer months. Although larger than many other cities in terms of area, the city covers 20,177 square kilometers.

On this page
  1. Antalya's Hidden Treasures and Routes Waiting to Be Discovered
  2. A Journey Through Antalya's History from Prehistory to the Present Day
  3. A Journey into the History of Antalya, the Jewel of the Mediterranean
  4. Antalya Prehistoric City in the Hittite Period
  5. Lycian and Pamphylian Periods and Ancient Civilizations in Antalya
  6. Antalya during the Byzantine, Pergamon and Roman Periods
  7. The City of Antalya During the Seljuk Period
  8. Geographical Features of Antalya and Weather Forecast for Antalya
  9. Antalya and Antalya Climate Characteristics
  10. Earthquakes in Antalya and the Mediterranean Region
  11. Geology and Structure of Antalya
  12. Characteristics of Antalya's Vegetation
  13. Animal Species Found in and Around Antalya Province
  14. What is the population of Antalya and what is the population change in Antalya?
  15. Antalya's Economy and Economic Income Sources
  16. Antalya Agriculture and Production
  17. Antalya Culture and Arts Development and Museums
  18. Archaeological Sites in Antalya and the Surrounding Region
  19. Antalya Cuisine and Local Dishes
  20. Antalya Festivals and Celebrations
  21. Antalya Film Festival
  22. International Antalya Sand Festival
  23. Antalya's Most Famous Ponds
  24. Bays of Antalya
  25. Antalya, the Capital of Tourism
  26. Related Guides

Antalya's Hidden Treasures and Routes Waiting to Be Discovered

The population density in the province is 150 people per square kilometer. The most populous district is Kepez, with almost 600,000 inhabitants as of 2021. The district with the highest population density relative to other districts is Muratpaşa, with 5429 people per square kilometer. Antalya province has 19 districts and municipalities, and a total of 914 neighborhoods.

Antalya is located in the westernmost part of the Mediterranean region, encompassing the Gulf of Antalya and the Western Taurus Mountains. It is known as the 5th largest province in Türkiye in terms of surface area. Situated on the Mediterranean coast and bordering the Aegean Sea, Antalya is bordered by Muğla to the west, Burdur, Isparta, and Konya to the north, and Karaman and Mersin to the east.

Until the 1990s, Antalya's population remained at a certain level, but with the arrival of tourism and significant migration, its population increased rapidly, making it the 5th most populous city in Türkiye. While Antalya's economy is generally driven by tourism, the city's industrial, agricultural, and commercial power is also steadily growing. In recent years, health tourism has experienced rapid growth, with thousands of people visiting the city from abroad for medical services.

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Antalya, one of the richest cities in Turkey in terms of art history, is the province with the most ancient cities in Türkiye. The Antalya province, within its geographical area, has been home to many civilizations from the past to the present.

Among these civilizations, Antalya has been ruled by the Lycians in 480 BC, the Lydians in 687 BC, the Pamphylians in 43 AD, the Pergamonians in 241 BC, the Romans in 77 BC, the Byzantines until 1103, the Seljuk Dynasty in 1207, the Ottomans, and finally the Republic of Turkey; however, none of the civilizations that ruled over it chose Antalya as their capital.

It is located entirely within the Mediterranean Region. Antalya has a Mediterranean climate. With its plateaus, mountainous areas, and forests, it is a city of natural wonders.

Antalya also hosted the G20 summit in 2015 and EXPO 2016.

A Journey Through Antalya's History from Prehistory to the Present Day

Attalos II, King of Pergamon (159-138 BC), during the Hellenistic period, was so impressed by those who discovered Antalya and told him it was the most beautiful city in the world that he ordered his army commanders to "Go and find me paradise on earth" and to rebuild Antalya as a strategic area and region in the Mediterranean.

Based on this, the city was named Ataleia during the reign of Attalos. According to the sources of Arab travelers, it was recorded as Anteliya, while according to Turkish sources that visited the region, it was recorded as Adalya. Furthermore, it is now called Antalya, in conjunction with the Republic of Türkiye.

A Journey into the History of Antalya, the Jewel of the Mediterranean

Antalya is a region that has been home to civilizations since the beginning of ancient times. Karain Cave, located 27 km from the city center of Antalya, is one of the largest natural caves in Türkiye and is also known as one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. It dates back to the Old Stone Age, approximately 500,000 years ago.

The earliest fossil remains found in Türkiye were also discovered here, dating back to approximately 2 million to 140,000 years ago. The Karain Cave represents the beginning of the Old Stone Age, approximately 2 million years ago, while the Neolithic period spans from 8000-5500 BC. Additionally, the Beldibi Cave, also located in Antalya, corresponds to the transitional period between the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages, dating from 22,000-10,000 BC.

At the Bademağacı Mound in Antalya, settlements from the Neolithic period, dating back to 8000-5500 BC, have been found, as well as evidence of collective human settlements.

The excavations at Karataş and Semahöyük have revealed artifacts dating back to the Early Bronze Age, between 3000 and 2000 BC, indicating that civilizations have inhabited the Antalya region from that period to the present. The excavations have gradually brought to light the dark side of the period before 1946.

Thanks to the unearthed documents, it has been confirmed that the place named Ahhiyava and Arzava, as seen in Hittite cuneiform inscriptions, was the region of Pamphylia.

Antalya Prehistoric City in the Hittite Period

The Hittite Empire, during its existence in Anatolia, also brought writing to this region. The Hittite Empire was founded in Central Anatolia and gradually expanded. They reached the Antalya region after the decision was made to launch conquest campaigns into the western regions.

The period preceding this time is considered a dark age for Antalya. The use of names like Perge, Kesros, and Patara in the annual records of the Hittite King Hattusili III indicates that the Hittites ruled Antalya and the surrounding settlements between 1267 and 1237 BC. This information has been further confirmed by the inscription "Patafa" found on a document unearthed during excavations in Konya.

It is certain that the Hittites reached the Mediterranean coast and brought the land of Lukka under their rule. The migration of the Sea Peoples, mentioned in Greek mythology and which caused the fall of the Hittite empire, occurred with the migration of Achaeans to the region in large groups.

Historical Greek sources indicate that before the Pamphylians settled in the region in the 7th century BC, the Dorians and Rhodians inhabited Kumluca and Çıralı, formerly known as Phaselis. Rhodiopolis, near Kumluca, is cited as evidence of the existence of this city.

Lycian and Pamphylian Periods and Ancient Civilizations in Antalya

The Antalya province encompasses parts of Lycia and Pamphylia. While the exact origins of the Lycians, who lived and remained for a long time in the western region of Antalya and left historical remains, are not clearly known, sources from the Hittite and Ancient Egyptian periods suggest that Lukka, a name associated with Pamphylia, means a place where all races lived or a place where many races lived together. Therefore, the city of Antalya, where the Pamphylians lived, is also considered a place where people of all ethnicities lived.

Descriptions in older findings, such as "the land of mixed peoples," clarify exactly what kind of peoples lived in Pamphylia. Furthermore, the Pamphylians may be among the oldest Hellenic communities to have lived in Anatolia.

With languages resembling Muken and Doric structures, a mixed population, and influences from cultures in Anatolia, they became a country of distinct communities. Generally, there are very few records about Pamphylia. As with many regions worldwide during the Dark Ages and the early periods before the Roman era, the scarcity of records leads to limited information about the region.

Nevertheless, Antalya ranks among the cities with the most historical documents compared to other Anatolian cities. Its reputation as a preferred city in Anatolia for historical, archaeological, and linguistic studies is further enhanced by the continuous discovery of new findings.

Antalya during the Byzantine, Pergamon and Roman Periods

The Roman Empire effectively maintained its presence in Antalya. Before his visit to Antalya, Emperor Hadrian sent word to the regional governor, stating his desire to see Antalya as the most beautiful city in the world. Following this, the structure known among the people as the Three Gates, or Hadrian's Gate, was constructed. During the time when Christianity was rapidly spreading, the Antalya region remained a province of the Eastern Roman Empire and maintained its importance.

The city, which was rebuilt through extensive reconstruction efforts between the 5th and 7th centuries AD, suffered significant damage due to Arab raids and plunder. To counter this, the Roman Empire established a powerful navy to defend the region. Despite being inhabited by various groups numerous times due to its strategic importance and the desire to maintain its dominance, the area also experienced considerable looting and pillaging. As is known, this region was historically a route for pirates.

The Roman Empire built the Hadrian's Gate, repaired the walls, and constructed towers. However, it suffered for many years from attacks by Genoese, Rhodian, and Venetian pirates, earthquakes, and attacks from Cyprus. They established bases in the Mediterranean and, in their efforts to gain dominance and power, made Antalya a constantly vulnerable place to invasions.

The City of Antalya During the Seljuk Period

With the Seljuks, the Turks gradually began to settle and conquer the area around Antalya, a city important for both defense and maritime trade. After the First Crusade, the Byzantines captured the city. Those who passed through the region during the Second Crusade recorded that the area was almost completely conquered by the Turks.

The authors of the Crusades also added that due to Turkish rule in this region, the people could not farm and met their needs by sea. With the Seljuk State turning its attention westward, the Turks began conquering Anatolia with the Battle of Myriokephalon in 1176 and, arriving in waves, acquired new lands.

When Istanbul was occupied by the Latins after the Fourth Crusade, Byzantium was unable to establish a direct and healthy connection with Anatolia and began to lose its influence.

  1. Before attempting to conquer Antalya, Kilij Arslan had sent his children to various parts of Anatolia and tried to capture the city with his army. Although this attempt was unsuccessful, it demonstrated his dominance in the region and showed that Antalya would eventually join the Seljuk Empire.
  1. The Seljuks decided to conquer Antalya because of recent incidents where Arab merchants were robbed and persecuted while passing through the city. On March 5, 1207, Antalya came under Seljuk rule. Here, the Seljuks established a shipyard for their first powerful navy, made improvements, and quickly brought peace to the city, making it a vital trade route.
  1. After Giyaseddin Keyhüsrev, who surrendered the city to Commander Ertokuş, died, the military vacuum created in the city, weakening it and leading to its loss.

Later, İzzeddin Keykavus organized another campaign and conquered the city on January 22, 1216. He reorganized and restructured the city. One of the biggest reasons for the difficulties in controlling the Antalya region was their lack of strong ties to the sea.

Geographical Features of Antalya and Weather Forecast for Antalya

Antalya, located in southwestern Türkiye, lies between 29° 20'-32°35' east longitudes and 36° 07'-37° 29' north latitudes.

Antalya province is located in the south of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the Taurus Mountains. It is bordered by Mersin, Konya, Karaman, Isparta, and Burdur to the east and north, and by Muğla to the west. Antalya province covers an area of 20,177 square kilometers and is situated in the western part of the Mediterranean Region. The terrain of Antalya province is generally mountainous.

The peaks of the Taurus Mountains reach and exceed approximately 3000 meters. Plateaus exist in the Teke region to the west. In Antalya province, the stones and rocks are mostly known as limestone.

These easily eroded stones have influenced many aspects of life over time, including the formation of caves, mountain structures, waterfalls, and water sources.

Antalya's topographical features vary significantly from region to region, both agriculturally and climatically. This is due to the differences in altitude between the coastal areas and the highlands, as well as the influence of the Taurus Mountains.

Antalya and Antalya Climate Characteristics

Antalya province, particularly its coastal areas, has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are consistently hot and humid, while winters are mild with abundant rainfall.

While this is the case in coastal areas, the higher altitudes and parts intertwined with Anatolia have a harsher climate. A climatic difference occurs, characterized by cold and dry conditions. Generally, the average summer temperature is between 28-36 degrees Celsius.

At its hottest, the perceived temperature can reach 50 degrees Celsius. In January, the average temperature ranges between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, and it's a much-loved city for its dry and sunny days. The average humidity throughout the year is around 60 percent.

Summer months are long and hot. In coastal areas, snow is either absent in winter or melts before it reaches the ground. Rain is almost nonexistent in summer and infrequent in winter.

In autumn, it appears as a downpour. There are only about 50 days a year with cloudy or rainy weather. Swimming in the sea is possible for 9 months of the year, and the average annual temperature is around 19 degrees Celsius. The highest daily rainfall average recorded in Antalya to date is 232.8 kg/m².

Earthquakes in Antalya and the Mediterranean Region

When the earthquake risk map of the Antalya region is examined, it is marked as a second-degree earthquake zone. There are no earthquakes in the center of Antalya, but it is known that small earthquakes occur in the surrounding provinces and in the sea. The largest recorded earthquake in Antalya occurred on December 28, 2013, with a magnitude of 6.0.

Geology and Structure of Antalya

Antalya's landscape is generally composed of older rocks and stones, formed in earlier times. Marble and limestone are the most abundant in Antalya. While other types of rocks are also found, they have been subjected to folding and fracturing due to tectonic movements over time.

Karstic rocks, generally composed of limestone, have a fractured, porous, and gray-white appearance. Karstic travertine rock formations, reaching depths of approximately 100 meters, are also found in the Antalya plain and in the underwater areas.

Characteristics of Antalya's Vegetation

The most common plant known throughout Antalya and the Mediterranean region is the olive tree. Between the coast and higher altitudes, up to 550 meters, there is maquis vegetation that can withstand the harshness of summer.

In maquis vegetation, short and stunted trees have an average height ranging from 3 to 5 meters. As you ascend from 600 meters to 1200 meters, the vegetation will shift to oak and Scots pine.

At higher altitudes, between 1200 and 2000 meters, the vegetation is dominated by cedar, Scots pine, beech, and juniper trees. Common trees in Antalya include ash, Aleppo pine, black pine, cedar, fir, strawberry tree, sandalwood, juniper, beech, Scots pine, mastic tree, myrtle, rosary tree, and laurel species.

In addition, thanks to its wide meadows and numerous streams, it is home to ash and elm trees.

Various plant and tree species such as strawberry tree, plane tree, wild pear, linden, wild and grafted olive, kermes oak, gall oak, sandalwood, mastic tree, myrtle, rosary tree, laurel, maple, chasteberry, oleander, carob, rockrose, heather, spruce, hawthorn, buckthorn, horse chestnut, thyme, spurge, thorny myrtle, thistle, balm, flame plant, sage, saffron, Canadian thistle, thistle, wild garlic, asparagus, asparagus, and chrysanthemum are also widely found in the Mediterranean Region, both naturally and for commercial purposes.

Animal Species Found in and Around Antalya Province

Thanks to its rich plant diversity, Antalya's forests are home to a wide range of wildlife species, including deer, foxes, martens, squirrels, fallow deer, wild goats, jackals, hyenas, wolves, bears, partridges, quails, turtledoves, wild boars, blackbirds, orioles, and cranes.

What is the population of Antalya and what is the population change in Antalya?

Kaleiçi, the original site of Antalya's founding, is an area with very narrow streets and sparse permanent settlements. Kaleiçi is primarily known for its tourism activities.

Various activities in the tourism sector directly impact population growth. Additionally, suitable agricultural lands, rising industrial opportunities, a vibrant construction sector, the rise of health tourism, ease of transportation, and low traffic congestion all encourage people to migrate to this city.

In 1927, the population of Antalya province was 206,000, while today it exceeds 2 million. Antalya has one of the highest literacy rates in the country. While the national average is 85%, in Antalya this rate reaches 97% for children over 15 years old.

Antalya's Economy and Economic Income Sources

Although industry has seen a boom in Antalya's economy in recent years, the main economic resources are tourism, agriculture, and livestock farming. Mining is also present, although not as widespread.

In a different way, trade, as in every city, is on the rise in Antalya with the contribution of tourism. The spread of health tourism is gaining a strong position worldwide due to exchange rate differences and affordable healthcare services.

Luxury stores, large hotel projects, improved transportation links, and maritime trade that have opened over time also make significant contributions to the economy of Antalya province. Furthermore, technological changes and differences in agriculture and trade are influencing market activity.

Antalya Expo Fair and similar fair activities create different employment opportunities and open up income opportunities in the country.

Antalya Agriculture and Production

Antalya, thanks to its location and fertile land, is an area where many crops can be easily grown. The most commonly produced agricultural products include oats, barley, and wheat.

In addition, sesame, cotton, onion, peanut, and chickpea production is also carried out. There are approximately 35,000 hectares of greenhouse area, and this area is increasing daily. In these greenhouses, tomatoes are grown primarily, followed by peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, melons, watermelons, and beans.

In addition, the Manavgat region has attracted attention in banana production in recent years. Antalya is the province with the highest fruit production in our country due to the compatibility of its climate and soil.

Finike is a leading producer of fruits such as lemons, in addition to tropical products like oranges, mandarins, bananas, avocados, and grapefruits. It has the capacity to meet a large portion of both domestic and international demand.

The rapid transfer of fresh fruits and vegetables to other provinces and their preparation for export, the ease of transportation, and the favorable agricultural seasons all contribute to the rapid growth of trade in this sector.

Antalya province alone accounts for almost 15% of the vegetables produced in the country. In fruit production, this rate is around 7%. When various other plants are also included, Antalya province meets approximately 5% of Turkey's total agricultural needs. While the number of people engaged in agriculture was high in the past, today this rate has fallen below 50%.

Antalya Culture and Arts Development and Museums

Most museums in Antalya province are located in Antalya city center and within the borders of Alanya district. Antalya Museum is furnished with artifacts covering many periods from antiquity onwards.

Kaleiçi Museum, Alanya Kızılkule Ethnography Museum, and Alanya Atatürk House Museum all actively serve as ethnography museums. Other museums spread throughout the province include Side Museum, İç Kale Museum, Antalya Toy Museum, and Alanya City Museum.

Archaeological Sites in Antalya and the Surrounding Region

Most of the artifacts found in excavations throughout Antalya are housed in the Antalya Museum. To reach the Antalya Museum, you can take the tram and get off at the stop after the Research Hospital. It is located in an area with a cliff view overlooking the Konyaaltı beach.

Karain Cave is one of the archaeological sites located in Antalya. It has been used as a settlement area since the earliest times. It is located in Yağca village and 27 km from Antalya. It is listed as a World Heritage Site with a provisional inclusion.

Aspendos, located in the Serik district on the Antalya-Manavgat road, is one of the most important ancient city theaters that has survived intact. It is considered among the finest examples of Roman theaters. The famous Roman theater in Antalya is still actively used for concerts, theater performances, and as a museum.

The Three Gates, built by King Hadrian, are located within the fortress. Constructed for King Hadrian during the Roman period, they still stand today, retaining their original elegance.

The ancient city of Termessos, built on the high slopes of Antalya, also has a heroic historical story, including Alexander the Great's siege and failure to capture the city. Historically, this dates back to 333 BC.

Greeks with Greek roots migrated to what is now Antalya, or Pamphylia, from the 12th century BC onwards and founded the ancient city of Perge. The city ruins that have survived to this day are open to visitors.

Antalya Cuisine and Local Dishes

Antalya, influenced by both Mediterranean culture and nomadic traditions, possesses flavors not found in many other Anatolian cuisines. Additionally, the use of olive oil in many dishes plays a significant role in this.

Asparagus soup: Gathering fresh asparagus and transforming it into a delicious soup.

Blackberry and ear-shaped dough soups: This is a type of soup that includes traditional soups combining blackberry and dough.

  • Çağla cacık: This is a special appetizer made by thinly slicing fresh apricots and mixing them with yogurt.
  • Toros salad: A type of salad enriched with regional and local flavors.
  • Radish salad: This is a healthy and delicious salad made from radicchio, a type of bitter herb.
  • Pastırma hibeş: A delicious meze made with dried meat, offering a unique flavor.
  • Dried eggplant dish: A special appetizer made with dried eggplants, adding beauty to any meal.
  • Eggplant roast with tahini: This is one of the unique delicacies made in various provinces of the Mediterranean region, where eggplant is roasted and combined with tahini.
  • Zucchini stew: Exquisitely prepared zucchini.
  • Stuffed pumpkin: Made by combining the delicious taste of pumpkin with a variety of other delicious fillings.
  • Mallow stir-fry: This is made by roasting the mallow plant in a unique way.
  • Stuffed peppers with cottage cheese: A dish made by stuffing peppers with cottage cheese and cooking them in a special way.
  • Walnut-stuffed peppers: This is a type of stuffed pepper prepared by filling the peppers with walnuts, several other nuts, and spices.
  • Stuffed peppers with cottage cheese: A type of stuffed pepper dish made by mixing bell peppers with cottage cheese.
  • Eggplant stew: A type of dish prepared by cooking eggplants in olive oil.
  • Tomato stew: A dish where tomatoes are cooked in olive oil and then served.
  • Shakshuka: A dish prepared by frying various vegetables, and commonly found in many nations.
  • Tomato-based stew: A famous meat dish cooked with tomatoes.
  • Fish pilaki: A dish made by blending fish with olive oil, lemon, and spices.
  • Testi kebabı: A delicious kebab prepared by cooking the meat in a special way inside a clay pot and serving it that way.
  • Tahini-infused Antalya piyaz: A type of piyaz (bean salad) unique to Antalya, enriched with tahini, that has been making a name for itself for years.
  • Beydağ kebab with yogurt sauce: As the name suggests, this is a Beydağ-style kebab served with a yogurt sauce.
  • Lamb keşkek: This dish is a traditional keşkek prepared with lamb meat in a special way.
  • Dill fish: A fish dish flavored with dill.
  • Dishes prepared with local fish: A variety of different dishes made with regional fish.
  • Şevketi bostan: A rich dish made by mixing meat and vegetables together.

In addition to these dishes, various spices can be added to desserts. Pumpkin dessert, kadayıf dessert, the famous jam made from watermelon rind, bergamot jam, and similar types of jam are known in the Antalya region thanks to the different flavors of fruits and plants.

Thanks to certain plants frequently gathered in the Gölge Mountains, there are unique dishes made with tarhana, thyme, göçeli, and yarpız soups, as well as ox halva, pastries, açma (a type of bread), and regional specialties such as labada aşı (a type of porridge) and alafaşı (a type of soup).

Antalya Festivals and Celebrations

Antalya hosts various festivals throughout the year. Some of the festivals held in the high plateaus include the Feslikan Plateau Festival, the Söbüce Plateau Festivals, the Alanya and Alevi-Bektashi Turkmen culture festivals, as well as international festivals such as the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival and the International Sand Sculpture Festival.

Antalya Film Festival

As is known, the Antalya Film Festival award is the Venus Statue. This statue is erected in many places in the city of Antalya during the award ceremony. The aim is to further revitalize the film industry and to make artists feel valued and appreciated.

The Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, established in 1964 through the initiatives of Mayor Avni Tolunay with the aim of fostering higher quality productions, is now known as the International Antalya Film Festival.

International Antalya Sand Festival

Furthermore, the first International Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival was held in Antalya in 2006. It is one of the largest sand festivals ever created in world history.

Antalya's Most Famous Ponds

Doyran Pond: Located in the Konyaaltı district, Doyran Pond is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks. Numerous pine trees offer breathtaking views of the Taurus Mountains, captivating visitors.

Eksili Pond: Located in the Kepez district, Eksili Pond is an ideal place for fishing and birdwatching. Many different bird species live in the pond, and it is one of Antalya's most important wetlands.

Geyikbayırı Lake: Located in the Manavgat district, Geyikbayırı Lake is an ideal place for camping and canoeing. The lake is surrounded by lush green forest and has a calm and tranquil atmosphere.

Avlan Lake: Located in the Elmalı district, Avlan Lake is home to flamingo colonies. One of Türkiye's most important wetlands, the lake is a very popular spot for birdwatchers.

Located in the Döşemealtı district, Kırkgöz Lake is an ideal place for water sports. The lake is perfect for water skiing and wakeboarding.

Oymapınar Lake: Located in the Manavgat district, Oymapınar Lake is one of the largest reservoir lakes in Türkiye. Many people visit the lake for picnics, fishing, and boat trips.

Bays of Antalya

The most beautiful bays in Antalya, in order:

  1. Kaputaş Beach is famous for its white sands and turquoise sea.
  1. Olympos Bay: A bay with natural beauty and surrounded by historical ruins.
  1. Phaselis Bay: It contains the ruins of a city that existed during the Lycian period.
  1. Çıralı Beach: A place where volcanic fruits grow.
  1. Adrasan Bay: Famous for its clean and calm sea, it is an ideal bay.
  1. Kas Bay: An ideal place for underwater and diving sports.
  1. Patara Beach: An 18 km long sandy beach that serves as a breeding ground for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).
  1. Kemer Bay: A popular spot for yacht tours.
  1. Finike Bay: A tranquil bay filled with orange groves, from which it takes its name.
  1. Tekirova Bay: This bay, notable for its natural beauty, is a perfect place for camping.
  1. Demre Bay: A magnificent bay located where the Azmak River flows into the sea.
  1. Göynük Bay: A beautiful bay nestled among forests.
  1. Karaoz Bay: A tranquil and peaceful spot ideal for camping enthusiasts.
  1. Kekova Bay: Famous for its sunken city and historical ruins.
  1. Suluada Bay: Known as a bird sanctuary, this island is captivating with its magnificent natural beauty.
  1. Uçansu Waterfall: Its cascading waterfall is captivating as it flows into the sea.
  1. Porto Ceneviz Bay: A magnificent holiday destination with its azure sea and sandy beach.
  1. Alacasu Bay: Famous for its turquoise sea, it boasts pristine waters and magnificent natural beauty.
  1. Pirate Cove: Pirate Cove is a mystical place steeped in legends.
  1. Kaleiçi Bay: Located in the historical center of Antalya, Kaleiçi Bay is a beautiful bay with harbor views opening to the sea.

Antalya, the Capital of Tourism

Antalya is also a very popular city thanks to its beaches and bays. Tourists happily promote the bays they specifically choose to visit to the whole world. Alacasu Paradise Bay in Antalya is one of these bays. Furthermore, Alacasu Paradise Bay is famous and well-known for its beach.

Antalya experiences a significant population increase during the summer months. In Türkiye, Istanbul and Antalya are the leading cities in terms of tourism, experiencing maximum occupancy during the summer. While Istanbul hosts tourists year-round, Antalya is generally busier during the summer.

The abundance of options, especially for athletes, the rise in the health sector, the popularity of festivals in the highlands, the selection of prime locations as common meeting points for conferences, the greater number and suitability of camps, and the high demand for religious tourism make Antalya and Istanbul among the top tourism options for tourists.