Now travel restrictions are over, Türkiye is becoming one of the most popular travel destinations, with Antalya, in particular, coming up tops. While the country as a whole offers some of the most iconic sights in the world, including Istanbul’s skyline and the fascinating chimneys of Cappadocia, the city is becoming popular with Western travelers this year. With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, and following the deadly earthquakes, hopefully, tourism in Antalya can aid the country’s economy. Read on to find out what this historic and beautiful city has to offer.

Antalya in Türkiye is gaining popularity

Admittedly, Antalya is a cheaper alternative for those seeking a cultural vacation, but its popularity isn’t just about low prices. The city was originally established as a Greek colony in around 150 BC and later became a major Roman port.

Meanwhile, today the city still boasts its historic nature, with the Hadrian’s Gate guarding the entrance to the city’s Old Town since the 1st century. Moreover, the city’s harbor features historic fortifications and so much more.

Meanwhile, within easy driving distance of Antalya, many Greco-Roman archaeological sites and settlements are a great draw. The most famous of these is Perge (pictured below), where travelers can stroll in the footsteps of the ancient Hellenes.

Other attractions include Aspendos, which hosts the best-preserved Roman theater. Meanwhile, traveling further east takes visitors to the port town of Side. This pretty location is home to the Temple of Apollo, standing high on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, a perfect location to enjoy the sunset.

Theme parks, waterparks and beaches

Besides its fascinating history, Antalya also offers modern attractions, including the Land of Legends Theme Park. Located 35 km (22 mi) from the city, the theme park offers fabulous slides and beach clubs, as well as scenic boat rides through fairytale settings and an onsite hotel.

Meanwhile, the city itself features a number of water parks and aquariums. These include Antalya Aquarium which is said to be the largest tunnel aquarium in the world. Moreover, Aqualand Antalya Dolphinland is popular with families.

As for the beaches, the one in the city itself is a pebble beach, but a short drive up the coast takes visitors to Phaselis, a beach that is popular with locals and visitors alike. In fact, this consists of a number of secluded bays, backed by forested slopes where Greek ruins can be seen. Another is Cirali Plajı, an idyllic stretch of sand overlooking crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Meanwhile, between Kaleiçi Harbor in Old Town Antalya and a cliff, Mermeli Plajı is a beautiful and secluded swimming spot, perfect for a day in the sun.

Tourism boomings in Türkiye

In 2022, Türkiye reported an 80.33 percent surge in tourism, with 44.6 million travelers arriving over the year. This is almost as good as the 45.1 million people who visited in 2019. Meanwhile, the Turkish Government expects tourist numbers to head to more than 60 million in 2023.

With Antalya gaining so much popularity as a resort city, with so much to offer, hopefully, this will aid tourism-dependent Türkiye’s economic recovery both from the pandemic and the recent deadly earthquakes.

Find out more about Antalya and what it has to offer travelers from the city’s official tourism website.