Destination Guide Turkey

Demre is on the coast of the Teke peninsula, west of the bay of Antalya, with the Taurus Mountains behind. The mountains are forested and the coastal strip is made of good soil brought down by the mountain rivers. The climate is the typical Mediterranean pattern of hot dry summers and warm wet winters. Before tourism boom began in the 1980s the local economy depended on agriculture, which is still important today. The villages of Demre grow pomegranates and citrus fruits and now a large quantity of fruits and vegetables all year round in glass houses. Also with its rich history, attractions like the island of Kekova, the sea and warm weather this coast is very popular with holidaymakers from Turkey and all over Europe, although Demre still does not have the high volume of tourists enjoyed by districts nearer Antalya airport. Some local handicrafts like rug making, and events such as the annual camel-wrestling festival bring in extra income. The local cuisine predictably includes fish and seafood from the Mediterranean.

Aspendos is one of the wealthiest cities of antiquity, easily reached via an asphalt road branching off the Antalya–Manavgat highway. Located about 8 km east of Serik, the city was built on two hills near the point where the Köprüçay River meets the plains. Its earliest known name, recorded on ancient coins, was Estwediya. The highlight of Aspendos is its magnificent theatre, built in the 2nd century AD and considered the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world, with a seating capacity of around 17,000. Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the theatre was later used as a caravanserai by the Seljuks in the 13th century. Today, the Aspendos Theatre hosts concerts, festivals, and the internationally acclaimed Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. Other notable remains include the Agora, Basilica, Nymphaeum, and the impressive ancient aqueducts.

Manavgat Waterfall, located on the Manavgat River, lies near the ancient city of Side, approximately 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) north of the town of Manavgat in Turkey. Rather than its height, the waterfall is best known for its powerful flow spread across a wide area, creating an impressive sight as the water cascades over the rocks. The white, foaming waters of the Manavgat Waterfall rush forcefully over the rocky riverbed, offering a refreshing and scenic view. Shady tea gardens near the falls provide a pleasant place to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. The Oymapınar Dam is situated about 12 km upstream to the north. During periods of heavy flooding, the Manavgat Waterfall may temporarily disappear beneath the high water level.

Perga, now commonly spelled “Perge” and pronounced per-geh, was the capital of the ancient region of Pamphylia, located in what is now Antalya Province on Turkey’s southwestern Mediterranean coast. Today, Perge is an extensive archaeological site situated approximately 15 km east of Antalya, on the coastal plain. The site includes an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age, reflecting its long and significant history.

Kursunlu Waterfall is located approximately 19 km from Antalya, at the end of a 7 km access road branching north from the Antalya–Serik–Alanya highway, about 12 km from the city. During the summer months, the waterfall may be reduced to a gentle trickle. The waterfall lies on one of the tributaries of the Aksu River, and its setting amid a pine forest creates a scene of exceptional natural beauty. The surrounding countryside, shaped by the flowing water, forms a charming picnic and recreation area, easily reached within twenty minutes from the center of Antalya.