A scenic drive south from Konya will take you to the Taurus Mountains toward the Mediterranean coast. Sprawling out from those mountains spreads the metropolis of Antalya.
Antalya with two million people has long been an important port. Its idyllic harbor was founded in ancient Roman times. These days it deals mostly in good living as tourism is the town’s main industry.
A once-imposing wall fortifies the old town. Today, a gate dedicated to the emperor Hadrian still leads into a delightful collection of Ottoman-era houses that cater to the tourists, shops and boutique hotels that fill the historical center.
And above it all is a thriving modern Turkish city.
Its people-friendly promenade, like so many public spaces here, comes complete with the requisite statue of the father of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.
Strolling here you will feel like anywhere else in Mediterranean Europe. Here the people seem to be just in love with life.
A popular excursion from Antalya is a cruise on a gulet, the traditional Turkish sailboat. These boats which are designed to suit all tastes keep the harbor busy.
Simply luxuriating for a day at sea will put you truly on vacation.
Sailing away, you will marvel at the dramatic shoreline under snowcapped peaks. Resorts, park-like beaches and ancient ruins clinging to cliffs are all tucked into this rugged yet accessible Riviera playground.
While the rowdier party boats take one side of the bay, you can drop your hook in a more peaceful corner.
The water is inviting not just in the summer, but it starts from April.
While the crew is busy putting together an impressive feast for lunch, you can enjoy yourself with a lunch on the boat. Eating on the boat you can taste some really fresh fish and get to know the crew.
It is amazing what views you will get, and experience what traveling here offers. Enjoy.
