By Derick McGroarty
Popular with Germans and Russians the Turkish Mediterranean coast between Fethiye and Alanya now increasingly attracts UK holiday makers.
In the bustle of Antalya's commercial city, is a compact maze of narrow streets in the old walled area of Kaleici rising steeply from an attractive harbour. Boat trips start at £5 for two hours. You can swim from the rocks or shingle beach a couple of miles from the centre, but if sandy beaches are your first priority then Side or Alanya should be considered.
For me the prime attractions of Antalya are the breath taking sweep of the Lycian mountains soaring 10,000 feet, and Kaleici, where ancient Ottoman buildings with overhanging balconies have been converted to smart comfortable hotels, restaurants and shops, complementing parks, mosques and the remains of a triple arch commemorating a visit by the Emperor Hadrian in AD 130.
The Archaeological Museum, close to the shingle beach displays a large impressive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts from many sites around Antalya. A visit, before or after seeing the locations, really does bring the past to life. Opposite with superb views of the mountains and sea is the five-star Falez Hotel. I enjoyed the swimming pools, including a super whirl pool, gardens and many facilities. A courtesy bus operates to the beach and fish restaurant below the cliff.
There is an extensive choice of coach tours with variable prices and quality. I recommend Akay Travel Service (tel 244 537) as excellent value for money. A full day trip to the sunken islands of Kekvova, Myra with its amazing rock tombs carved into the rock face and the ruin of St. Nicholas church (where the Santa Claus story originated) included travel by coach and yacht, lunch and entrance fees for about £30.
Other tours include the Pamphilian cities of Perge, Side and Aspendos. A morning trip in the Taurus Mountains to Termessos took me to an amphitheatre in a dramatic setting with magnificent views.
A quality Gulet cruise with Bakhus Travel is total relaxation for a week, sailing in turquoise waters, swimming in sheltered bays and visiting small villages. It might well be combined with a week in Antalya.
Kibris Turkish Airlines fly regular direct services from Stanstead to Antalya. The airbus was comfortable and precisely on time on both my flights.
Tourist information : (London ) Tel. 020 7355 4207
Falez hotel E-mail : falez@on.com.tr |