Antalya: Mediterranean Magic on Turkey's Turquoise Coast

After the historical wonders of Selcuk, my Turkish solo adventure continued to Antalya - a beautiful coastal city along the Mediterranean. Once again, I ditched the commercial tourist areas and opted for the charming old quarter called Kaleici. Trust me, it was the right call!

The Charm of Old Antalya: Kaleici

While modern Antalya has all the amenities of a big resort city, the real magic lies in Kaleici, the historical heart of the city. With its narrow roads, gorgeous architecture, and proximity to the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean, it's a complete vibe shift from the rest of Turkey I'd experienced so far.

The old Ottoman houses tucked into narrow lanes have their own unique charm that you just can't find in the modern parts of the city. Like many old towns I visited in Turkey, cars aren't allowed in certain areas during evenings, which creates this wonderful pedestrian-friendly atmosphere where you can wander without worrying about traffic.

Getting There: Quick and Easy

Kaleici is just about 20 minutes from Antalya Airport. I simply hopped in a local cab to my hotel - it only cost me about 20 TL. Super convenient after a flight!

Where I Stayed: A Garden Paradise

I chose the White House Garden Pension, a lovely family-run place just a 2-minute walk from the blue water beach. My single room was tiny but perfectly adequate for a solo traveler - and honestly, in a place this beautiful, how much time do you really spend in your room?

The pension is ideally located close to local restaurants and cafes, making it perfect for evening strolls and impromptu dining decisions. They were kind enough to offer me breakfast when I arrived early in the morning, even though check-in wasn't until later - that's Turkish hospitality for you!

*Contact: Metin/Jamal, +90 535 244 71 95, [www.whitegardenpansion.com]

What to See and Do

Jamal from my hotel was super helpful in organizing a day tour for me, even though I only asked him the night before. There are many tour options in Antalya - from coastal excursions to ancient city explorations. With limited time, I opted for the Perge, Aspendos, and Side Day Tour.

Perge: Ancient City Wonders

Perge showcases some incredible ancient ruins, with remarkably preserved streets, baths, and theaters dating back to Roman times. This ancient Greek city has so much history packed into every corner. Walking through these ancient streets, you can't help but imagine what life was like thousands of years ago.

Aspendos: Acoustical Marvel

The theater at Aspendos is one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world. The acoustics are so perfect that you can hear a whisper from the stage all the way at the top seats. It's still used for performances today - imagine watching a concert in a venue built in 155 AD!

Side: Beachfront Beauty

Side was a highlight! This ancient port city has a long promenade along the beachfront, lined with cafes and local shops. It's the perfect place to enjoy a seaside meal, do some shopping (without the pushy sales tactics you might expect), and just soak in the Mediterranean vibes.

The blend of ancient ruins literally next to beach loungers creates this surreal juxtaposition of ancient and modern that's uniquely Turkish. The roadside cafes and local shops trying to sell you everything create this vibrant, bustling atmosphere that's impossible not to love.

Kursunlu Waterfalls: A Hidden Rainforest Escape

One of the most unexpected highlights was Kursunlu Waterfalls - it was like stepping into a rainforest! Cool waters surrounded by vines and trees, with stone steps leading the way to wooden walkway bridges. It's such a pleasant getaway from the harsh Mediterranean sun.

The contrast between the coastal heat and the cool, misty atmosphere of the waterfalls is incredible. You literally feel like you've been transported to a completely different climate zone. The wooden bridges and pathways make it feel like an adventure through a jungle paradise.

Where to Eat: Fresh Seafood Heaven

Antalya is famous for its seafood, and for good reason! Being on the Mediterranean coast means the catch of the day is always fresh and prepared with minimal fuss - they let the quality of the fish speak for itself.

The beautiful fish on the menu are typically cooked on grills or sautéed in lemon butter sauce - simple preparations that really highlight the freshness of the Mediterranean catch.

Odile Hotel and Restaurant

This restaurant overlooks the bay and offers amazing views with your meal. I highly recommend trying their "catch of the day," but do ask about the price first as it can be a bit on the expensive side. That said, the quality makes it worth every lira.

The seafood here isn't heavily spiced or sauced - it's about tasting the actual fish, not covering it up. A refreshing change from what I'm used to!

My Thoughts on Antalya

I spent two days in Antalya, and honestly, it wasn't enough time! I barely got a chance to relax on the beach and soak in the sun like I wanted to. It's not as captivating as Selcuk or Goreme - it feels a bit more modern and touristy - but the old town of Kaleici has an undeniable charm.

In fact, after Antalya, I actually flew back to Goreme for two more days because I missed it so much! That's the beauty of solo travel - the freedom to change plans on a whim.

If you're a beach lover or into water sports, you might want to spend more time in Antalya than I did. The beaches are beautiful with that stunning turquoise water the Turkish coast is famous for.

Tips for Antalya

1. If you're visiting in summer like I did (July), be prepared for hot days! Bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat.

2. The old town is built on hills with lots of steps, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

3. Many restaurants have rooftop terraces with incredible views - always ask if they have upper seating!

4. Unlike Istanbul or Cappadocia, English isn't as widely spoken in some parts of Antalya, so having Google Translate handy can be helpful.

5. Don't miss the waterfalls if you need a break from the heat - they're the perfect natural air conditioning!

Antalya might not have been the highlight of my Turkish adventure, but it offered a beautiful Mediterranean interlude between the historical wonders of the rest of my journey. The sea breeze, fresh seafood, ancient ruins by the beach, and that unexpected rainforest escape at the waterfalls created memories I'll cherish forever.

Have you been to Antalya? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

XOXO