General Information about Antalya
Located on the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey, Antalya is one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations, often called the “Turkish Riviera.” With a population of about 2.7 million (2024 data), it is Turkey’s fifth-largest city. Blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year, golden beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich historical heritage, Antalya attracts millions of visitors annually.
The city has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Lycians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Today, it combines modern resorts with ancient ruins, making it a unique blend of past and present. Tourism is the backbone of Antalya’s economy, but agriculture—especially citrus fruits, olives, and greenhouse vegetables—also plays a major role.
Places to Visit in Antalya
- Kaleiçi (Old Town): The historic heart of Antalya, with Ottoman-era houses, narrow streets, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Yivli Minaret.
- Konyaaltı Beach: A long stretch of beach west of the city, popular for swimming and water sports.
- Lara Beach: Known for its fine sand and luxury resort hotels.
- Düden Waterfalls: A natural wonder where waterfalls cascade into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Aspendos Theatre: A remarkably well-preserved Roman theatre, still used for performances today.
- Perge Ancient City: An archaeological site showcasing the grandeur of the Roman period.
- Olympos and Çıralı: Coastal villages famous for ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and the eternal flames of Chimera.
- Termessos: A mountain-top ancient city offering breathtaking views and ruins.
- Antalya Museum: One of Turkey’s largest museums, housing artifacts from the region’s long history.
- Kemer, Alanya, Side, Belek: Popular resort towns with a mix of beaches, nightlife, and historical sites.
- Saklıkent Ski Center: Unique for offering skiing in winter, just 50 km from sunny Antalya.
Antalya Bus Terminal
Antalya Intercity Bus Terminal (Otogar) is a modern facility connecting Antalya with all major Turkish cities. Due to the city’s popularity, the bus terminal is one of the busiest in Turkey.
Facilities include:
- Over 100 bus platforms
- Spacious waiting halls
- Ticket offices of national and regional companies
- Shops, cafés, and restaurants
- Shuttle and tram connections to the city center and resorts
Travel times: Istanbul–Antalya (~10–11 hours), Ankara–Antalya (~8 hours), İzmir–Antalya (~6–7 hours).
What to Eat in Antalya?
Antalya’s cuisine reflects both Mediterranean freshness and Anatolian traditions.
- Piyaz: A salad made with beans, tahini sauce, garlic, and lemon. A local specialty.
- Antalya Kebab (Tandır Kebab): Slow-cooked lamb served with flatbread.
- Tahinli Piyaz: Another variation of Antalya’s famous bean salad with tahini.
- Candır Kebab: A local dish with meat, vegetables, and rich spices.
- Seafood: The Mediterranean coast offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood.
- Arabaşı Soup: A hot soup often eaten with a unique dough.
- Pumpkin Dessert with Tahini: A local sweet dish, especially popular in winter.
- Turkish Ice Cream (Dondurma): Widely available in Antalya, with regional flavors.
How to Get to Antalya?
- By Bus: Frequent connections from all major Turkish cities. Istanbul–Antalya (~11 hours), Ankara–Antalya (~8 hours), İzmir–Antalya (~7 hours).
- By Air:Antalya Airport is one of Turkey’s busiest, located 13 km from the city center. It operates flights to more than 300 destinations worldwide.
- By Train: Antalya does not currently have a railway connection. The nearest train stations are in Burdur and Isparta.
- By Car: Distances: Istanbul–Antalya 720 km (~10 hours), Ankara–Antalya 550 km (~8 hours), İzmir–Antalya 460 km (~7 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Antalya
- Metro Turizm
- Pamukkale Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Kamil Koç excluded
- Antalya Toros Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Güney Akdeniz Seyahat
Regional companies also operate frequent buses between Antalya and nearby provinces such as Burdur, Isparta, and Muğla.
