Making the most of Antalya
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Port Akdeniz can accommodate the growing Mediterranean cruise trade with three berths measuring 200 metres, 170 metres, and 140 metres, all alongside a water depth of 9.20 metres.
Port Akdeniz is an industrial harbour without visitor attractions, although its terminal building contains a café and an information counter.
The port lies some 9 miles west of Antalya's old centre and compact harbour. Cruise lines normally arrange transfers, while waiting taxis charge about 25 euro per vehicle for a one-way journey into Antalya.
King Attalos II of Pergamon founded the city as "Attaleia", naming it after himself.
Turkey's principal Mediterranean holiday resort, in ancient Pamphylia, Antalya is an appealing city of shaded, palm-lined avenues and an award-winning marina. Inside picturesque Kaleici, the old quarter, winding narrow lanes and wooden houses press against the ancient walls.
About 12 km east of the city is sandy Lara Beach. Long, pebbled Konyaalti Beach is nearer, lying west of Antalya with views towards a dramatic mountain range. Farther on, Bey Dagi (Olympos) National Park and Topcam Beach provide more impressive outlooks.
The Archaeological Museum ranks among Turkey's largest and finest.
Getting around
Nuremberg in Germany donated Antalya's historic tramway, which links western Konyaalti Beach and the Antalya Museum with the eastern city centre. Services run in both directions every 30 min. and cost 1.75 TL per person. Because the line passes many of the centre's most attractive places, it also works as a sightseeing route.
Town taxis are plentiful, inexpensive and subject to regulated fares. Drivers may ask above the metered price for longer journeys, however, so settle the cost first. Routes not covered by buses are served by Turkey's unusual Dolmus transport. Its name means "To Fill", and each minibus, jeep or van departs once full, which usually happens quickly. Passengers can also ask to be set down anywhere along the way.
Nearby places
Historical sites in Antalya's surroundings include Perge (18 km), Aspendos and Side at 80 km.
Food and shopping
Antalya offers three distinct shopping experiences. Within the walled Old City, a maze of pedestrian lanes is filled with shops carrying almost every kind of item. The vast flea market sits 3 blocks east of the walls and specialises in a wealth of local crafts. A further range of shopping lines the seafront streets and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Money
Turkey uses the Turkish lira. Foreign currency is accepted by many restaurants and shops in large cities and coastal resorts, but take some Turkish lira when travelling to other parts of the country.
Cash machines in convenient positions across cities, towns and resorts allow withdrawals of local currency using a debit or credit card.
Staying connected
The port provides a free wireless connection.
Emergency numbers are Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey) and Police: 155 (all over Turkey).
Opening Hours and
Trading hours are flexible in tourist and coastal districts. During summer, numerous shops remain open late into the evening on every day of the week, allowing visitors to browse more comfortably after the daytime heat.