Antalya Old Town, also known as Kaleici, is the central point of the city of Antalya. It is fair to say that the entire city of Antalya is built with Old Town at its center, because really, it is. Old Town is a collection of streets, buildings and Harbor that date back hundreds, even a couple of thousand years, when Roman’s still walked the streets. It is a place steeped in history, and a place that you will fall in love with even if you only have a passing interest in it. It is a place that the townsfolk adore, and visitors cannot get enough of.
I know I couldn’t.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Antalya Old Town?
- About Antalya Old Town
- Things to do in Kaleici Antalya Old Town
- Where to Stay
- Summary
Where is Antalya Old Town?
The Old Town area, or Kaleici, as it is known as in the Turkish language, is right in the center of town. It can easily be found along the seaside by its distinctive Harbor. From the city side, you will be able to find it just beyond the Tram Track that runs around its inland perimeter.
Hadrian’s Gate provides an “official” entrance to Old Town, yet there are several other ways to find access. On the North side, there is a glass elevator that whisks passengers down the cliff face directly into the harbor. Also nearby there are several sets of stairs down to the same point far below. On the southern and Eastern sides, you will find road access down a couple of streets.
To find Kaleici Antalya Old Town though, you only have to come to the center of Antalya, the CBD, then head for the seaside and you will not be able to miss it! Most public transport will take you right there.
About Antalya Old Town
Antalya Old Town, known as Kaleici in Turkish, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in modern day Turkey. It was not always simply a tourist attraction though, and was once the centerpiece of a thriving empire.
The history of Old Town can be traced back to 200 BC, when the ruler Pergamon ruled the region. Back then, it was known at Attalia, and the harbor that is used today for tourist boats and local cruising craft, was home to his incredible and formidable fleet.
It didn’t take long however, for Roman rule to come to Antalya. It was during this period that the Old Town thrived, and prosperity in the region flourished. The city harbor became the most important trading port in the area, and its location at the junction of Europe and Asia gave it a unique advantage in trading circles.
Over the couple of thousand years since, Kaleici Old Town saw many changes, both good and bad. There were fires, rebuilds, changes of rulers and world wars. Along the way, structures were built, torn down and rebuilt. Others still remain intact, such as Hadrian’s Gate, amongst others, that stand as a reminder of days long past.
Antalya Old Town is a monument to the past of not just the city, or even the region, but to the country and entire part of the world that it resides in, and is a must visit for anyone that has even a passing interest in history.
Things to do in Kaleici Antalya Old Town
Kaleici, Antalya Old Town is one of those places that you just enjoy going back to time and again. In fact, on my first three days in Antalya, I was drawn to it every day. I just kept making excuses. I needed to take a few photos. I forgot to find out about something. I think I dropped my handkerchief. (OK, I made that one up) The point is that I just loved Antalya Old town so much.
Here are a few reasons why.
Hadrian’s Gate is the famous gate that can be found at the top of Antalya Old Town, and is one of the main focal points of the area. It was built in the name of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in the year 130 AD.
The gate remains amazingly intact, and one of the reasons, it is believed, is because the gate was actually located inside the original walls of the city. Whatever the reason, it stands today as a reminder that this incredible part of the city is over 2000 years old, and by stepping through it, you are entering history herself.
Hadrian’s Gate is an amazing structure, and very popular with locals and tourists alike. Get there early if you want an unblemished photo, or on a Sunday morning when, for some reason, there seems to be a lot less people around. It is incredible that you can walk along the original stone pathway under the gate, and how well preserved it still is. This is definitely a part of the city that you do not want to miss.
The Harbor
It is fair to say that the harbor at Antalya Old Town lies at its very heart. This is true, and has been true for over 2000 years.
The original harbor was built when the city was first founded in 200 BC. In fact, the strategic location of the harbor was one of the reasons that the city was originally built. It then passed hands to the Romans, who upgraded and improved the harbor facilities, and it went on to become a major trading port in the Asia Minor area.
Nowadays, the Roman influence can still be seen as you stroll around the harbor itself. It is now home to cruises, tourist boats and pricey cafes and restaurants, but remains an iconic feature of the city, and one that cannot be missed.
Walk the Streets
One of my favorite things to do in Antalya Old Town is to simply walk the streets. There are so many things to find, and quaint buildings to take photos of. The streets are cobbled, and you can’t help but feel that you are stepping back in time, just by simply being there. It sounds cliché, I know, but that is exactly how I feel whenever I am in Antalya Old Town.
When you visit Old Town, go without a plan. It is what I like to do. Just follow your feet and enjoy the day. You will be amazed at what you will find when you let yourself get lost!
Enjoy a drink or two
This one is not hard to do. Trust me!
If Antalya Old Town has one thing in abundance, it’s watering holes!
The first thing you see when you set foot through Hadrian’s Gate is a pub off to the right. Keep walking and you will find a conglomeration of them lower down in the city. There are normal pubs, taverns, Irish pubs, and just good old fashioned bars. Then, there are classy restaurants that are really just well disguised pubs!
Hardly fair, is it?
Now, before you arrive and step right into the first pub you see, take pause for just a second. I know the day might be hot, but hear me out.
Antalya Old Town is a wonderful and amazing place. So firstly, don’t get TOO tipsy before you at least see some of it.
Secondly, take a good stroll around town before choosing a place to quench that thirst. Many places feature a happy hour, and some are at peculiar hours such as the middle of the day. So check them out first. You might strike up a good deal!
Check out the viewpoints
One of the great things about Antalya is the wonderful views that are available of the impressive coastline in each direction. The best of these views can be seen from in and around Antalya Old Town.
Why?
Because the old town is set right in the “elbow” of the city. This affords it amazing views in each direction along the coastline. For this reason and the fact that old town sweeps down the natural hillside from high above, ending at the water level, there are plenty of places to find an incredible viewpoint.
Start up in the city of Antalya itself. At the glass elevator you can get incredible views, as you can along the cliff tops around it. The road and pathway that descends from that point to the harbor below also gives great views. On the opposite side of the harbor there is a viewpoint with arguably even better views!
The best of all though come from down at the Harbor itself. Take a stroll along the seawall and find out what I mean for yourself!
Take in an incredible Sunset
The Viewpoints now bring me to the next thing to do in Antalya Old Town. Sunsets!
The Harbor area is a favorite location for locals and visitors to take in the amazing Turkish Sunsets. Get there early to find a spot along the seawall, either on the wall itself or the rocks alongside, and settle yourself in. The sun drops over the distant mountain peaks and provides a wonderful end to an already (I’m guessing) incredible day exploring Antalya Old Town.
Dine in Style
Taking a stroll around Antalya Old Town will mean walking past a myriad of beautifully appointed restaurants. Take the path underneath Hadrian’s Gate and you will immediately be presented with the first in a long line of eateries (right alongside the pub). Turn immediately left and follow the road down through the city, and you will find yourself perusing menu after menu, before you finally give in and stop to satisfy your tastebuds.
Trust me, you will.
Satisfy your Sweet Tooth
Another place that will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth is the Justacandy Sweet Factory. We stumbled upon this place while randomly exploring Old Town, and didn’t leave for over an hour. And before you think we were just trying to give our dentists back home a heart attack, no, we were not just eating candy the entire time. Although I am certain there are some that could.
The Justacandy Sweet Factory also serves great coffee, and if you are like us, you can stop to enjoy a nice latte while window shopping all the sweets on offer. You can also watch the staff at work creating the Candies, and do a quick course in candy creation for yourself!
The other “bonus” of this store is for those budding Instagram Influencers. The bright colors of the setting and props makes it one of the most popular corners in Kaleici Antalya Old Town. But beware, you MAY have to get there early to get the best shots!
Take a Cruise.
The first sighting of Old Town for most people will be its famous historical harbor. From the cliffs above, you can’t miss the ancient stone jetties and breakwaters. Moored alongside them, even harder to miss, are the rows of sailing ships and cruise boats. Several can even be seen, at any time of the day, plying back and forth in and out of the harbor itself.
There is a good reason for this, and as you get closer, you will notice that each and every one of them is filled with people, both tourists and locals, enjoying the sun and a wonderful day out. Particularly on the weekends.
Make your way down to the harbor and check it out for yourself. There are plenty of cruises to choose from, and boats of all shapes and sizes. One of the best and most popular cruises is up to the famous Duden Waterfalls along the coast, where you can watch the waterfalls plummet into the ocean from the unique vantage point of a boat sitting close by, being doused with the fresh spray of water that constantly hangs in the air.
Visit Karaalioglu Park
Karaalioglu Park makes the list of things to do in Antalya Old Town, even though technically it is not actually a part of it. It IS attached though, and can be reached from the Old Town itself.
The prominent feature of Karaalioglu Park is by far the impressive stone structure, Hidirlik Tower. It was built by the Romans as a lookout and lighthouse during one of their upgrades to the Old Town Harbor during their rule of the city.
The Park itself has grown beside the tower that overlooks the Harbor on its Southern side. Popular with locals and visitors, it offers amazing views of not just the Harbor below, but the entire coastline of Antalya, from the harbor, past the cliffs and beaches, to the dominant mountains to the north.
Take a stroll, hire a pushbike, or just sit at one of the many lookouts or restaurants and admire the view. If you are already visiting Old Town, then make sure to check out Karaalioglu Park as well!
Where to Stay
If you are visiting Antalya, and are interested in immersing yourself in the experience of Old Town, then staying local is the best way to do it. Although the public transport in Antalya is amazing, and you can reach Old Town from anywhere, being close by is the best option. Here are my picks of the best few places to choose from.
Luxury
CASA SUR ANTALYA
If you want a place close to Old Town, with rave reviews, then this is the place. Staff here are amazing, going above and beyond to be helpful and make your stay memorable. Recommendations, bookings, no matter what, nothing is an issue. Décor and rooms are gorgeous, and the garden areas are so incredible that guests actually opt to stay in as they don’t want to leave!
Mid Range
GIGES KING BOUTIQUE HOTEL
This amazing boutique hotel in the very heart of Antalya Old Town is sure to please nearly everyone. Run by a wonderful family, you will stay in an Ottoman Style Building with everything you would expect from a place with such a high rating. Spacious Rooms, refreshing pool, tailored breakfast, and a location that is the perfect walking distance from everything!
Budget
LA CASA CARINA BUTIK HOTEL
A really nice boutique style hotel in the middle of Kaleici Old Town, but away from the noise. You will have an enjoyable and peaceful stay in La Casa Carina, but still be able to find everything right at your doorstep. The owners are very kind and accommodating too, going out of their way to make your stay comfortable.
Summary
Kaleici Antalya Old Town is a must visit spot for any visitors to the city. It is the heart and soul of Antalya, and overflowing with so much history and culture that no one should miss out on experiencing it. I personally have strolled the streets several times, and it will be the first place I visit on my next trip back to Antalya.
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