FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Under $100: Antalya

by Akhil Kalepu

May 14, 2015

Antalya, Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea © Dmitry Zamorin | Dreamstime

Under $100 / Europe

Antalya, Turkey, is just about as close as it comes to a perfect city. It is ancient yet modern, nestled in the mountains on the Turquoise Coast and ideally located as a jumping-off point for the region’s numerous attractions.

 

Hadrian's Gate of Antalya, Turkey © Szirtesi | Dreamstime 32426931

Hadrian’s Gate © Szirtesi | Dreamstime

 

Your hotel will most likely serve you breakfast, but if you want to get out early, try the Castle Café Bar, with spectacular vistas of the bay (10TL).

 

Spend the morning wandering around the old quarter, Kaleiçi, where you can see Hadrian’s Gate, the Roman harbor, the Broken Minaret Mosque and Hıdırlık Tower, which borders Karaalioglu Park and offers panoramas of the city and the mountains. Don’t miss the Owl Bookshop if you’re in need of a new read; it offers perhaps the best selection of second-hand foreign language book anywhere in the country.

 

A Carpet Shop of Antalya, Turkey © Radim Štrobl | Dreamstime 52555259

© Radim Štrobl | Dreamstime

 

After your large breakfast, a gözleme and an ayran will fit the bill perfectly (Turkish pancake and yogurt drink). You can find a gözleme stand pretty much anywhere. Look for a woman cooking the pastry on top of a round oven (5TL).

 

Konyaalti Beach, Antalya, Turkey © Ozlem Ercan | Flickr

Konyaalti Beach © Ozlem Ercan | Flickr

 

In the afternoon, you could head to the smooth-stone Konyaaltı Beach or the sandy Lara Beach. For the former, take the nostalgic tram westward to the final stop (2TL). For Lara Beach, take the City Bus 8.

 

But perhaps your best option is to take a cruise to the Düden waterfalls. Catch a boat at the old harbour (25TL). The two-hour cruise will take you down the coast to view the falls and for a swim.

 

Duden Waterfall at Antalya, Turkey © Nikolai Sorokin | Dreamstime 22854541

Duden Waterfall © Nikolai Sorokin | Dreamstime

 

For dinner, eat at 7 Mehmet, which offers traditional Turkish cuisine overlooking Konyaaltı Beach (30TL).

 

From Antalya, you should also take the time to visit Olympus, where fire spurts naturally out of the ground, and several of the nearby ruined cities of Perge, Termessos, Aspendos, Side or Myra. You may also want to consider taking a few days to hike the Lycian Way.

 

#TrazeeTravel

Insta Feed
Hotel
Dec 19, 2024

4 Hotels to Stay at for 2025 Sporting Events

Diehard sports fans often travel near and far to watch their favorite teams. With plenty of exciting sporting events taking place in 2025, these hotels offer a respite for sports fanatics after the events.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Hotel
Dec 19, 2024

Postcard Cabins Brand Now Part of Marriott

More than 1,200 glamping cabins recently joined Marriott in an acquisition set to bring more travelers closer to nature. Postcard Cabins, formerly Getaway, was founded in 2015 with the mission to bring free time in nature to more people.

Destinations / Europe
Dec 18, 2024

Why You Should Visit Florence in January

Ready to book your first 2025 getaway? Consider Florence, Italy, for two can’t-miss events in January.

Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History

Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.

Hotel
Dec 18, 2024

Brookmere Debuts Today in Saratoga Springs, New York

Brookmere debuts today in Saratoga Springs, New York, for its soft opening. Situated on 10 acres near many of Saratoga Springs’ iconic attractions, this property boasts 88 guestrooms and suites alongside a host of well-appointed amenities.