Antalya

or most people, a holiday in Turkey means glittering seas and long, sandy beaches, as well as atmospheric towns with picturesque harbours and promenades lined with restaurants.

The coast is clear Dip your toe in the water at Kaputas Beach, above

Street view Take a walk to see the traditional houses in Kalkan

In short, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. The province of Antalya, in the southwest, offers all these holiday pleasures and much more: towering mountains criss-crossed with hiking and cycling trails; crystal-clear rivers; magnificent ancient sites; and vibrant cities with world-class dining, shopping and spa facilities. In fact, it is this wide variety that makes Antalya such a unique holiday destination – there are activities galore, but complete relaxation and unlimited pampering are never far away.

There are very few places left that you can genuinely explore and be one of the pioneers… Saudi Arabia is one of those places

Map illustration: Janice Chang/Studio PI for Bridge Studio

Jump on a dive boat and discover the secrets beneath the sea

For those looking for an adventurous week, there’s no better place than the charming coastal town of Kas, where many of the streets are lined with elegant traditional houses draped in bougainvillea. From here, you can kayak across the sunken city of Kekova, raft the churning white waters of the Esen River, try canyoning in the spectacular gorges of the Taurus Mountains or book a day on a dive boat to discover the secrets beneath the sea. Golfers should head to the luxury resort of Belek, where 17 golf courses are spread across the magnificent, all-inclusive resorts. Many offer golf academies, daily and weekly courses, and lessons for children and younger players. Non-golfing partners won’t miss out, as the resorts have world-class spa facilities, including traditional hammams (Turkish baths), thalassotherapy (which uses seawater and seaweed) and Ayurvedic treatments. From Belek, it’s an easy 30-minute drive to the lively city of Antalya, whose Kaleici (the historic centre) is a delightful tangle of cobbled lanes that are packed with traditional restaurants and cafés.

Eating is one of the biggest pleasures of a trip to Antalya. Tastes of the Turkish Riviera offer something for everyone: restaurants have bars filled with trays of different meze – traditional hot and cold starters – as well as fresh fish and spiced meat threaded on to long metal skewers. And the huge variety of salads and vegetable dishes means the region’s cuisine is also ideal for vegetarians and vegans. Traditionally, a meal is accompanied by raki, a strong, aniseed-flavoured drink that is often diluted with water. But Turkey also produces award-winning red and white wines. Or you can slake your thirst with a refreshing Turkish beer.

Of course, any visit to Antalya should include time by the sea. The region is home to some of Turkey’s best beaches, including the unspoilt 18km stretch of sand at Patara. It is protected from development due to the fact that it has long been a nesting ground for endangered loggerhead sea turtles, and because there are ancient Roman ruins behind the shoreline. While it’s a fantastic destination for families, the region is also a great choice for couples. The chic resort of Kalkan is famous for its rooftop jazz bars and restaurants, as well as luxury boutique hotels and villas that sit on the hillsides around the old town. For something simpler, Cirali is a wonderfully low-key resort, with a long stretch of undeveloped sandy beach and simple accommodation. Whichever resort you choose, an Antalya holiday guarantees an unbeatable combination of adventure and relaxation, bustle and tranquillity, gorgeous mountain scenery and, of course, those unforgettable glittering seas.

There are very few places left that you can genuinely explore and be one of the pioneers… Saudi Arabia is one of those places

Kayaking in Kekova

There are very few places left that you can genuinely explore and be one of the pioneers… Saudi Arabia is one of those places

Glide above the sunken city of Kekova – submerged for over 2,000 years – on a guided kayak tour, which also takes in the ruined castle at Kalekoy. And you’ll have time for a dip in the incredibly clear water.

Antalya activities

Exploring ancient ruins

Antalya has many remarkable historical sites, including the Roman theatre (pictured) that sits behind the shoreline at Patara, and the former port of Phaselis, now nestled between beautiful beaches.

What’s your flavour? Antalya offers great seafood and top golfing breaks

Feel at home Sample fresh seafood and explore a city famous for its traditional whitewashed houses

Life’s a beach Relax and unwind on the Aegean coast

Connect with the past Discover the Temple of Apollo in the town of Side

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Whether you are looking for heart-stopping natural beauty, luxurious resorts or breathless adventure, Turkey’s Antalya region has all you need for the perfect holiday

Case for the defence The city’s 15th-century castle was built by Christian knights

Down by the sea The sunken city of Kekova is just waiting to be explored

The region is a great choice for families and couples

Turkey’s first long-distance walking route, the Lycian Way stretches for 540km from Antalya to Fethiye, but can be done in short sections that link Roman sites and ancient ruins.

Hiking the Lycian Way

Map illustration: Janice Chang/Studio PI for Bridge Studio

Join the Turkish Riviera experience on the Coast of Happiness. Take a closer look at goturkiye.com and turkishriviera.goturkiye.com