Arapidly growing city of over ½ million people. Antalya is the main administrative and commercial center for most of the Mediterranean coast. The city’s airport is an important gateway receiving charter flights year-round from Europe. Sprawling around a wide bay , with the Taurus mountains as a backdrop , the city enjoys a dramatic setting.
Kaleici , which means “Inside the Castle” is the historic heart of the city. Surrounded by the old city walls , its narrow streets are lined with Otoman timber-frame houses , many of which have been renovated or converted into hotels. The old harbour has been tastefully redeveloped and is surrounded by cafes , shops and restaurants. The buildings of this area enjoy official protection , so any renovation or building work is tightly controlled.
The Lara beach to the east and the Konyaalti beach to the west of the city are ideal for swimming. Besides these beaches, there are also two water parks in Antalya in which various water games are played.
Other interesting places in the outskirts of Antalya are the Upper and Lower Duden Falls, Kursunlu Falls, Saklikent, which is a winter sports center, Gulluk Mountain National Park, with its famous ancient city of Termessos and Karain Cave. Kemer, on the coast to the west of the city of Antalya, is among the most beautiful holiday centers in the Mediterranean. Phaselis at the south of Kemer is an historical port. The ancient city of Olympos and its ruins are worth to be seen too.
West of the center , Konyaalti is an up market residential area with a long pebble beach lined with cafes , bars and entertainment venues. The city’s other main beach is 12 km east of the center at Lara. There are several huge shopping malls and a massive market. Antalya’s property market is dominated by modern apartments with prices varying hugely according to location. A two-bedroom apartment cost from 40.000 euro in an inland district , rising to over 150.000 in a block near the sea-front in Lara or Konyaalti. For those in search of an ottoman house to restore , Kaleici ant the area of Hasim iscan out-side the city walls, are the places to look. But is difficult to find a bargain these day with prices from 150.000 euro for a renovated house..
Belek 30 km east of Antalya has become Turkey’s foremost golfing area , with six international Standard courses now in operation and more planned. Designated a tourism development area by the govemment a string of resort hotels dominate the coast , blocking Access to the excellent sandy beaches in some places.
Behind the wooded coastal strip villa developments have sprung-up on agricultural land. Golf aside facilities and shopping are very poor in the immediate area at present the area is a property hot-spot with over 35 new developments. Despite rapidly rising prices not all properties represent value for Money , so it is important to hop around and compare.
