The Magic of Turkey in Ancient Antalya
There's some magic in Turkey! Until recently, it attracted millions of Russian tourists. Due to the current situation in relations between Russia and Turkey, the flow of tourists to this country has stopped, but time is passing, the situation is getting better. At the moment, there are no obstacles to visiting the favorite resort.
For most people, Turkey is an all-inclusive package: a beach, a swimming pool, night parties and a idle pastime. But I want to talk about another Turkey. About what you can see and what to do for yourself, family, friends. There's a lot of interesting stuff.
Antalya is a resort city, which probably visited every second Russian. Here you can see the extraordinary beauty of hotels that compete with each other in creativity and greatness. In one of them you can stop and start your trip to interesting places.
Take a look at Duden Falls. It is formed by the Duden River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Distinguish the upper and lower Duden waterfalls. There are stunning parks where you can admire the picturesque nature, relax from the exhausting heat, take photos. Lower Duden Falls is the highest waterfall in Europe. Watching him is an indescribable feeling! The roar of pouring water gives a sense of grandeur, the strength of nature. He's especially handsome at night. Recently, the waterfall is illuminated in the dark.
Mount Chimera is another attraction and, moreover, a legendary place. From the side of this mountain, tongues of flame break out. This is explained by the fact that the mountain contains large deposits of methane, and gas comes out, which self-ignites. It is the only mountain of its kind in the world. It is better to go there closer to sunset, in the evening it looks very impressive.
It's worth visiting Kaleici. This is an ancient part of Antalya, you can say, the center of tourism. There are many inexpensive souvenir shops, cafes, hotels, but this is not the main thing. It is worth coming here to feel the incredible atmosphere, walk through the narrow streets, see minarets and mosques, old houses. The entrance to the city of Kaleici is decorated with another attraction - Hadrian's Gate. Construction began in 130 CE before Emperor Hadrian decided to visit the city. Amazing how they survived to this day?
Very close to the port, where you can book a tour on a yacht. Mermerli Beach is the first beach in Antalya. The beach strip is very narrow and small in length. It is located against the background of ancient breakwaters and the wall separating the beach from the restaurant. All this gives some antiquity to this place. Here you can swim, the beach is fully equipped with everything you need.
30 kilometers from Antalya is located the ancient city of Termessos. Its heyday fell on the 2-3 century BC. After several earthquakes, the city was destroyed and abandoned by local residents. This place is literally imbued with antiquity! Undoubtedly, the main attraction of this place is a theater carved of stone. You can also see a gymnasium in the city. There are still rooms where classes were held. There are also temples of Artemis, Hera and Zeus, the tomb of Alcetus, underground cisterns in which the locals stored water reserves, Hadrian’s Gate, streets with columns, walls of buildings and much more. This is a place for those who want to plunge into the lives of mythical heroes.
Of course, Turkey is not limited to one Antalya and the listed interesting places, just for your own safety, you should refrain from visiting non-resort zones. The magic of Turkey probably lies in the fact that it very succinctly combines the history of the ancient world and modernity. Let us hope that in the near future the conflict between the countries will be completely exhausted and there will be an opportunity to fully relax in this wonderful land!
Text by Alina Aladova
Photo: shopindream.co, zajezdy.cz, grafimx.com, phishka.ru, smizone.info, psychopharmacology2013.org, arzuoglu.com